Atmospheric CO2 Extraction via Compressed Flue Gas Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for capturing CO2 from industrial flue gases at high pressure and temperature are inefficient, particularly in gas turbine plants, due to low CO2 partial pressure, which makes achieving high capture targets like 90% difficult, and are associated with energy penalties and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that condition flue gas for compression, heat it to 1250-1350°C, expand it to generate power, and separate CO2 using a separator unit between expander elements, incorporating a heater unit with atmospheric combustion and heat recovery steam generators to optimize energy use and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If CO2 separation is performed in gas turbine plants at low pressure, then the system can operate with existing infrastructure, but the CO2 capture efficiency is low due to low CO2 partial pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from atmospheric/low pressure to high pressure (20-30 bar) by introducing a compressor unit before the CO2 separation system. This pressure increase enables the CaO Looping process to achieve high CO2 capture efficiency (>90%) while maintaining compatibility with existing gas turbine infrastructure through the integration of high-pressure compatible components.
2Manufacturing precision
If flue gas is compressed to high pressure for CO2 separation, then CO2 capture efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the CO2 separation process with the power generation process by integrating the compressed flue gas expansion system with the gas turbine power train. The compressed flue gas is expanded through a turboexpander to generate electrical power, which offsets the energy consumed during compression and heating operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by using the expanded flue gas to generate electrical power that continuously offsets the energy input required for compression and heating. The system creates a continuous cycle where the energy output from expansion compensates for the energy input from compression, reducing the net energy penalty.
3Manufacturing precision
If flue gas is heated to high temperature for CO2 separation, then separation efficiency improves, but energy input requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of high temperature energy input into a beneficial outcome by using the heated compressed flue gas to generate electrical power through expansion. The thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted heat input is transformed into useful electrical energy output, reducing the net energy penalty of the heating process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If cooling and reheating are applied to flue gas for compression, then low temperature CO2 separation can be used, but energy penalty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by directly heating the compressed flue gas to high temperature (1250-1350°C) rather than cooling it for separation. This eliminates the need for cooling and reheating cycles, thereby reducing energy penalties while achieving the required temperature for efficient CO2 separation using high-temperature processes like CaO Looping.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves high CO2 capture efficiency (>90%) with reduced energy penalties and environmental impact, suitable for high-pressure, high-temperature processes like CaO Looping, while minimizing additional environmental harm and maintaining low electricity production losses.
Implementation Method 1
the compressor unit being adapted compressing the conditioned flue gas
Implementation Method 2
a heater unit for heating the compressed flue gas
Implementation Method 3
an expander unit for expanding the heated compressed flue gas for generating power
Implementation Method 4
a separator unit for separating Carbon Dioxide from the heated compressed flue gas
Implementation Method 5
a heater unit with atmospheric combustion and heat recovery steam generators to optimize energy use
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for extracting carbon dioxide from an industrial source of flue gas at atmospheric pressure. The system comprises means for conditioning the flue gas for entry into a compressor unit; the compressor unit being adapted compressing the conditioned flue gas; a heater unit for heating the compressed flue gas; an expander unit for expanding the heated compressed flue gas for generating power; and a separator unit for separating Carbon Dioxide from the heated compressed flue gas.