CO2 Recovery Fuel Cell Bypass Exhaust Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon dioxide recovery systems in thermal power generation facilities face challenges in maintaining energy efficiency and stable operation when responding to fluctuations in exhaust gas flow rates, particularly during partial load operations, as they struggle to adjust fuel cell flow rates effectively.
Innovation Solution
A carbon dioxide recovery system that includes a fuel cell with a cathode disposed on a first exhaust gas passage and a second exhaust gas passage diverging upstream to bypass the cathode, allowing for adjustable flow rate management through a flow rate adjustment part and control system, ensuring stable operation and energy efficiency across varying load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If exhaust gas is supplied to the fuel cell cathode, then carbon dioxide recovery and electric power generation are enabled, but the system cannot respond to changes in exhaust gas flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust gas passage is divided into a first passage leading to the fuel cell cathode and a second passage bypassing the cathode. This segmentation allows the system to split the exhaust gas flow, directing a controlled portion to the fuel cell while allowing the remainder to bypass, thereby enabling both CO2 recovery and adaptability to flow rate changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the flow distribution between the first and second passages based on the exhaust gas flow rate from the gas turbine. By making the flow path dynamic rather than fixed, the system can optimize CO2 recovery at varying load conditions while maintaining stable fuel cell operation.
2Reliability
If the fuel cell operates at stable flow rate, then reliable operation is maintained, but energy efficiency reduces when exhaust gas flow rate changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by directing only a portion of the exhaust gas to the fuel cell cathode through the first passage, while the remaining portion bypasses through the second passage. This partial utilization allows the fuel cell to operate at stable, optimal flow rates for reliability, while the bypassed portion prevents energy efficiency loss by accommodating variations in total exhaust gas flow rate.
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
This configuration enables stable operation of the fuel cell and maintains energy efficiency by adjusting exhaust gas flow rates, allowing the system to respond to changes in exhaust gas flow while minimizing energy losses and reducing the need for fuel cell shutdowns during partial load operations.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolyte transferring, from the cathode to the anode, a carbonate ion derived from carbon dioxide contained in the exhaust gas
Implementation Method 2
CO2 in the exhaust gas is transferred from the cathode to the anode by reaction in the fuel cell
Data Source
AI summary
A carbon dioxide recovery system for collecting carbon dioxide from an exhaust gas generated in a facility including a combustion device includes: a first exhaust gas passage through which the exhaust gas containing carbon dioxide flows; a fuel cell including an anode, a cathode disposed on the first exhaust gas passage so that the exhaust gas from the first exhaust gas passage is supplied to the cathode, and an electrolyte transferring, from the cathode to the anode, a carbonate ion derived from carbon dioxide contained in the exhaust gas from the first exhaust gas passage; and a second exhaust gas passage diverging from the first exhaust gas passage upstream of the cathode so as to bypass the cathode. A part of the exhaust gas is introduced to the second exhaust gas passage.