Carbon Dioxide Injection Compression Using Combustion Energy

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of compressing and injecting carbon dioxide for storage is energy intensive and costly, particularly in oxygen combustion processes where high temperatures are required, necessitating a more efficient and economical solution.

Innovation Solution

A carbon dioxide injection line compression system that utilizes energy generated by an oxygen combustion process to drive a compressor via a turbine, integrating the combustion-generated carbon dioxide with external sources, thereby reducing the need for external energy sources and enhancing energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If external energy sources are used to drive the compressor, then the compression function is achieved, but energy efficiency deteriorates and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidexternal energy requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the combustion process itself to generate the energy needed for compression. The turbine is driven by the hot exhaust gases from the combustion chamber, converting the thermal energy directly into mechanical work to drive the compressor, eliminating the need for external energy sources and improving overall energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The compression function is merged with the combustion process. The exhaust gases that would normally be wasted thermal energy are captured and used to drive the turbine-compressor system, combining the energy recovery function with the existing combustion process to reduce external energy requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If high temperatures are used in oxygen combustion processes, then carbon dioxide generation is effective, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbon dioxide generationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The high-temperature exhaust gases, which represent wasted thermal energy, are converted into a useful resource to drive the turbine. This converts the harmful waste heat into beneficial mechanical work, reducing the net energy consumption of the system while maintaining effective carbon dioxide generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discarding the thermal energy from combustion exhaust as waste, the system recovers this energy by using it to drive the turbine that powers the compressor. This recovery of thermal energy reduces the overall energy consumption required for the carbon capture process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 improved energy efficiency by internally generating power to compress carbon dioxide, reducing external energy requirements and lowering operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

an oxygen combustion chamber configured to burn a fuel in an oxygen rich environment to generate energy and a gaseous mixture comprising carbon dioxide and steam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

a turbine configured to drive the compressor; wherein the oxygen combustion chamber is in energy communication with the turbine such that at least a part of the energy generated is used to drive the turbine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy conversion: Heat Engine

Implementation Method 3

the compressor is configured to compress carbon dioxide gas prior to storing the carbon dioxide gas at the storage site

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS20250314154A1Green carbon dioxide injection line compression system

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 FMC TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A carbon dioxide injection line compression system, including a turbine, an oxygen combustion chamber, a storage site and main carbon dioxide storage line having a compressor. The compressor compresses carbon dioxide gas in the main carbon dioxide storage line prior to storing the carbon dioxide gas at the storage site. The oxygen combustion chamber is configured to burn a fuel in an oxygen rich environment to generate energy and a gaseous mixture comprising carbon dioxide and steam. The carbon dioxide generated in the oxygen combustion chamber is added to the main carbon dioxide storage line. The oxygen combustion chamber is in energy communication with the turbine which is, in turn, configured to drive the compressor.