Combined Power Generation System with CO2 Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power generation systems, particularly coal thermoelectric power plants, face inefficiencies and high carbon dioxide emissions, necessitating a more efficient combined power generation system that integrates a natural gas synthesis apparatus with a fuel cell apparatus to enhance energy efficiency and carbon dioxide collection.
Innovation Solution
A combined power generation system that includes a natural gas synthesis apparatus for producing synthetic gas from coal and oxygen, a fuel cell apparatus for generating electrical energy using methane from the synthesis process, and a carbon dioxide supply system to optimize energy conversion and collection, utilizing a methanation reactor, water gas shift reactors, and separation membranes to recycle and utilize carbon dioxide effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a coal thermoelectric power plant is used to produce electrical energy, then electrical energy can be generated, but a large amount of carbon dioxide is discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures carbon dioxide emissions from the coal thermoelectric power plant and converts them into a useful resource by supplying CO2 to the fuel cell apparatus and natural gas synthesis apparatus, where it participates in electrochemical reactions and methanation processes to generate additional electrical energy and synthetic natural gas, thereby transforming a harmful emission into a valuable input material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple systems including a coal thermoelectric power plant, fuel cell apparatus, and natural gas synthesis apparatus into an integrated combined power generation system, where carbon dioxide from one system becomes a resource for another, creating a synergistic network that simultaneously generates electricity and captures CO2
2Productivity
If carbon dioxide is collected and supplied to the fuel cell apparatus, then carbon dioxide collection ratio increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the fuel cell apparatus to perform multiple functions: it generates electrical energy through electrochemical reactions while simultaneously serving as a carbon dioxide collection and processing unit. The apparatus accepts CO2 from external sources and uses it in cathode reactions, combining power generation and CO2 capture in a single device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a carbon dioxide supply system that acts as an intermediary between the coal power plant emissions and the fuel cell apparatus. This intermediary system captures CO2 from the power plant and delivers it to the fuel cell, facilitating the connection between these two components and enabling efficient CO2 collection without direct complex integration
3Productivity
If a natural gas synthesis apparatus is combined with a fuel cell apparatus, then power generation efficiency improves, but equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the natural gas synthesis apparatus with the fuel cell apparatus into an integrated system where the synthesis unit produces methane from CO2 and hydrogen, and the fuel cell unit immediately consumes this methane to generate electrical energy. This combination creates a coupled system that maximizes resource utilization and power generation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a continuous operational cycle where carbon dioxide and hydrogen are continuously converted into methane by the natural gas synthesis apparatus, which then continuously supplies fuel to the fuel cell apparatus for ongoing electrical energy generation. This continuous flow of materials and energy maintains constant productive action throughout the system
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 integrated system reduces equipment and operating costs, improves energy efficiency, and enhances carbon dioxide collection ratios by recycling carbon dioxide and reducing air supply requirements, thereby increasing the overall power generation efficiency and carbon dioxide recovery efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
gasifying coal and organic raw materials at high pressure and high temperature
Implementation Method 2
generating hydrogen and carbon dioxide through a water gas shift reaction
Implementation Method 3
synthesizing methane through a methanation reactor
Implementation Method 4
the supplied hydrogen and oxygen experience an electrochemical reaction, thereby directly converting an energy difference anterior and posterior to the reaction into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A combined generation system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a natural gas synthesizing apparatus for receiving coal and oxygen, generating synthetic gas by a gasifier, and permitting the synthetic gas to pass through a methanation reactor so as to synthesize methane; a fuel cell apparatus for receiving fuel that contains methane from the natural gas synthesizing apparatus and generating electrical energy; and a generating apparatus for producing electrical energy using the fluid discharged from the fuel cell apparatus.