Ejector Flare Gas Recovery with SOFC Power and Heat Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flare gas recovery systems rely on active gas compression technologies, which are prone to maintenance, operating, and reliability issues, and do not efficiently convert recovered gas into useful heat and power output.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an ejector-based flare gas recovery system combined with solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology, where the ejector uses a Venturi effect to compress flare gas without moving parts, and the SOFC system converts the recovered gas into electrical power and waste heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active compressor systems are used to compress flare gas, then gas compression function is achieved, but maintenance and reliability issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active mechanical compressor systems with a passive ejector-based compression system that uses fluid dynamics (Venturi effect) to compress flare gas. This substitution eliminates moving parts, mechanical wear, and associated maintenance while maintaining reliable gas compression functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using high-pressure motive fluid (gas or steam) to drive the ejector and compress the flare gas. This hydraulic/pneumatic approach replaces mechanical compression with fluid-based compression, achieving reliable operation without mechanical components.
2Loss of energy
If conventional flare gas recovery systems are used, then gas compression is achieved, but conversion of recovered gas into useful heat and power is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flare gas recovery system with a combined heat and power (CHP) system. The recovered gas is simultaneously used for electrical power generation through fuel cells and for thermal energy production through combustion, maximizing energy utilization and producing both useful heat and power outputs from a single system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the recovered flare gas serves multiple purposes: fuel for power generation, fuel for heat production, and the system integrates compression, power generation, and heat production functions. This universal approach maximizes energy productivity by converting the same resource into multiple useful outputs.
3Ease of operation
If ejector-based compression is used, then moving parts are eliminated, but system complexity increases due to integration with fuel cell system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into distinct functional modules: the ejector compression module, the fuel cell power generation module, and the combustion heat production module. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying overall system integration and operation, as each module performs a specific function with clear interfaces.
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 approach eliminates the need for rotating equipment, reduces operational costs, and effectively converts flare gas into valuable heat and power outputs, while minimizing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
the ejector uses a Venturi effect to compress flare gas without moving parts
Implementation Method 2
a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system that receives the recovered gas and includes a fuel cell power module that uses the recovered gas to generate electrical power
Implementation Method 3
a combustor that receives and combusts at least a portion of the anode and cathode exhausts and thereby generates waste heat
Implementation Method 4
a process gas heat exchanger that receives and converts the waste heat into electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A flare gas recovery system includes an ejector that receives flare gas from a suction line extending from a flare gas header, and further receives a motive fluid that draws the flare gas into the ejector to be mixed with the motive fluid and discharge a recovered gas into a discharge gas line. A solid oxide fuel cell system receives the recovered gas and includes a fuel cell power module that uses the recovered gas to generate electrical power, an anode exhaust, and a cathode exhaust, a combustor that receives and combusts at least a portion of the anode and cathode exhausts and thereby generates waste heat, and a process gas heat exchanger that receives and converts the waste heat into electrical power.