Exhaust Gas Recirculation Compressor for Carbon Capture Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power plants face decreased efficiency and power production due to the energy-intensive process of carbon capture, which reduces the overall output and limits the performance of both the power plant and carbon capture systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an exhaust gas recirculation system with a recirculation compressor to enhance plant output by channeling a portion of cooled exhaust gas back into the compressor, combined with a carbon capture system that utilizes a recirculation compressor or a non-condensing steam turbine to power the recirculation compressor, thereby improving efficiency and output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If carbon capture systems are implemented to remove contaminants from the gas stream, then carbon dioxide capture capability is improved, but power production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes the waste exhaust gas stream separately from the main combustion process. By routing a portion of the exhaust gas through the carbon capture system while maintaining the main power generation cycle intact, the system captures carbon dioxide without significantly impacting the primary power production efficiency of the gas turbine engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust gas stream serves multiple functions: it provides the carbon source for carbon capture while also being available for other uses such as flue gas recirculation or heat recovery. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve carbon capture goals while maintaining overall plant efficiency through versatile utilization of the exhaust stream.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If carbon capture processes are implemented to reduce CO2 emissions, then environmental performance is improved, but overall power plant efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste exhaust gas stream into a beneficial resource for carbon capture. By utilizing the existing exhaust gas that would otherwise be discarded, the system achieves carbon dioxide removal while potentially recovering value from what was previously a harmful emission, thereby reducing the net negative impact on plant efficiency.
3Productivity
If exhaust gas recirculation is implemented to enhance plant output, then power generation is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the exhaust gas recirculation function with the existing carbon capture system infrastructure. By integrating these functions, the system achieves enhanced plant output through improved combustion efficiency while utilizing shared components and pathways, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity despite the added functionality.
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
Enhances power generation and carbon capture system performance by increasing the power generated and improving the efficiency of the gas turbine assembly and carbon dioxide concentration, while reducing the negative impact on overall plant output.
Implementation Method 1
A heat recovery steam generator extracts heat from the first exhaust gas stream and discharges a second exhaust gas stream and a steam stream
Implementation Method 2
A cooler cools the second exhaust gas stream, thereby defining a cooled exhaust gas stream
Implementation Method 3
A recirculation compressor selectively pressurizes the first portion of the cooled exhaust gas stream for discharge to the compressor outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A power plant includes a gas turbine engine, which includes a compressor and a turbine. The compressor includes a compressor outlet. The turbine discharges a first exhaust gas stream therefrom. A heat recovery steam generator extracts heat from the first exhaust gas stream and discharges a second exhaust gas stream therefrom. A cooler cools the second exhaust gas stream, thereby defining a cooled exhaust gas stream, and discharges the cooled exhaust gas stream. An exhaust gas recirculation line channels a first portion of the cooled exhaust gas stream towards the compressor. A recirculation compressor selectively pressurizes the first portion of the cooled exhaust gas stream for discharge to the compressor outlet.