Floating Power Plant With Onboard Carbon Capture and LNG Regasification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Providing electric power to remote or space-constrained locations is impractical or impossible with traditional land-based power plants due to logistical difficulties, cost, and geographical challenges.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained floating electrical energy generation plant equipped with onboard carbon capture technology, including a regasification unit, power generator, carbon capture system, and carbon dioxide storage, which can be deployed in a body of water to generate and transmit electrical energy while capturing and storing carbon dioxide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a land-based electric power plant is constructed on a remote island, then electric power can be generated, but logistical difficulties and high costs arise from transporting building materials
Solution Approach 1:
The power generation system is divided into modular components that can be transported separately and assembled on-site. The floating platform structure allows for segmented delivery of equipment and materials, avoiding the need to transport entire land-based power plant infrastructure to remote locations.
Solution Approach 2:
A floating platform serves as an intermediary structure between the remote island location and the power generation equipment. This intermediary enables the deployment of power generation capabilities in locations where traditional land-based construction is logistically challenging, by providing a mobile base that can be transported and assembled relatively easily.
2Power
If a land-based electric power plant is built on an island with limited space, then electric power can be generated, but the geography makes construction unfeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The power generation system is designed with dynamic adaptability through its floating platform configuration. This allows the system to adjust to different geographical conditions and locations, making it versatile enough to operate in remote islands and other space-constrained environments where fixed land-based plants cannot be constructed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional two-dimensional land-based construction to a three-dimensional floating platform structure. This dimensional change enables power generation capabilities in locations where horizontal space is limited, by utilizing vertical space and water-based positioning instead of land-based expansion.
3Power
If traditional land-based power plants are used, then electric power can be generated, but environmental impact and carbon emissions are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures carbon dioxide emissions from the power generation process and converts them into a storable resource. By capturing CO2 at the source and storing it in the deep ocean, the system transforms the harmful emission into a beneficial carbon storage solution, reducing atmospheric carbon while maintaining power generation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding carbon emissions into the atmosphere, the system recovers and stores CO2 in the deep ocean. This recovery process captures the harmful factor (carbon emissions) and stores it indefinitely, preventing its release into the environment while maintaining the power generation function.
4Ease of manufacture
If a floating power generation platform is deployed, then logistical difficulties are reduced, but vessel stability and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The floating platform is designed as a modular, segmented structure that can be assembled from standardized components. This segmentation reduces the complexity of manufacturing and deployment by allowing for pre-fabricated modules to be transported and assembled on-site, rather than requiring complex monolithic structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating platform structure is designed with universal applicability, serving multiple functions including power generation, carbon capture, and structural support. This multi-functionality reduces overall structural complexity by consolidating multiple systems into a single integrated platform, rather than requiring separate specialized structures for each function.
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
Enables efficient electrical energy generation and carbon capture in challenging environments, providing a stable and compact power solution with balanced vessel stability and reduced environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
an onboard regasification unit for converting liquefied natural gas into natural gas
Implementation Method 2
an onboard power generator configured to generate electrical energy at least by combusting converted natural gas from the regasification unit
Implementation Method 3
a water wash column and an absorption column that are secured to the vessel hull within the internal volume and extend upwardly through the deck
Implementation Method 4
an absorption column positioned to receive a dewatered and compressed gas stream from the water wash column and configured to strip carbon dioxide molecules therefrom using an absorbent
Implementation Method 5
a carbon dioxide liquefaction unit including a heat exchanger within which a flow of captured carbon dioxide is coolable by a liquefied natural gas flow from the liquefied natural gas storage tank
Implementation Method 6
at least one onboard cooling tower configured for closed-loop cooling of cooling water usable to support operation of at least the onboard power generator and the onboard carbon capture system
Data Source
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AI summary
A floating electrical energy generation plant is disclosed. The floating electrical energy generation plant can include a floatable vessel. The floating electrical energy generation plant may include onboard storage for liquefied natural gas, and a regasification unit for regasifying the liquefied natural gas to facilitate combustion in at least one gas turbine generator of an onboard power generator. The floating electrical energy generation plant can further include an onboard carbon capture system to capture carbon dioxide present in exhaust gases from the onboard power generator, liquefy, and store the liquefied natural gas in one or more onboard storage tanks. Steam from operation of the onboard power generator can be used as heat source for a regeneration column of the carbon capture system, and the coldness of the liquefied natural gas may be utilized to help liquefy the captured carbon dioxide.