Fuel Cell Carbon Capture Layout for Low-Energy Exhaust Cleanup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon capture systems in gas turbine power plants are only partially effective and require a large amount of energy, necessitating an improved system that can efficiently remove pollutants without significant electrical power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A combustion system incorporating a topping cycle, a fuel cell with an anode and cathode sides, and a carbon capture system, where exhaust gases are processed through the fuel cell to remove a first portion of pollutants and then through a carbon capture system to remove a second portion, with a bypass line allowing adjustment of gas flow to maintain capture efficiency during varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If known carbon capture systems are used to remove pollutants from exhaust gas, then pollutant removal is achieved, but a large amount of electrical power is required
Solution Approach 1:
The carbon capture process is divided into two segments: the fuel cell removes a first portion of CO2 from exhaust gas while generating electricity, and the carbon capture system removes a second portion. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high overall removal efficiency while the fuel cell portion generates rather than consumes power, offsetting the energy demand of the carbon capture system.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell serves dual functions: it generates electricity to power the carbon capture system and simultaneously removes a portion of CO2. This self-service approach reduces external electrical power requirements by using the fuel cell's own output to support the carbon capture operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If exhaust gas is routed through the fuel cell cathode to remove pollutants, then a first portion of pollutants is removed, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell cathode is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates electricity through electrochemical reaction and simultaneously removes a first portion of CO2 from the exhaust gas. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by combining power generation and pollution removal in a single component rather than requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the fuel cell power generation system with the carbon capture system into an integrated configuration. The exhaust gas flow path is merged to pass through the fuel cell cathode, and the electrical output from the fuel cell is merged to power the carbon capture system, creating a unified system that achieves both objectives with shared infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a bypass line is added to allow adjustment of exhaust gas flow, then adaptability to varying conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass line incorporates adjustable flow control that allows the system to dynamically adapt to varying operational conditions. The controller can modify the proportion of exhaust gas routed through the fuel cell versus the bypass, enabling the system to optimize performance across different load conditions and maintain adaptability without requiring complete system redesign.
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 near-complete removal of carbon dioxide and other pollutants with reduced energy consumption by utilizing the fuel cell and carbon capture system, enhancing overall power plant efficiency and reducing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
The cathode side removes a first portion of pollutants from the exhaust gas
Implementation Method 2
Thermal energy from the exhaust gas is transferred to water flowing through one or more heat exchangers of the HRSG, thereby producing superheated or supercritical steam
Implementation Method 3
The carbon capture system removes a second portion of pollutants from the exhaust gas
Data Source
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AI summary
A combustion system includes a topping cycle (102) generating a flow of exhaust gas and a bottoming cycle (104). The combustion system further includes a fuel cell (106) including an anode side (112), a cathode side (116), and an electrolyte (114). The combustion system further includes a heat recovery steam generator (32) (HRSG) that receives the exhaust gases (34) from the cathode side (116) via a cathode outlet line (146). The HRSG (32) generating a flow of steam for use in the bottoming cycle (104). A bypass line (168) extending from the cathode inlet line (118) to the cathode outlet line (146). A carbon capture system (108) fluidly coupled to the HRSG (32) via an HRSG (32) outlet line. The carbon capture system (108) removing a second portion of pollutants from the exhaust gas.