H2 Boiler Steam Cycle for Emission-Free Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power generation systems using fossil fuels or biomass emit undesirable emissions and inefficiently utilize combustion products, while renewable energy sources like hydrogen production through electrolysis face challenges with water demand and storage.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a steam cycle with an electrolysis process to produce hydrogen and oxygen for a boiler, which reduces emissions, time-shifts renewable power output, and recycles water, allowing for a closed-loop system where combustion products drive a steam turbine and condensate is reused for electrolysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional boilers use fossil fuels or biomass for combustion, then power generation is achieved, but undesirable emissions (CO2, etc.) are released
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the fuel by using hydrogen (H2) instead of fossil fuels or biomass. Hydrogen combustion produces water vapor and heat without carbon dioxide emissions, fundamentally altering the emission profile while maintaining energy generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful combustion process into a beneficial one by using hydrogen fuel. The combustion of hydrogen, which was considered clean but difficult to store and transport, is now integrated with water recycling to create a closed-loop system that eliminates emissions while maintaining energy production
2Object-generated harmful factors
If electrolyzers are used to produce hydrogen from water, then clean fuel is generated, but large quantities of water are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers and reuses water from the steam cycle condensate back to the electrolyzer inlet. Instead of discarding water as waste or consuming fresh water, the system captures condensed water from the steam turbine exhaust and returns it to the electrolysis process, creating a closed-loop water cycle that eliminates net water consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The water in the system serves multiple functions: it is the reactant for hydrogen production in the electrolyzer, the working fluid in the steam cycle, and the condensate source for recycling back to the electrolyzer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate water supplies and reduces overall water demand
3Loss of energy
If combustion products are vented to atmosphere, then emissions are released, but energy utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steam cycle with the combustion process by directing combustion products into the steam generator. The hot combustion gases transfer heat to water to generate steam, which then drives the steam turbine. This integration recovers thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted, improving overall energy utilization while maintaining low emissions
4Object-generated harmful factors
If renewable power generation sources are used, then clean energy is produced, but power must be used immediately or stored in expensive battery systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydrogen as an intermediary energy storage medium. Renewable electricity powers electrolyzers to produce hydrogen, which can be stored indefinitely in tanks without the complexity or cost of battery systems. The hydrogen is then combusted to generate power when needed, decoupling the timing of energy production from consumption and eliminating the need for expensive battery storage infrastructure
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 significantly reduces emissions, enhances steam turbine efficiency, and decreases water demand by utilizing combustion products within the steam cycle, improving energy storage and utilization from renewable sources.
Implementation Method 1
a burner for combusting hydrogen from the hydrogen fuel supply and oxygen from the oxygen fuel supply to produce heat
Implementation Method 2
a first heat exchanger configured to heat water from the water supply to generate high-pressure steam
Implementation Method 3
a steam turbine comprising a first turbine configured to be driven only with the high-pressure steam to provide input to a first electrical generator
Implementation Method 4
condensing water from the combustion products in a condenser
Implementation Method 5
electrolyzers can be powered by renewable power generation sources to produce hydrogen for a steam cycle. Electrolyzers can convert water to hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2)
Data Source
AI summary
A power plant comprises supplies of hydrogen fuel, oxygen fuel and water, a boiler comprising a burner for combusting hydrogen and oxygen to produce heat, combustion products and low/intermediate-pressure steam and a first heat exchanger configured to heat water to generate high-pressure steam, and a steam turbine comprising a first turbine configured to be driven only with the high-pressure steam to provide input to a first electrical generator and a second turbine configured to be driven by low/intermediate-pressure steam from the boiler. A method of operating a steam plant comprises combusting hydrogen fuel in a boiler to produce combustion products and LP/IP steam, turning a turbine with the combustion products, condensing water from the combustion products in a condenser, heating water from the condenser in a heat exchanger within the boiler to produce HP steam and turning a turbine with the steam from the first heat exchanger.