Heat Exchanger Flow Control for CO2 Export in Power Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power production systems face challenges in efficiently managing thermal flows and carbon dioxide export for downstream uses, requiring separate compression and heating equipment, which leads to high capital costs and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The system integrates a control mechanism to manage thermal flows and carbon dioxide export directly from a power production cycle, allowing for the use of combustion-derived CO2 as a heat carrier and heat transfer fluid, eliminating the need for separate compression and heating, and providing precise control over pressure, temperature, and flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate compression and heating equipment is used for CO2 export, then CO2 can be provided at desired pressure and temperature, but capital costs and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the CO2 compression and heating functions into the existing power production cycle equipment. The CO2 is compressed in the power cycle compressor and heated in the heat exchanger that would otherwise be used for power cycle operations, merging two functions (CO2 preparation and power generation) into a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger and compressor in the power production system serve dual purposes: they function for both the power generation cycle and for preparing CO2 for export. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated CO2 compression and heating equipment, reducing both capital costs and energy consumption.
2Stress or pressure
If separate compression and heating equipment is used for CO2 export, then CO2 can be provided at desired pressure and temperature, but device complexity and capital costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the CO2 pressurization function with the power cycle compressor and the CO2 heating function with the power cycle heat exchanger. This integration reduces device complexity by eliminating separate dedicated equipment for CO2 preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing power production equipment performs multiple functions: generating power and simultaneously preparing CO2 for export at the required pressure and temperature. This universality reduces the number of devices needed and simplifies the overall system configuration.
3Productivity
If thermal energy is utilized directly in power production, then power efficiency increases, but control over thermal flows for downstream uses decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of thermal flows through the heat exchanger, allowing the system to adjust between different operating modes. The control system can modulate the thermal energy allocation between power production and CO2 heating based on real-time demands, providing adaptability while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the heat exchanger to balance between power production efficiency and CO2 preparation requirements. By adjusting heat transfer parameters and flow rates, the system can optimize for either power generation or CO2 export depending on downstream needs.
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 enables efficient utilization of CO2 as a chemical feedstock and heat transfer fluid, reducing the need for additional equipment and optimizing plant turndown, while maintaining turbine stability and operability.
Implementation Method 1
management of thermal flows into and out of the power production system... passage of a dedicated stream in the power production system through a heat exchanger against a dedicated stream in a different system
Implementation Method 2
combustion of fossil fuels to produce electrical power... burning of fossil fuels... combustion-derived CO2
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling a power production plant and optionally providing a one or more product streams for an end use thereof. Control of a power production plant specifically can include executing one or more functions effective for adjusting a heat profile of a heat exchange unit (HEU) operating with a plurality of streams passing therethrough. This can include implementing a control function that alters a flow of one or more of the plurality of streams by adding flow to or withdrawing flow one or more of the plurality of streams at an intermediate temperature range within the HEU at a point that is positioned between a first end and a second end of the HEU.