Devices, systems, facilities, and processes for liquefied natural gas production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities and natural gas power plants emit significant greenhouse gases, and existing emission conversion technologies do not effectively incorporate greenhouse gas removal methods, necessitating improved efficiency and reduced emissions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a liquefaction unit with a gas turbine fueled by at least 90% hydrogen, an on-site hydrogen generation unit, a steam reformer, a capture unit for generating a CO2-rich stream, and a sequestration compression unit to compress and convey CO2 to a sequestration site, such as an underground geological formation or seabed, reducing overall emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional hydrocarbon fuel is used in gas turbines at LNG facilities, then energy generation is maintained, but greenhouse gas emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the fuel from conventional hydrocarbon to hydrogen-rich fuel (at least 90% hydrogen by volume), which fundamentally alters the combustion products to eliminate CO2 emissions while maintaining energy generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful CO2 emissions from hydrogen combustion into a beneficial resource by capturing the CO2 produced and sequestering it underground, transforming an environmental liability into a managed resource
2Object-generated harmful factors
If hydrogen fuel is used in gas turbines, then greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, but fuel infrastructure and storage requirements change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hydrogen generation (steam reformer), CO2 capture, and CO2 sequestration functions into an integrated system that works together to provide hydrogen fuel while managing emissions, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The steam reformer uses water and carbonaceous material to generate hydrogen on-site, making the system self-sufficient for hydrogen production without requiring external hydrogen supply infrastructure
3Object-generated harmful factors
If CO2 capture and sequestration systems are added, then emissions are reduced, but facility complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steam reformer serves multiple functions: generating hydrogen fuel for the gas turbine, producing CO2 for capture and sequestration, and potentially providing process heat, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for separate dedicated equipment
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 configuration significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing hydrogen fuel in gas turbines, capturing CO2, and sequestering it in suitable geological formations, enhancing the environmental sustainability of LNG production and natural gas power generation.
Implementation Method 1
The hydrogen generation unit is a steam reformer
Implementation Method 2
A fuel to the gas turbine contains at least about 90% hydrogen by volume
Implementation Method 3
a sequestration compression unit configured to compress and convey at least one CO2-rich stream
Implementation Method 4
The liquefaction unit condenses natural gas vapor into liquefied natural gas
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for liquefied natural gas production facilities are disclosed herein. A liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facility includes a liquefaction unit that condenses natural gas vapor into liquefied natural gas; an electric-driven compression system for the refrigerant(s) in power to the liquefaction unit; and a sequestration compression unit configured to compress and convey at least one CO2-rich stream towards a sequestration site, thereby reducing the overall emissions from the LNG facility.