LNG Regasification Power System with Organic Rankine Cycle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for harnessing the cold potential of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a cold sink for power generation are inefficient, as they do not effectively utilize the large temperature differential between LNG and available heat sources for electricity production.
Innovation Solution
A closed organic Rankine cycle power system that vaporizes a working fluid using LNG, expands it through a turbine to generate power, and utilizes the expanded fluid to condense and reheat the LNG, with a condenser/heater configuration to optimize energy transfer and regasification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional regasification terminals use sea water or exhaust gas for regasification, then regasification efficiency is improved, but the cold potential of LNG as a cold sink for power generation is not effectively utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the regasification function with power generation function into a single integrated system. The LNG cold sink is simultaneously used for both regasification and condensing working fluid vapor from the turbine, merging two separate processes into one unified system that achieves both regasification and electricity generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The LNG serves multiple functions: it acts as both the cold sink for regasification and the cold sink for the power generation cycle condenser. This multi-functionality allows the system to extract both thermal energy for regasification and mechanical energy for power generation from the same LNG cold potential.
2Power
If a closed organic Rankine cycle system is used to generate power from LNG temperature differential, then power generation capability is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple heat exchange requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the regasification heat exchanger and the power cycle condenser into a single integrated heat exchange system. The same heat exchanger unit performs both regasification of LNG and condensation of working fluid vapor, reducing the number of separate heat exchange devices needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the regasification heater and the power generation condenser. This multi-functional design reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for separate dedicated heat exchangers for each function.
3Use of energy by moving object
If LNG is used as cold sink for condenser, then energy efficiency is improved, but the temperature of LNG increases during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heating process into two distinct stages: first, the LNG is heated in the power cycle condenser where it absorbs heat from condensing vapor; second, the warmed LNG is further heated in a separate regasification heat exchanger where it absorbs heat from sea water or other heat sources to achieve final regasification. This segmentation allows efficient heat recovery while managing temperature progression.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary heating of LNG in the condenser before final regasification. The LNG is pre-warmed by absorbing heat from the condensing working fluid vapor, which prepares it for the subsequent regasification process and reduces the energy required for final heating.
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 efficiently generates power by leveraging the temperature differential between LNG and heat sources like sea water or exhaust gases, enabling effective power production and regasification of LNG for distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a vaporizer in which liquid working fluid is vaporized, the heat source of the vaporizer being sea water or heat such as exhaust gas discharged from a gas turbine
Implementation Method 2
liquid working fluid is vaporized
Implementation Method 3
a turbine for expanding the vaporized working fluid and producing power
Implementation Method 4
a condenser to which expanded working fluid vapour is supplied, said condenser also being supplied with LNG for receiving heat from said expanded fluid vapour
Implementation Method 5
LNG for receiving heat from said expanded fluid vapour wherein said LNG condenses said expanded working fluid
Implementation Method 6
a condenser/heater for condensing vapors extracted from an intermediate stage of said turbine and heating working fluid condensate supplied to said condenser/heater
Implementation Method 7
Power is generated due to the large temperature differential between cold LNG, e.g. approximately -160°C, and the heat source of the vaporizer
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a power and regasification system based on liquefied natural gas (LNG), comprising a vaporizer by which liquid working fluid is vaporized, said liquid working fluid being LNG or a working fluid liquefied by means of LNG; a turbine for expanding the vaporized working fluid and producing power; heat exchanger means to which expanded working fluid vapor is supplied, said heat exchanger means also being supplied with LNG for receiving heat from said expanded fluid vapor, whereby the temperature of the LNG increases as it flows through the heat exchanger means; a conduit through which said working fluid is circulated from at least the inlet of said vaporizer to the outlet of said heat exchanger means and a line for transmitting regasified LNG.