Liquid Oxygen Storage in Oxy-Fuel sCO2 Plants for Peak Shifting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The variability of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar creates challenges in providing a steady energy supply, leading to potential curtailment of energy production when demand is low.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating liquid oxygen (LOx) storage into oxy-fuel sCO2 power plants, which allows for the storage of excess energy during low demand periods and its utilization during high demand periods, thereby stabilizing energy supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If renewable energy production is increased to meet peak demand, then energy supply reliability is improved, but energy curtailment occurs during low demand periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing excess liquid oxygen during low-demand periods when renewable energy production exceeds consumption. This stored LOx is then utilized during peak demand periods, eliminating the need to curtail renewable energy production while maintaining reliable power supply. The air separation unit continues operating at full capacity during low demand, converting excess electrical energy into stored chemical energy in the form of LOx.
2Stability of the object's composition
If energy storage capacity is increased to smooth demand fluctuations, then energy supply stability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes parameter changes by transitioning oxygen between different physical states (liquid and gaseous) and different pressure levels. The LOx is stored in liquid form at high pressure and then vaporized and depressurized as needed for combustion. This approach provides large-scale energy storage capacity while using established cryogenic technology, avoiding the need for complex battery systems or other sophisticated storage mechanisms.
3Productivity
If liquid oxygen storage is implemented to flatten demand peaks, then power plant load ramping capability is improved, but infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using the LOx storage infrastructure to simultaneously accomplish multiple objectives: storing excess renewable energy, providing rapid load ramping capability, flattening demand peaks, and enabling flexible operation of the power plant. The same LOx storage tanks and handling systems serve both energy storage and load management functions, eliminating the need for separate infrastructure systems.
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 LOx storage system helps to flatten demand peaks, improves the load ramping capability of the power plant, and enhances the economic performance by optimizing energy production and reducing market fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
the ability to store energy for prolonged time periods is required to reduce the disruption of market fluctuations
Data Source
AI summary
Presently disclosed is a power production plant that is operable to store and generate power. In a “charge mode” (when electricity price is low), an air separation unit (ASU) cools and liquefies ambient air into liquid oxygen (LOx), which is then stored in a storage vessel. In a “discharge mode” (when electrical price is high), the stored LOx is used by the power production plant to combust a fuel and form a combustion product stream that can be expanded in a turbine to generate power. The power production plant particularly can utilize carbon dioxide as a recycled, circulating or working fluid so that substantially all carbon dioxide produced in the power production can be captured.