Membrane O2 Source in Semi-Closed Cycle Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-closed cycle power systems face high operational costs due to oxygen plant expenses and complex CO2 gas cleanup systems, which consume significant power and increase environmental emissions, particularly in applications requiring low backpressure and high CO2 capture efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a membrane oxygen generation system that reduces compression power and integrates a two-stage PSA CO2 capture process, replacing traditional VPSA systems to decrease parasitic power and system complexity, while utilizing counterflow heat exchangers and turbocharger expanders to optimize engine performance and reduce water vapor concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If a membrane oxygen generation system is implemented, then compression power is reduced and operational costs are lowered, but oxygen generation efficiency may be compromised compared to conventional VPSA systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the membrane system by integrating it with a turbocharger expander, operating the membrane at elevated pressures (up to 30 bar) rather than atmospheric pressure. This parameter change allows the membrane to achieve both high oxygen generation efficiency and reduced compression power requirements simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the membrane oxygen generation system with the turbocharger expander of the semi-closed cycle engine. The expander provides the necessary high-pressure environment for the membrane to operate efficiently, while the membrane integrates into the existing exhaust gas handling system, reducing overall system complexity and power consumption
2Productivity
If a two-stage PSA CO2 capture process is integrated, then CO2 capture efficiency is enhanced, but system complexity and capital expenditures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the CO2 capture process into two distinct stages: a primary capture stage using PSA technology, and a secondary polishing stage. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized for its specific function, achieving high overall CO2 capture efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary buffer system between the PSA capture stage and the final CO2 product. This intermediary component simplifies the integration of the two-stage process by providing pressure equalization and flow management, reducing the complexity of direct coupling between stages
3Productivity
If counterflow heat exchangers and turbocharger expanders are utilized, then engine performance is optimized and water vapor concentration is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the turbocharger expander serve multiple functions: it expands the exhaust gases to produce work, drives the membrane oxygen generation system at high pressure, and powers the counterflow heat exchanger operation. This multi-functionality optimizes engine performance while avoiding the need for separate dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the counterflow heat exchanger with the existing exhaust gas handling system of the semi-closed cycle engine. The heat exchanger is integrated into the exhaust flow path, allowing it to condense water vapor and preheat incoming air without requiring separate exhaust handling infrastructure, thus reducing overall device complexity
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 lowers the operational costs of oxygen generation, reduces parasitic power consumption, and enhances CO2 capture efficiency, making semi-closed cycle power systems more environmentally friendly and competitive with VPSA oxygen plants by improving net power output and reducing capital expenditures.
Implementation Method 1
oxygen plants, in particular membrane oxygen plants
Implementation Method 2
integrates a two-stage PSA CO2 capture process
Implementation Method 3
utilizing counterflow heat exchangers
Implementation Method 4
turbocharger expanders to optimize engine performance
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an improved method and system of operating the semi-closed cycle, which both reduces parasitic loads for oxygen generation and for gas clean up, while also reducing, capital cost of the gas clean up plant (reduced drying requirement) and of the oxygen plant (enabling membranes vs. mole sieves). The invention is applicable to piston or turbine engines, and results in a near fully non-emissive power system via the Semi-Closed Cycle (SCC), in a manner which both captures carbon in the form of carbon dioxide, CO2, and in a manner which improves the efficiency and cost effectiveness of prior disclosures. The captured carbon is of a purity and pressure directly suitable for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), sequestration, or industrial use.