Method for co-production of hyper-efficient electric power and a methane sidestream from high CO<sub>2 </sub>natural gas sources with optional integrated LNG production and power storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for utilizing high-CO2 natural gas in power generation and storage are inefficient, particularly in deepwater sources like Lake Kivu, where CO2 contamination hinders methane extraction and utilization, and there is a need for effective grid-balancing of renewable power inputs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that split the high-CO2 gas flow into two streams: one for efficient oxyfuel power generation and another for producing purified methane, utilizing bubble trapping and cryogenic processes to separate CO2 from methane, enabling both power production and gas storage, with integrated cryogenic power storage for grid-balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional power generation methods are used with high-CO2 natural gas, then power can be generated, but the CO2 contamination hinders methane extraction and utilization efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow is divided into two separate streams through a flow splitter: one stream directed to power generation and another to methane extraction/utilization. This segmentation allows each stream to be optimized for its specific purpose, resolving the contradiction between power generation efficiency and methane utilization efficiency in high-CO2 gas sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-CO2 content in the natural gas, which was previously a harmful contamination, is converted into a benefit by directing it to power generation where CO2 can be utilized or managed, while simultaneously extracting usable methane for other applications. The harmful CO2 becomes a resource for power generation processes.
2Productivity
If CO2 separation and purification processes are implemented, then methane utilization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a flow splitter to divide the high-CO2 gas into two streams with different purification requirements. The stream destined for power generation requires less intensive purification compared to the stream intended for methane extraction, thereby reducing the overall complexity of CO2 separation equipment needed while still achieving both objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
Different levels of CO2 removal are applied to different gas streams based on their specific needs. The power generation stream receives partial CO2 removal sufficient for its operation, while the methane extraction stream receives more extensive purification. This partial action approach avoids the excessive complexity of applying uniform high-level purification to all streams.
3Adaptability or versatility
If integrated LNG production and power storage are implemented, then grid-balancing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into an integrated platform: power generation, LNG production, and power storage capabilities are combined in a single facility. This merging allows the system to provide grid-balancing services through coordinated operation of these components, achieving high adaptability while managing complexity through integration rather than separate standalone systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system is designed to perform multiple functions: generating electricity, producing and storing LNG, and providing grid-balancing services. This multi-functionality allows a single facility to adapt to varying grid demands and provide versatile services, improving adaptability while the shared infrastructure helps manage overall system 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 enhances power generation efficiency, allows for the utilization of high-CO2 gas, and provides flexible power output and storage capabilities, effectively integrating renewable energy sources into the grid.
Implementation Method 1
extracting at least a fraction of the methane gas from the liquid to provide a methane enriched gas; the methane gas extracting step comprises conveying the liquid through a bubble trapping device to collect gas bubbles comprising the methane enriched gas
Implementation Method 2
utilizing bubble trapping and cryogenic processes to separate CO2 from methane
Implementation Method 3
bubbling the methane enriched gas upwards in liquefied natural gas (LNG); collecting LNG generated as an increase in LNG volume generated by LNG condensed from the methane enriched gas
Implementation Method 4
feeding the carbon dioxide enriched gas as a fuel into an oxyfuel power generation system; generating power from the oxyfuel power generation system
Data Source
AI summary
A gas separation and utilization method includes the steps of: (a) providing an ascending flow of a liquid containing carbon dioxide gas and methane gas; (b) extracting at least a fraction of the methane gas from the liquid to provide a methane enriched gas; (c) extracting at least a fraction of the carbon dioxide gas from the liquid to provide a carbon dioxide enriched gas, which is extracted from the ascending flow of the liquid downstream of the methane enriched gas; (d) collecting the methane enriched gas; (e) feeding the carbon dioxide enriched gas as a fuel into an oxyfuel power generation system; (f) generating power from the oxyfuel power generation system; and (g) expelling an exhaust from the oxyfuel power generation system, wherein the exhaust comprises carbon dioxide and water vapor. A system configured to perform the method and a grid balancing method using the system are also disclosed.