Modified Allam Cycle Power and Steam Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Allam cycles are optimized for power generation and do not have excess heat available for steam generation, which is necessary for hydrocarbon recovery systems.
Innovation Solution
A modified Allam cycle system that includes at least one combustor, a turbine, and multiple heat recuperators to generate both power and steam, where the heat from the turbine output stream is used to extract water and heat the carbon dioxide working fluid for reuse in combustion, and the first heat is used to generate steam from feedwater.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional Allam cycle is optimized for power generation with heat recuperators extracting heat from the CO2 stream, then power generation efficiency is improved, but no excess heat is available for steam generation
Solution Approach 1:
The heat recuperators are designed to serve dual purposes: maintaining power generation efficiency while also providing excess heat for steam generation. The system configuration allows the same heat exchange equipment to support both electricity production and steam supply functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts operational parameters such as the degree of heat extraction and CO2 stream temperature to optimize the balance between power generation and steam generation. By modifying these parameters, the system can allocate heat resources to meet both energy demands effectively.
2Productivity
If large volumes of steam are produced continuously to support large-scale hydrocarbon recovery operations, then recovery productivity is improved, but substantial input energy is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the waste heat that would otherwise be discarded into useful steam for hydrocarbon recovery. By capturing and utilizing the excess heat from the CO2 stream through heat recuperators, the system transforms what was previously a loss into a valuable resource for driving recovery operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The power generation cycle and steam generation process are merged into a single integrated system. The heat recuperators facilitate this merging by simultaneously supporting both the power cycle and steam production, eliminating the need for separate energy inputs and reducing overall energy consumption.
3Productivity
If thermal recovery techniques are used to mobilize heavy hydrocarbon, then hydrocarbon production is improved, but remote locations with little electricity infrastructure face challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates its own electricity through the Allam cycle power generation component, making it self-sufficient and independent of external electrical infrastructure. This self-generated power supplies the needs of the remote hydrocarbon recovery operation without requiring connection to external power grids.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system provides multiple functions in one installation: power generation, steam generation, and hydrocarbon recovery support. This multi-functionality is particularly valuable in remote locations where infrastructure is limited, as it consolidates multiple needs into a single self-contained system.
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 modified system effectively generates both power and steam, providing a solution for hydrocarbon recovery operations by utilizing the heat recovery scheme to produce steam while still generating electricity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one combustor configured to combust a fuel gas and oxygen in a carbon dioxide working fluid to generate combustion products
Implementation Method 2
a turbine configured to receive the combustion products from the at least one combustor to generate the power
Implementation Method 3
at least one first recuperator configured to receive the turbine output stream and extract first heat therefrom... at least one second recuperator configured to receive the first recuperator output stream and extract second heat therefrom
Implementation Method 4
a first compressor for receiving the carbon dioxide working fluid from the water extractor and compressing the carbon dioxide working fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for generating power and steam for a hydrocarbon recovery operation, in which a fuel gas and oxygen are combusted in a carbon dioxide working fluid in at least one combustor, the combustion products driving a turbine to generate power, and extracting heat from the turbine output stream, part of the heat used for heating the carbon dioxide working fluid before the combustion stage and part of the heat used for heating a feedwater to generate steam.