Oxy-Combustion Plant Control for Variable CO2 Capture Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carbon fuel combustion processes face challenges in efficiently capturing CO2 due to high energy consumption and inflexibility in variable energy supply conditions, particularly when implementing partial CO2 capture and oxyfuel combustion technology.

Innovation Solution

A carbon fuel combustion process that incorporates a variable air gas separation unit, a combustion unit operating with air or an oxidizer leaner in nitrogen, and a CO2 compression/purification unit, allowing for intermittent CO2 capture and power usage, with features such as variable oxygen flow, storage, and automatic control to adapt to energy cost variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an air gas separation unit is operated at 100% capacity to enable partial CO2 capture, then CO2 capture capability is improved, but energy consumption increases and operational flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 capture capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The air gas separation unit is designed with variable speed drives and adjustable operating parameters, allowing it to dynamically adapt its capacity to match actual CO2 capture requirements rather than operating at fixed 100% capacity, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining capture capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters including oxygen flow rate, separation pressure, and temperature to optimize the balance between CO2 capture efficiency and energy consumption, enabling flexible adjustment based on market conditions and energy availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If an air gas separation unit is operated at constant power, then operational simplicity is improved, but adaptability to variable energy supply and cost conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to energy supply variations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback control mechanisms that continuously monitor energy prices, availability, and CO2 capture requirements, automatically adjusting the air gas separation unit's operation to optimize both simplicity and adaptability to varying conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The air gas separation unit is designed to perform multiple functions including CO2 capture, oxygen production for combustion, and flexible power adjustment, enabling it to adapt to different operational scenarios and energy market conditions while maintaining ease of operation through centralized control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If oxyfuel combustion mode is used to concentrate CO2 for easier separation, then CO2 separation efficiency is improved, but system complexity and investment cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 separation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements partial oxyfuel combustion rather than complete conversion, allowing CO2 concentration to be achieved at moderate levels that balance separation efficiency with system complexity and investment requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

Oxyfuel combustion is applied selectively in specific zones of the combustion unit where CO2 concentration is most beneficial for separation, rather than throughout the entire system, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining separation efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 reduces energy consumption, adapts to variable energy supplies, and optimizes CO2 capture efficiency by varying power usage and storage strategies, enabling partial CO2 capture while maintaining energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

separating the nitrogen from the air upstream of the combustion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas separation:

Implementation Method 2

a unit for compressing and/or purifying the CO2 coming from the combustion flue gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

combustion of carbon fuels in power stations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentUS8973567B2Adapting of an oxy-combustion plant to energy availability and to the amount of CO<sub>2 </sub>to be trapped

Publication Date: 2015.03.10 LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE

AI summary

A carbon fuel combustion process, employing an air gas separation unit, a combustion unit operating either with air or with an oxidizer leaner in nitrogen than air, coming from the air gas separation unit, and a unit for compressing and/or purifying the CO2 coming from the combustion flue gas, wherein the power consumed by the air gas separation unit and/or the flow of oxygen produced by the air gas separation unit and/or the capture of the CO2 coming from the combustion flue gas are variable over time is presented.