Electrolyzer-Fed Oxy-Combustion With Steam Recycling and Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Oxy-combustion is limited to large-scale applications due to the high capital and operational expenditures associated with air separation units, and existing oxy-fuel systems produce hazardous combustion rates and require extensive carbon capture infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A method involving electrolysis to separate hydrogen and oxygen feedstocks, controlled combustion with steam mixing to reduce reaction rates, and recycling exhaust steam for reuse, allowing for smaller, more efficient oxy-combustion systems that can be integrated with variable renewable energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If air separation units are used to provide pure oxygen for oxy-combustion, then oxygen purity is improved, but capital expenditure and operational cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the oxygen delivery parameter from pure concentrated oxygen (via air separation) to oxygen-enriched air (20-40% oxygen concentration) delivered through aerators, thereby eliminating the need for expensive air separation units while maintaining effective oxy-combustion conditions
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional oxy-fuel combustion is used, then CO2 capture is achieved, but the system requires extensive carbon capture infrastructure and has hazardous combustion rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for extensive carbon capture infrastructure by using a simplified system where oxygen is delivered through aerators and combustion occurs in a controlled manner, inherently managing CO2 emissions without complex capture equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces aerators as intermediary devices that deliver oxygen-enriched air to the combustion zone, replacing the need for direct pure oxygen injection and complex carbon capture systems while maintaining effective combustion control
3Productivity
If pure oxygen is injected directly into combustion, then combustion efficiency is improved, but combustion rate becomes hazardous and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the oxygen concentration parameter from 100% pure oxygen to 20-40% oxygen-enriched air, and controls the delivery rate through aerators, thereby maintaining combustion efficiency while preventing hazardous combustion rates
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 equipment size and operational costs, minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, and enables on-demand heat production with controlled combustion, suitable for various industrial processes and electricity generation.
Implementation Method 1
separating the electrolyzer feedstock into a hydrogen feedstock and an oxygen feedstock using the at least one electrolyzer cell
Implementation Method 2
combusting a first feedstock derived from the hydrogen feedstock and a second feedstock derived from the oxygen feedstock in a furnace
Data Source
AI summary
A method of oxy-combustion includes providing an electrolyzer feedstock to at least an electrolyzer cell; separating the electrolyzer feedstock into a hydrogen feedstock and an oxygen feedstock using the at least one electrolyzer cell; combusting a first feedstock derived from the hydrogen feedstock and a second feedstock derived from the oxygen feedstock in a furnace; controlling one or more of a second feedstock composition or a pressure in the furnace; and recycling an exhaust steam from the furnace, wherein at least one portion of exhaust steam from the furnace is recycled in at least one of a steam feedstock and the electrolyzer feedstock.