Closed-Loop Oxygen Combustion Power Cycle for Grid Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power generation and grid balancing systems face challenges such as harmful emissions, low thermal efficiency, limited scalability, and inefficiency in handling intermittent renewable energy sources, particularly in large-scale and seasonal balancing.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop power generating system utilizing oxygen and a reductant, such as hydrogen, in a compression, combustion, and expansion cycle, with an integrated electrolysis section to produce oxygen and hydrogen for storage and use in power generation, avoiding emissions and enhancing load flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional fossil fuel power stations are used for power generation and grid balancing, then power production capability is maintained, but harmful emissions (CO2 and NOx) are generated and thermal efficiency is relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pure oxygen instead of air for combustion, creating an inert environment free from nitrogen. This eliminates NOx formation since there is no nitrogen present during combustion, while also improving thermal efficiency by removing the ballast effect of nitrogen that dilutes the combustion process and reduces flame temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pure oxygen as a strong oxidant to accelerate and intensify the combustion process. This enables higher combustion temperatures and more complete fuel oxidation, thereby improving thermal efficiency and energy conversion while eliminating harmful emissions through the controlled oxygen-fuel combustion cycle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pumped-storage units are used for grid balancing, then balancing capability is provided, but a lot of plot space is required and applicability is limited to specific locations
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen-LED power generating system serves multiple functions: it can operate as a base load power plant, provide grid balancing services, and enable seasonal energy storage through the electrolysis component. This multi-functionality allows deployment in various locations without the geographical constraints of pumped-storage facilities, eliminating the need for specific topographical features while providing comprehensive grid support capabilities.
3Loss of energy
If air storage systems with fuel gas combustion are used for balancing, then balancing service is provided, but direct air emission leads to nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide emissions and cycle efficiency is relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pure oxygen storage and combustion in a nitrogen-free environment, eliminating the formation of nitrogen oxides during the power generation cycle. This inert oxygen atmosphere prevents harmful emissions while improving cycle efficiency by removing the thermal ballast effect of nitrogen, allowing higher combustion temperatures and more efficient energy conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and stores the oxygen produced during electrolysis for later use in combustion, creating a closed-loop system. This recovery and reuse of oxygen improves cycle efficiency by eliminating the need for continuous oxygen supply from external sources and reduces emissions by ensuring complete combustion with controlled oxygen dosing.
4Use of energy by moving object
If hydrogen combustion in conventional gas-fired power stations is used for balancing, then electrochemical hydrogen production enables power generation, but direct air emission of NOx occurs and part-load efficiency is relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements combustion in a pure oxygen atmosphere without nitrogen present, which eliminates NOx emissions entirely. This inert oxygen environment maintains high combustion efficiency across all load conditions by preventing nitrogen dilution and thermal NOx formation, thereby improving part-load efficiency while eliminating harmful emissions.
5Productivity
If proton-exchange membrane fuel cells are used for balancing, then high efficiencies and fast load-following response are achieved, but the limited scale of the technology is a major disadvantage
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power generation process into distinct components: electrolysis for hydrogen and oxygen production, storage systems for energy accumulation, and combustion engines for power generation. This modular segmentation allows the system to achieve both high power output and high efficiency with fast load-following response, overcoming the scaling limitations of fuel cells while maintaining their efficiency advantages.
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 system achieves high energy efficiency, flexible load following, and large-scale seasonal balancing, reducing emissions and improving part-load efficiency, suitable for both new and existing power plants.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolysis section, wherein the electrolysis section is configured to produce oxygen and hydrogen
Implementation Method 2
a combustion section
Implementation Method 3
an expansion section
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a power generating system for balancing services and electricity production, a method of modifying an existing power generating plant to provide balancing services and electricity production, the use of electrolysis for providing balancing services to an existing power generating plant, and a process for producing electricity. The power generating system comprises a compression section, a combustion section, and an expansion section, the compression section being in fluid communication with a combustion section, the combustion section being in fluid communication with an expansion section, wherein the power generating system is configured to flow a working medium in a closed-loop, wherein the power generating system is configured such that oxygen and a reductant power the power generating system to generate electricity, and wherein the power generating system is configured to provide electricity to i) an electricity grid, and ii) in an event of a surplus of electricity on the electricity grid, an electrolysis section,