Power Cycle Control Architecture for CO2 and Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power systems face challenges in achieving precise control over pressure, temperature, flow rate, and stream composition, particularly in systems that combust fossil fuels, which affects efficiency and carbon capture, and there is a need for advanced control systems to manage start-up, shutdown, and emergency operations.
Innovation Solution
The development of integrated control systems that include controllers to manage parameters such as fuel flow, oxidant composition, CO2 circulation, and temperature control in power production systems, allowing for automated control of components like turbines, compressors, and pumps to optimize efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If integrated control systems are implemented to provide precise control over pressure, temperature, flow rate, and stream composition, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed as an integrated multi-functional platform that simultaneously manages pressure control, temperature control, flow rate control, and stream composition control across multiple process units including combustors, heat exchangers, turbines, compressors, and separators. This universal control architecture eliminates the need for separate control systems for each parameter and process unit, achieving precise control while managing system complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation of individual control devices.
2Reliability
If automated control is implemented for start-up, shutdown, and emergency operations, then reliability and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates pre-programmed automated sequences for start-up, shutdown, and emergency operations that are prepared in advance and stored in the control architecture. During normal operation, these automated routines remain dormant but ready to execute immediately when triggered by specific conditions or operator commands. This preliminary preparation of control sequences ensures rapid and reliable response to operational transitions and emergencies without requiring complex real-time decision-making logic during critical events.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors process parameters including pressure, temperature, flow rate, and stream composition through distributed sensors throughout the power production system. This real-time feedback is fed back to the control algorithm which automatically adjusts control valve positions, pump speeds, and other actuated components to maintain desired setpoints. The closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable and safe operation during start-up, shutdown, and emergency conditions by automatically detecting deviations and correcting them without operator intervention.
3Productivity
If multiple control parameters are managed simultaneously, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system divides the complex multi-parameter control task into segmented control zones, each dedicated to specific process units or parameter groups. For example, separate control loops are established for combustor temperature control, heat exchanger pressure control, turbine flow rate control, and separator composition control. Each segmented control zone has its own dedicated sensors and control algorithms, allowing precise measurement and control of local parameters without requiring ultra-high precision measurements of all system parameters simultaneously. This segmentation approach maintains high productivity by coordinating all control zones through the integrated control architecture.
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 control systems provide precise control over multiple parameters, enhancing the efficiency and safety of power production systems, enabling better management of start-up, shutdown, and emergency operations while optimizing heat input and carbon capture.
Implementation Method 1
The turbine exhaust can be cooled in an economizer heat exchange to preheat the circulating CO 2 stream
Implementation Method 2
The CO 2 gas stream can be compressed to be at or near the turbine inlet pressure using a gas compressor followed by a dense CO 2 pump
Implementation Method 3
Heat from an external source can be introduced to preheat part of the circulating CO 2 stream to a temperature in the range 200°C to 400°C
Implementation Method 4
The combined stream can be passed through a power producing turbine with a discharge pressure of at least 10 bar
Implementation Method 5
The turbine exhaust can be further cooled to near ambient temperature, and condensed water can be removed
Data Source
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AI summary
Control systems and methods suitable for combination with power production systems and methods are provided herein. The control systems and methods may be used with, for example, closed power cycles as well as semi-closed power cycles. The combined control systems and methods and power production systems and methods can provide dynamic control of the power production systems and methods that can be carried out automatically based upon inputs received by controllers and outputs from the controllers to one or more components of the power production systems.