Power Cycle Control for CO2 Flow, Temperature, and Turbine Speed
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for advanced control systems that can efficiently manage and optimize the operation of power production systems, particularly those that combust fossil fuels, to achieve high efficiency and complete carbon capture, while addressing challenges such as precise control over pressure, temperature, flow rates, and stream composition.
Innovation Solution
The development of integrated control systems that include controllers for managing parameters like fuel flow, oxidant flow, turbine outlet temperature, and CO2 compression, allowing for automated control of power production systems through sensors and computer algorithms to optimize efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated control systems with sensors and computer algorithms are implemented, then control precision over pressure, temperature, flow rate, and stream composition is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors process parameters (pressure, temperature, flow rate, stream composition) using sensors and automatically adjusts operating conditions based on feedback from process measurements to maintain optimal performance and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to manage multiple parameters simultaneously (pressure, temperature, flow rate, composition) and handle various operational modes (start-up, shutdown, steady-state, emergency situations) through a single integrated control platform
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable speed operation of turbines is enabled, then adaptability and efficiency are improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine operates at variable speeds rather than fixed speed, allowing the system to adapt to changing load conditions and optimize efficiency across different operating points, with the control system dynamically adjusting turbine speed based on power demand
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (turbine speed, mass throughput) dynamically to optimize performance, allowing decoupling of compressor and turbine mass throughput ratios to enable independent optimization of each component
3Object-generated harmful factors
If complete carbon capture is achieved, then environmental performance is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The CO2 that would normally be a harmful emission is captured and converted into a useful product stream that can be utilized for enhanced oil recovery, carbon storage, or other industrial applications, transforming an environmental liability into an asset
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 enable precise control over multiple parameters in power production systems, enhancing efficiency, safety, and flexibility, allowing for variable speed operation of turbines and decoupling compressor and turbine mass throughput, thereby optimizing heat input and fuel combustion.
Implementation Method 1
The turbine exhaust can be cooled in an economizer heat exchange to preheat the circulating CO2 stream
Implementation Method 2
The CO2 gas stream can be compressed to be at or near the turbine inlet pressure using a gas compressor
Implementation Method 3
followed by a dense CO2 pump to form the circulating CO2 stream
Implementation Method 4
Heat from an external source can be introduced to preheat part of the circulating CO2 stream to a temperature in the range 200° C. to 400° C.
Data Source
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.