Synthesis Gas Purification for Engine Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing electrical energy from renewable resources face challenges such as fluctuations in synthesis gas quality and quantity, water and pollutant condensation issues, and inefficiencies in gas engine operation due to variable input fuels like solid recovered fuels (SRF), which affect energy efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of non-fermentable solid recovered fuel (SRF) to produce a clean synthesis gas through plasma thermal cracking, reducing tar content, and subsequent purification to ensure consistent quality and flow, which is then used to power gas engines while also optimizing energy production through steam generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If gas engines are used to produce electricity from synthesis gas, then electrical energy production efficiency is improved, but the engines cannot respond instantaneously to fluctuations in synthesis gas quantity and quality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by implementing a buffer storage system that pre-stores cleaned synthesis gas before it reaches the gas engines. This buffer acts as a reservoir that can absorb fluctuations in gas production from the gasifier, ensuring continuous and stable gas supply to the engines regardless of variations in biomass feedstock quality or gasification rate, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high efficiency operation and adapting to fluctuations.
2Productivity
If solid recovered fuels with variable quality are used, then renewable energy production is enabled, but synthesis gas quality varies significantly affecting engine operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary purification system between the gasifier and gas engines that includes condensation units, filtration systems, and temperature control mechanisms. This intermediary system cleans and standardizes the synthesis gas by removing tars, particulates, and moisture, thereby decoupling the variable quality of solid recovered fuels from the gas engines and ensuring consistent, reliable operation despite variations in feedstock quality.
3Reliability
If synthesis gas is cooled and cleaned before engine injection, then engine degradation from pollutants is prevented, but water condensation issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies parameter changes by implementing multi-stage temperature control and pressure regulation in the gas cleaning system. The synthesis gas is cooled to specific temperature ranges that optimize pollutant removal while maintaining pressure levels that prevent excessive water condensation. Additionally, the system adjusts the dew point of the synthesis gas through controlled cooling rates and uses heating elements in critical sections to prevent condensation, thereby resolving the contradiction between engine protection and water management.
4Reliability
If tar concentration in synthesis gas is reduced, then dew point of tar is lowered improving gas quality, but additional purification complexity is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs strong oxidants by introducing oxygen or air into the gasification process and purification system to promote oxidation of tar components. This accelerated oxidation converts heavy tar molecules into lighter, more volatile compounds or completely oxidizes them to CO2 and H2O, thereby reducing tar concentration and dew point in the synthesis gas. This chemical approach complements physical cleaning methods, achieving high gas quality without requiring excessively complex purification equipment.
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 method provides a reliable, efficient, and economical means of producing electrical energy by ensuring a clean, constant synthesis gas supply to gas engines, preventing engine degradation and maximizing overall energy output.
Implementation Method 1
the initiation of a reaction between said synthesis gas and said at least one plasma dart and/or said at least one oxidizing flux in a reaction zone located downstream of said mixing zone to thermally crack the tars
Implementation Method 2
injection of said crude synthesis gas into a mixing zone, in which said crude synthesis gas meets and mixes with at least one plasma dart and/or at least one oxidizing flux
Implementation Method 3
deterioration of gas engines can be observed in the event of condensation of water and pollutants such as tars, contained in the synthesis gas produced
Implementation Method 4
injected into gas engines coupled to an electric generator to produce electrical energy
Implementation Method 5
gas engines coupled to an electric generator to produce electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present invention concerns a method and a facility for producing electricity, wherein the following steps are performed: a) supplying a solid recovered fuel SRF, b) producing (10) a raw synthesis gas from the solid recovered fuel, c) purifying (12) said raw synthesis gas in order to generate a synthesis gas in which the reduced concentration of tars determines a dew point of said tars less than or equal to 20°C, d) cleaning (22) the synthesis gas purified in this way in order to obtain a clean synthesis gas, e) lowering the relative humidity of the clean synthesis gas, and f) injecting at least a portion thereof into a gas engine (26) in order to produce electricity.