Thermal Storage System for Catalyst Preheating in Gas Turbine Exhaust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines experience reduced catalyst efficiency during startup due to low temperatures, leading to higher emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur oxides (SOx), and unburnt hydrocarbons, which are not effectively managed by existing exhaust treatment systems.
Innovation Solution
A thermal storage system is integrated with a catalyst system to store heat during steady-state operation and transfer it back to the catalyst during startup, enhancing catalyst efficiency and emissions reduction by maintaining optimal temperature thresholds for catalysts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a catalyst is used to treat exhaust emissions, then the rate of chemical reaction to convert emissions is increased, but the catalyst efficiency decreases at lower temperatures during startup
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal storage system stores thermal energy during steady-state operation before startup conditions occur. During startup, this pre-stored thermal energy is transferred to the catalyst to preheat it, ensuring the catalyst reaches its efficient operating temperature range before treating exhaust emissions, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability at low temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the catalyst by transferring thermal energy from the thermal storage system during startup conditions. This parameter change enables the catalyst to operate within its optimal temperature range even during startup, maintaining high emissions conversion rates while improving catalyst efficiency
2Reliability
If thermal energy is stored during steady-state operation, then catalyst efficiency during startup is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal storage system serves multiple functions: it stores thermal energy during steady-state operation, transfers heat to the catalyst during startup, and can operate independently as a thermal energy storage unit. This multi-functionality justifies the added system complexity by providing both startup support and ongoing thermal management capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal storage system acts as an intermediary between the exhaust gas thermal energy and the catalyst. During steady-state operation, it captures thermal energy from the exhaust stream, and during startup, it releases this stored energy to the catalyst, mediating the thermal energy transfer to resolve the contradiction between reliability improvement and complexity increase
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 thermal storage system improves the efficiency of the catalyst system during startup periods, reducing overall emissions output by maintaining optimal temperatures for catalysts, thus adhering to regulatory standards.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal storage system having at least one storage tank to store thermal energy in a medium
Implementation Method 2
the system is configured to transfer heat from the medium to the at least one catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a catalyst system having at least one catalyst to treat an exhaust gas from a gas turbine system, and a thermal storage system having at least one storage tank to store thermal energy in a medium, wherein the system is configured to transfer heat from the medium to the at least one catalyst.