Variable Gasifier Switching Upflow Downflow Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gasifying apparatuses face challenges in producing synthesis gas of proper quality for both power generation and combustion, with upflow-type gasifiers offering higher thermal efficiency but high tar content and high filtration costs, while downflow-type gasifiers produce less tar but require specific moisture levels and are less efficient in operation.

Innovation Solution

A variable gasifying apparatus that selectively performs upflow or downflow gasification using a single gasifier, equipped with a filtration device and a feed controller to manage synthesis gas direction and gasification agent injection, allowing for flexible operation to suit power generation or combustion boiler needs, thereby optimizing synthesis gas quality and reducing unnecessary filtration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If upflow-type gasification is used, then thermal efficiency and ease of operation are improved, but tar content in synthesis gas increases and filtration costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal efficiencyVSAvoidtar content

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The gasifier is designed with a variable gasification direction capability, allowing it to dynamically switch between upflow and downflow gasification modes. The system includes adjustable gasification agent injection holes and movable components that enable the gasification direction to be changed based on operational requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between thermal efficiency and tar content by allowing optimization for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the gasification mode parameter (upflow/downflow) to control tar content while maintaining thermal efficiency. By adjusting the gasification direction parameter, the system can produce synthesis gas with appropriate tar levels for different applications (power generation vs. combustion), effectively managing the harmful factor without sacrificing energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If downflow-type gasification is used, then tar content in synthesis gas is reduced, but ease of operation decreases and starting-up conditions become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetar contentVSAvoidoperational ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The gasifier incorporates dynamic control mechanisms including adjustable gasification agent injection systems and movable internal components that allow easy switching between gasification modes. This dynamic design makes the system adaptable and easy to operate, countering the traditional disadvantage of downflow gasifiers while maintaining their low tar production benefit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single gasifier is used for both power generation and combustion boiler, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to produce proper quality synthesis gas for both purposes simultaneously is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidsynthesis gas quality adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gasifier is designed as a multi-functional system capable of producing synthesis gas suitable for both power generation and combustion boiler applications using a single device. The variable gasification direction capability allows the same gasifier to adapt its output quality to meet different application requirements, eliminating the need for separate gasifiers while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the gasification mode parameter (upflow/downflow) based on the intended application, the single gasifier can produce synthesis gas with appropriate quality characteristics for either power generation (where some tar is acceptable) or combustion boiler (where low tar is required), thus maintaining adaptability without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Object-generated harmful factors

If filtration is applied to remove tar from synthesis gas, then tar content is reduced, but device complexity and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetar contentVSAvoidfiltration system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using complex filtration systems to remove tar, the invention converts the harmful effect into a beneficial approach by using downflow gasification mode that naturally produces low-tar synthesis gas at the source. This eliminates the need for extensive filtration equipment while achieving the same result, thereby reducing device complexity and operational costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS9175224B2Gasifying apparatus with variable gasifier and used as both power generator and combustion boiler, and method of driving the same

Publication Date: 2015.11.03 KOREA INST OF ENERGY RES

AI summary

A gasifying apparatus including a variable gasifier and used as both a power generator and a combustion boiler and a method of driving the same are disclosed. A combustion boiler and a generator engine, driven with synthesis gas, are associated with a single gasifier, and the gasifying apparatus produces synthesis gas proper to a technical field of the gasifier by selectively applying an upflow gasifier and a downflow gasifier according to the technical field of the gasifier.