Results in Engineering (Sep 2024)
Performance analysis of precooling systems for cryogenic carbon capture: A comparative study of theoretical, numerical, and experimental methods
Abstract
The urgency of addressing climate change has necessitated innovative and practical approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Cryogenic Carbon Capture (CCC) technology has emerged as a promising solution for capturing CO2 from industrial emissions. This study investigates a simplified design for a precooling system within CCC technology, focusing on optimizing the efficiency and reliability of the system while minimizing energy consumption. The research examines the effects of CO2 concentration in a gas mixture (simulated flue gas, nitrogen and carbon dioxide), cooling bath temperature, and gas mixture flow rate on the performance of heat exchangers in the precooling system. Theoretical, numerical, and experimental analyses were conducted to assess the system's performance. The use of liquid nitrogen at −196 °C in the cooling bath was found unsuitable due to CO2 freezing within the pipes. Instead, a mixture of dry ice and isopropyl alcohol at −78.5 °C proved effective in maintaining consistent temperature and pressure conditions without causing CO2 blockages. Numerical simulations highlighted the importance of optimizing pipe length to balance temperature control and pressure dynamics, with a 140 cm pipe length identified as optimal for heat exchanger design. Experimental results revealed that longer pipes enhance cooling performance due to increased heat exchange surface area, while higher CO2 compositions and flow rates result in higher outlet temperatures and pressures. The study emphasizes the need for further research and simulation work to refine heat exchanger designs for industrial applications, aiming to develop systems that maximize cooling efficiency while ensuring reliable operation.
