How the Ener-Core Powerstation FP250 Works
Figure above: Cycle diagram of Ener-Core Powerstation. There are two arrows which indicate two ways in which fuel gas can be delivered. In the Ultra-low Btu Fuel Configuration which is suited towards ultra-low grade fuels, fuel is diluted down to 1.5% methane and aspirated with air prior to inlet. In the Ultra-low Emissions Configuration, fuel is compressed and directly injected upstream of the Ener-Core Gradual Oxidizer.
The Ener-Core Powerstation is the integration of a gradual oxidizer and a gas turbine, which results in a system that can generate electricity from a wide range of gaseous fuels, while producing ultra-low emissions. The system provides a solution for using ultra-low Btu fuels, and can accept fuel gas with such dilute methane concentrations that they are typically considered unusable. The system also provides a solution for producing ultra-low emissions, and can achieve less than 1ppm of NOx, CO, and VOC emissions. The Ener-Core Powerstation can be configured to produce a ultra-low Btu utilization solution, a ultra-low emissions solution, or both.
In conventional technologies, compressed fuel is injected into compressed air and combusted. This high-temperature and high pressure fuel/air mixture spins the turbine at high speeds to generate electricity. Each fuel is different, and therefore requires its own compressor, clean-up, and unique combustor. In the Ener-Core Powerstation, the conventional combustor is replaced by the Gradual Oxidizer, which produces the heat to drive the turbine. Because there is no flame in the oxidizer, and the operating temperatures are kept below 2000° F (1100 °C), the Ener-Core Powerstation avoids NOx formation. In addition, fuel conditioning systems can be the weakest link in traditional gas power plants and can consume up to 20% of the power generated. The Ener-Core Powerstation has a high tolerance for contaminants like H2S and siloxanes in the fuel gas and thus requires substantially less fuel pre-treatment than competitive systems.
Solution for Ultra-Low Btu Fuels:
The Ener-Core Powerstation FP250 is engineered to operate on gas much lower in quality than a typical engine or turbine. This is achieved with an “Aspirated Configuration” of the Ener-Core Powerstation, where fuel is aspirated with air forming a fuel/air mixture prior to the inlet. The gas is diluted to 1.5% fuel concentration by volume. This is intended to minimize the overall system parasitic loads and decrease capital costs since the high pressure compression and associated fuel conditioning should no longer be required. The system is designed to accept fuel at low pressure, with only a simple water knockout requirement. The fuel/air mixture is then compressed and oxidized in the Gradual Oxidizer, which produces the thermal energy to spin the turbine and generate electricity. The system is aimed to consistently achieve low emissions, with exhaust NOx (oxides of nitrogen) emissions below 1 ppmv @ 15% O2.
This solution is designed for customers intending to generate energy from low-Btu fuels, including previously unusable gases typically vented or flared.
Solution for Ultra-Low Emissions:
The Ener-Core Powerstation can also achieve emissions of less than 1ppm of NOx, CO, and VOCs. This is achieved with a “Direct Inject Configuration” where fuel gas, instead of being aspirated with air prior to inlet, is externally pressurized and delivered directly into the Ener-Core Gradual Oxidizer. This configuration is most applicable for higher-Btu fuels. With higher quality fuel, the added parasitic load for the external gas compression can be more readily absorbed thus optimizing overall site power output.
This solution is designed for customers intending to meet emissions regulations in areas with significant air quality problems. Generally, installation of new power generating equipment in such areas requires complicated air permitting and compliance with very strict air quality regulations and controls.
Customize a solution to meet your needs:
Depending on your application, type and quality of fuel available, and priorities, you might need a solution to handle ultra-low Btu gas, a solution for ultra-low emissions, or both. Ener-Core can customize a solution to meet your needs.