Carbon Dioxide based Power Generation System

The technology described herein is an innovation power generation system which uses carbon dioxide (CO₂) as the working fluid to replace water in a steam engine. Traditionally in a steam turbine cycle, large amount of energy is used to generate steam due to water's high latent heat of vaporisation. On the other hand, the latent heat of vaporisation of CO₂ is one-tenth that of water. 

The key benefit of this innovative CO₂ based power generation system is that the power generation efficiency can be improved from approximately 30% in steam engine to approximately 50% in this new invention. This enable higher power generation and reduction in carbon emissions. The inventors have designed and developed a gas turbine which can process CO₂ as a working fluid.

A proof-of-concept prototype has been developed and the Hungarian-based technology provider is seeking partners to commercialise the technology through joint venture, co-development (1-5MW prototype) or technology licensing collaborations. Ideally, the partner would be a technology company who is active and familiar with the power plant sector. 

The technology consists of the following components:

• A CO₂ fluidiser
• A high pressure pump
• Heat exchangers and valves to generate CO₂ gas
• A proprietary gas turbine which uses CO₂ as the working fluid

The main target market for this technology is the power plant industry. This technology can potentially replace steam engine based energy generation systems used in the following areas: 

• Coal-fired power plants
• Garbage incinerators
• Steam ships
• Locomotives
• Nuclear power plants

Key benefits of this technology includes:

• Improved power generation efficiency from 30% to 50% in coal-fired power plants
• Increase power plant owners' profitability by up to 25%
• Reduce the use of coal by up to 40% for the same level of power output generated
• Reduce up to 40% carbon emission compared with traditional coal fired power plant