Flexible Capture System Research Articles

Study on launch scheme of space-net capturing system.

With the continuous progress in active debris-removal technology, scientists are increasingly concerned about the concept of space-net capturing system. The space-net capturing system is a long-range-launch flexible capture system, which has great potential to capture non-cooperative targets such as inactive satellites and upper stages. In this work, the launch scheme is studied by experiment and simulation, including two-step ejection and multi-point-traction analyses. The numerical model of the tether/net is based on finite element method and is verified by full-scale ground experiment. The results of the ground experiment and numerical simulation show that the two-step ejection and six-point traction scheme of the space-net system is superior to the traditional one-step ejection and four-point traction launch scheme.

Optimal operation of flexible post-combustion CO2 capture in response to volatile electricity prices

Abstract Flexibly operating post-combustion carbon dioxide (CO2) capture in response to electricity prices should improve overall CO2 capture economics. Optimization and rule-based models are used to simulate a 500 megawatt coal-fired facility that adjusts the operating point of its amine CO2 scrubbing system to maximize profits in response to volatile electricity prices. Between CO2 prices of 20 and 70 U.S. dollars per metric ton (USD/ tCO2), a flexible capture system that vents CO2 while increasing power output can maintain significant CO2 emissions reductions while improving annual operating profits by up to 10% over inflexible capture. The benefits of venting diminish at high CO2 prices, but a solvent storage system that permits high CO2 absorption during partial-load stripping and compression achieves a 9–29% profit advantage at 30–100 USD/ tCO2. Profit improvements with flexibility appear insensitive to CO2 capture ramping limitations. This case study also suggests that solvent storage should only be large enough to take advantage of high electricity prices for 15–30 minutes each day.