CO2 separation systems and methods

Abstract

Combustion systems are provided that can include a combustion assembly operatively engaged with an air intake, wherein the air intake performs air enrichment. Methods for enriching air to a combustion assembly are also provided. The methods can include: forming an N2-rich stream and an O2-rich stream from a first air stream; supplementing a second air stream with the O2-rich stream to enrich the second air stream with O2; and combusting the enriched air stream. Systems for separating CO2 from flue gas are also provided. The systems can include a vortex tube assembly operably coupled to a component of the system that provides pressurized N2. Methods for heating or cooling components of a system for separating CO2 from flue gas are also provided. The methods can include: providing compressed nitrogen from one or more components of the system to a vortex tube to form a heated nitrogen stream and cooled nitrogen stream; providing the heated nitrogen stream to components benefiting from a heat source; and providing the cooled nitrogen stream to components benefiting from a cooling source. Systems for separating CO2 from flue gas can also include a separation assembly that includes a membrane assembly configured to separate CO2 from N2. Methods for separating CO2 from flue gas can also include providing a flue gas stream comprising CO2 and N2 to a first membrane separation system to form a CO2-rich stream and an N2-rich stream.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.