Dual Breakthrough in Heating & Cooling of RTO system

From "Waste" to Energy: Dual Breakthrough in Heating & Cooling

Under the guidance of China's "Dual Carbon" goals, how can traditional energy industries achieve green transformation? Qidong Coal Mine provides an innovative answer—the ultra-low-concentration coal mine methane (CMM) heating project!

Beyond Heating: A Case Study of Coal Mine Transformation for "Dual Carbon"

I. Technological Breakthrough

From "Venting" to "Heating" and Now "Cooling"

(1) Core Process: "Mixing-Oxidation-Waste Heat Recovery"

• Mixing & Delivery:
• Extracted CMM is blended with air to stabilize methane concentration below 1.2%, ensuring safe transportation.
• High-Temperature Flameless Oxidation:
• The mixed gas enters a Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) at 950°C, where methane decomposes into H₂O and CO₂, releasing heat.
• Cascaded Waste Heat Utilization:
• Recovered heat generates medium-temperature steam via a waste heat boiler for mine heating, with an electric boiler backup for stability.

(2) From Warmth to Cool: Lithium Bromide Chillers Unlock "Second-Curve" Utilization

How can waste heat be maximized? Qidong's team adopted lithium bromide absorption chillers, a "heat-driven cooling" marvel.

• Principle: Heat (e.g., hot water/steam) evaporates water in LiBr solution, absorbing heat for cooling without electricity-consuming compressors.
• Automation: Advanced controls ensure safety (see diagram for details).

II. Remarkable Outcomes

Triple Benefits: Environmental, Economic, and Social

(1) Environmental Gains: Carbon Reduction & Clean Air

• Annual CO₂ reduction: 150,000+ tons (≈ 8 million trees carbon sequestration).
• Coal displaced: 8,200 tons/year of standard coal, improving regional air quality.

(2) Economic Wins: Cost Savings & Community Impact

• 40% lower heating costs vs. coal boilers (saving ¥10M/year).
• Cooling savings: A 1,000 kW LiBr chiller delivers 800 kW cooling (equivalent to air-conditioning 2,000 m²).
• Livelihood benefits: Clean heating for 5,000+ households (winter temps ↑5°C); summer cooling stabilizes at <26°C in offices/dorms.

(3) Industry Leadership: A Model for Transformation

III. Green Logic: From Single-Use to Systemic Recycling

Qidong's success lies in treating CMM as part of an integrated "Resource-Energy-Environment" cycle:

1. Maximized resource use: Heat utilization rate ↑ from 40% to 75%.
2. Multi-dimensional benefits: Heating replaces coal; cooling cuts electricity use.
3. Carbon multiplier effect: Dual heating/cooling double emission reductions.

Air quality improvements earned it "Green Demonstration Project" status, attracting 30+ energy companies nationwide.

IV. Why a National Benchmark?

Listed as a "CMM Utilization Model Project", Qidong's impact extends beyond its mines:

1. Policy alignment: Advances China's Dual Carbon goals.
2. Scalable tech: A replicable "Qidong Model" for gassy mines.
3. ESG leadership: Balances safety, energy, and emissions.

Conclusion: The Future of Green Energy is Here

Qidong's project isn't just innovation—it's a paradigm shift. By redefining methane from hazard to asset and waste heat to cooling, it charts a path for mines, industrial parks, and utilities to lead in the low-carbon era.