Simulated Annealing is used to optimize the solvent selection and
recycling conditions for a carbon dioxide absorber in a pulverized coal
power plant. The project uses Aspen Plus V7.1 to model a pulverized coal
power plant and the carbon capture system. Simulated Annealing is introduced
via the CAPE OPEN feature in Aspen Plus to find the best combination to
absorb the most carbon dioxide while using the least amount of power for
carbon absorption. With this optimal configuration, retrofitting carbon
absorption into current power plants will cause a smaller drop in efficiency
than that of the current practice. This project will lead to improved
sustainability for fossil fuel power plants, by reducing the amount of
emissions from fossil fuel power plants without a significant reduction in
efficiency.
Binding carbon dioxide in mineral form: A critical step towards a zero-emission coal power plant