scholarly journals Industrial Wastewater As an Enabler of Green Ammonia to Power via Gas Turbine Technology

Author(s):  
S. G. Hewlett ◽  
D. G. Pugh ◽  
A. Valera-Medina ◽  
A. Giles ◽  
J. Runyon ◽  
...  

Abstract This experimental study follows on from detailed Chemkin-Pro numerical analyses assessing the viability of by-product ammonia (NH3) utilization for power generation in gas turbines (GTs). This study looks specifically at NH3 in the industrial wastewaters of steelworks, resulting from the cleansing of coke oven gas (COG). The by-product NH3 is present in an aqueous blend of 60–70%vol water and is normally destroyed. An experimental campaign was conducted using a premixed swirl burner in a model GT combustor, previously employed in the successful combustion of NH3/hydrogen blends, with favorable NOx and unburned fuel emissions. This study experimentally investigates the combustion performance of combining anhydrous and aqueous by-product NH3 in an approximate 50:50%vol blend, comparing the performance with that of each ammonia source unblended. Green anhydrous NH3, a rapidly growing research topic, is a carbon-free energy vector for renewable hydrogen. Some potential benefits of combining the two sources are suggested. Ammonia combustion presents two major challenges, poor reactivity and a potential for excessive NOx emissions. Prior numerical analyses predicted that 15%vol addition of steelworks COG, at an inlet temperature of 550 K, may provide sufficient support for raising the reactivity of the NH3-based fuels, whilst limiting undesirable emissions. Therefore, addition of 10, 15 and 20%vol COG to each NH3-based fuel was investigated experimentally at 25 kW power with inlet temperatures > 500 K, at atmospheric pressure. As nitric oxide (NO) emissions decrease significantly with increasing fuel-to-air ratio, experiments were conducted at equivalence ratios (Φ) between 1.0 and 1.3, the precise range of Φ for each blend being optimized according to the modeling predictions for emissions. Leading blends, anhydrous NH3 with 15%vol COG and the 50:50%vol blend with 15%vol COG, achieved < 100 ppm and < 200 ppm NO respectively. Modest-sized steel plants produce ∼10 metric tons of by-product NH3/day. Aspen Plus was used to model a Brayton-Rankine cycle with integrated recuperation. Adopting typical losses (48% cycle efficiency) and ∼1.2 MPa combustor inlet pressure, the net electrical power generation of 15%vol COG blended with 10 tonnes/day of aqueous industrial NH3 and 25 tonnes/day of anhydrous NH3 (i.e. achieving a 50:50%vol blend) was ∼4.7 MW, ∼47% more power than for the same amount of anhydrous NH3 with 15%vol COG. This significant increase, indicates how industrial NH3 could enable green NH3 to power.

Author(s):  
S. G. Hewlett ◽  
A. Valera-Medina ◽  
D. G. Pugh ◽  
P. J. Bowen

Abstract Following on from successful experimental trials employing ammonia/hydrogen blends in a model gas turbine combustor, with favorable NOx and unburned fuel emissions, a detailed numerical study has been undertaken to assess the viability of using steelworks by-product ammonia in gas turbines. Every metric ton (tonne) of steel manufactured using a blast furnace results in approximately 1.5 kg of by-product ammonia, usually present in a vapor form, from the cleansing of coke oven gas (COG). This study numerically investigates the potential to utilize this by-product for power generation. Ammonia combustion presents some major challenges, including poor reactivity and a propensity for excessive NOx emissions. Ammonia combustion has been shown to be greatly enhanced through the addition of support fuels, hydrogen and methane (both major components of COG). CHEMKIN-PRO is employed to demonstrate the optimal ratio of ammonia vapor, and alternatively anhydrous ammonia recovered from the vapor, to COG or methane at equivalence ratios between 1.0 and 1.4 under an elevated inlet temperature of 550K. Aspen Plus was used to design a Brayton-Rankine cycle with integrated recuperation, and overall cycle efficiencies were calculated for a range of favorable equivalence ratios, identified from the combustion models. The results have been used to specify a series of emissions experiments in a model gas turbine combustor.


Author(s):  
Matti Malkamäki ◽  
Ahti Jaatinen-Värri ◽  
Antti Uusitalo ◽  
Aki Grönman ◽  
Juha Honkatukia ◽  
...  

Decentralized electricity and heat production is a rising trend in small-scale industry. There is a tendency towards more distributed power generation. The decentralized power generation is also pushed forward by the policymakers. Reciprocating engines and gas turbines have an essential role in the global decentralized energy markets and improvements in their electrical efficiency have a substantial impact from the environmental and economic viewpoints. This paper introduces an intercooled and recuperated three stage, three-shaft gas turbine concept in 850 kW electric output range. The gas turbine is optimized for a realistic combination of the turbomachinery efficiencies, the turbine inlet temperature, the compressor specific speeds, the recuperation rate and the pressure ratio. The new gas turbine design is a natural development of the earlier two-spool gas turbine construction and it competes with the efficiencies achieved both with similar size reciprocating engines and large industrial gas turbines used in heat and power generation all over the world and manufactured in large production series. This paper presents a small-scale gas turbine process, which has a simulated electrical efficiency of 48% as well as thermal efficiency of 51% and can compete with reciprocating engines in terms of electrical efficiency at nominal and partial load conditions.


Author(s):  
C M Invernizzi ◽  
P Iora ◽  
R Sandrini

This article investigates the possibility to enhance the performance of a biomass organic Rankine cycle (ORC) plant by adding an externally fired gas turbine (EFGT), yielding a combined EFGT + ORC system. A typical ORC configuration is first modelled and validated on data available from an existing unit 1.5 MW reference plant. Then, different working fluids belonging to the methyl-substituted benzene series and linear methylpolysiloxanes have been evaluated for the ORC section on the basis of both thermodynamics considerations and design issues of the regenerator and the turbine. Results of the simulations of the combined cycle (CC) referred to a furnace size of about unit 9 MW, assuming a maximum GT inlet temperature of 800 °C, show a maximum efficiency of 23 per cent, obtained in the case where toluene is adopted as a working fluid for the bottoming section. This value is about 4 points per cent higher than the efficiency of the corresponding simple ORC. Finally, to conclude, some preliminary considerations are given regarding the techno-economic feasibility of the combined configuration, suggesting the need of a further investigation on the possible technological solution for the furnace which represents the main uncertainty in the resulting costs of the CC.


Author(s):  
Wahiba Yaïci ◽  
Evgueniy Entchev

Abstract A continued increase in both energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) call for utilising energy sources effectively. In comparison with traditional energy set-ups, micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) generation is viewed as an effective alternative; the aforementioned system’s definite electrical and thermal generation may be attributed to an augmented energy efficiency, decreased capacity as well as GHGs percentage. In this regard, organic Rankine cycle (ORC) has gained increasing recognition as a system, which is capable for generating electrical power from solar-based, waste heat, or thermal energy sources of a lower quality, for instance, below 120 °C. This study focuses on investigating a solar-based micro-CHP system’s performance for use in residential buildings through utilising a regenerative ORC. The analysis will focus on modelling and simulation as well as optimisation of operating condition of several working fluids (WFs) in ORC in order to use a heat source with low-temperature derived from solar thermal collectors for both heat and power generation. A parametric study has been carried out in detail for analysing the effects of different WFs at varying temperatures and flowrates from hot and cold sources on system performance. Significant changes were revealed in the study’s outcomes regarding performance including efficiency as well as power obtained from the expander and generator, taking into account the different temperatures of hot and cold sources for each WF. Work extraction carried out by the expander and electrical power had a range suitable for residential building applications; this range was 0.5–5 kWe with up to 60% electrical isentropic efficiency and up to 8% cycle efficiency for 50–120 °C temperature from a hot source. The operation of WFs will occur in the hot source temperature range, allowing the usage of either solar flat plate or evacuated tube collectors.


Author(s):  
J. E. Donald Gauthier

This paper describes the results of modelling the performance of several indirectly fired gas turbine (IFGT) power generation system configurations based on four gas turbine class sizes, namely 5 kW, 50 kW, 5 MW and 100 MW. These class sizes were selected to cover a wide range of installations in residential, commercial, industrial and large utility power generation installations. Because the IFGT configurations modelled consist of a gas turbine engine, one or two recuperators and a furnace; for comparison purpose this study also included simulations of simple cycle and recuperated gas turbine engines. Part-load, synchronous-speed simulations were carried out with generic compressor and turbine maps scaled for each engine design point conditions. The turbine inlet temperature (TIT) was varied from the design specification to a practical value for a metallic high-temperature heat exchanger in an IFGT system. As expected, the results showed that the reduced TIT can have dramatic impact on the power output and thermal efficiency when compared to that in conventional gas turbines. However, the simulations also indicated that several configurations can lead to higher performance, even with the reduced TIT. Although the focus of the study is on evaluation of thermodynamic performance, the implications of varying configurations on cost and durability are also discussed.


Author(s):  
Septimus van der Linden ◽  
Mario Romero

An advanced patented process [1] for generating power from waste heat sources can be put to use in Industrial operations where much of the heat is wasted and going up the stack. This waste heat can be efficiently recovered to generate electrical power. Benefits include: use of waste industrial process heat as a fuel source that, in most cases, has represented nothing more than wasted thermal pollution for decades, stable and predictable generation capability on a 24 × 7 basis. This means that as an efficiency improvement resource, unlike wind and solar, the facility continues to generate clean reliable power. One of the many advantages of generating power from waste heat is the advantage for distributed generation; by producing power closer to its ultimate use, it thereby reduces transmission line congestion and losses, in addition, distributed generation eliminates the 4% to 8% power losses due to transmission and distribution associated with central generation. Beneficial applications of heat recovery power generation can be found in numerous industries (e.g. steel, glass, cement, lime, pulp and paper, refining, electric utilities and petrochemicals), Power Generation (CHP, MSW, biomass, biofuel, traditional fuels, Gasifiers, diesel engines) and Natural Gas (pipeline compression stations, processing plants). This presentation will cover the WOW Energy technology Organic Rankine Cascading Closed Loop Cycle — CCLC, as well as provide case studies in power generation using Internal Combustion engines and Gas Turbines on pipelines, where 20% to 40% respectively additional electricity power is recovered. This is achieved without using additional fuel, and therefore improving the fuel use efficiency and resulting lower carbon footprint. The economic analysis and capital recovery payback period based on varying Utility rates will be explained as well as the potential Tax credits, Emission credits and other incentives that are often available. Further developments and Pilot plant results on fossil fired plant flue gas emissions reductions will be reported to illustrate the full potential of the WOW Energy CCLC system focusing on increasing efficiency and reducing emissions.


Author(s):  
James Dicampli ◽  
Luis Madrigal ◽  
Patrick Pastecki ◽  
Joe Schornick

A major environmental concern associated with integrated steel mills is the pollution produced in the manufacture of coke, an essential intermediate product in the reduction of iron ore in a blast furnace. Coke is produced by driving off the volatile constituents of the coal—including water, coke oven gas, and coal-tar—by baking the coal in an airless furnace at temperatures as high as 2,000 degrees Celsius. This fuses together the fixed carbon and residual ash. The coke oven gas (COG) byproduct, a combustible hydrogen and hydrocarbon gas mix, may be flared, recycled to heat the coal, or cleaned to be used as a fuel source to generate energy or used to produce methanol. There are several inherent problems with COG as a fuel for power generation, notably contaminants that would not be found in pipeline natural gas or distillate fuels. Tar, a by-product of burning coal, is plentiful in COG and can be detrimental to gas turbine hot gas path components. Particulates, in the form of dust particles, are another nuisance contaminant that can shorten the life of the gas turbine’s hot section via erosion and plugging of internal cooling holes. China, the world’s largest steel producing country, has approximately 1,000 coke plants producing 200MT/year of COG. GE Energy has entered into the low British thermal unit (BTU) gases segment in China with an order from Henan Liyuan Coking Co., Ltd. The gas turbines will burn 100% coke oven gas, which will help the Liyuan Coking Plant reduce emissions and convert low BTU gas to power efficiently. This paper will detail the technical challenges and solutions for utilization of COG in an aeroderivative gas turbine, including operational experience. Additionally, it will evaluate the economic returns of gas turbine compared to steam turbine power generation or methanol production.


Author(s):  
Nicola Aldi ◽  
Nicola Casari ◽  
Mirko Morini ◽  
Michele Pinelli ◽  
Pier Ruggero Spina ◽  
...  

Abstract Energy and climate change policies associated with the continuous increase in natural gas costs pushed governments to invest in renewable energy and alternative fuels. In this perspective, the idea to convert gas turbines from natural gas to syngas from biomass gasification could be a suitable choice. Biogas is a valid alternative to natural gas because of its low costs, high availability and low environmental impact. Syngas is produced with the gasification of plant and animal wastes and then burnt in gas turbine combustor. Although synfuels are cleaned and filtered before entering the turbine combustor, impurities are not completely removed. Therefore, the high temperature reached in the turbine nozzle can lead to the deposition of contaminants onto internal surfaces. This phenomenon leads to the degradation of the hot parts of the gas turbine and consequently to the loss of performance. The amount of the deposited particles depends on mass flow rate, composition and ash content of the fuel and on turbine inlet temperature (TIT). Furthermore, compressor fouling plays a major role in the degradation of the gas turbine. In fact, particles that pass through the inlet filters, enter the compressor and could deposit on the airfoil. In this paper, the comparison between five (5) heavy-duty gas turbines is presented. The five machines cover an electrical power range from 1 MW to 10 MW. Every model has been simulated in six different climate zones and with four different synfuels. The combination of turbine fouling, compressor fouling, and environmental conditions is presented to show how these parameters can affect the performance and degradation of the machines. The results related to environmental influence are shown quantitatively, while those connected to turbine and compressor fouling are reported in a more qualitative manner. Particular attention is given also to part-load conditions. The power units are simulated in two different operating conditions: 100 % and 80 % of power rate. The influence of this variation on the intensity of fouling is also reported.


Author(s):  
Alexander Lifson ◽  
Anthony J. Smalley ◽  
George H. Quentin ◽  
Joseph P. Zanyk

This paper describes existing, developing, and needed methods for detection, identification, and diagnosis of problems in combustion turbines. The use of combustion turbines for electrical power generation is growing, and advanced models of large industrial turbines are now starting to enter service. In view of the harsh operating conditions and severe service to which these new turbines will be exposed, this paper evaluates sensors and signal analysis methods to detect and diagnose the problems which may surface in operation. Generic problems which have been observed in combustion turbine installations in the recent past are identified, and methods for detecting these problems, quantifying them, and isolating their causes are analyzed.


Author(s):  
Juha Kaikko ◽  
Jari L. H. Backman ◽  
Lasse Koskelainen ◽  
Jaakko Larjola

Externally-fired microturbines (EFMT) yield promising performance in small-scale utilization of biofuels. As in larger gas turbines, the part-load performance of the EFMT is very sensitive to the selected power control method, and in general subject to severe degradation at part load. The control parameters typically include the maximum combustion gas temperature or turbine inlet temperature and the speed of the shaft. At the design point, power generation efficiency can be increased by allowing a fraction of air to bypass the burner and the combustion gas – air heat exchanger. At the same time the heat exchanger size is increased. Therefore, the by-pass flow affects the optimal sizing of the EFMT as well. In this paper, the effect of by-pass flow on the part-load performance of a single-shaft EFMT in combined heat and power generation is analyzed. In the application, the microturbine is operated by the heat demand. The control methods incorporate the use of the maximum combustion gas temperature, the speed of the shaft, and the amount of by-pass air. The focus of the study is to determine the economically optimal control scheme for the engine. The economy model uses the profit flow from the EFMT as a criterion. The results show that the inclusion of the by-pass variation in the control methods can improve the economy of temperature-controlled EFMT at part load but has no benefits when using speed control.


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