Is Nuclear Power Also the Key to Economically Clean Coal Gasification?

Author(s):  
Jay F. Kunze ◽  
Gary M. Sandquist ◽  
David Martinez Pardo

Reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emitted to the atmosphere is a major goal and an imperative need for most of the world’s nations, even for those nations such as the USA who are not Kyoto Treaty signatories. A response by the current USA administration is to develop a national transportation economy for automobiles based upon efficient, environmentally sound fuel cells. However, hydrogen is a secondary fuel requiring a primary energy source for production. Nuclear power (or renewables such as hydroelectric, wind or solar) must be the source of the primary energy required to produce hydrogen from water, if the overall energy system is to be free of carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere. The dissociation of water leaves oxygen as a major byproduct. Currently, there are no existing commercial markets for the large quantities of oxygen that would result from a US transportation economy based upon hydrogen fuel cells. However, Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) power plants operating on pure oxygen for both gasification and combustion produce no greenhouse gas releases. This highly desirable feature results from the combustion output being only water and carbon dioxide. Pure CO2 can be relatively easily captured and delivered to a sequestration site. Also, hazardous trace metal compounds (e.g., Hg, As, Pb, Sn, Sb, Se, U, Th, etc.) that would ordinarily be emitted to the atmosphere could be captured as solids, for environmentally acceptable disposal.

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6304
Author(s):  
Raluca-Andreea Felseghi ◽  
Ioan Așchilean ◽  
Nicoleta Cobîrzan ◽  
Andrei Mircea Bolboacă ◽  
Maria Simona Raboaca

Alternative energy resources have a significant function in the performance and decarbonization of power engendering schemes in the building application domain. Additionally, “green buildings” play a special role in reducing energy consumption and minimizing CO2 emissions in the building sector. This research article analyzes the performance of alternative primary energy sources (sun and hydrogen) integrated into a hybrid photovoltaic panel/fuel cell system, and their optimal synergy to provide green energy for a green building. The study addresses the future hydrogen-based economy, which involves the supply of hydrogen as the fuel needed to provide fuel cell energy through a power distribution infrastructure. The objective of this research is to use fuel cells in this field and to investigate their use as a green building energy supply through a hybrid electricity generation system, which also uses photovoltaic panels to convert solar energy. The fuel cell hydrogen is supplied through a distribution network in which hydrogen production is outsourced and independent of the power generation system. The case study creates virtual operating conditions for this type of hybrid energy system and simulates its operation over a one-year period. The goal is to demonstrate the role and utility of fuel cells in virtual conditions by analyzing energy and economic performance indicators, as well as carbon dioxide emissions. The case study analyzes the optimal synergy between photovoltaic panels and fuel cells for the power supply of a green building. In the simulation, an optimally configured hybrid system supplies 100% of the energy to the green building while generating carbon dioxide emissions equal to 11.72% of the average value calculated for a conventional energy system providing similar energy to a standard residential building. Photovoltaic panels account for 32% of the required annual electricity production, and the fuel cells generate 68% of the total annual energy output of the system.


Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (15) ◽  
pp. 2942 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karol Tucki ◽  
Olga Orynycz ◽  
Antoni Świć ◽  
Mateusz Mitoraj-Wojtanek

The article analyzes the dynamics of the development of the electromobility sector in Poland in the context of the European Union and due to the economic situation and development of the electromobility sector in the contexts of Switzerland and Norway. On the basis of obtained data, a forecast was made which foresees the most likely outlook of the electric car market in the coming years. The forecast was made using the creeping trend method, and extended up to 2030. As part of the analysis of the effect of the impact of electromobility, an original method was proposed for calculating the primary energy factor (PEF) primary energy ratio in the European Union and in its individual countries, which illustrates the conversion efficiency of primary energy into electricity and the overall efficiency of the power system. The original method was also verified, referring to the methods proposed by the Fraunhofer-Institut. On the basis of all previous actions and analyses, an assessment was made of the impact of the development of the electromobility sector on air quality in the countries studied. Carbon dioxide tank-to-wheels emission reductions which result from the conversion of the car fleet from conventional vehicles to electric motors were then calculated. In addition to reducing carbon dioxide emissions, other pollutant emissions were also calculated, such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). The increase in the demand for electricity resulting from the needs of electric vehicles was also estimated. On this basis, and also on the basis of previously calculated primary energy coefficients, the emission reduction values have been adjusted for additional emissions resulting from the generation of electricity in power plants.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hashmi SAM ◽  

The main idea of this research paper is to provide an innovative way of capturing carbon dioxide emissions from a coal powered power plant. This research paper discusses the design and modeling of a carbon capturing membrane which is being used in an IGCC power plant to capture carbon dioxide from its exhaust gases. The modeling and design of the membrane is done using CFD software namely Ansys workbench. The design and modeling is done using two simulations, one describes the design and structure and the second one demonstrates the working mechanism of the membrane. This paper also briefly discusses IGCC which is environmentally benign compared to traditional pulverized coal-fired power plants, and economically feasible compared to the Natural Gas Combine Cycle (NGCC). IGCC power plant is more diverse and offers flexibility in fuel utility. This paper also incorporates a PFD of integrated gasification power plant with the carbon capturing membrane unit integrated in it. Index Terms: Integrated gasification combined cycle power plant, Carbon capture and storage, Gas permeating membrane, CFD based design of gas permeating membrane.


Author(s):  
Guenther Haupt ◽  
John S. Joyce ◽  
Konrad Kuenstle

The environmental impact of unfired combined-cycle blocks of the GUD® type is compared with that of equivalent reheat steam boiler/turbine units. The outstandingly high efficiency of GUD blocks not only conserves primary-energy resources, but also commensurately reduces undesirable emissions and unavoidable heat rejection to the surroundings. In addition to conventional gas or oil-fired GUD blocks, integrated coal-gasification combined-cycle (ICG-GUD) blocks are investigated from an ecological point of view so as to cover the whole range of available fossil fuels. For each fuel and corresponding type of GUD power plant the most appropriate conventional steam-generating unit of most modern design is selected for comparison purposes. In each case the relative environmental impact is stated in the form of quantified emissions, effluents and waste heat, as well as of useful byproducts and disposable solid wastes. GUD blocks possess the advantage that they allow primary measures to be taken to minimize the production of NOx and SOx, whereas both have to be removed from the flue gases of conventional steam stations by less effective and desirable, albeit more expensive secondary techniques, e.g. flue-gas desulfurization and DENOX systems. In particular, the comparison of CO2 release reveals a significantly lower contribution by GUD blocks to the greenhouse effect than by other fossil-fired power plants.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2053 (1) ◽  
pp. 012005
Author(s):  
I I Komarov ◽  
O V Zlyvko ◽  
A N Vegera ◽  
B A Makhmutov ◽  
I A Shcherbatov

Abstract Coal-fired steam turbine thermal power plants produce a large part of electricity. These power plants usually have low efficiency and high carbon dioxide emission. An application of combined cycle power plants with coal gasification equipped with carbon capture and storage systems may increase the efficiency and decrease the harmful emission. This paper describes investigation of the oxidizer type in the integrated gasification combined cycle combustion chamber and its influence upon the energy and environmental performance. The integrated gasification combined cycle and oxy-fuel combustion technology allow the carbon dioxide capture and storage losses 58% smaller than the traditional air combustion one. The IGCC with air combustion without and with carbon dioxide capture and storage has 53.54 and 46.61% and with oxy-fuel combustion has 34.94 and 32.67% net efficiency. Together with this the CO2 emission drops down from 89.9 to 10.6 gm/kWh. The integrated coal gasification combined cycle with air oxidizer has the best net efficiency.


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 241-246
Author(s):  
P. N. Korobets ◽  
V. V. Slovik ◽  
N. B. Karnitskiy

The policy of restructuring the generating capacities of the energy system of the Republic of Belarus assumes the introduction of the the Belarusian nuclear power plant (NPP) in the coming years. The presence of external and internal factors affecting the sale of electricity from NPP will require solving a number of problems, including power redundancy and frequency control through involvement of internal power generating facilities. These include steam-turbine state power plants and combined heat and power plants (CHPP), combined-cycle power units, special mobile electric power units, the commissioning of electric boilers and accumulator tanks. The latter is a new technical solution for the Belarusian energy system that requires careful analysis to identify the optimal system for coordinated operation of co-generation power units with electric boilers and accumulator tanks. At the same time, the heating and non-heating seasons of the CHPP operation are considered. The function of the accumulator tanks with minimum and maximum power consumption is shown. At charging of the accumulator tanks, the generation of electricity by co-generation power units with thermal regulation is increased. The operation of electric boilers and accumulator tanks is considered through the example of Grodno CHPP-2. The expediency of including electric boilers in the scheme of the CHPP as the most effective means of using co-generation turbine units in the cycling mode with unloading them by electric power during the night hours is determined, which ensures the maximum reduction of the electric power output to the power system from the Belarusian NPP.A similar approach at other industrial CHPP of the power system will, to some extent, ensure stable power supply from the Belarusian NPP. Reconstruction of the CHPP with installation of accumulator tanks will make it possible to create a flexible heat supply scheme for consumers in the conditions of night electrical unloading when the NPP power units are put into operation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 288 ◽  
pp. 01074
Author(s):  
Antonina Filimonova ◽  
Andrey Chichirov ◽  
Natalya Chichirova ◽  
Artem Filimonov ◽  
Alexandr Pechenkin

Green hydrogen is a promising solution for a decarbonized energy system, and in 2020 the use of hydrogen has increased dramatically around the world. In order to draw attention to the problem of hydrogen energy in Russia and the Republic of Tatarstan, the article analyzes the development paths and main opportunities for the production, transportation, and use of hydrogen at the enterprises of Tatarstan, and calculates the economic efficiency of the “green” hydrogen production by electrolysis at TPPs with CCGTs in Tatarstan. METHODS. Research methods are based on the analysis of literature data and mathematical calculations. RESULTS. Tatarstan, as one of the leading economically developed regions of Russia, could take part in the “green” hydrogen production, the electrochemical equipment design for its production, the development of technologies for the fuel cells use, research and training of highly qualified specialists in the field of hydrogen energy. According to the calculations, the production of the most environmentally friendly hydrogen at TPPs with CCGT in Tatarstan will currently cost an average of 2 euros per kilogram, which is significantly lower than the existing market value. CONCLUSION. Tatarstan can become a competitive region for the “green” hydrogen production and distribution. The main areas of activity should be the pure hydrogen production, the industrial production of freight transport on fuel cells, the production of megawatt-class electrolysers, the utilization of hydrogen-containing petroleum gases at TPPs in gas turbines or in combined cycle power plants with fuel cells.


Author(s):  
W. Sanz ◽  
M. Mayr ◽  
H. Jericha

The IEA World Energy Outlook 2009 predicts a considerable growth of the world’s primary energy demand and states that fossil fuels will remain the dominant source of primary energy. Among them coal will increase its share because of its vast reserves, its relatively even global distribution and its low prices compared to oil and gas. On the other hand the burning of coal emits larger quantities of CO2 than oil and gas. As CO2 is the leading cause for global warming, the use of coal for power generation demands a clean coal technology with carbon capture and storage (CCS). Therefore in this work it is suggested to combine a coal gasification unit with a Graz Cycle power plant, an oxy-fuel technology of highest efficiency. The firing of the syngas from coal gasification with pure oxygen avoids the expensive pre-combustion CO2 sequestration and leads to a working fluid of CO2 and steam, where CO2 is captured by simple steam condensation. In contrast to this, the more conventional technology is to send the syngas to a water-shift reactor and a CO2 scrubber so that a fuel containing mainly hydrogen is obtained which can be fired in a conventional combined cycle plant. In order to evaluate these two competing technologies a thermodynamic simulation as well as an economic cost analysis of both power cycles is performed. It turns out that the achievable efficiency of the Graz Cycle plant is — despite of the increased oxygen demand — far higher than that of a plant of conventional capture technology due to the avoidance of shift reaction and scrubbing. The following economic analysis shows mitigation costs of 22.5 €/ton CO2 avoided for the Graz Cycle plant compared to 33 €/ton for an IGCC plant with CO2 capture.


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