Demonstrating full-scale post-combustion CO₂ capture for coal-fired power plants through dynamic modelling and simulation

Lawal, Adekola; Wang, Meihong; Stephenson, Peter; Obi, Okwose

Abstract

This study aims to provide insights into the design and operation of full-scale post-combustion CO₂ capture for a 500MWe sub-critical power plant through dynamic modelling and simulation. The development and validation of the dynamic models of the power plant and CO₂ capture plant are described. In addition, the scale-up of the CO₂ capture plant from pilot plant scale (where it was validated) to full scale is discussed. Subsequently the manner in which the two plant models were linked is discussed. A floating IP/LP crossover pressure configuration is used. A throttling valve is included between the LP turbine and draw-off point to prevent pressures at the crossover from dropping below required levels in the reboiler for solvent regeneration. The flue gas from the power plant is treated before it is sent to the CO₂ capture plant. Four case studies are considered. The first investigates the effect of increasing solvent concentration on the performance of the power plant with the capture plant. The second investigates which absorber packing height offers a good balance between capital and operating costs. The two dynamic case studies show that the CO₂ capture plant has a slower response than the power plant. They also reveal an interaction of CO₂ capture level and power plant output control loops making it difficult to achieve steady power output levels quickly.

Citation

Lawal, A., Wang, M., Stephenson, P., & Obi, O. (2012). Demonstrating full-scale post-combustion CO₂ capture for coal-fired power plants through dynamic modelling and simulation. Fuel, 101, 115-128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2010.10.056

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 26, 2010
• Online Publication Date: Nov 12, 2010
• Publication Date: 2012-11
• Deposit Date: Nov 13, 2014
• Journal: Fuel
• Print ISSN: 0016-2361
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 101
• Pages: 115-128
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2010.10.056
• Keywords: Post-combustion CO₂ capture; Coal-fired power plant; Flexibility; Dynamic modelling and simulation; Scale-up
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/467950
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S001623611000596X?via%3Dihub
• Contract Date: Nov 13, 2014