Evaluation of power generation schemes based on hydrogen-fuelled combined cycle with carbon capture and storage (CCS)

IGCC is a power generation technology in which the solid feedstock is partially oxidized to produce syngas. In a modified IGCC design for carbon capture, there are several technological options which are evaluated in this paper. The first two options involve pre-combustion arrangements in which syngas is processed, either by shift conversion or chemical looping, to maximise the hydrogen level and to concentrate the carbon species as CO2. After CO2 capture by gas-liquid absorption or chemical looping, the hydrogen-rich gas is used for power generation. The third capture option is based on post-combustion arrangement using chemical absorption. Investigated coal-based IGCC case studies produce 400-500 MW net power with more than 90% carbon capture rate. Principal focus of the paper is concentrated on evaluation of key performance indicators for investigated carbon capture options, the influence of various gasifiers on carbon capture process, optimisation of energy efficiency by heat and power integration, quality specification of captured CO2. The capture option with minimal energy penalty is based on chemical looping, followed by pre-combustion and post-combustion. Copyright (C) 2010, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.