Comparison of CO2 removal systems for fossil-fueled power plant processes

Around 300 articles on CO2 removal from fossil-fueled power generation systems have been reviewed. The technical approach and the published performance data differ widely. A survey has been prepared comprising a data collection of around 60 variants of power plants with CO2 removal. For better comparison, the efficiencies were computed fro a standardized CO2 pressure. Thermodynamic cycles and CO2 separation techniques, such as CO2 wet absorption, dry adsorption, membrane separation, CO2 shift, air separation, CO2 gas turbines, CO2 -blown gasification are described, and a literature database regarding general aspects of CO2 emissions was compiled. If coal is to be used, the IGCC combined with CO shift conversion and physical absorption was found to be the most appropriate option which could be built on the basis of today's technology. Further progress in membrane separation and in high-temperature fuel cells could improve efficiency and economy in the long term.