Flexible Operation of Coal Fired Power Plants with Postcombustion Capture of Carbon Dioxide

Carbon capture and storage is one family of technologies that could be used to significantly reduce global carbon dioxide (CO(2)) emissions. This paper reviews the likely flexibility of power plants with postcombustion capture, with a focus on an improved characterization of the dynamic performance of power plants with CO(2) capture. The literature has focused on design and optimization for steady state operation of power plants with capture, often at a single design point. When dynamic behavior is considered, it is possible that designs should be altered for best overall plant performance. Economic trade-offs between improving transport and storage scheme flexibility and constraining power plant operations should also be carefully analyzed, particularly if the captured CO(2) is to be used in another process such as enhanced oil recovery. Another important aspect of real plant operation will be adhering to legislative requirements. Further work is required to identify mechanisms that allow flexible operation without undermining any targets set for storing CO(2) and/or restricting global CO(2) emissions.