Analysis of the Influence of CO 2 Capture on the Performance of IGCC Plants

In the power generation industry, various efforts are needed to cope with tightening regulation on carbon dioxide emission. Integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) is a relatively environmentally friendly power generation method using coal. Moreover, pre-combustion capture is possible in the IGCC system. Therefore, much effort is being made to develop advanced IGCC systems. However, removal of prior to the gas turbine may affect the system performance and operation because the fuel flow, which is supplied to the gas turbine, is reduced in comparison with normal IGCC plants. This study predicts, through a parametric analysis, system performances of both an IGCC plant using normal syngas and a plant with capture. Performance characteristics are compared and influence of capture is discussed. By removing from the syngas, the heating value of the fuel increases, and thus the required fuel flow to the gas turbine is reduced. The resulting reduction in turbine flow lowers the compressor pressure ratio, which alleviates the compressor surge problem. The performance of the bottoming cycle is not influenced much.