This project is to assess a wide range of power plant designs based on overall emissions and energy efficiency criteria and to develop a technology roadmap to demonstrate how components of existing designs might be combined in next generation power plants. This study will conduct conceptual plant designs and engineering assessments with the component modules of a zero emission power plant. In particular, the study will identify candidate modules under the categories of the oxygen producer, the combustor, and the electricity generator, identify problems and technology gaps in each of the modules, identify the key parameters that limit the application of the module, and evaluate the integration of these modules. The fundamental components of a zero emission power plant which might be modified and recombined include:

a) A mixed oxide membrane air/oxygen separation integrated with oxygen rich combustion of a fuel
b) Integration of air/oxygen separation into a turbine design
c) Fluidized bed combustion of coal in mixtures of steam, carbon dioxide and oxygen
d) Gasification of coal in mixtures of steam, carbon dioxide and oxygen

Based upon the results of the modeling analysis, we intend to develop a technology pathway that integrates oxy-fuel combustion concepts with gasification, high-temperature oxygen separation membranes, advanced turbines, fuel cells and advanced combustion in pressurized fluidized beds.

There will be multiple pathways and combinations of components that could yield viable designs. This technology pathway will allow consideration of technological advances outside of the existing commercial constraints and affiliations. The potential for novel approaches, especially in developing countries, could offer a major opportunity to deploy low-carbon coal technologies.

Once the technology pathway and design modeling assessments have been completed, we will engage with the industrial, financial, and policy sectors to apply these tools to the task of coal fueled power plant design and deployment. In particular, the project will form an international task force composed of coal mining, manufacturing, government, and energy officials to promote advanced coal technologies. The initial planning for this initiative is currently underway within the Lenfest Center for Sustainable Energy.

Researchers

Xinxin Li, Ph.D. Candidate, Earth and Environmental Engineering, xl2116@columbia.edu
Klaus Lackner, Ewing-Worzel Professor of Geophysics, klaus.lackner@columbia.edu