Date of Award

Fall 12-2011

Degree Type

Thesis-Restricted

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Program

Engineering

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Major Professor

Dr. Ting Wang

Abstract

In recent years, Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Technology (IGCC) has become more common in clean coal power operations with carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). Great efforts have been spent on investigating ways to improve the efficiency, reduce costs, and further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This study focuses on investigating two approaches to achieve these goals. First, replace the subcritical Rankine steam cycle with a supercritical steam cycle. Second, add different amounts of biomass as feedstock to reduce emissions. Finally, implement several types of CCS, including sweet- and sour-shift pre-combustion and post-combustion.

Using the software, Thermoflow®, this study shows that utilizing biomass with coal up to 50% (wt.) can improve the efficiency, and reduce emissions: even making the plant carbon-negative when CCS is used. CCS is best administered pre-combustion using sour-shift, and supercritical steam cycles are thermally and economically better than subcritical cycles. Both capital and electricity costs have been presented.

Rights

The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.

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