UKy-CAER Heat-Integrated Transformative CO2 Capture Process for Pulverized Coal Power Plants

The University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (UKy-CAER) will advance its four-pronged CO2 capture approach by designing, constructing and operating a 10 MWe CCS at a pulverized coal fired power planr, including process intensification, two-stage solvent regeneration, heat integration and an advanced solvent, where the key transformational elements have been proven either experimentally at the 0.7 MWe small pilot scale under DE-FE0007395 or computationally using industrially accepted software (Aspen Plus®) conducted under DE-FE0012926. The system will include modular equipment and free standing columns with built-in advanced controls to continually minimize the CO2 capture energy penalty while responding quickly to a dynamic demand load. The UKy-CAER system will combine a short absorber with divided sections, intercooling, bottom pump around, load-robust liquid/gas distributors, unique secondary emission mitigation strategy, and a set of split lean/rich heat exchangers to simultaneously address capital cost, energy consumption, load change and environmental impact. 90% CO2 capture with a 95% purity will be achieved at a COE of $110.61/MWh (a 47% reduction on incremental COE from RC 12) and a capture cost of $34.47/tonne CO2, excluding transportation, storage and monitoring (TS&M). If power and steam required for CO2 capture process can be provided by a natural gas fired unit, with energy input from coal (81%) /natural gas (19%), the proposed CCS can achieve ~79% CO2 capture with a 95% purity at a COE of $98.45/MWh (a 28.2% reduction on COE from RC 12) and capture cost of $24.15/tonne CO2, excluding TS&M. The proposed Phase I will work on to 1) reinforce an existing cohesive project team covering all aspects of process integration and optimization; solvent development; environmental, health and safety (EH&S); engineering design, fabrication, and construction management; technology commercialization; investment and end-users; 2) amend an existing host site and CCS location commitment; 3) complete an Environmental Information Volume (EIV) and assess EH&S issues; 4) secure commitments from a process design firm, NEPA contractor, technology partners and vendors; 5) update Phases II and III preliminary costs and schedules; and 6) secure cost share commitments for Phases II and III.