Advanced Coal Combustion was the Hot Topic on April 29

Richard Axelbaum, Ph.D., Director of the Consortium for Clean Coal Utilization and Professor of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, discussed oxy-coal combustion research. The Consortium takes a holistic approach to coal-fired power generation by looking at fuel alternatives (such as co-firing with biomass), oxy-combustion and capturing CO₂, which can be sequestered or used to grow algae in bioreactors.  Research to date has focused on the oxy-combustion component and, in particular, on co-firing with biomass such as sawdust.  Richard discussed the test facilities at Washington University and an oxy-combustion demonstration unit under construction that will provide steam for the university.

Sean Black, Business Development Director Carbon Reduction, Doosan Babcock Energy America, discussed Doosan’s efforts to commercialize two advanced coal combustion technologies.  First, Doosan operates a 40 MW Oxy-Coal burner at its Clean Combustion Test Facility (CCTF) in Renfrew, Scotland.  The company plans a field demonstration (100-200 MW) and a full scale (1,000 MW) trial leading up to commercialization by 2020.  Second, Doosan has partnered with HTC Purenergy to commercialize an amine-based post-combustion carbon capture technology. They plan to start up a 100 ton/day demonstration unit at Scottish & Southern Energy’s Ferrybridge power station in 2011 and are conducting the FEED for carbon capture at Basin Electric’s Antelope Valley power station.  

Sam Scupham of Black & Veatch Energy provided an overview of the current state of coal-fired power plant permitting and project development.  The vast majority of construction and planning activity is in Asia, especially China and India.  In the US, the focus is on retrofits and repowering projects.  Issues include carbon capture, water use and diversification of fuels.

Keith Moore, President of Castle Light PR Corp., discussed the Clean Combustion System (CCS), a hybrid of coal-gasification and overfire air integrated within a boiler furnace.  The technology is ideal for retrofits of older, smaller boilers (<300 MW).  Currently, SO_x and NO_x regulations can be met by using low sulfur coals. Upcoming regulations could require these boilers to install an SCR, ESP and FGD for emission controls. The CCS system involves adding limestone to the coal and burning the mix in a high temperature, fuel rich environment. Sulfur is locked up in the slag and NO_x is reduced to straight nitrogen, eliminating the need for “back end” emission control equipment.

The Bios, Abstracts and Photos can be viewed as follows: BIOS, PHOTOS, ABSTRACTS - APRIL 29, 2010.htm

The individual slides can be viewed in the UNIVERSAL DECISION TREE as follows:

RICHARD AXELBAUM – WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

SEAN BLACK – DOOSAN POWER SYSTEMS

SAM SCUPHAM – BLACK & VEATCH