Analysis of the Possibility of Using CO2 Capture in a Coal-Fired Power Plant

Global trends in environmental protection place emphasis on the reduction of CO2 emissions, a key factor in the greenhouse effect. Commercial power generation, mainly based on coal, is the largest emitter of CO2, which justifies work on its reduction. Technologies involving CO2 capture from flue gases based on adsorption methods are not yet widely used, and therefore, there is a lack of complete data on their impact on power units. With the use of computer simulations, relevant information can be obtained, eliminating the need for costly tests on actual systems. A model of a reference power unit and CO2 separation system based on adsorption methods was developed in the IPSEpro environment. Simulations were carried out, analysing the impact of parameters such as temperature and pressure of the flue gas and of bled steam on the efficiency of the separation system. Optimal adsorption and desorption conditions were determined, and the separation model was then integrated into a power unit. The analysis of CO2 capture in power units indicates that while complete separation of CO2 from the flue gas of an 830 MWe unit is technically feasible, it results in substantial efficiency losses and high energy consumption. Capturing and liquefying CO2 leads to a power output reduction of approximately 358 MWe and a 15.4% decrease in efficiency. Simulation analyses allowed the impact of the CO2 capture system on the operation of the unit to be assessed and the amount of non-emitted gas to be estimated, thus reducing the environmental harm of the power plant.