A model for optimization of green-house gases capture technologies in power plants

M.Phil. (Engineering Management)Abstract: Pollution is a threat to human lives, food supply and biodiversity. If not addressed, this might cause severe damage to the environment in the near future. The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts CO2 increase to about 62 billion tons of CO2 by 2050, this equates to about 485 ppm (parts per million) of pollutants. To reduce climate change challenges, it is necessary to implement GHG (Green House Gas) capture technologies and renewable energies. Development of renewable energies or carbon free energy generation technologies is imperative towards reducing carbon footprint. The South African CSIR has conducted analysis of the energy mix and Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for South African energy demand projections. The study conducted at CSIR suggests that, South Africa can reduce greenhouse gases and significantly reduce the cost of electricity by developing Photo-Voltaic (PV) and wind energy. In addition to the above, implementation of GHG capture technologies will also add value in reducing greenhouse gases. This research is based on the analysis of amine scrubbing and Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) greenhouse gas capture technologies which are utilized to capture GHG in power plants. The research covers background of the GHG capture technologies, applications, review of the existing capture technologies, efficiencies, economies of scales, and the summary of the operating philosophy. The research provides an overview of the existing greenhouse gas capture technologies which are widely used in power plants. The research evaluates several aspects, such as required capital expenditure for design, implementation and maintenance of greenhouse gas capture technology, water consumption, energy consumption of the equipment as well as strategies that can be implemented to reduce energy consumption. The research has also highlighted the use and commercialization of flue gas by-pass products, such as CO2 and gypsum. Once commercialized “depending on the market demand” the by-pass products can be used to generate revenue, thus facilitating capex required to build greenhouse gases capture plants. Some of the strategies that can be implemented to combat climate change are discussed. Analysis of power plant cycles efficiencies is also critical in determining overall efficiencies in the plant. Analysis is performed on the Natural Gas Combined Cycle (NGCC), Pulverized Coal (PC) as well Integrated Gas Combined Cycle (IGCC). Analytical Hierarchical Process method (AHP) is utilized to analyze the input data and simulation of the results. The results indicate that, semi wet scrubber is more sustainable compared to other capture technologies