Integrated gasification
Integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plants use two turbines – a gas and a steam turbine – to produce electric power more efficiently than pulverised coal plants.
IGCC plants also make it easier to capture carbon dioxide for carbon sequestration. Instead of removing CO2 from the mixture of gases in the flue by scrubbing, CO2 is removed before combustion has occurred.
A synthetic gas of carbon monoxide and hydrogen is made by carefully controlling the amount of oxygen present while heating the coal (gasification).
The carbon monoxide is converted to more hydrogen and water by shift conversion, resulting in carbon dioxide and hydrogen.
The CO2 is then captured and the hydrogen used to drive a turbine.
© PE Publishing, 13 February 2008
