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Description
The aim of the project is to conduct research on an innovative CO2 capture(CC) method from flue gases generated during combustion process in of hard pulverized coal-fired power boiler. The basis of the method was developed by the Norwegian project partner (SINTEF Industry). The method is based on the use of activated carbon in a moving bed temperature swing adsorption process.
Preliminary results allow to conclude that the energy intensity of the method is lower than the energy intensity of the methods based on chemical absorption process or on fixed bed capture process. The project is to demonstrate the usefulness of the method for rapid changes in the load of a power unit, with particular emphasis on rapid power growth. The project was divided into 5 working pakages(WPs). In WP1, the participants will carry out computational work aimed at developing mathematical models that will simulate the operation of selected boilers under transient operating conditions. A program for analyses and simulations of a moving bed temperature swing adsorption process suited to the laboratory stand will be developed. The method energy consumption and its(dynamics)flexibility will also be computationally estimated. The dynamics of the proposed CC method should aligned with the dynamics of power unit. In the WP2 Partners will design and build a research stan for CC from flue gases.
Within WP3, the test stand will be installed in one of the Polish power plant. Measurements will be carried out during its operation in steady and transient conditions. On the base of measurements, will be estimated:
-performance,
-CO2 capture rate,
-energy consumption.
The model of a moving bed temperature swing adsorption process developed in WP1 will be validated and tuned.
Based on the results from previous WPs, partners will undertake efforts to scale up the research model to industrial conditions.
The last stage(WP5) is dedicated to efficient communication and dissemination issues.
Summary of project results
As pointed out in the International Energy Agency''s report, between 2019 and 2023, total energy-related CO2 emissions increased by about 900 Mt. In order to achieve global net-zero emission (NZE) CO2 in the 2050s, immediate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors are required. Thus, it seems that CO2 capture technologies will become one of the most promising solutions in the fight against climate change in the near future. Technologies that allow post-combustion CO2 reduction will play an important role. A relatively new method in this case is MBTSA, for which experimental results are lacking under the conditions of a coal-fired power plant.
The main result of the project was the numerical confirmation of the efficiency of using activated carbon as an adsorbent for CO2 capture. Unfortunately, this efficiency could not be fully confirmed experimentally. The discrepancies were mainly due to the actual experimental conditions, which differed from those assumed in the gPROMS program. Under real conditions, it turned out that the adsorbent had limited mechanical strength (there was abrasion of the material and its associated losses). In addition, the CO2 content in the flue gas at the reactor inlet on the test pond was at the level of 7%, which caused a significant reduction in the predicted efficiency of the method. The project also resulted in the development of mathematical models (for transients) covering all heat transfer surfaces of selected subcritical and supercritical boilers. These models were verified experimentally.
The obtained results of the project were of great practical importance. The CO2 capture method based on MBTSA technology was verified experimentally. The energy intensity of the method and its efficiency were estimated. The use of two adsorbents (Zeolites X13 and activated carbon) was analyzed. A test stand built at a Polish power plant allowed unique results to be obtained on a semi-industrial scale.
Summary of bilateral results
The InnCapPlant project greatly benefited from having Norwegian partners. The collaboration enabled us to exchange knowledge in various fields – the Norwegian partners brought deep chemical expertise, while Polish contributed experience in the energy sector. This combination of expertise resulted in joint outcomes that significantly enhanced our understanding of the processes in the power plant and CO2 capture.At the bilateral level, the main outcomes include:-The development and implementation of new, more efficient chemical and energy processes.-Joint scientific publications that enriched the literature in both fields significantly.-The development of skills in managing large international projects, which enhanced our soft skills.The broader effects of the partnership are evident in the better integration of scientists from different countries and fields, and the increased awareness of the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in solving complex technological problems.We plan to continue our cooperation. Moreover, with one of our Norwegian partners, we are in the process of organizing a sabbatical with the project leader for this partner. This will enable us to continue our collaboration and write new project proposals together. We are confident that this continued partnership will bring further innovative solutions and deepen our joint achievements.