Title: Polygeneration-IGCC concepts for the production of hydrogen rich fuels based on lignite

Authors: Bernd Meyer, Katrin Ogriseck

Addresses: Technische University at Bergakademie Freiberg, Institute of Energy and Process Engineering and Chemical Engineering, Reiche Zeche, 09596 Freiberg, Germany. ' Technische University at Bergakademie Freiberg, Institute of Energy and Process Engineering and Chemical Engineering, Reiche Zeche, 09596 Freiberg, Germany

Abstract: This paper presents three IGCC-power plant concepts for central production of a hydrogen-rich fuel (methanol, hydrogen, synthetic natural gas – SNG) from lignite. Each concept contains a CO₂-separation, which produces a sequestration-ready CO₂-rich stream. Thus, CO₂-emissions caused by use of lignite are considerably reduced. Furthermore, the produced low-carbon fuels are converted in decentralised Combined Heat and Power Plants (CHPP). CHPP leads to high efficiencies of fuel utilisation between 54 and 62%, which exceed the efficiencies of single power generation. Regarding to the CO₂-emissions of a natural gas fired CHPP, heat and power can be generated by lignite as clean as by natural gas. The specific CO₂-emissions are even much lower in the case of hydrogen production. Costs for the centrally produced methanol and hydrogen are with 29 and 19 EUR/MWh(LHV) already within an economic range. Synthetic natural gas can be produced for 23 EUR/MWh(LHV).

Keywords: CHP plants; CO₂ separation; carbon dioxide emissions; gasification; hydrogen fuels; IGCC; lignite; methanol; polygeneration; synthetic natural gas; SNG; low-carbon fuels; combined heat and power; decentralised CHP.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETP.2007.014734

International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy, 2007 Vol.5 No.3, pp.280 - 289

Published online: 06 Aug 2007 *

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