Igcc Power Plant Having Flue Gas Recirculation and Flushing Gas

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This patent describes an improved method and system for operating an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) power plant. The invention focuses on efficiently separating hydrogen from the gasified coal stream using a membrane, with a unique approach to supplying the required flushing gas: part of the waste gas from the gas turbine, after it passes through the waste heat boiler, is used as the flushing gas. This design enables highly efficient separation of hydrogen and conditioning of CO2 for capture, leading to simpler, more energy-efficient power plant operation and streamlined carbon capture.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Power generation in coal-based IGCC power plants with integrated carbon capture and hydrogen utilization.
• Electricity production facilities aiming to reduce CO2 emissions and improve operational efficiency.
• Industrial processes requiring high-purity hydrogen production from coal or other hydrocarbon sources.
• Retrofitting existing power plants to support more efficient CO2 capture.
• Deployment in regions where stringent environmental regulations require advanced carbon management and cleaner energy production.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables more efficient and higher-yield hydrogen separation from coal gas, maximizing usable fuel.
• Reduces the complexity and energy requirement for providing flushing gas by reusing internal waste gas streams, minimizing the need for external nitrogen supply.
• Improves operational efficiency of IGCC plants, resulting in higher overall system efficiency and lower energy losses.
• Facilitates easier and less energy-intensive CO2 capture, as CO2-rich streams are generated at higher pressures and purity, reducing conditioning requirements.
• Simplifies plant design and operation by reducing the number of external gas supply systems and process loops.
• Supports better environmental compliance by lowering CO2 emissions and supporting capture-ready plant design.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating an IGCC power plant, wherein at least one shift stage is supplied to the coal gas from the gasifier, comprising CO and hydrogen, wherein a conversion primarily into CO2 and hydrogen takes place and the coal gas is subjected to at least one gas scrubbing step. The coal gas is conducted across a membrane, which at least partially selectively separates the hydrogen from the coal gas. In order to achieve driving potential in the membrane, a flushing gas is used on the side of the permeate. The retentate depleted with hydrogen is fed to a CO2 conditioning process, while the separated hydrogen is fed together with the flushing gas to a gas turbine as fuel gas. According to the invention, the flushing gas used for the membrane is part of the waste gas produced in the gas turbine after said waste gas has left the waste heat boiler connected downstream of the gas turbine. In the power plant according to the invention, the gas turbine at the same time functions as a means for providing the flushing gas. The power plant comprises a line from the waste heat boiler connected downstream of the gas turbine to the permeate side of the membrane.