Advanced mixed cycles based on natural gas partial oxidation and air blown combustion

Abstract

This chapter focuses on a study in which the overall performance of a new advanced mixed cycle (AMC) that is fed by hydrogen-rich fuel gas was evaluated. The study examined the H2/O2 and H2/air cycles fed by hydrogen, but produced by natural gas partial oxidation. In particular, it investigated an AMC and compared the overall performance of the proposed AMC plant with those attainable by combined cycle power plants (CC) fed by hydrogen and air. The partial oxidation of natural gas was chosen for its production and all the thermal and mechanical energy requirements were quantified. At first, the gross performance, without considering H2 production), of this cycle was investigated in comparison with that attainable by combined cycle power plants (CC). By using pure hydrogen as fuel, the gross performance was over 56%. Then, by taking into account all the material and energy requirements of the fuel production system, the overall performance was evaluated. The main result of the performed investigation is that the AMC power plant attained an efficiency level of about 40%, with a final carbon dioxide emission of about 0.047 kg/kWh.