On the issue of neutralizing carbon dioxide at processing coal in boilers of thermal power plants

Abstract

The aim of the work is to predict 100% decarbonization of power plant's flue gases; to recover carbon from CO2 in in-situ mode; to extract valuable metals from ash; and to process ash and converter slag into stone casting. The novelty of the work is the development of a system for the integrated processing of coal in a smelter reactor by using high-temperature off gases in a boiler; carbon splitting according to the formula CO2 + 2Zn = 2ZnO + C, with the return of “C" to the system; sublimation of Zn from ZnO using a highly efficient counter-impacting jet method. Experiments carried out in a smelter have shown, the degree of reduction of germanium and zinc from slags ∼70%. The specific energy consumption is 2–3 times lower than in an acting analog. In a pessimistic scenario, the net profit of the system will be sufficient to purchase the missing electricity for the distillation unit: for the 60% carbonization of CO2, at the cost of electricity from wind turbines $46.3/MWh; in order to fully decarbonize CO2 - $31.8/MWh. The system's payback period will not exceed 6–8 years, with the expected net profit of $21,660,860/y.