Biomass integrated gasification combined cycle with reduced CO_2 emissions: Performance analysis and life cycle assessment (LCA)

摘要

Performance analysis and life cycle assessment (LCA) of an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) fed with biomass with upstream CO_2 chemical absorption has been carried out. The main working conditions have been determined by mean of partial exergetic analysis. A sensitivity analysis with respect to the CO_2 absorbing solution composition has also been carried out. The reachable efficiency ranges between 35% and 36%, depending on gas turbine technology level. In comparison with efficiency values previously found for an IGCC fed with coal with upstream CO_2 chemical absorption (38-39%), the configuration studied seems to be attractive because of the possibility of operating with a simplified scheme (without H_2S removal process) and at atmospheric pressure and for the possibility of using biomass in a more efficient way with respect to conventional combustion systems. Due to the lower efficiency, the specific CO_2 emission results higher (170 kg/MW h) with respect to the cycle fed with coal and CO_2 removal (130 kg/MW h). Moreover, the CO_2 balance has been determined with respect to the entire life cycle of the plant, including the construction, operation, dismantling and the biomass growing phases.