Improved Operability of Advanced Gasification-Based Power Plants. A Research-Planning Assessment. Final Report

摘要

This final report surveys operation and control methodology for potential means to improve plant reliability and performance. Early computer simulation studies evaluated the dynamic operation of several types of coal gasification-based power plant. These plants were configured to closely integrate the coal gasifiers and acid gas absorbers of the fuel gas process with the combustion turbines, steam turbines, and heat recovery systems of a combined-cycle plant that is generating electric power. The simulation studies indicated that these integrated gasification-combined-cycle (GCC) plants were controllable and responsive without resorting to unconventional methods. A subsequent series of experimental studies confirmed the maneuverability (i.e., responsiveness to load change) of several pilot plant gasification reactors, an absorber column, and a large commercial oxygen plant (see EPRI AP-1824, AP-1922, AP-2212, AP-2607, and AP-2844). These early efforts have provided a valuable information base for the functional specifications and design of the operating system (operating strategies, control systems, control panels, etc.) for the 100-MW GCC plant in the Cool Water demonstration project (see EPRI AP-2487). The benefits from these studies suggest that early analysis of plant operations can point out areas for special attention during the design phase. Simulation can provide analysis to support process engineering and control design and ultimately to train operators. The first commercial GCC power plants are likely to be modular, multi-train plants ranging from 250- to 500-MW capacity. EPRI studies (see EPRI AP-2202) show that such plants should have higher availability than large single-train plants. Attention must be given to unique operation requirements posed by modular GCC plants as they evolve beyond the demonstration stage. (ERA citation 08:040617)