Development of Novel Oxy-Syngas Zero-Emission Reheat Combustor

Zero-emission power generation, via an economical carbon capture and storage (CCS) process, offers a sustainable future for coal-derived fuels. Successful oxy-fuel combustion technology is a candidate for satisfying this objective, provided that the cycle efficiency can be boosted to levels that are equal to or greater than that of other fossil fuel power generating cycles. In order to achieve this increase in cycle efficiency, a robust reheat combustor, capable of driving the working fluid temperature up to 1760C, will be required. However, no existing re-heat combustor design can operate in the harsh steam/CO2 environment expected in the cycle. This project will utlize a novel injector for oxy-syngas reheat combustion. This technology offers the potential to be simple, robust and cost-effective as a reheat combustor for the high temperature working fluid of an intermediate-pressure steam/CO2 turbine, thus enabling higher cycle efficiencies. Phase I used Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) and kinetics modeling to demonstrate the proof-of-concept. In Phase II, a subscale module will be fabricated and tested to demonstrate stable combustion and low emission performance. An optimized single injector module will be fabricated for testing at a high pressure/temperature test facility at simulated engine conditions. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The reheat combustor should become a major component for the development of zero-emissions technology for coal combustion. The new combustor technology for the reheat cycle would help enable the use of coal for power generation through IGCC combined cycles.