Comparison of different CO2 recovery processes in their optimum operating conditions from a pulverized coal power plant

To capture CO2, ammonia solution is a good chemical solvent compared to monoethanolamine (MEA) and methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) because its reactivity and its low enthalpy of solution. In the idea of having a relevant comparison, this study compares the different processes using these solvents in their optimal operating conditions. With respect to ammonia, the experimentally determined optimal conditions are: 3 wt%, 303 K, 1 atm. The purpose of this study is modelling CO2 capture from a pulverized coal (PC) fired power plant and estimated its efficiency when CO2 capture is integrated. A relevant comparison between ammonia solvent and conventional amines: MEA and MDEA are made. This study has allowed us to select the solvent that reduces the cost of CO2 capture in power plants. The net electrical power of the plant decreased with CO2 capture: from 555.6 MW without capture to 451.9 with NH3 capture, and 385.16 with MEA capture. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.