Carbonate looping process simulation using a 1D fluidized bed model for the carbonator

The carbonate looping process is an efficient post-combustion technology for CO2 capture using limestone based sorbents. The absorption of CO2 by CaO occurs in the carbonator that is realized as a circulating fluidized bed reactor. An accurate prediction of the CO2 absorption efficiency is crucial for the design of a carbonate looping plant. In this study, a 1D fluidized bed model for the carbonator is implemented into a process model of a full-scale plant. A net electrical efficiency penalty of less than 2.9% points is determined for a CO2 absorption efficiency of 80% in the carbonator, leading to 88% CO2 capture of the entire carbonate looping process. Furthermore, the effect of various operational and model parameters on the results is assessed by parameter variations and sensitivity analyses.