Multi-objective optimization of coal-fired electricity production with CO2 capture

The use of oxy-combustion is an attractive alternative to amine based absorption of CO2 to retrofit coal-fired power plants. The aim of this work is to compare these two carbon capture technologies taking into account environmental and economic criteria. To this end, we have developed a rigorous bi-criteria mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model that allows identifying in a systematic and rigorous manner the best pollution control technologies (including carbon capture devices) to be installed in an existing coal-fired plant. We have applied this methodology to a coal-fired power plant of a given capacity. Numerical results indicate that carbon capture with MEA performs better for soft environmental limits while oxy-fuel combustion is the preferred choice when more stringent environmental limitations are considered.

► We use environmental and economic criteria to compare two CO2 capture technologies.
► The problem is expressed as a bi-criteria mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP).
► Nonlinear models are used to predict the performance of control devices.
► Carbon capture with MEA performs better for soft environmental limits.
► Oxy-fuel shows better performance for more stringent environmental limitations.