Operational optimization for part-load performance of amine-based post-combustion CO2 capture processes

It is typical to assume that the capture system operates at the full working load of the power plant. This study aims to develop systematic design framework which can provide a cost-effective strategy for operating CO2 capture plant under different operating load. The part-load performance of CO2 capture process together with power plant is modeled and evaluated with a process simulator UniSim®. This study considers both natural gas-fired combined cycle (NGCC) and coal-fired plants, in which optimization is carried out for finding an economic operating strategy to minimize regeneration energy without compromising process efficiency of the capture system. The multi-period modeling approach is applied to accommodate discontinuous nature of part-load performance, with which techno-economic impacts of part-load operation is investigated in a holistic manner. The case study is presented to demonstrate the usefulness of proposed design and optimization framework and to provide practical guidelines and conceptual insights for part-load operation in practice. From the case study, the specific reboiler duty is reduced through the superstructure optimization at full-load operation, which is about 3% lower than one without structural modifications. Also, the operational optimization for part-load achieves energy savings by 2-3% in NGCC and 3-5% in coal-fired power plant.