Study of a Natural Gas Combined Cycle with Multi-Stage Membrane Systems for CO2 Post-Combustion Capture

Carbon capture based on membrane process is receiving an increasing attention, due to advances in membrane performances. The aim of this paper is to investigate the integration of a post-combustion capture system based on membrane separation into a natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plant. A sensitivity analysis is carried out in order to evaluate the effect of membrane technology and operating conditions on permeate purity, membrane area and energy requirement for CO2 capture. Hence, energy and environmental performances of the NGCC integrated with the separation unit are assessed and compared to a baseline power plant without carbon dioxide removal.