Modelling and Optimization of a Carbon Capturing Membrane Using Computational Fluid Dynamics with Case Study

Abstract

IGCC power plant is the one in which coal is gasified and then the energy is used to drive both gas turbine and steam turbines to produce energy. As the industrial revolution is progressing more and more carbon dioxide is being added to the environment every single day which is leading the world towards the biggest environmental hazards we have ever faced, global warming being the leading consequence, so capturing the carbon dioxide which is emitted from sources like power plants is of the utmost importance. The main idea of this research paper is to provide an innovative way of capturing carbon dioxide emissions from a coal powered power plant. This research paper discusses the design and modeling of a carbon capturing membrane which is being used in an IGCC power plant to capture carbon dioxide from its exhaust gases. The modeling and design of the membrane is done using CFD software namely Ansys workbench. The design and modeling is done using two simulations, one describes the design and structure and the second one demonstrates the working mechanism of the membrane. This paper also briefly discusses IGCC which is environmentally benign compared to traditional pulverized coal-fired power plants, and economically feasible compared to the natural gas combine cycle (NGCC). IGCC power plant is more diverse and offers flexibility in fuel utility. This paper also incorporates a PFD of integrated gasification power plant with the carbon capturing membrane unit integrated in it.