Chemical kinetics-based analysis for utilities of ZEC power generation system

Zero Emission Coal (ZEC) power generation, via Hydrogen Gasification and Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), is a newly developed technology that could meet the future energy demand through the continuous utilization of abundant fossil fuel resources while overcoming potential environmental hurdles, especially greenhouse gas CO2 emission. In this paper, chemical kinetics-based analysis for future ZEC system was conducted using the conceptual design operation conditions. The major finding from this research indicated that under a preferred condition, the major reactions occurred in ZEC system can perform with maintaining the high equilibrium rate of conversion. In the light of higher fractions converted by the hydro-gasification process, the reaction temperature in the gasification vessel should be controlled lower than 1100 K and the pressure a little higher than 60 atm in the practical operation. The temperatures for Reformers A and B should be kept under 1100 K and the pressure in Reformer B should be lower than that in Reformer A, which is almost the same as the SOFC in order to drive the CO2 absorption reaction. The reaction temperature should be kept lower than 1500 K and the pressure higher than 3 atm, preferably higher than 10 atm for higher power generation by the electrochemical process in the fuel cell. These findings will provide necessary reference data for the future designs, guide practical operations, and build a solid foundation for further research on Zero Emission Coal power generation systems.