Production of power using underground coal gasification. Issue 24 (16th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Doucet, Denis; Perkins, Greg; Ulbrich, Andreas; du Toit, Ernest
• Is Part Of: Energy sources. Volume 38:Issue 24(2016)
• Page Start: 3653
• Page End: 3660
• Publication Date: 2016-12-16
• Subjects: Power -- underground coal gasification -- syngas; Natural resources -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Climatic factors -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Environment aspects -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1080/15567036.2016.1188183
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1556-7036

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Underground coal gasification (UCG) is a process that converts deep, un-mineable coal resources into syngas, which can then be converted into valuable end products such as electric power. This paper provides a summary of the options to combine UCG with electric power production and focuses on commercial-scale applications using a combined-cycle power plant including integration options and syngas cleanup steps. Simulation results for a UCG power plant with carbon capture are compared against the results for an equivalent Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) plant using the same feedstock. Relative capital cost savings for a UCG power plant are estimated based on published IGCC process unit costs. The UCG power plant with carbon capture is shown to provide a higher thermal efficiency, lower CO2 intensity, and lower capital cost than an equivalent IGCC plant. Finally, the potential of UCG as a method for producing cost-effective, low-emissions electrical power from deep coal is discussed and some of the challenges and opportunities are summarized.