PAPERS SELECTED FOR THE SYMPOSIUM

• Alternative Solutions for Plasma Coal Gasification and Boiler Integration with Municipal Solid Waste Processing

  Igor Matveev - Applied Plasma Technologies, U.S.A

  Abstract Text

  Coal gasification with further syngas combustion is one of alternative technologies to make the coal fired utility power plants more environment friendly. The main limiting factor on the way of plasma coal gasification technology implementation was relatively short life time... show full text »
  Abstract Text

  Coal gasification with further syngas combustion is one of alternative technologies to make the coal fired utility power plants more environment friendly. The main limiting factor on the way of plasma coal gasification technology implementation was relatively short life time of the plasma torch electrodes. Recent progress in the power electronics and our experimental investigations have shown an opportunity to engineer the plasma coal gasification modules with practically endless life time due to application of so called atmospheric pressure hybrid plasma torches. As a combination of low power DC and RF or inductively coupled plasma sections, powered by a solid state power source with total electrical power by 1.8 MW and coefficient of performance over 85%, the hybrid plasma torch is possible to provide long term steam coal gasification in variable environment. One more way to increase efficiency and reduce pollutions of the existing power plants is their integration with the municipal solid waste (MSW) plasma processing plants. Syngas, as a byproduct of these plants with the lowest heating value by 11 MJ/kg (averaged for the US MSW), could be used as a supporting fuel for the coal fired boilers. That will benefit the MSW plants by eliminating the power generation modules, which are very sensitive to the moisture content in the outgoing syngas, and the power plants due to replacing the supporting fuel by syngas. For example, the US generates annually (2006) about 251 million tons of MSW. In case of all MSW processing based on developed by Applied Plasma Technologies (APT) advanced oxygen plasma gasification technology net power output could be up to 326 million MW or about 1.3 MW per ton of MSW, and electrical efficiency of MSW processing up to 70% in comparison with achieved level of 35-37%. That could cover over 6% of the US power demand. Existing landfills recycling will give additional 1 to 5%. « hide
  Symposium Session: Power Plants life cycle extension, new clean coal technologies | Produženja radnog veka elektrana i novih ekološki čistih tehnologija