Techno-economic Analysis for a Low Cost and Recyclable Oxygen Carrier

Nasah, Junior; Van der Watt, Johannes; Koenig, Aaron; Srinivasachar, Srivats; Nelson, Teagan; Musich, Mark

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DOE OSTI · 2204052

Techno-economic Analysis for a Low Cost and Recyclable Oxygen Carrier

Nasah, Junior·Van der Watt, Johannes·Koenig, Aaron·Srinivasachar, Srivats·Nelson, Teagan·Musich, Mark

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Abstract

The novelty of a chemical looping combustion (CLC) process is its ability to oxidize solid or gaseous fuels in a nitrogen-free environment eliminating the need for post combustion carbon dioxide capture. The technology is based on the oxygen carrier (OC); a metal oxide that at high temperatures can undergo a reduction reaction with a fuel, followed by an oxidation reaction with air. Successful development of CLC processes is dependent on the OC having: low cost, high attrition resistance under CLC conditions, and high reactivity for coal. In this paper, we discuss the development of a novel iron-based OC formulation produced from low cost and abundant raw materials. The active OC components are recyclable, with reformulated material performance comparable to the virgin OC, even when reformulated with ash contents of up to 10%. Furthermore, we discuss a techno-economic analysis for a centrally located OC facility for the novel OC, with a production capacity of 1 million metric tonnes per year. The facility serves a hypothetical market comprising 25 chemical looping combustion facilities, averaging 5 tonnes per hour OC replacement per facility. Estimates for the cost of the OC are around $150/tonne, and include an energy-to-power option to improve process economics.

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Nasah, Junior, Van der Watt, Johannes, Koenig, Aaron, Srinivasachar, Srivats, Nelson, Teagan, Musich, Mark. 2022-08-01. Techno-economic Analysis for a Low Cost and Recyclable Oxygen Carrier. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/2204052

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