NEW YORK, May 5, 2009 – Global imperatives to reduce greenhouse gases and curtail environmental damage have spurred a heightened interest in integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power generation technology.
A panel of technical experts from Siemens, CH2 Hill, the U.S. Department of Energy, and other organizations on the leading edge of IGCC research and development programs will give a global progress report at ASME Turbo Expo 2009 this June in Orlando, Fla. The panel session will take place on June 10 at the Orlando World Marriott and Convention Center.
Most scientists agree that carbon dioxide emissions resulting from the combustion of coal in electrical generating plants are primary contributors to ozone depletion and global warming around the world. IGCC facilities, say proponents of the technology, can help due to the capability of the plants to capture CO2 in the process of generating power.
Carbon dioxide capture in the IGCC plant is possible through high-temperature gasification. The plants use gasification technology to transform coal, as well as petroleum and other fuels, into a synthetic gas, or syngas. The gas is used as fuel in a gas turbine which produces electrical power.
Some IGCC demonstration plants have captured and stored 90 percent of CO2. IGCC also removes impurities from the coal gas that enters the turbine. The process results in very low pollutant emissions.
The high cost of IGCC is the biggest obstacle to the integration of the technology in the power market. However, proposed laws to reduce carbon emissions in the United States coupled with a worldwide movement to regulate industries that produce CO2, is stimulating promising R&D programs at DOE and in the research centers of such companies as General Electric, Mitsubishi, Bechtel, and Siemens.
At Turbo Expo 2009, a representative of Siemens will outline the energy company’s IGCC projects in North America and China and report on the results of gasification tests carried out in those facilities in the last twelve months. Other speakers in the sessions will discuss issues related to planning and construction, as well as the ongoing R&D efforts to render IGCC affordable so that the technology may one day be incorporated into the worldwide energy generation portfolio.
ASME’s recent position statement compiling technology and policy recommendations for reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the energy sector mentions IGCC in the context of “efficiency improvement.” The statement says: “With technology advancements such as membrane-based oxygen separation, advanced steam and gas turbine designs, and integrated solid oxide fuel cells, IGCC plant efficiencies could approach 50 percent.”
ASME Turbo Expo – Gas Turbine Technical Congress and Exposition opens on June 8. Combining a technical program and exhibit, Turbo Expo 2009 will cover engine design, materials, cogeneration, alternative fuels, combustion diagnostics, and micro-turbines, among other topics.
About IGTI
The ASME International Gas Turbine Institute (IGTI) is organizer and manager of Turbo Expo. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., IGTI supports the exchange of information focused on improving the design, manufacture, operation and maintenance, and environmental impact of gas turbines, turbo-machinery, and related equipment.
About ASME
ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world.
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