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The potential of retrofitting existing coal power plants: A case study for operation with green iron

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  • Janicka, J.
  • Debiagi, P.
  • Scholtissek, A.
  • Dreizler, A.
  • Epple, B.
  • Pawellek, R.
  • Maltsev, A.
  • Hasse, C.

Abstract

Storing electrical energy for long periods and transporting it over long distances is an essential task of the necessary transition to a CO2-free energy economy. An oxidation–reduction cycle based on iron and its oxides represents a very promising technology in this regard. The present work assesses the potential of converting an existing modern coal-fired power plant to operation with iron. For this purpose, a systematic retrofit study is carried out, employing a model that balances all material and energy fluxes in a state-of-the-art coal-fired power plant. Particular attention is given to components of the burner system and the system’s heat exchanger. The analysis provides evidence that main components such as the steam generator and steam cycle can be reused with moderate modifications. Major modifications are related to the larger amounts of solids produced during iron combustion, for instance in the particle feeding and removal systems. Since the high particle densities and lower demand for auxiliary systems improve the heat transfer, the net efficiencies of iron operation can be one to two percentage points better than coal operation, depending on operating conditions. This new insight can significantly accelerate the introduction of this innovative technology by guiding future research and the development of the retrofit option.

Suggested Citation

  • Janicka, J. & Debiagi, P. & Scholtissek, A. & Dreizler, A. & Epple, B. & Pawellek, R. & Maltsev, A. & Hasse, C., 2023. "The potential of retrofitting existing coal power plants: A case study for operation with green iron," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 339(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:339:y:2023:i:c:s0306261923003148
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.120950
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Trowell, K.A. & Goroshin, S. & Frost, D.L. & Bergthorson, J.M., 2020. "Aluminum and its role as a recyclable, sustainable carrier of renewable energy," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 275(C).
    2. Schiemann, Martin & Bergthorson, Jeffrey & Fischer, Peter & Scherer, Viktor & Taroata, Dan & Schmid, Günther, 2016. "A review on lithium combustion," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 948-965.
    3. Bergthorson, Jeffrey M. & Yavor, Yinon & Palecka, Jan & Georges, William & Soo, Michael & Vickery, James & Goroshin, Samuel & Frost, David L. & Higgins, Andrew J., 2017. "Metal-water combustion for clean propulsion and power generation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 186(P1), pages 13-27.
    4. Bergthorson, J.M. & Goroshin, S. & Soo, M.J. & Julien, P. & Palecka, J. & Frost, D.L. & Jarvis, D.J., 2015. "Direct combustion of recyclable metal fuels for zero-carbon heat and power," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 160(C), pages 368-382.
    5. Debiagi, P. & Rocha, R.C. & Scholtissek, A. & Janicka, J. & Hasse, C., 2022. "Iron as a sustainable chemical carrier of renewable energy: Analysis of opportunities and challenges for retrofitting coal-fired power plants," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 165(C).
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    1. Neumann, Jannik & Fradet, Quentin & Scholtissek, Arne & Dammel, Frank & Riedel, Uwe & Dreizler, Andreas & Hasse, Christian & Stephan, Peter, 2024. "Thermodynamic assessment of an iron-based circular energy economy for carbon-free power supply," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 368(C).
    2. Kai Schulze & Mile Mišić & Nikola Radojičić & Berkin Serin, 2024. "Evaluating Partners for Renewable Energy Trading: A Multidimensional Framework and Tool," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-22, April.
    3. Jansen, Erik & Schuler, Julia & Ardone, Armin & Slednev, Viktor & Fichtner, Wolf & Pfetsch, Marc E., 2023. "Global logistics of an iron-based energy network: A case study of retrofitting german coal power plants," Working Paper Series in Production and Energy 70, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Industrial Production (IIP).

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