Flexible CO2 capture for open-cycle gas turbines via vacuum-pressure swing adsorption : a model-based assessment

As energy systems require flexible and responsive power generators to combat network imbalances, CO2 post-combustion capture (PCC) technologies need to be capable of transient operation. However, currently only amine absorption has been investigated for its efficacy in Flexible-PCC.

Within this study we develop and validate a vacuum-pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) process model, capable of processing 33.8 kg/s of exhaust flow from a small-scale open-cycle gas turbine (OCGT). The Flexible response scenario is based on realistic load changes of OCGTs during a 5-h period. To handle the size of flow the system is split into two identical two bed four step VPSA processes, both using Zeolite 13X as the adsorbent material. Included in the Flexible-VPSA operation is the start-up, ramping, and shutdown procedures. Flexible-VPSA showed minute deviations in CO2 purity and recovery rate, and despite the specific energy demand increasing, results show no technical limitations to transient operation. The Flexible VPSA simulations are compared against the benchmark MEA solvent, with both technologies performing similarly when processing highly transient flue gas flowrate. Thus, VPSA is potentially an attractive alternative technology for Flexible-PCC.