Sensitivity Analysis of Coal and Bagasse Co-Firing in an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Power Plant

Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle power plants generate electricity by utilizing the syngas obtained from the carbonaceous materials via gasification. These systems commonly use coal fuel; however, biomass fuels like bagasse could be a more environmentally friendly option. This study was aimed at analyzing the effects of varying operating parameters (such as temperature, pressure, O2/fuel, and water/fuel ratios), and fuel feedstocks (i.e., coal, bagasse, and coal-bagasse co-firing) on the syngas composition. Based on the data obtained from a commercial power plant, an equilibrium model was developed and validated using the Aspen Plus® software. Sensitivity analysis was carried out by varying the considered operating parameters and selected fuel feedstocks. The results of this study have manifested that low temperatures, low O2/fuel ratio, and high water/fuel ratio produce syngas with a comparatively higher H2/CO ratio. The highest H2/CO ratios of 1.16, 0.99, and 0.84, were obtained for bagasse, co-firing, and coal, respectively at operating parameters of 1200°C temperature, 0.5 O2/fuel, and 0.6 water/fuel ratios. Furthermore, bagasse and co-firing of coal-bagasse feedstocks could provide a better quality of syngas as compared to that of coal feedstock. The results of this study would also help to operate the Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle plants at optimum performance by utilizing different fuels and by appropriately adjusting the operating parameters.