Title: Advanced processes for low rank coal drying and dewatering in high efficient power plants

Authors: C. Bergins, K. Strauss

Addresses: Hitachi Power Europe GmbH, Technology Center, Duisburger Strasse 375, 46049 Oberhausen, Germany; Department Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, Chair Energy Process Engineering and Fluid Dynamics, University of Dortmund, Emil-Figge-Str. 68, 44221 Dortmund, Germany. ' Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, University of Dortmund, Emil-Figge-Str. 68, D-44221 Dortmund, Germany

Abstract: During the combustion of high-moisture lignites (50–60 wt.%) in conventional power plants, a substantial amount of the energy content is required to evaporate the water. With a view to secure and strengthen brown coal|s position as high available energy source, in recent years many attempts have been made to develop technologies for an energy-efficient drying or dewatering process. In this paper the thermodynamic basics of different processes are analysed. The potential for new lignite fired power plants with efficiencies increased by up to 20% compared to current installations and with CO₂ emissions decreased by the same amount is presented.

Keywords: high-moisture lignite; brown coal; low rank coal; thermal; mechanical; dewatering; drying; power plants; efficiency increase; energy sources; thermodynamics; emissions reduction; carbon dioxide emissions.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.2007.015878

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 2007 Vol.28 No.2/3, pp.241 - 263

Published online: 27 Nov 2007 *

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