Our PhD Students

I am studying a novel, decoupled calcium looping strategy for carbon capture in coal-fired power plants with low-capacity factors. The sorbent under investigation is calcium hydroxide, which exhibits faster kinetics than traditional calcium oxide sorbents. This enables the use of entrained flow carbonator reactors, which are simpler and have lower capital costs compared to conventional circulating fluidized bed reactors. I am developing numerical models to analyze the chemical and thermodynamic behaviour of these reactors and to understand the thermal integration within various sections of the calcium looping plant. For this, I utilize commercial software such as Aspen and Thermoflex, as well as in-house codes like Matlab. The project comprises the following parts:

Carbonator Modeling: I am developing a next-generation one-dimensional model for the entrained flow reactor using Ca(OH)2. This model is being validated and calibrated with experimental results. The predictions inform process design and simulation, establishing quantitative relationships between reactor performance parameters and operating conditions. Outputs from the carbonation reactor models are integrated into broader process simulation tools for the next steps.

Full Process Simulation: I fully solve and integrate the overall process scheme from a mass and energy perspective. The goal is to identify cost-efficient configurations with minimal complexity during carbonation and the lowest specific capex. Optimum thermal integration during calcination and hydration for sorbent regeneration is a priority. I analyze various heat-exchanger steps to efficiently use the heat from the carbonator’s flue gas and solids. The characteristics of the hydrator reactor are integrated into the process model, which includes the calciner block and the power plant associated with this reactor. I explore the possibility of thermally integrating waste heat streams into the coal-fired power plant.

Techno-Economic Analysis: I compare the cost of electricity produced by this process against the cost of power-to-fuel-to-power schemes under similar conditions. Gas turbines and power-to-gas-to-power processes are used as benchmarks. The main results of this process modelling activity are the overall heat and energy balances used for the economic assessment of the process.
BackCap – BackCap develops a new process to capture CO2 from amortized coal-based power plants, retrofitted for back-up power provision in highly renewable electricity networks, while supplying CO2 for storage or use. To address the escalation of CO2 capture cost in such low capacity factor system, BackCap uses in-duct Ca(OH)2 injection for CO2 capture during the brief power production periods. The resulting CaCO3 will be stored and used as a steady source of CO2 and CaO by oxy-fuel calcination. The project will investigate gas-solid reaction rates under relevant conditions, test reactor designs (TRL4) and develop process models techno-economic studies.

https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/projects-details/31061225/101034000/RFCS