(140f) Detailed Process Modeling of a Sustainable Coal, Wind, and Nuclear Hybrid Energy System

The availability of cheap electricity is one of the biggest factors for improving quality of life.  With the debate on the effects of carbon dioxide emissions continuing, several countries have either implemented or are considering the reduction of emissions through various economic means.  The inclusion of a monetary penalty on carbon emissions would increase the prices of electricity produced by carbon-based sources. The push for large-scale renewable sources of energy has met problems with regards to energy storage and availability.  The proposed coal, wind and nuclear hybrid energy system would combine a renewable energy source, wind, with traditional and stable energy sources, coal and nuclear, to create an integrated and sustainable system.  Instead of a light water reactor, a next generation small modular nuclear reactor will be evaluated.  The coal system will use a pressurized circulating fluidized bed system, which can not only take coal, but also biomass as a carbon feedstock.  This system also employs a high temperature steam co-electrolysis unit for the utilization of carbon dioxide emissions for the production of synthetic gas which can be used in the production of transportation fuels or chemicals.

A rigorous process model of the system will be constructed.  This model will allow for proper scaling of each individual component in the overall hybrid system for future optimization.  Increased integration of the water and heat cycles will be evaluated for increased efficiency.  A detailed Aspen Plus user model will be utilized to demonstrate the feasibility of the main hybrid energy system components.  Production of chemicals from the synthetic gas will also be implemented.