A techno-economic analysis of post-combustion CO₂ capture and compression applied to a combined cycle gas turbine: Part I. A parametric study of the key technical performance indicators

In order to mitigate significant capital expenditure and parasitic energy demands associated with post combustion capture plant, many studies focused on improving its performance and efficiency through improvement in the design, integration of utilities and selection of key operating parameters (KOPs) using various key performance indicators (KPIs). In this study, an equilibrium monoethanolamine-based CO₂ capture plant and compression train model was developed, validated and then used to assess the effects of KOPs on the performance of the CO₂ capture and compression process applied to a 400MWe combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant in hot countries using selected non-monetized key economic and environmental performance indicators. These were selected so as to allow performance comparisons without resorting to economic assumptions (e.g., discount rates, costs of energy), which make such comparisons difficult. The results illustrate higher compression power and dramatic increase of cooling water requirements in coolers and washing water systems in hot countries. This work elucidates the complex compromise between minimizing capital and operating expenditure indicators, and environmental impacts. It highlights the importance of considering the whole process, as opposed to simply focusing on the energy penalty associated with solvent regeneration.