In support of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Biomass Power Program, a Westinghouse Electric led team consisting of the Institute of Gas Technology, Gilbert/Commonwealth, and the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research, is conducting a 30-month research and development program to provide validation of hot gas cleanup technology with a pressurized fluidized bed, air-blown, biomass gasifier for operation of a combustion turbine. This paper discusses the gasification and hot gas cleanup processes, scope of work and approach, and the program’s status.

The integration of the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and combustion turbine technologies can result in combined-cycle power plants, fueled with natural gas. that have high efficiencies and clean gaseous emissions. Results of a study are presented in which conceptual designs were developed for three power plants based upon such an integration, and ranging in rating from 3 to 10 MW net ac. The plant cycles are described, and characteristics of key components are summarized. In addition, plant design-point efficiency estimates are presented, as well as values of other plant performance parameters.

This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof.The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof. This report has been reproduced directly from the best available copy.

Westinghouse is developing hot gas cleaning systems for advanced, coal-based gas turbine cycles. This paper summarizes the Westinghouse hot gas filter concept and reports on recent in-house and field test programs supporting its design and development. Basic materials issues related to ceramic material stability and hot metals structures are reviewed. Results of recent filter system testing are presented, comparing candle and crossflow designs operating in both “simulated” and actual coal-derived gas streams. Laboratory tests and analysis are reported relating to integrating sulfur and alkali control with the particle filter function.

Second-generation Pressurized Fluidized Bed (PFB) combined cycles employ topping combustion to raise the turbine inlet temperature for enhanced cycle efficiency. This concept creates special combustion system requirements that are very different from requirements of conventional gas turbine systems. The topping combustor provides the means for achieving state-of-the-art turbine inlet temperatures and is the main contributor to enhanced plant performance. The objective of this program is to develop a topping combustor that provides low emissions, and is a durable, efficient device exhibiting stable combustion and manageable wall temperatures. The combustor will be required to burn a low-Btu Syngas under normal “coal-fired” conditions. However, for start-up and/or carbonizer outage, it may be necessary to fire a clean fuel, such as oil or natural gas. Prior testing has shown the Westinghouse Multi-Annular Swirl Burner (MASB) to have excellent potential for this application. Metal wall temperatures can be maintained at acceptable levels, even though most “cooling” is done by 1600°F vitiated air. Good pattern factors and combustion efficiencies have been obtained. Additionally, low conversion rates of fuel bound nitrogen to NOx have been demonstrated. This paper presents an update of the status of an ongoing topping combustor development and test program for application to “Second-Generation Pressurized Fluidized Bed Combined Cycles (PFBCC).” The program is sponsored by the Department of Energy’s Morgantown Energy Technology Center (DOE/METC) and will first be applied commercially into the Clean Coal Technology Round V Four Rivers Energy Modernization Project. Phase 1 of the program involved a conceptual and economic study (Robertson et al., 1988); Phase 2 addresses design and subscale testing of components; and Phase 3 will cover pilot plant testing of components integrated into one system.