Circulating Moving Bed Combustion Proof of Concept

Abstract

Circulating Moving Bed (CMB) combustion technology has its roots in traditional circulating fluidized bed technology and involves a novel method of solid fuel combustion and heat transfer. CMB technology represents a step change in improved performance and cost relative to conventional PC and FBC boilers. The CMB heat exchanger will preheat the energy cycle working fluid, steam or air, to the high temperature levels required in systems for advanced power generation. Unique features of the CMB are the reduction of the heat transfer surfaces by about 60% as a result of the enhanced heat transfer rates, flexibility of operation, and about 30% lower cost over existing technology.The objective of this project is to continue development of the CMB technology with a series of proof of concept tests. The tests will be conducted at a scale that will provide the design data for scale up to a demonstration plant. These objectives will be met by conducting a series of experiments in ALSTOM Power's Multi-use Test Facility (MTF). The MTF will be modified to operate under CMB conditions of commercial interest. The experiments will cover the technical issues discussed above and will also show the integration of all of the subsystems operating at commercially significant temperatures. The range of temperatures to be tested will demonstrate the operation of the falling solids heat transfer and bed operation needed for the demonstration plant. The tests will not attempt to show the operation of the integrated CMB with falling solids and gas over the entire expected temperature range at one time. Modifying the MTF for this would not be cost effective. However, at the end of this project all technical concepts used in the CMB will have been investigated and planning will start for the demonstration plant .v