Advanced Power Plant Materials, Design, and Technology

As cheaper fossil fuel resources are exhausted and emissions criteria are tightened, utilities are turning to power plants designed with performance in mind to satisfy requirements for improved capacity, efficiency, and environmental characteristics. This work provides a comprehensive reference on the state of the art of gas-fired and coal-fired power plants, including their major components and performance improvement options. Part one critically reviews advanced power plant designs which target both higher efficiency and flexible operation, including reviews of combined cycle technology and materials performance issues.

"… an indispensible reference for those who will be involved in the development of advanced power plants. It covers all of the bases including operational issues and environmental control."
-- Professor Jim Skea, Research Director, UK Energy Research Centre, UK

Part two reviews major plant components for improved operation, including advanced membrane technology for both hydrogen (H₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) separation, as well as flue gas handling technologies for improved emissions control of sulphur oxides (SO_x), nitrogen oxides (NO_x), mercury, ash and particulates. The section concludes with coverage of high-temperature sensors, and monitoring and control technology that are essential to power plant operation and performance optimisation.

Part three begins with coverage of low-rank coal upgrading and biomass resource utilization for improved power plant fuel flexibility. Routes to improve the environmental impact are also reviewed, with chapters detailing the integration of underground coal gasification and the application of carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture and storage. Finally, improved generation performance is reviewed with coverage of syngas and hydrogen (H₂) production from fossil-fuel feedstocks.