Performance of integrated gasification combined cycle power plants integrated with methanol synthesis processes

Base-load integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plants can pe rform load-following service by integration with a methanol synthesis proce ss. The methanol, produced from a portion of the coal gas and stored in liq uid phase, can be used for matching intermediate and peak-load demand. In this paper, the load modulation capabilities of IGCC power plants for th e coproduction of electricity and methanol have been investigated. Referrin g to a conventional duty cycle, the main performance of power plants combin ing slurry-feed entrained-bed gasification and gas or liquid phase methanol synthesis has been assessed, for two different peaking electric power gene ration solutions. Moreover, the flexibility of these plants has been evalua ted for different operating conditions, some remote from design conditions. The results of the study show that IGCC power plants combining electric pow er generation and methanol synthesis offer considerable scope for enhancing operating flexibility and load modulation capabilities of coal gasificatio n power plants. The plants designed for advanced liquid phase methanol synt hesis process performed best in terms of overall efficiency, plant layout a nd operating flexibility.