Probleemstelling:

During the academic year 2019 – 2020 a first thesis (Carbon capture, by means of oxy-combustion, in a gas turbine power plant, an assessment of the Allam cycle), by Toon Ghyselink, was performed.

A major conclusion of the thesis stresses on the importance of the heat exchangers on the cycle efficiency (the heat exchanger layout hasn’t been studied firmly in the first thesis; the importance of the heat exchangers, within the Allam-Fetvedt power cycle, was an outcome). The heat exchangers will operate under severe circumstances (high temperature and pressure values (& difference), “polluted” CO2 with a minimum of O2 and vaporized water).

Doelstelling:

get a better view on the optimal heat exchanger configuration for an Allam-Fetvedt power cycle;
understand, as a function of the operational cycle circumstances (high- versus a lower temperature configuration) which materials will perform the job and this up to which cost; a CFD pressure drop simulation over the recuperator will be necessary in order to find a balance between maximum heat exchange and an acceptable pressure drop & manufacturing cost;
understand which deterioration effects will work on the heat exchangers & piping (creep, oxidation, …);
In depth sensitivity analysis of the Allam-Fetvedt oxy-combustion power cycle based on the updated heat exchanger characteristics (finalising the work of an earlier thesis).

Engie – Laborelec offers the students the possibility to create a scale model of the designed heat exchanger(s) (by means of 3D printing). This model could open the pathway for some practical tests in a consecutive thesis work.