High efficient-low emission power production from low BTU gas extracted from heavy fuel oil gasification, introduction of IGCC-SOFC process

Today heavy fuel oil is still produced and plays an important role in providing required energy worldwide. However, there could be environmental problems associated with burning these used fuel oils. Because of physical characteristics of heavy fuel oil (high viscosity and density), it is not possible to utilize directly in high efficient power plants same as combined cycle (Gas turbine-steam cycle). Partial oxidation (Gasification) process is introduced as a solution to reduce the emission production in the power generation cycle from heavy fuel oil. In this process, the heavy fuel oil is converted into syngas (mainly consist of CO and H2). The chemical energy content of syngas can be converted into the electrical energy with high efficiency and low emission production through high efficient cycle like combined cycle or Solid oxide fuel cell-gas turbine. Thermodynamic simulations, environmental and economic assessments of Solid oxide fuel cell-Gas turbine power cycle are performed to investigate the feasibility of introduced system. Results show that the suggested system is not feasible in the current heavy oil price (900 US$ per Ton). The increment in cost of electrical energy in the market (more than 0.2 US$ per kWh) can improve the system feasibility. The change in governmental subsidy trend from raw fuel and electrical energy into emission decrement and high efficient technology can improve such system feasibility.