Recent Operating Experiences from Netl’s 50kWth Circulating Chemical Looping Combustion Test Facility

In order to balance future energy needs with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable technology options for fossil fuel power generation are needed. Chemical Looping Combustion (CLC) is widely recognized as a potential option to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at a cost that is significantly lower than a conventional power plant with a conventional CO₂ absorption system. Although the general concept has a long history, CLC has numerous technical issues that must be addressed in order to prepare this technology for a commercial debut. Researchers at the Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory are using a small 50 kW_th circulating test facility to address some of these issues. This paper will describe the test facility and recent operating experience using iron-based oxygen carrier materials. Operating experience has indicated very good gas phase mass balances, as well as, some operational issues associated with solids handling and control. This paper will describe some of the advantages and disadvantages associated with operations using various “commodity” oxygen carrier