COAL GASIFICATION SYSTEM ANALYSIS.

This report presents the initial Phase I results of a study aimed at defining alternative gas turbine powerplant cycles without steam bottoming which could be effectively integrated with entrained-flow coal gasification plants. In this phase of the study effort, non-steam-bottomed cycles were devised having thermal efficiencies approximately equal to those of combined cycle powerplants with comparable technology. The principal emphasis in this preliminary study phase has been system performance; estimates of associated capital costs will be determined in subsequent phases. Nevertheless, systems have been devised with an eye towards practicality and low cost. Evolution to a final recommended system concept resulted from evaluating several system cases and from parameter optimizations, as made possible by use of United Technologies Corporation's highly versatile SOAPP computer program. The study identified one major technological hurdle to be overcome before the selected cycle can become a practical reality. A fuel gas heat exchanger must be developed for operation in a corrosive fuel gas environment at an inlet temperature of 1400-1800 degree F. Based on the Phase I study results, recommendations are also included for a follow-on investigation of system concepts which might offer promise of near-term feasibility by utilizing current state-of-the-art components.