Development of an indirect coal-fired high performance power generation system

This paper presents an overview of the work proposed by a Westinghouse-led R and D team. Key objectives include evaluation of plant cycle design capable of at least 47-percent efficiency, substantial reductions in airborne emissions below current levels specified by new source performance standards (NSPS) for coal-fired boilers, and solid waste generation of only benign material. The proposed design approach includes an indirect coal-fired combustion turbine combined cycle system which incorporates a high-temperature advanced furnace with ceramic heat exchanger components. The indirect-fired system circumvents some of the technical challenges of a direct coal-fired system. Proposed alternative designs have plant efficiencies that range up to 53 percent. (author). 18 refs., 10 figs., 1 tab