The Role of IGCC Technology in Power Generation Using Low-Rank Coal

摘要

Low-rank coal from Mae Moh lignite basin is used as a fuel for Mae Moh lignite-fired power plant. Normally, this low-rank coal composes of low heating value and high moisture content. Unfortunately, Mae Moh lignite also has a high ash content. Although, Mae Moh lignite-fired power plant is designed for burning an existing coal, but the low-rank coal tends to be lower quality. Thus, it will exceed the original design allowances in few years. The power plant performance is reduced under low-rank coal condition continuously.Integrated Gasification and Combined Cycle (IGCC) power plant is one important type of clean coal technology.Based on basic test results on the gasification rate of Mae Moh lignite coal. It was found that an Integrated Drying and Gasification Combined Cycle (IDGCC) power plant is the most suitable for Mae Moh lignite.In conclusion, the future of an IDGCC power plant using low-rank coal in Mae Moh mine would hinge on the strictness of future air pollution control regulations including green-house gas emission and the constraint of Thailand's foreign currency reserves needed to import fuels, in addition to economic consideration. If and when it is necessary to overcome these obstacles, IGCC is one variable alternative power generation must consider together with other types of advanced power plant.