Analysis of Biomass as feedstock in a CLC-based polygeneration process for CO2 valorization

Abstract

Abstract From the viewpoint of circular economy, the utilization of biomass as a preferred feedstock for power generation with carbon capture has become prevalent. Biomass utilization leads to a negative global carbon balance by leveraging its inherent carbon which was absorbed from the atmosphere. While Chemical Looping Combustion (CLC) has been a promising carbon capture technology for solid fuels such as coal, this paper further explores the feasibility of using biomass as fuel in CLC along with the valorization of CO2 to useful chemicals. In light of the same, a polygeneration approach utilizing biomass has been proposed to produce power and value-added chemicals (Methanol and DME). Biomass has a significant amount of oxygen and a higher H:C ratio in comparison with conventional fuels like coal. The effect of the same has been evaluated by developing novel process configurations and comparing both feedstocks. Detailed techno-feasibility analysis on the schemes, and optimization studies to maximize the performance of the system in terms of Energetics, CO2 mitigation, and profitability have been carried out. From the analysis, it has been identified that the usage of biomass in CLC configuration results in higher chemical production rates and higher profits with lesser CO2 emissions in comparison to coal. The above analysis and evaluation have been carried out through simulations using Aspen Plus ® software.