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Research advances in integrated CO2 capture and in situ electrocatalytic conversion technologies
XIONG Zhuo;WU Hailong;LI Qiang;ZHAO Yongchun;ZHANG Junying;[Objective] Carbon capture, utilization technology is a pivotal pathway for achieving CO2 emission reduction, yet its large-scale application is hindered by high energy consumption and costs. To address these challenges, the integrated carbon capture and in-situ electrocatalytic conversion technology has been proposed, which synergistically couples the two processes, avoids the regeneration of capture media and the release of CO2, improves energy efficiency, reduces production costs, and provides key technical support for carbon neutrality. Despite its promising potential, critical issues such as the reaction mechanism and the selection of capture media require in-depth investigation. [Methods] This article introduces the fundamental principles of integrated carbon capture and in-situ electrocatalytic conversion technology, systematically reviews and summarizes the characteristics of liquid-solid and gassolid reaction systems, with a focus on analyzing research progress in systems such as amine solutions, and discusses the advantages, disadvantages, and key technical challenges of these reaction systems. [Results] Studies show that in liquid-solid reaction systems, amine-based systems are mature in CO2 capture but suffer from mass transfer limitations, leading to inferior electrolysis performance compared to conventional electrocatalytic reduction technologies.(Bi)carbonate solution systems can rival the performance of gas-phase electrolyzers, but the use of bipolar membranes results in high energy consumption and difficulties in downstream processing. Amino acid salt systems exhibit high CO2 absorption rates, low vapor pressure, and oxygen tolerance, yet remain underexplored. Ionic liquid systems enable efficient CO2 conversion even under ambient conditions but face challenges such as mass transfer limitations, difficult product separation, and high costs. In gas-solid reaction systems, porous nanomaterials such as MOFs and COFs offer advantages including directional regulation and enable direct adsorption-coupled in-situ electrocatalytic conversion. However, their industrial application is limited by issues such as insufficient selectivity and poor stability.[Conclusion] The liquid-solid reaction system and the gas-solid reaction system have their own advantages and disadvantages. The technical route can be optimized according to the actual situation. Future efforts should focus on screening electrolytes or catalysts that balance capture efficiency and electrolysis performance, optimizing electrolyzer design, and developing poisoning-resistant catalysts for complex flue gas environments, so as to promote the efficient integration and scalable application of carbon capture and electrocatalytic conversion.
Mechanical properties of geopolymer composites prepared by fly ash under low-velocity impact
SUN Jian;ZHAN Xianchun;LI Bing;LIU Xinyu;XU Yun;WANG Ziqun;MENG Xiaohuan;HU Hanyun;[Objective] In order to improve the resource utilization rate of fly ash and reduce its impact on the environment, this study is devoted to using fly ash as one of the main raw materials to prepare one-part fiber-reinforced geopolymer composites(OP-FRGC) and study its mechanical properties. [Methods] Fly ash and blast furnace slag were used as precursors, with polyethylene(PE), polyvinyl alcohol(PVA), and polypropylene(PP) fibers incorporated at a 2% volume fraction. Specimens were prepared, and static mechanical tests, impact resistance evaluations, and crack propagation analyses were conducted on the fiber-reinforced OP-FRGC samples. [Results] OP-FRGC incorporating 2% volume fraction PE fibers(OP-FRGC-PE) demonstrated superior performance. It achieved a compressive strength of 49.49 MPa, an ultimate tensile strain of 6.87%, and a tensile strength of 6.78 MPa, surpassing the values obtained for OP-FRGC incorporating 2% volume fraction PVA fibers(OP-FRGC-PVA)(44.56 MPa, 3.57%, and 5.94 MPa) and OPFRGC incorporating 2% volume fraction PP fibers(OP-FRGC-PP)(39.91 MPa, 1.14%, and 4.96 MPa). In both single and repeated impact tests under energies of 5 J, 10 J, and 15 J, OP-FRGC-PE exhibited the highest maximum impact force(12,477.4 N), which was 1.24 times that of OP-FRGC-PVA and 1.43 times that of OP-FRGC-PP. Furthermore, the maximum crack width and fractal dimension calculated under different impact energies and cycles showed that OPFRGC-PE consistently exhibited lower maximum crack widths and fractal dimensions compared to OP-FRGC-PVA and OP-FRGC-PP, indicating reduced plastic deformation and lower impact damage. [Conclusion] Significant advantages are demonstrated by OP-FRGC-PE over PVA-and PP-reinforced systems in mechanical performance, impact resistance, and crack propagation control. These advantages indicate promising application prospects in engineering fields that demand high toughness, durability, and stringent crack control requirements.
Numerical simulation of single point measurement accuracy based on array flue gas flow measurement system
MAO Wenli;JIANG Jian;WANG Xiaojia;[Objective]With the rapid development of industrialization, coal and other fossil fuels have caused serious environmental pollution. As the main emission of industrial production process, the emission of flue gas has a particularly good impact on environmental pollution. Therefore, the accurate measurement of flue gas flow becomes the key link to control pollution and optimize energy utilization. As a new high precision flow measurement technology, array measurement system has gradually become the mainstream way.[Methods]The purpose of this study is to build the mathematical model of the annular low-speed wind tunnel by CFD numerical simulation software, and to explore the influence of key parameters such as the stability of the flow field of the measuring platform and the design of the pitot tube structure of the measuring equipment-installation angle, measuring hole inclination, flow rate on the single point measurement accuracy of the array measurement system. [Results]The results showed that:(1) annular lowspeed wind tunnel had good flow field stability under different flow rates.(2) In the design of pitot tube structure, the measurement method of vertical installation was better than the measurement in the direction of offset 30°, and the relative standard error is reduced from 8.67% to 3.87%.(3) The measuring accuracy of the pitot tube increased with the increase of the inclination of the measuring hole, and the relative error of the measurement when it was maintained at 30° in the first working section was the smallest, only 2.16%, but the specific inclination of the measuring hole should be determined according to the actual situation.(4) The relative standard error of measurement was linearly related to the flow at the entrance of the measurement platform, so the flow range of the measuring medium should also be considered under the same measurement conditions. [Conclusion]The research results were expected to play a greater role for the array measurement system in the field of flue gas flow measurement, improved the accurate monitoring and control of flue gas emissions, and vigorously promoted the development of industrial intelligence and thermal green under the goal of the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.
Research progress on typical application of soft measurement technology in thermal power units
WANG Ruoxu;CHEN Qing;WU Wenbin;SHI Liang;LI Debo;JIN Fengchu;[Objective] With the increasing complexity of energy structures in China, coal-fired power units operating under variable conditions face safety and economic challenges such as combustion instability, rising energy consumption, and inaccurate pollutant regulation. Fluctuations in unit load cause dynamic variations in critical parameters, including fuel feed rate, calorific value, flue gas composition, and main steam flow rate. However, traditional measurement methods suffer from limitations such as long cycle times, high costs, or reliance on empirical values. [Methods] To address these issues, this study establishes a hybrid mechanism-data-driven soft sensor framework. A correlation network of auxiliary variables is constructed based on thermodynamic equilibrium equations and combustion reaction mechanisms. Data quality is enhanced through outlier removal, time-series alignment, and principal component analysis. By integrating the nonlinear mapping capabilities of algorithms such as support vector machines(SVM) and random forests, along with embedded dynamic compensation mechanisms like filtering, an adaptive prediction model for variable operating conditions is developed. [Results] Case studies demonstrate that the application of soft sensor technology in coal-fired power units achieves a coal calorific value prediction errors below 0.5 MJ/kg, NOx concentration measurement delays under 30 s, and main steam flow measurement accuracy exceeding 98.5%, supporting a 1.1 g/(kW·h) reduction in coal consumption for a 660 MW unit and a 35% decrease in SCR system ammonia slip. Multiscenario modeling criteria are proposed. SVM is prioritized for small-sample/linear problems, while long short-term memory(LSTM) networks are recommended for parameters with strong temporal characteristics, offering engineers cross-condition algorithm selection guidelines. [Conclusion] Propose multi-scenario modeling criteria, prefer the SVM model for small-sample/linear problems, adopt the LSTM network for parameters with strong time-series characteristics, and provide algorithm selection criteria for engineers across loading conditions. Through precise sensing and dynamic optimization of core parameters via soft sensor technology, this study aims to significantly enhance the control quality and operational efficiency of coal-fired power units under wide-load conditions.
Numerical simulation study of sodium migration in 350 MW fully-fired Zhundong coal boiler
ZHANG Baihua;SONG Hanwen;LIN Xiaowei;ZHOU Guanwen;LI Yuanlu;[Objective] The high alkali metal content in Zhundong coal leads to severe fouling and corrosion on boiler heating surfaces, hindering its large-scale, efficient utilization. To reveal its migration and transformation patterns in large-scale pulverized coal boilers and provide a theoretical basis for optimizing anti-fouling operations, this study delves into the migration characteristics of alkali sodium. [Methods] A full-scale numerical model of a 350 MW tangentially fired boiler burning high-alkali coal was developed by coupling a sodium release and transformation model with a computational fluid dynamics(CFD) combustion model. This model was employed to simulate the formation, distribution, and transformation of the key fouling agents, NaCl and Na2 SO4. [Results] The results indicate that NaCl and Na2 SO4 exhibit distinct spatial distributions. Sodium is primarily released as NaCl during the initial stage of combustion, concentrating in the core combustion zone of the lower and middle furnace. Conversely, Na2 SO4 is mainly formed from the transformation of sodium species in the upper furnace. Increasing the excess air ratio enhances the oxidizing atmosphere, accelerating the conversion of NaCl to Na2 SO4, which decreases the mole fraction of NaCl in the flue gas from 1.57×10-5 to 6.61×10-6. However, this also intensifies char combustion and promotes further sodium release from the coal matrix, leading to an increase in the Na2 SO4 mole fraction from 2.45×10-5 to 2.59×10-5. Consequently, the total emission rate of gaseous sodium rises from 0.020 45 kg/s to 0.020 94 kg/s. [Conclusion] When increasing the excess air coefficient to optimize combustion efficiency, a critical trade-off must be considered. The benefits must be balanced against the enhanced migration of alkali metals into the gas phase to avoid exacerbating the fouling and corrosion risks on downstream heating surfaces.
Progress in the utilization of microalgae for carbon sequestration in industrial flue gas
SONG Hebin;ZHOU Lina;JIANG Weiguo;XIONG Shengxi;HAN Jinke;HE Xiaoyan;[Objective]Microalgal carbon sequestration technology demonstrates unique advantages in flue gas treatment at coal-fired power plants due to its highly efficient photosynthesis, strong environmental adaptability, and potential for high-value biomass conversion. This review examines the principles, algal strain improvement strategies, current industrial applications, and challenges faced by microalgal carbon sequestration in coal-fired power plant flue gas, providing theoretical reference and technical support for the technology's large-scale implementation. [Methods]Through literature review and case summarisation, this study systematically analyses the fundamental principles of microalgal carbon sequestration, alongside algal strain selection and domestication, mutagenesis breeding, and genetic engineering modification methods. Combining domestic and international pilot project data, it evaluates carbon sequestration efficiency and biomass yield under real flue gas conditions.[Results]Findings indicate that microalgae fix carbon through photosynthesis and CO2 concentration mechanisms, exhibiting significantly higher efficiency than terrestrial plants while concurrently absorbing nitrogen and sulphur oxides from flue gas. To address the high CO2 concentrations, pollutants, and thermal stress in coal-fired power plant flue gas, algal strains are engineered via screening and domestication, mutagenesis breeding, and molecular modification to enhance tolerance and carbon fixation performance. Currently, microalgae have been successfully coupled with power plant flue gas to achieve CO2 fixation. Multiple pilot-scale projects have been established domestically and internationally, achieving carbon fixation efficiencies of 40%～60% and producing high-value-added products such as biofuels and feed. [Conclusion]Microalgal carbon sequestration technology offers dual advantages of environmental protection and resource recovery. Challenges include insufficient adaptation of algal strains to complex flue gases, unclear molecular mechanisms of carbon fixation, high cultivation system costs, and limited biomass conversion pathways. Future efforts should focus on enhancing algal tolerance to multiple stresses through gene editing, developing low-cost reactors with high light energy utilisation, optimising flue gas pretreatment processes, promoting diversified high-value biomass conversion and establishing carbon reduction accounting methodologies and industry standards. These measures will enhance economic viability and advance the large-scale application of carbon neutrality.
Analysis of domestic and international alternative fuel standard system
FENG Mingfeng;ZHANG Ying;MO Yuchen;WANG Yanzhuo;ZHAGN Yanjun;XIE Zhicheng;[Objective]In order to promote the large-scale application of alternative fuels in the coal power industry and help achieve the dual-carbon goal. [Methods] This paper combs through the development history of alternative fuel standards in developed countries such as the European Union, the United States and Japan, focuses on comparing the differences between them and China in terms of product quality standards, preparation and testing standards, and pollution emission control standards, and analyses them in conjunction with the policy incentive system. [Results](1) In the standard system: China's current standards are group standards(e. g., T/CIC046—2021), lacking in mandatory; heavy metal limits(except mercury) are missing, while the EU's EN15359—2011 and ISO 21640 have already set up a grading system;(2) Mismatch of emissions standards: China's Co-disposal of coal-fired power plants needs to crossreference the 'domestic waste incineration standards', 'boiler pollutant emission standards' and other standards, there is no specific specification, while the EU through the Industrial Emissions Directive to unify the co-firing emission limits;(3) policy incentives are missing: China's lack of carbon emissions related tariff subsidies, while the EU through the Renewable Energy Directive to provide incentives for the 45 euros/(MW·h). [Conclusion] China needs to establish a mandatory national standard system:(1) improve product quality grading, strict chlorine content limits, heavy metal limits and testing methods;(2) develop special emission standards for co-incineration;(3) support carbon accounting rules and economic incentives to stabilise the raw material supply chain, and to promote the application of alternative fuels to reduce pollution and carbon emissions.
High-sensitivity SO3 measurement system based on QCL wavelength modulation spectroscopy technology
LI Jidong;MA Hanjun;LI Jie;PENG Zhimin;DING Yanjun;[Objective] A High-Sensitivity optical sensor is developed for detection of sulfur trioxide(SO3) using a quantum cascade laser(QCL) and wavelength modulation spectroscopy(WMS) to address the practical SO3 measurement challenges of low concentration, high reactivity, and difficult separation. It includes functional modules such as high-temperature SO3 gas generation and synchronous measurement of low-concentration SO2 and SO3, utilizing mid-infrared absorption spectroscopy to enable simultaneous measurement of SO2 and SO3 under hightemperature conditions. [Methods] The experimental system uses a multi-reflection high-temperature optical measurement cavity and combines the WMS algorithm to improve the detection limit of SO3. The SO3 gas obtained by the high temperature reaction of SO2 and O2 under the action of vanadium-based catalyst is used as the basis for the calibration of SO3 spectrum and real-time calibration of laser center frequency. The concentrations of SO2 and SO3 were measured synchronously in the process of SO2 catalytic oxidation. The relationship between the conversion rate of the catalytic oxidation reaction and the temperature(550～1 000 K) and pressure(3～20 k Pa) was calculated to obtain the best SO3 gas preparation conditions. [Results] The results showed that the conversion of SO2 and O2 increased first and then decreased with the increase of temperature, and reached 92.2% at T = 797 K during the catalytic oxidation of vanadium-based catalysts. Under the condition of T = 797 K, the reaction conversion rate increases with the increase of pressure, but the rate of change gradually decreases. When P > 17.5 kPa, the conversion rate is greater than 90 %. The detection limit of the high-sensitivity integrated measurement system for SO2 and SO3 is obtained by calculating the Allan variance. The detection limit of SO2 is 0.7 μL/L when the optimal integration time is about 10 s, and the detection limit of SO3 is 1.75 μL/L when the optimal integration time is about 40 s. It shows that the measurement system has a good detection limit for low-concentration acidic gases. [Conclusion] TThe WMS measurement method and integrated measurement system based on mid-infrared absorption spectroscopy technology can provide an effective means for simultaneous real-time online monitoring of low-concentration SO2 and SO3 in industrial sites.
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Introduction
Electric Power Technology and Environmental Protection
Bimonthly issued
CN 32-1808/X
ISSN 1674-8069
Governed by:
China Energy Investment Group Co., Ltd.
Sponsored by:
China Energy Group Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd.
Academic support：
State Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Smart Coal-fired PowerGeneration and Ultra-clean Emission
Columns:
Thermal Energy Engineering, Clean Power Generation, New Energy Generation, Integrated Power Generation.
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