TC2015: Life cycle analysis of co-formed coal fines and hydrochar produced in twin-screw extruder (TSE)
- Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV (United States)
- Gas Technology Institute, Des Plaines, IL (United States)
Life cycle analysis (LCA) is a quantitative tool that evaluates the environmental performance of a process or system. The main objective of this LCA study is to assess the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and life cycle energy use associated with solid fuels produced by co-forming coal fines and hydrochar. The hydrochar is derived from loblolly pine wood via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) conducted in a reactive twin-screw extruder (TSE). The final product is a drop-in replacement for coal. The life cycle impacts of the co-formed end products are quantified from ‘cradle-to-grave’. Model input parameters are collected from life cycle databases, literature, experimental measurements and simulations by engineering software. Results show that electricity generated from the co-formed products has significantly lower GHG intensity and slightly higher life cycle energy use than coal-generated electricity. The most carbon-intensive component in the overall hydrochar system is the HTC plant. However, this could be improved in the future by plant re-design to recover and recycle thermal energy for more efficient operation.
- Research Organization:
- Gas Technology Institute, Des Plaines, IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Fossil Energy (FE)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- FE0005349
- OSTI ID:
- 1533172
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Progress and Sustainable Energy, Vol. 36, Issue 3; ISSN 1944-7442
- Publisher:
- WileyCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Web of Science
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