This project demonstrated concentrated solar thermal systems (CST) providing the complete heat requirement for CO2 capture, by continuous absorption of CO2 in the absorber, intermediate storage of the CO2 rich solvent in a vessel as an alternative to thermal storage, followed by regeneration of the solvent by concentrated solar thermal energy.
Report extract
This project represents the world’s first practical demonstration of pilot scale Post Combustion Capture process integrated with solar thermal energy and demonstrates an important low emissions energy solution to achieving substantial emissions reductions from Australian coal fired electricity generation with the potential for large scale deployment of solar thermal fields in Australia.
The project successfully designed, constructed and tested a pilot scale solar thermal reboiler integrated with CSIRO’s existing carbon capture pilot plant located at Vales Point Power Station NSW.
The experimental phase identified a range of key learnings including the need for improved dynamic modelling capabilities when integrating variable energy sources such as solar with processes designed for steady state operation and key design and operating conditions for start-up of these systems.
The techno-economic analysis has demonstrated that concentrated solar thermal systems are capable of providing the complete heat requirement for CO2 capture by continuous absorption of CO2 in the absorber, intermediate storage of the CO2 rich absorbent in a vessel as an alternative to thermal storage, followed by regeneration of the absorbent by concentrated solar thermal energy.