Work

Comparative study of CO2 capture strategies in optimized MCFC-based power systems: Performance, cost, and environmental perspectives

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The urgent need for CO 2 reduction has accelerated research into carbon capture technologies . Molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs) offer an efficient pathway for both power generation and CO 2 separation. This study presents a comprehensive technical, economic, and environmental assessment of six optimized MCFC-based power plant configurations, each integrated with different CO 2 capture technologies: calcium looping (CaL), cryogenic CO 2 capture (CCC), proton exchange membrane electrolyzer-based CO 2 capture (PECC), oxygen membrane-based CO 2 capture (OMCC), and vanadium chlorine-based CO 2 capture (VCC). Simulations were conducted in Aspen Plus, evaluating thermodynamic performance, economic feasibility , and environmental impact. The results indicate that CaL achieves the highest CO 2 capture efficiency (95 %), leading to an emission index as low as 110.2 g CO 2 /kWh, while MCFC alone emits 457.1 g CO 2 /kWh. The VCC and OMCC configurations demonstrate superior energy integration, achieving net electrical efficiencies of 53.5 % and 51.4 %, respectively. However, PECC exhibits the highest Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCoE) at €0.3547/kWh, primarily due to its significant power consumption of 35.7 MW (∼24.9 % of MCFC output). The CaL system, despite its high efficiency (86.5 % CHP), incurs a 21.6 % cost increase compared to the MCFC baseline. A multi-objective optimization approach was employed to identify the most balanced system, considering efficiency, cost, and CO 2 capture effectiveness. The findings highlight the trade-offs between energy efficiency, capital costs, and emissions reduction, offering strategic insights for the development of low-emission power plants. This study advances the feasibility of hybrid MCFC-CCS systems, demonstrating their potential for near-zero emissions while maintaining economic viability.

Source: Journal of CO2 Utilization

DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2025.103085

Authors: Navid Kousheshi, Amirali Nouri, Ata Chitsaz, Ali Saberi Mehr

Institutions: University of Tabriz, Urmia University, University College Dublin

Language: English

Topic: Carbon Dioxide Capture Technologies

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,360