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40 Downstream Natural Gas Copyright © 2014 by SDTC ™

9.5 Power Generation

More Efficient NG-fueled Electric Generators

Energy use projections show a rise in natural gas power generation in the near and medium term. Improvements to generator efficiency, both at the utility scale and small/medium scale, will have the potential for significant reductions compared to current technology. Technologies in this category include a variety of options to improve the efficiency of NG generators including power augmentation techniques and advanced materials. These could include for example: innovative intercooler and recuperative heat exchangers; novel heat transfer surfaces; low-cost corrosion-resistant metals or materials; and higher-temperature-resistant metals, ceramics, and other materials; and innovative waste heat capture/re-use.

Improvement in NG generators can also be in the area of transient response. NG generators are set up to do this well compared to their coal and nuclear counterparts. The quicker transient responses (currently at 8-24 hours for NG gens) will make them complimentary to renewable power generation plants – picking up the load quickly when renewables slow down due to climatic conditions. Needs for enabling technologies include heat recovery and steam systems that are able to withstand transient operations.

CAC Control

This category includes technologies designed to reduce CAC emissions from power generation, including technologies that address operating conditions as well as downstream technologies. Technologies could include innovative, economical low-emission control technologies for reciprocating engines - commercialized in vehicles but not yet in a stationary market. Since there is often a trade-off between CAC emissions control and power generation efficiency, these technologies must balance CAC emission reductions with system efficiency and reliability.

Power to Gas

Power to gas presents a method of power storage through the generation of hydrogen or methane from excess electricity. The gas can be transferred to the existing natural gas infrastructure. Innovation could include for example: higher-power PEM electrolysis; high temperature and pressure electrolysis; solid oxide electrolysis cells; and catalysts for CO 2 and H 2 reactions to form methane. High CAPEX costs for power to gas plants, round trip inefficiencies and market pricing of electricity and natural gas in North America drives the value proposition down as compared to the European market, thereby limiting adoption.

CNG and Long-term LNG Storage

Long-term LNG storage and compact CNG storage is considered to be required for the use of LNG for remote power generation, especially in northern regions where site-access is not possible through the entire year. It could include novel tank insulation systems, tank materials, and storage mechanisms such as carbon nanotubes and metal organic frameworks. Technologies improving on current storage capacity are understood to be at a relatively preliminary stage of development, but could also apply to transportation applications.

PowerGen NG Carbon Capture

This need includes technologies that focus on the capture of CO 2 from NG generation. This can include syngas-hydrogen capture, inherent separation, post-process capture, and oxy-fuel combustion, with the first two considered to be in the R&D phase and the latter two at the demonstration phase. In the absence of regulatory drivers, adoption is expected to be minimal until the longer term.