Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Dynamic Simulator

The AVESTAR™ center offers courses using the Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) Dynamic Simulator. The IGCC simulator builds on and reaches beyond existing combined-cycle and conventional-coal power plant simulators to combine--for the first time--a  gasification with CO₂ capture process simulator with a combined-cycle  power simulator together in a single dynamic simulation framework. The AVESTAR™ center IGCC courses provide unique, comprehensive training on all aspects of an IGCC plant, illustrating the high-efficiency aspects of the gasifier, gas turbine, and steam turbine integration.

Operator training station HMI display for overview of IGCC Plant - Train A

The plant design is based on slurry-fed, entrained-flow gasification technology with CO₂ capture based on a dual-stage, physical solvent-based acid gas removal (AGR) process for H₂S and CO₂ capture. The simulator allows for coal, petroleum coke, and biomass, with the capability to add more feedstocks upon request. The combined cycle uses advanced F-class gas turbines and a triple pressure-level heat recovery steam generator (HRSG)/steam cycle.

The IGCC Dynamic Simulator handles normal base load operation, complete cold, warm, and hot startups, normal shutdown, load shedding and following, and fuel switching. The dynamic simulator also handles emergency shutdowns and other abnormal situations in real-time, including equipment malfunctions and failures, together with changes initiated through actions from the instructor station or from field operators.

Key components of the IGCC Simulator include:

• Normal base load operation
• Complete cold, warm, and hot startup
• Normal shutdown
• Fuel switching
• Emergency shutdowns
• Load shedding and following
• Equipment malfunctions and failures
• Variety of abnormal situations in real-time