CCC/219 ISBN 978-92-9029-539-6

April 2013

copyright © IEA Clean Coal Centre

Abstract

While pulverised coal combustion (PCC) remains the dominant technology in the power generation

sector, a significant minority of plant commissioned is based on circulating fluidised bed combustion

(CFBC). CFBC offers specific advantages over PCC, particularly in the utilisation of low quality

coals, and mixtures of coal with other fuels, including wastes. Since its initial deployment, CFBC has

continued to evolve. Recently, significant advances have been made in scaling-up the CFBC units and

in the adoption of supercritical steam parameters. The engineering designs and operation of the CFBC

systems have also been optimised leading to improvements in plant reliability and availability, and

plant economics. The CFBC technology is emerging as a real competitor to PCC system.

For PCC and CFBC boilers, oxy-fuel combustion systems that produce high purity CO2 exhaust

streams ready for carbon capture are under development. Oxy-CFB technology may have some

advantages over oxy-PC combustion designs but there are challenges in the development of the

concept and design of oxy-CFB boilers. This report reviews the recent developments in CFBC

technology and how it fits within carbon capture and storage strategies.