1. LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS OF
ADVANCED POWER GENERATION SYSTEMS
Victor Gorokhov, Lynn Manfredo, Jay Ratafia-Brown, and Massood Ramezan
Science Applications International Corporation
Gary Stiegel
U.S. Department of Energy
National Energy Technology Laboratory
ABSTRACT
Advanced, fossil-fired power generation technologies are under development to satisfy
increasingly stringent environmental standards and improve operating efficiencies.
Quantification of the environmental performance advantages of these new technologies is
critical to their future acceptance relative to conventional technologies. The objective of
this study was to develop and apply a consistent methodology for all phases of fossil
energy production, including processing and transportation of all resources and products,
as well as the plant construction and demolition. The methodology used in this study has
three major elements: 1) system scoping, 2) emissions inventory assessment, and 3)
impact assessment. Simulation results from ASPEN computer modeling were used to
scope and characterize the basic power plant island and provide a core material and
energy balance. An inventory assessment was then conducted by developing a
comprehensive inventory model with the LCAdvantageTM computer program. The
emissions inventory results were used to conduct the life cycle impact analysis. This
paper describes the analytical methodology and presents the initial results of its
application to gasification-based power systems.
Published in
Technology: A Journal of Science Serving Legislative, Regulatory, and
Judicial Systems, Volume 8, pp.217-228, Cognizant Communication Corporation, 2002