Modelling and process simulation of an integrated carbonate-based carbon capture and microalgae cultivation system

Nowadays, one of the most pressing environmental challenges is global warming, driven primarily by the accumulation of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. The most evident and unambiguous effect is the increase in global temperatures, which has resulted in substantial climate-related consequences, including extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and ecosystem disruption. In this view, carbon capture technologies are regarded as an indispensable element in addressing these adverse effects, with the objective of decreasing CO2 emissions from industrial sources and power generation. The Bicarbonate Integrated Carbon Capture and Algae Production system (BICCAPS) represents a promising approach capable of combining carbon capture and biomass production. First, the CO2 is captured in form of bicarbonate in an absorption column where a potassium carbonate-based solvent is employed and then is fed to the photobioreactor, where algae can utilize it as a carbon source. At the end of the process, valuable products are obtained. In this master thesis, the commercial software Aspen Plus is employed to simulate the process and perform the material and energy balances resulting from the treatment of two flue-gas streams coming from different industrial plants, namely a natural gas combined cycle (NGCC), a waste-to-energy (WTE) power plant, and a biogas upgrading plant.