Minimizing Carbon Capture Costs in Power Plants: A Novel Dimensional Analysis Framework for Techno-Economic Evaluation of Oxyfuel Combustion, Pre-combustion, and Post-combustion Capture Systems

Abstract

The imperative to mitigate anthropogenic CO₂ emissions from power generation plants, which account for approximately 40% of global emissions, necessitates developing and deploying carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. This study undertakes a comprehensive techno-economic evaluation of three primary CO₂ capture technologies—pre-combustion, post-combustion, and oxy-fuel combustion—integrated with natural gas power plants. Utilizing Aspen HYSYS design simulation and economic assessments, the technical and economic viability of each technology were investigated, considering key metrics such as levelized cost of energy (LCOE), carbon emission intensity (CEI), cost of carbon avoidance (COA), investment costs, production costs, net present value, and rate of return. A multi-criteria evaluation framework incorporating dimensional analysis was employed to compare the technologies, and the results revealed post-combustion capture as the most viable option with a cost factor (CF) value of 0.85, striking an optimal balance between efficiency, costs, and environmental impact. With minimized TIC and TPC, well below the conventional processes, this study produced a unique framework for reducing costs in CCS technology deployment. Conversely, oxy-fuel combustion has huge drawbacks regarding low profitability as it was found to have the highest total investment cost (TIC) of $8,258,483.99 and annual production cost (APC) of $9,234,870. In contrast, a higher CEI of 0.05 tCO₂/MWh and COA of $150.33/tCO₂ make pre-combustion less environmentally friendly than the three technologies. The findings of this study provide critical insights to inform decision-making in CCUS development, supporting a low-carbon energy transition. Future research directions should focus on evaluating feasible configurations and optimizing post-combustion capture technology for commercial-scale deployment.