Enhancing flexibility in integrated gasification combined cycle systems: the role of syngas storage technologies and operational strategies

Integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) systems have a significant role in advancing the transition toward cleaner energy production by enabling the efficient and environmentally responsible use of coal and other carbon-based feedstocks. IGCC systems not only reduce emissions and improve thermal efficiency but also offer integration potential with emerging low-carbon technologies. Integrated gasification combined cycle with syngas storage (IGCC-SS) offers greater operational flexibility, particularly during maintenance periods or sudden power outages, and enhances the ability of the plant to respond to variable energy demands. This review focuses on analyzing syngas storage technologies and their operational considerations to enhance the flexibility, reliability, and scalability of IGCC systems. The feasibility of syngas storage is highly influenced by the physicochemical properties of syngas, which depend on the gasification operating conditions and the type of feedstock. These factors affect syngas composition, energy density, and flammability limits, all of which are critical for safe and effective storage. The integration of syngas storage in IGCC systems provides enhanced operational flexibility, enabling the system to adapt to a broader range of duty cycles and variable energy demands. However, it also has trade-offs, including reduced overall efficiency and increased energy production costs. Therefore, the process design configuration and operational variables must be carefully developed to achieve the optimal balance between performance, reliability, and economic viability. Future research may focus on optimizing syngas storage parameters and the syngas distribution ratio to minimize efficiency losses and enhance the adaptability of IGCC-SS systems to dynamic power grid requirements.