2k. Future Technologies: Supercritical Pulverized Coal Power Plant

A supercritical fluid is a substance that has properties of both a liquid and a gas. These fluids are created under high temperatures and pressures.

The Supercritical Pulverized Coal Power Plant is a future technology that pressurizes and heats water to a supercritical fluid. As pulverized coal is burned in the boiler, the supercritical water is evaporated into steam. This technology is promising because the amount of energy needed to change the water into steam becomes less and less, reducing the amount of coal needed. A typical pulverized coal plant operates at about 30% efficiency, while a supercritical plant increases efficiency to 40% or more.