Economics of coal-based synthetic gas. [Compared with heat pumps]

An attempt is made to show that for space heating at least one alternative--the heat pump--will have a lower real cost than the gasification of coal. Since space heating will be one of the largest potential markets for synthetic gas, it is recommended that careful thought is in order before further investment is made in the type of coal-based synthetic plant currently at the pilot plant stage. The thermodynamics of the gasification process are developed to show that a high-Btu gas requires (1) the use of oxygen (instead of air) to support the endothermic reaction without product dilution, and (2) a final methanation step requiring a considerable amount of hydrogen obtainable from water but at a high cost. Estimated costs of heating with synthetic gas using an efficient burner are compared with costs of heat pumps that use electricity made from the combustion of coal. Systems analysis is stressed. (LTN)