452 research outputs found
Carbonate looping for industrial decarbonisation
No full textWelcome to the Carbonate Looping Process for Industrial Decarbonisation Repository, an open-source depository maintained by Prof. Hanak and his research team. This repository focuses on the Calcium Looping (CaL) process, a cutting-edge Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology.
About Calcium Looping (CaL)
Calcium Looping (CaL) is an innovative carbon capture technology that employs calcium oxide (CaO) to capture CO2 from various industrial processes. CaL is recognised for its potential to deliver superior techno-economic performance compared to traditional solvent scrubbing technologies. By utilizing the cyclic carbonation and calcination reactions of CaO and CaCO3, this technology offers an efficient and sustainable solution for carbon emissions reduction.
Contact
For questions, feedback, or collaboration inquiries, please contact Prof. Hanak at [email protected].
Data scraping note
Professor Hanak does not allow unauthorised scraping of information shared in this depository for commercial purposes, including but not limited to AI- or manual-based data scraping, particularly in conjunction with the use of information for training LLMs and any other machine learning/AI-based models. This restriction applies to any information deposited in this project, including but not limited to preprints, articles, communications, data, models, codes, spreadsheets, ideas, hypotheses, and research questions
Modelling of sorption-enhanced steam methane reforming in a fixed bed reactor network integrated with fuel cell
Full text linkIn this study sorption-enhanced steam methane reforming (SE-SMR) in fixed beds is investigated by means of 1D
numerical modelling, and the model is validated with the data reported in the literature. Isothermal conditions
(973 K) are considered, and the equilibrium between the carbonation and calcination stages is shifted by a
pressure swing: 3.5 · 106 Pa and 1013 Pa, respectively. The results showed that under these operating conditions
at least 8 reactors in parallel are required to continuously produce a high-purity stream of H2, and a separated
stream of concentrated CO2. The average H2 purity is 0.92, whilst the average H2 yield and selectivity are
2.9 molH2 molCH4−1 and 90%, respectively. A thermodynamic analysis was performed, which highlighted that,
by using a portion of the produced H2 (about 0.4 molH2 molCH4−1), it is possible to fully cover heat and power
demands of the process, making it completely energy self-sufficient. In the case when the proposed SE-SMR is
integrated with a solid oxide fuel cell, net power generation at the scale of∼950 kWel can be achieved with a net
efficiency of the entire system of 51%, with the important feature that CO2 is concentrated
Feasibility of CaO/CuO/NiO sorption-enhanced steam methane reforming integrated with solid-oxide fuel cell for near-zero-CO2 emissions cogeneration system
Full text linkIn this article, a process for sorption-enhanced steam methane reforming in an adiabatic fixed-bed reactor coupled with a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is evaluated using a 1D numerical reactor model combined with a simplified fuel cell simulation. A novel material comprising CaO/CuO/Al2O3(NiO) pellets is considered. Three operating stages are considered in the proposed system, namely (i) CaO carbonation/reforming, (ii) Cu and Ni oxidation, and (iii) CaCO3 calcination/CuO and NiO reduction. The operating conditions that enable cyclic operation of these stages and the strategy needed to switch between each stage are evaluated. Under the adopted control strategy, methane conversion was about 95%, whilst H2 yield and purity were around 3.2 molH2 molCH4−1 and 90%, respectively. Moreover, a concentrated CO2 stream ready for storage was obtained. By using a portion of the produced H2 to make the process self-sufficient from an energy standpoint, an equivalent H2 yield and a reforming efficiency of about 2.8 molH2 molCH4−1 and 84% were achieved, respectively. With respect to SOFC integration, net power and thermal energy generation of around 11 kW and 6 kW, respectively, can be achieved. With respect to the chemical energy of the inlet methane, the net electrical and thermal efficiencies of the considered process are 56% and 30%, respectively, i.e., the overall efficiency of the entire system is 86%. The proposed cogeneration system showed better thermodynamic, environmental and economic performances than those of conventional systems, with an investment pay-back period of 2.2 years in the worst-case scenario. The levelised cost of electricity, of heat and total power were about 0.096 € kW h−1, 0.19 € kW h−1, and 0.065 € kW h−1, respectively, while the CO2 emissions were avoided at no cost
Techno-economic analysis of sorption-enhanced steam methane reforming in a fixed bed reactor network integrated with fuel cell
Full text linkSorption-enhanced steam methane reforming (SE-SMR) is a promising alternative for H2 production with inherent CO2 capture. This study evaluates the techno-economic performance of SE-SMR in a network of fixed beds and its integration with a solid oxide fuel cell (SE-SMR-SOFC) for power generation. The analysis revealed that both proposed systems are characterised by better economic performance than the reference systems. In particular, for SE-SMR the levelised cost of hydrogen is 1.6 €⋅kg−1 and the cost of CO2 avoided is 29.9 €⋅tCO2−1 (2.4 €⋅kg−1 and 50 €⋅tCO2−1, respectively, for SMR with CO2 capture) while for SE-SMR-SOFC the levelised cost of electricity is 0.078 €⋅kWh−1 and the cost of CO2 avoided is 36.9 €⋅tCO2−1 (0.080 €⋅kWh−1 and 80 €⋅tCO2−1, respectively, for natural gas-fired power plant with carbon capture). The sensitivity analysis showed that the specific cost of fuel and the capital cost of fuel cell mainly affect the economic performance of SE-SMR and SE-SMR-SOFC, respectively. The daily revenue of the SE-SMR-SOFC system is higher than that of the natural gas-fired power plant if the difference between the carbon tax and the CO2 transport and storage cost is > 6 €⋅tCO2−1
The spiritual resources of the teacher according to Jan Władysław Dawid
No full textIn this article, the author analyses the best known work of the Warsaw Positivist Jan Władysław Dawid: On the Soul o f Teachership (O duszy nauczycielstwa). The author notes the change in views of the materialist Dawid who, after the death of his wife, begins to describe the spiritual values which should be followed by a good teacher. Dawid distinguishes didactic work and elevates it above all other professions, such as doctor or architect. He notes that the teacher cannot be a bad man, and proceeds to list the profession’s requirements. According to Dawid, the teacher’s most important feature is love for the student’s soul, as well as purity of intention and actions. The teacher should also have a calling, thanks to which he will be committed to his work. Another characteristic of the teacher is courage, thanks to which one’s values can be passed on to others. Dawid draws attention to the ever-present issue of providing teachers with good remuneration and decent living. After all, it is only after the basic human needs
are satisfied that we may think about more lofty notions and attempt to teach them to others.
The article also raises numerous questions and hypotheses which remain unanswered. In this way the author encourages others to reflect on Dawid’s views from contemporary perspective and read the source texts of the author of the treaty On the Soul of [email protected]ł Nauk o Edukacji Uniwersytetu w Białymstoku576
Modelling and evaluation of 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (amp) based process for CO₂ capture from natural gas-fired power plant.
Full text linkIt is widely accepted that emissions of CO₂, which is a major greenhouse gas, are the primary cause of climate change. This has led to the development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies in which CO₂ is captured from large-scale point sources such as power plants. However, retrofits of carbon capture plants result in high-efficiency penalties, which have been reported to fall in the range of 7–12% points in the case of post-combustion capture (PCC) from natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plants. Therefore, a reduction of these efficiency losses is a high priority in order to deploy CCS at a large scale. At the moment, chemical solvent scrubbing using amines, such as monoethanolamine (MEA), is considered as the most mature option for CO₂ capture from fossil fuel-fired power plants. However, due to high heat requirements for solvent regeneration, the use of substitute solvents has been considered. This thesis investigates the capture of CO₂ from the flue gas of a NGCC power plant using 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) solvent, the aim of which was to identify and evaluate opportunities for improvement. The methodology adopted in achieving the set objectives is subdivided into three sections. Firstly, a rate-based model for AMP pilot-scale PCC plant was developed with default parameters in Aspen Plus®, validated with published experimental data, and scaled up to commercial scale. Afterwards, the AMP-based plant was retrofitted into the 474 MWe NGCC power plant model, and an economic analysis was performed with the MEA-based PCC plant used as a benchmark. Lastly, the AMP-based CO₂ capture plant with solvent storage was retrofitted into the NGCC. A thermodynamic assessment revealed that the AMP-based process resulted in 25.6% lower reboiler duty, compared to that of the MEA-based process. Regardless of the
superior thermodynamic performance, the economic performance of the AMP-based process was shown to be better than that of the MEA-based process only for make-up rates below 0.03% of total flowrate in the system. Furthermore, results revealed that the process with solvent storage was found to increase the profit by approximately 1% compared to that without solvent storage. Hence, this thesis showed that the use of AMP as a solvent in chemical solvent scrubbing is a good option, but may not be the most feasible option from the economic standpointPhD in Energy and Powe
Design and planning of energy supply chain networks.
Full text linkDuring a period of transformation towards decarbonised energy networks,
maintenance of a reliable and secure energy supply whilst increasing efficiency
and reducing cost will be key aims for all energy supply chain (ESC) networks.
With the knowledge that about 80% of global energy is obtained from fossil fuels,
appropriate design and planning of its supply chain networks is inevitable.
Notwithstanding, renewable energy sources, such as biomass, solar, wind and
geothermal, will also play important roles in the future ESCs as climate change
mitigation becomes an increasingly important concern. To achieve this aim,
energy systems optimization models were derived; (i) for the simultaneous
planning of energy production and maintenance in combined heat and power
(CHP) plants for overall cost reduction, with results obtained benchmarked
against data from industry; (ii) for biomass integration into ESC networks for
emissions reduction and benchmarking it against data from literature and the
governing equations solved for optimality using the General Algebraic Modelling
System (GAMS) software. Further, energy survey questionnaires were
developed using the Qualtrics online survey tool and same disseminated to
individuals in some counties of the United Kingdom (UK) with the aim of
proposing strategies for improved renewable energy (RE) embracement in the
UK energy mix. The case study of the coal-fired CHP plant predicted a 21%
reduction in annual total cost in comparison to the implemented industrial solution
that follows a predefined maintenance policy, thereby, enhancing the resource
and energy efficiency of the plant. Additionally, the optimization model for
integrating biomass into energy supply chain networks indicated that a reduction
in the emissions level of up to 4.32% is achievable on integration of 5-8% of
biomass in the ESC with a 4.57% increase in the total cost of the ESC network
predicted at biomass fraction of 7.9% in the mixed fuel, indicating that the cost
increment in a biomass and coal co-fired plant can be offset with the introduction
of effective carbon pricing legislation.PhD in Energy and Powe
Calcium looping for pulp and paper industry decarbonisation and hydrogen production from biomass and waste
Full text linkManovic, Vasilije - Associate SupervisorGlobal CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels have been rising for more than a century.
Nevertheless, to meet the ambitious targets set by the Paris Agreement,
greenhouse gas emissions must be substantially reduced. The improvement of
energy efficiency, implementation of carbon capture and reduction of fossil fuel
dependency can play an important role. Of the CO₂ capture technologies, amine
scrubbing is the most mature technology; however, calcium looping has shown
to be a promising one. Thus, this research aimed to assess the techno-economic
feasibility of calcium lopping as a carbon capture technology for combined heat,
power and hydrogen production from biomass and/or waste. First, a new concept
for the conversion of the pulp and paper industry to carbon-negative that relies
on the inherent CO₂ capture capability of the Kraft process was proposed. This
concept has shown that a pulp and paper plant can turn from importer to
electricity exporter with the cost of CO₂ avoided of 39.0 €/tсо₂ . Second, in the
pulp and paper industry, two carbon capture and storage routes were compared,
calcium looping retrofitted to the pulp and paper plant and calcium looping
coupled with black liquor gasification. The latter was assessed for H₂ production
and for electricity generation with a gas turbine combined cycle or solid-oxide fuel
cell. The last alternative has shown that the pulp and paper plant can also
become a net electricity export asset at the expense of the cost of CO₂ avoided,
50.8 €/tсо₂ . On the contrary, the alternative for H₂ production presented the
highest energy penalty but the lowest cost of CO₂ avoided (48.8 €/tсо₂ ). Third,
the feasibility of calcium looping for H₂ production and in-situ CO₂ capture was
assessed for waste-to-energy conversion in a greenfield scenario. However, this
resulted in a significantly higher levelised cost of hydrogen (5.0 €/kgн₂ ) compared
to that estimated for conventional gasification (2.7 €/kgн₂ ). Although calcium
looping is more cost-efficient for carbon capture in a retrofitted scenario, this
technology can become a competitive technology for hydrogen production in a
greenfield scenario.PhD in Energy and Powe
Data for assessment of biomass-fired calcium looping retrofit
No full textThis dataset includes underlying data for work "Transforming carbon-intensive coal-fired power plants into negative emission technologies via biomass-fired calcium looping retrofit".This dataset comprises: i) detailed energy and mass balances for the biomass-fired calcium looping retrofits to a coal-fired power plant that have been collected using validated process models created in Aspen Plus; ii) outputs of the techno-economic assessment that considered the net efficiency penalty, specific CO2 emissions, levelised cost of electricity and cost of CO2 avoided as key performance indicators; and iii) outputs of the sensitivity analysis
Operational and maintenance planning of production and utility systems in process industries
Full text linkMajor process industries have installed onsite the utility systems that can
generate several types of utilities for meeting the utility requirements of the main
production systems. A traditional sequential approach is typically used for the
planning of production and utility systems. However, this approach provides
suboptimal solutions because the interconnected production and utility systems
are not optimised simultaneously. In this research, a general optimisation
framework for the simultaneous operational and maintenance planning of utility
and production systems is presented with the main purpose of reducing the
energy needs and resources utilisation of the overall system. A number of
industrial-inspired case studies solved show that the solutions of the proposed
integrated approach provides better solutions than the solutions obtained by the
sequential approach. The results reported a reduction in total costs from 5% to
32%. The reduction in total costs demonstrate that the proposed integrated
approach can result in efficient operation of utility systems by avoiding
unnecessary purchases of utility resources and improved utilisation of energy and
material resources. In addition, the proposed integrated optimisation-based
model was further improved with the presence of process uncertainty in order to
address dynamic production environment in process industries. However,
integrated planning problems of production and utility systems results to large
mixed integer programming (MIP) model that is difficult to solve to optimality and
computationally expensive. With this regards, three-stage MIP-based
decomposition strategy is proposed. The computational experiments showed that
the solutions of the proposed MIP-based decomposition strategy can achieve
optimal or near-optimal solutions at further reduced computational time by an
average magnitude of 4. Overall, the proposed optimisation framework could be
used to integrate production and utility systems for effective planning
management in the realistic industrial scenarios.PhD in Energy and Powe
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