ACERC
Abstracts - 1993 |
|
Thrust
Area 7: Advanced Combustion Concepts
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Role of Combustion Research
in the Fossil Fuel Industry
Smoot, L.D.
Energy & Fuels, 7 (6):689-699, 1993. Funded by ACERC.
The use of fossil fuels
currently dominates worldwide energy production. While there are many alternatives
to the use of coal, oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuels, published projections
show that fossil fuels will continue to provide the bulk of the world's expanding
energy needs in the foreseeable future. Given its vast reserves and the rapidly
developing clean-coal technologies, coal is projected to assume an increasingly
important role. Yet increasing use of these fossil fuels presents many challenges
of worldwide significance, including control of acid rain, emissions of toxic
compounds and trace metals, particulate emissions, and carbon oxide emission.
Further, with the expanding world energy needs, every-increasing efficiencies
for generation of power and industrial heat are essential. Accomplishments in
cleaner and more efficient use of fossil fuels have been substantial. This paper
specifically examines the role of fundamental and applied research toward these
new developments. Six specific commercial applications of new technology based
on prior research are examined: (1) increasing efficiency of utility boilers,
(2) reduction in carbon carryover in pulverized coal boilers, (3) coal selection
for minimum fouling tendencies, (4) SOx removal through
sorbent injection, (5) low NOx burners in large furnaces,
and (6) mild gasification of coal. In each specific case, the vital role of
research in the current commercial practice is examined and discussed. The rapidly
developing new technology of combustion modeling is also explored. Its state
of development is summarized and examples of commercial application are illustrated.
Results of a survey among several international groups active in comprehensive
combustion modeling show a rapidly developing level of application of this technology
to industrial needs. The future industrial role of this technology is also assessed.
On the basis of this foundation of research need and accomplishment in the fossil
energy industry, the role and research program of the Advanced Combustion Engineering
Research Center, on whose annual conference this special publication of Energy
and Fuels is based, is summarized. The Center's focus on clean and efficient
use of fossil energy is identified, and the research program in six related
thrust areas is outlined. Recent general research progress is identified.
