Climate change, carbon capture, and oxy-fuel combustion technologies

Jost O.L. Wendt
Presidential Professor, The University of Utah, USA

Abstract: The separate roles of anthropogenic emissions of CO₂, CH₄, and black carbon are discussed. All are potentially important in determining global warming and climate change. Whereas the greatest attention has been given to CO₂, mitigation of black carbon emissions into the atmosphere will have more immediate beneficial effects. Switching from using coal to natural gas, derived from unconventional sources, is a potential game-changer and can theoretically cause a substantial (44%) decrease in CO₂ emissions. However, even low leakages (8% of source) of methane prior to use can eliminate this benefit. Potential problems with carbon storage and their solution are reviewed. One viable low carbon technology based on coal is discussed in detail. This technology is oxy-coal combustion, which can be used in steam boilers very similar to current designs. This concept has been, and is currently being tested at scales up to a 30-50 MW scale. Large (200MW) full chain plants demonstrating the process from oxidant separation to underground sequestration and continuous power generation, remain to be realized, although many are planned. Remaining research issues and technical solutions are identified.

Global Challenges and Opportunities Provided by Growing Energy Demands

Ashwani K. Gupta
Distinguished University Professor, University of Maryland, USA

Abstract: The energy demand in most countries worldwide continues to rise due to increased standards of living. The developing countries, in particular China and India, show much greater increase in energy demand than the western countries. The population also continues to grow. The discoveries of new fossil fuel have been limited so that the gap between the supplies and demand has provided new challenges and opportunities for all kinds of energy resources. The dramatic increase in the use of fossil fuels has caused a challenge to seek means of developing new alternative fuel sources not only to meet the energy demand but also for power. Not all the alternative fuels can be used to serve a desired function and be available when desired at higher efficiency. It is expected that the fossil fuels are here to stay for the near term so that the challenges and opportunities offered to explore new energy sources must be exploited to seek full potential without compromising the standards of living or further eroding our environment. Examples of many innovations and technologies that are commonly used today were cited as poor options to follow for further exploitation. However, the time has shown that these innovations have paved the way for critical elements of our lives. Engineers and scientists working together can develop cost effective innovative technologies for solutions to energy production without further erosion to our environment. Some examples of energy scenarios, including hybrid and integrated systems will be provided with due considerations to costs and environment.

Smart Grid Technologies for Massive Integration of Renewable Energy into Grid after 3.11 Disaster in Japan

Akihiko Yokoyama
Professor, The University of Tokyo, Japan

Abstract: The concept of "smart grid" is well known all over the world, which is a new and better approach to the future power system, enabling us to solve some problems in the power system operation by using information and communication technology (ICT). This lecture presents the concept, features and challenges associated with realization of smart grid in Japan after 3.11 Disaster when a massive amount of renewable energy sources such as wind and PV powers is integrated into the power system. Demand-side direct control of loads with energy storage such as heat pump based water heater, battery and electric vehicle in cooperation with conventional power thermal plants is shown. The Japanese national demonstration projects related into the smart grid are also shown.