Combined strategies to extinguish underground coal fires and to extract geothermal energy. This project addresses two serious environmental issues that occur worldwide. Firstly, it aims to develop strategies to combat underground coal fires which are a serious environmental problem. It has been estimated that underground coal fires in China alone contribute 2 to 3 per cent of the total world output of carbon dioxide (CO2) from burning fossil fuel. Concentrations of CO2 and CO (carbon monoxide) o ....Combined strategies to extinguish underground coal fires and to extract geothermal energy. This project addresses two serious environmental issues that occur worldwide. Firstly, it aims to develop strategies to combat underground coal fires which are a serious environmental problem. It has been estimated that underground coal fires in China alone contribute 2 to 3 per cent of the total world output of carbon dioxide (CO2) from burning fossil fuel. Concentrations of CO2 and CO (carbon monoxide) of up to 2200 ppm and 1000 ppm, respectively, have been measured in gases produced by underground coal fires. Secondly, the project is a proof of concept to validate the feasibility of production of geothermal energy from burning coal seams. This aspect has the potential to harvest large amounts of geothermal energy which is currently wasted.Read moreRead less
Direct geothermal energy: Reducing the rural industries’ carbon footprint. Direct geothermal energy: Reducing the rural industries’ carbon footprint. This project aims to design poultry brooder houses using geothermal technology. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a global priority. The lack of natural gas in rural areas and brooder houses’ heating and cooling needs make geothermal ideal. Direct geothermal systems use shallow ground both as a heat source and as a heat sink for cooling, using h ....Direct geothermal energy: Reducing the rural industries’ carbon footprint. Direct geothermal energy: Reducing the rural industries’ carbon footprint. This project aims to design poultry brooder houses using geothermal technology. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a global priority. The lack of natural gas in rural areas and brooder houses’ heating and cooling needs make geothermal ideal. Direct geothermal systems use shallow ground both as a heat source and as a heat sink for cooling, using heat pumps. Their application to poultry brooder houses could reduce electricity consumption by up to 75% and thus greenhouse gas emissions, since 91% of electricity comes from fossil fuels in Australia; minimise the need for expensive bottled gas heating; reduce the levels of ammonia emissions; and increase farm productivity.Read moreRead less