Predictive models for the combustion of multi-component bio-fuels. This project will develop advanced, computationally efficient models for predicting pollutant emissions from the combustion of bio-fuels. The models will target practical engineering-scale applications with the aim of achieving improved energy conversion and improved urban air quality.
Investigations of the atomisation and turbulent combustion of biodiesels. This project will provide a quantitative understanding of the atomisation, and turbulent combustion characteristics of biodiesel fuels. Such knowledge will facilitate the optimisation of biodiesel blends and hence the uptake of renewable fuels that yield lower emissions without compromising efficiency.
Phase stability of biomass fast pyrolysis bio-oil: behaviour and control. This project aims to carry out a systematic investigation into the phase behaviour and control of biomass fast pyrolysis into bio-oil and its derived fuels. The project addresses the major problem of fuel phase separation during processing and handling that cause significant operational challenges, for example pumping difficulties and line clogging, during storage, transport and applications of these fuels. The outcomes in ....Phase stability of biomass fast pyrolysis bio-oil: behaviour and control. This project aims to carry out a systematic investigation into the phase behaviour and control of biomass fast pyrolysis into bio-oil and its derived fuels. The project addresses the major problem of fuel phase separation during processing and handling that cause significant operational challenges, for example pumping difficulties and line clogging, during storage, transport and applications of these fuels. The outcomes include the discovery of fundamental knowledge on the phase structure, stability and behaviour of the products of biomass fast pyrolysis bio-oil and its derived fuels and the development of essential engineering tools for predicting and controlling phase behaviour and stability of these fuels.Read moreRead less
Oxy-cofiring of bio-slurry and coal for carbon-negative power generation. This project aims to study co-firing characteristics of bio-slurry fuels and coal under oxy-pulverised-fuel (oxy-PF) conditions. Oxy-PF stationary systems can capture the renewable carbon embedded in bio-slurry fuel from biomass pyrolysis for sequestration, leading to carbon-negative power generation. The expected outcomes are critical knowledge and data regarding the underlying thermochemical reactions responsible for the ....Oxy-cofiring of bio-slurry and coal for carbon-negative power generation. This project aims to study co-firing characteristics of bio-slurry fuels and coal under oxy-pulverised-fuel (oxy-PF) conditions. Oxy-PF stationary systems can capture the renewable carbon embedded in bio-slurry fuel from biomass pyrolysis for sequestration, leading to carbon-negative power generation. The expected outcomes are critical knowledge and data regarding the underlying thermochemical reactions responsible for the co-pyrolysis, volatiles/char co-firing and ash formation from bio-slurry/coal co-firing under oxy-PF conditions. This is expected to enhance Australia's competitive advantage in clean power generation through high-impact scientific and technological innovations, and strengthen the related knowledge and skill base in the country.Read moreRead less
New understanding and models for two-phase solar thermal particle receivers. The project aims to provide the new understanding of, and computational design tools for, next generation solar thermal particle receivers and their hybrids. Particle receivers, which heat fine particles in suspension, offer much greater efficiency than current tubular receivers, but are presently unreliable due to the poor understanding of the complex and coupled mechanisms that govern their performance. The results ar ....New understanding and models for two-phase solar thermal particle receivers. The project aims to provide the new understanding of, and computational design tools for, next generation solar thermal particle receivers and their hybrids. Particle receivers, which heat fine particles in suspension, offer much greater efficiency than current tubular receivers, but are presently unreliable due to the poor understanding of the complex and coupled mechanisms that govern their performance. The results are expected to speed up the development and roll-out of these devices, to deliver cost-effective, low-emissions energy technologies for future power generation and thermo-chemical processes. The aims will be met by the parallel application of advanced laser diagnostic measurements and computational fluid dynamics modelling techniques.Read moreRead less
Coproduction of Bioslurry and Liquid Transport Fuels from Biomass Pyrolysis. This project aims to develop a novel technology from biomass pyrolysis for coproducing a diesel/biodiesel/bio-oil blend as a liquid transport fuel for local use and a high-quality bioslurry fuel suitable for transport to centralised stationary applications. The technology aims to address key issues associated with current biofuel production from biomass pyrolysis due to the undesired high acidity, poor stability and hig ....Coproduction of Bioslurry and Liquid Transport Fuels from Biomass Pyrolysis. This project aims to develop a novel technology from biomass pyrolysis for coproducing a diesel/biodiesel/bio-oil blend as a liquid transport fuel for local use and a high-quality bioslurry fuel suitable for transport to centralised stationary applications. The technology aims to address key issues associated with current biofuel production from biomass pyrolysis due to the undesired high acidity, poor stability and high oxygen content of bio-oil. The liquid transport fuel is expected to be produced without the expensive bio-oil hydrotreating for deep de-oxygenation, which is otherwise required for using bio-oil as feedstock in conventional petroleum refining process. Both biofuel products can be adoptable for wide applications in the existing vast infrastructure.Read moreRead less
Bio-oil/char slurry from biomass for co-combustion in coal power plants: achieving power generation with a significant reduction of CO2 emission. This project will develop an advanced co-combustion technology of bio-oil/char slurry (i.e. bioslurry), prepared from biomass pyrolysis products, and coal in the existing coal-fired power plants for achieving significant CO2 reduction. It will enhance Australia's competitive advantage through high impact scientific and technological innovations.