Energy, emissions and offsets

Research progressing within this program spans geothermal (hot rock) energy, biofuels, combustion technologies for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, and a diversity of approaches for carbon capture and storage.

Understanding Plant Residue Decomposition by Linking Organic Matter Chemistry and Soil Microbiology

The amount of C stored as soil organic carbon (SOC) is an important potential source or sink of atmospheric CO2 and is a function of the dynamic balance between inputs and outputs of carbon in an ecosystem. A linkage and interdependence between the chemical composition of the SOC and the structure of the microbial community controls SOC dynamics; however, studies linking chemistry and microbiology are lacking. We will close this knowledge gap by combining the expertise and state-of-the-art methodology of soil chemists and soil microbial ecologists to improve our fundamental understanding of soil C dynamics.

Project team
P Marschner, RJ Smernik (University of Adelaide); Dr JA Baldock (CSIRO Land & Water)

Funding
ARC Discovery

Investigating the Coupled Dependencies of Soot in Turbulent Flames by Advanced Laser Diagnostics and Modelling

The project aims to provide a break-through in the detailed understanding and predictive capability of turbulent diffusion flames containing soot, under conditions of relevance to industrial flames and fires. This will be achieved by the use of novel approaches employing advanced laser diagnostic measurements in parallel with modelling. The results will contribute significantly to the reduction of pollutant emissions of NOx, soot and CO2 from both fossil and bio-fuels in applications spanning furnaces and boilers to aircraft. It will also contribute to the ability to design safe procedures for fuel storage systems in the event of fire.

Project team
GJ Nathan, Dr BB Dally (University of Adelaide); R Barlow (Sandia National Laboratories, CA, USA); H Pitsch (Stamford University, CA, USA); A Dreizler (Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany)

Funding
ARC Discovery

Assessment and Optimisation of Mixing and Aerodynamic Characteristics of Multi-fuel Burners for Rotary Kilns

The project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by enhancing the capacity to utilise waste and biomass fuels in cement kilns. This will be achieved by a comprehensive and detailed study of the mixing characteristics of multiple jet systems that are directly relevant to multi-fuel burners. Such information is not presently available. The program will apply advanced laser diagnostic techniques to measure mixing, which control many aspects of the combustion, in both single and two-phase environments. The new data and insight will be used to develop improved burners and to advance design methodologies.

Project team
GJ Nathan, PA Kalt (University of Adelaide); JJ Parham, NL Smith (FCT International)

Funding
ARC Linkage

Aerodynamic Enhancement of the Capture of Fine Particle Emissions and Gaseous Pollutants by Sorbents

The project aims to enable at low cost, the greatly increased capture efficiency of fine particulate emissions and sorbent-based gaseous pollutants such as SO2, NOx and mercury and, potentially in the future, CO2. This will be achieved by providing new knowledge of the mechanism of aerodynamic agglomertion, which has not previously been recognised as significant, or applied to air pollution control. The applications for the new technology include power generation, minerals processing and transport, both in Australia and throughout the world. The development of this technology will therefore put an Australian company in a strong position to capitalise on the need to meet ever-more stringent regulations on air pollution.

Project team
Prof GJ Nathan; A/Prof RM Kelso; Prof J Mi; Dr PA Kalt (University of Adelaide); Mr RJ Truce; Mr JW Wilkins (Indigo, QLD)

Funding
ARC Linkage