Innovative Low-Carbon Energy Conversion Systems PDF

Innovative Low-Carbon Energy Conversion Systems CHEG 403 – Fall 2024 7 – Energy Transition Faisal Abdulla AlMarzooqi WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2024 2 ku.ac.ae Energy Transition Navigating the future of energy 3...

Innovative Low-Carbon Energy Conversion Systems CHEG 403 – Fall 2024 7 – Energy Transition Faisal Abdulla AlMarzooqi WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2024 2 ku.ac.ae Energy Transition Navigating the future of energy 3 ku.ac.ae Renewable Energy Sources Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy are becoming increasingly popular and cost-effective alternatives to traditional energy sources, They play an important role in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Energy Storage Energy storage systems such as batteries and pumped hydro storage are essential for making renewable energy sources more reliable and accessible, and for balancing energy supply and demand. Carbon Capture Technologies Carbon capture and storage (CCS) and direct air capture (DAC) technologies can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and industrial processes, and are essential for achieving close to net-zero emissions. Policy Initiatives for Energy Transition Policy initiatives such as renewable portfolio standards and carbon pricing can help to encourage investment in renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, and to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. 4 ku.ac.ae Overview of Solar Energy Solar energy is the most abundant renewable energy source and is obtained from the sun. It can be captured with the help of solar panels and can be used to Renewable Energy generate electricity. Sources Wind Energy Wind energy is obtained from the movement of air masses caused by uneven heating of the earth's surface. It is harnessed using wind turbines and can be used to generate electricity. Hydropower Hydropower is obtained from the energy of moving water. It is harnessed using hydroelectric power plants and can be used to generate electricity. Geothermal Energy Geothermal energy is obtained from the heat of the earth's interior. It is harnessed using geothermal power stations and can be used to generate electricity. 5 ku.ac.ae Solar Energy How Solar Energy Works Solar energy is generated by harnessing the power of the sun's radiation. This is done through the use of solar panels, which convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity that can be used to power homes and businesses. Types of Solar Technologies There are two main types of solar technologies: photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP). PV systems use solar panels to directly convert sunlight into electricity, while CSP systems use mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight onto a small area, which then heats a fluid to generate electricity. Advantages of Solar Energy Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy that does not produce greenhouse gas emissions or air pollution. It also reduces dependence on fossil fuels and helps to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Disadvantages of Solar Energy Solar energy can be expensive to install and maintain, and its availability is dependent on weather conditions. Additionally, the manufacturing process for solar panels can produce harmful greenhouse gases. 6 ku.ac.ae Wind Energy How Wind Energy Works Wind energy is generated by the kinetic energy of wind which is converted into electrical energy through wind turbines. Wind turbines consist of rotor blades that capture wind energy and convert it into rotational energy, which is then used to generate electricity. Types of Wind Turbines There are two main types of wind turbines: horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs) and vertical- axis wind turbines (VAWTs). HAWTs are the most commonly used wind turbines and have blades that rotate around a horizontal axis. VAWTs are less commonly used and have blades that rotate around a vertical axis. Advantages of Wind Energy Wind energy is a clean and renewable energy source, and does not produce greenhouse gas emissions or air pollution. It is also cost-effective, as the cost of wind energy has decreased significantly in recent years. Disadvantages of Wind Energy The main disadvantage of wind energy is that it is intermittent and variable, as wind speed and direction can fluctuate. It also requires a large amount of land and can have negative impacts on wildlife. 7 ku.ac.ae Energy Storage Importance of Energy Storage in Renewable Energy Energy storage is a critical component of the transition to renewable energy, as it helps to stabilize the grid and ensure reliable power supply during times of peak demand. Types of Energy Storage There are different types of energy storage, including batteries, pumped hydro storage, compressed air energy storage, and thermal energy storage. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. 8 ku.ac.ae Types of Energy Electrochemical Energy Storage Electrochemical energy storage is the most common type of energy storage and includes batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors. These devices store energy in Storage chemical form and convert it back to electrical energy when needed. Thermal Energy Storage Thermal energy storage is the process of storing energy in the form of heat or cold. This type of energy storage is commonly used in concentrated solar power plants and HVAC systems. Mechanical Energy Storage Mechanical energy storage systems store energy in the form of kinetic or potential energy. Examples of mechanical energy storage systems include flywheels, compressed air energy storage, and pumped hydro storage. Chemical Energy Storage Chemical energy storage systems store energy in the form of chemical bonds. Examples of chemical energy storage systems include hydrogen storage and methanol storage. 9 ku.ac.ae Batteries How Batteries Work Batteries convert chemical energy into electrical energy. We will explore the different components of a battery and how they work together to produce electricity. Types of Batteries There are many different types of batteries, including lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, and lithium-ion batteries. We will explore the advantages and disadvantages of each type of battery. Advantages of Batteries for Energy Storage Batteries are a popular choice for energy storage because they are portable, can be charged and discharged multiple times, and have a long lifespan. Disadvantages of Batteries for Energy Storage Batteries have some disadvantages as an energy storage solution, including high upfront costs, limited storage capacity, and the need for proper disposal to prevent environmental pollution. 10 ku.ac.ae Pumped Hydro How Pumped Hydro Storage Works Pumped hydro storage works by pumping water from a lower reservoir to a higher reservoir when energy demand is low, and then releasing water to flow back down Storage to the lower reservoir through a turbine when energy demand is high, generating electricity in the process. Advantages of Pumped Hydro Storage Pumped hydro storage is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to store large amounts of energy, and it can be used to balance the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Disadvantages of Pumped Hydro Storage Pumped hydro storage requires large amounts of water and land, and it can have negative impacts on local ecosystems and communities. It is also limited by the availability of suitable sites for construction. 11 ku.ac.ae Carbon Capture Carbon Capture and Storage Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technology that captures carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes and stores it in underground geological formations. This technology can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industries such as power plants and cement production. Direct Air Capture Direct air capture (DAC) is a technology that captures carbon dioxide directly from the air. It can be used to remove carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere and reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases. This technology can also be used to produce low- carbon fuels and chemicals. 12 ku.ac.ae Carbon Capture Technologies Carbon Capture Technologies Carbon capture technologies are designed to capture carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and other industrial sources. These technologies include post-combustion, pre-combustion, and oxy-fuel combustion. Advantages of Carbon Capture Technologies The use of carbon capture technologies can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. It can also help companies meet their emissions reduction targets. Disadvantages of Carbon Capture Technologies Carbon capture technologies can be expensive to implement and require significant energy to operate. Additionally, there are concerns about the safety of storing large amounts of captured carbon dioxide. 13 ku.ac.ae Carbon Capture CCS technology CCS technology captures carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and other industrial sources and stores them underground or in other geological formations. and Storage Advantages of CCS (CCS) CCS technology can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. It can also improve air quality and reduce the environmental impact of fossil fuel use. Disadvantages of CCS CCS technology can be expensive, energy-intensive, and may have technical limitations. There are also concerns over the safety of storing carbon dioxide underground and the potential for leakage. Challenges of CCS Some of the challenges associated with CCS include regulatory and policy barriers, public acceptance, and the need for infrastructure and investment. 14 ku.ac.ae Direct Air Capture (DAC) How DAC works DAC uses chemical processes to capture carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. The captured CO2 is then stored or used in various industrial processes. Advantages of DAC DAC has the potential to play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. It can be used in various industries and may help to reduce the carbon footprint of some processes. Disadvantages of DAC DAC is an expensive technology and has a relatively low capacity for capturing carbon dioxide. It also requires a significant amount of energy to operate, which can make it less environmentally friendly than other carbon capture technologies. 15 ku.ac.ae Policy Renewable Portfolio Standards Renewable portfolio standards are policies that require electricity suppliers to produce a specified amount of their electricity from renewable sources. These standards are a key policy initiative for the transition to renewable energy. Carbon Pricing Carbon pricing is a policy initiative that puts a price on the carbon emissions of polluting industries. This policy is designed to incentivize companies to reduce their carbon footprint and switch to more sustainable practices. 16 ku.ac.ae Carbon Pricing What is Carbon Pricing? Carbon pricing is a policy that puts a price on carbon emissions, usually through a carbon tax or cap-and-trade system. It is designed to incentivize individuals and organizations to reduce their carbon footprint. Advantages of Carbon Pricing Carbon pricing can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, encourage innovation, and generate revenue that can be used to fund clean energy projects and other environmental initiatives. Disadvantages of Carbon Pricing Carbon pricing can be regressive, meaning that it disproportionately affects low- income households. It can also lead to increased energy costs and job losses in some industries. Challenges of Carbon Pricing One of the main challenges associated with carbon pricing is political resistance from industry groups and other stakeholders. Another challenge is ensuring that carbon pricing policies are effective and fairly implemented. 17 ku.ac.ae Conclusion Renewable Energy Renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, and hydropower can play a critical role in the transition to a more sustainable energy future, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Energy Storage Energy storage technologies such as batteries and pumped hydro can help integrate renewable energy into the grid, enabling us to use clean energy even when the sun isn't shining and the wind isn't blowing. Carbon Capture and Sequestration Carbon capture and sequestration technologies can help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, mitigating the effects of climate change. Policy Policy measures such as carbon pricing and renewable energy standards can incentivize the adoption of clean energy technologies, creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for ourselves and future generations. 18 ku.ac.ae Final Thoughts on Energy Transition The Energy Mix – Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Storage – Electrochemical, Thermal etc. Energy Carriers – Hydrogen, Ammonia etc. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Energy Supply and Demand Surplus Energy and Energy Deficit ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Energy supply chain – the Grid – Smart Grids 19 ku.ac.ae Final Thoughts on Energy Transition Politics Power plants are critical facilities, what if they are attacked? It is very difficult and expensive for enemies to block the sun or stop the wind Strategic fuel supplies Centralised versus Decentralised systems Future Energy supplies Nuclear Fusion Dyson sphere 20 ku.ac.ae Final Thoughts on Energy Transition Fossil Fuels → Renewable Renewables → X X → Y READ IDENTIFY LIMITS ASK 21 ku.ac.ae Final Thoughts on Energy Transition UnSettled?! Thank You ku.ac.ae