Developing a coal quality expert: The prediction of ash deposit effects on boiler performance

The overall objective of the Coal Quality Expert (CQE) Clean Coal I Program is the development of a Coal Quality Expert -- a comprehensive PC based expert system for evaluating the potential for coal cleaning, blending and switching options to reduce emissions while producing the lowest cost electricity. A key part of the CQE model will be the development of a sub-model to predict the effects of ash deposition on boiler performance under various operating conditions. To facilitate sub-model development, a combination of full, pilot, and bench scale testing has been carried out on a series of coals and coal blends which were of interest to the Public Service of Oklahoma (PSO) at their Northeastern Station. A series of full-scale tests were also performed on PSO's Northeastern Unit {number sign}4 to characterize boiler performance when firing a baseline coal'' (their normal or desired fuel feed stock) and two blends comprised of the baseline coal blended with various amounts of an alternate coal. Actual furnace conditions were then closely matched during a series of tests performed in Combustion Engineering's pilot scale combustor, the Fireside Performance Test Facility (FPTF). Pilot scale testing allowed in-depth analyses of furnace deposits during and after formation under well-controlled conditions. Ash deposit properties were characterized during pilot scale furnace operation and in subsequent bench scale analyses. Determination of deposit behavior as a function of important operating parameters during the FPTF testing has permitted the prediction of expected performance for various coal/coal blends in PSO's Northeastern Units and allows a prediction of boiler performance for other units firing these fuels

Uncertainties in the Anti-neutrino Production at Nuclear Reactors

Anti-neutrino emission rates from nuclear reactors are determined from thermal power measurements and fission rate calculations. The uncertainties in these quantities for commercial power plants and their impact on the calculated interaction rates in electron anti-neutrino detectors is examined. We discuss reactor-to-reactor correlations between the leading uncertainties and their relevance to reactor anti-neutrino experiments.Comment: Submitted to Phys Rev

Ancillary human health benefits of improved air quality resulting from climate change mitigation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation policies can provide ancillary benefits in terms of short-term improvements in air quality and associated health benefits. Several studies have analyzed the ancillary impacts of GHG policies for a variety of locations, pollutants, and policies. In this paper we review the existing evidence on ancillary health benefits relating to air pollution from various GHG strategies and provide a framework for such analysis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We evaluate techniques used in different stages of such research for estimation of: (1) changes in air pollutant concentrations; (2) avoided adverse health endpoints; and (3) economic valuation of health consequences. The limitations and merits of various methods are examined. Finally, we conclude with recommendations for ancillary benefits analysis and related research gaps in the relevant disciplines.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We found that to date most assessments have focused their analysis more heavily on one aspect of the framework (e.g., economic analysis). While a wide range of methods was applied to various policies and regions, results from multiple studies provide strong evidence that the short-term public health and economic benefits of ancillary benefits related to GHG mitigation strategies are substantial. Further, results of these analyses are likely to be underestimates because there are a number of important unquantified health and economic endpoints.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Remaining challenges include integrating the understanding of the relative toxicity of particulate matter by components or sources, developing better estimates of public health and environmental impacts on selected sub-populations, and devising new methods for evaluating heretofore unquantified and non-monetized benefits.</p

Appendix F: Specification for Steam Generator Water/Steam Circulation System for LMFBR Demonstration Plant

Selected appendices to accompany a report about the construction of a steam generator at the LMFBR (Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor) demonstration plant

Next Generation Biofuels and Advanced Engines for Tomorrow’s Transportation Needs

In November 2009, Sandia National Laboratories hosted the Next Generation Biofuels and Advanced Engines for Tomorrow’s Transportation Needs Workshop. The event focused on the combined opportunities in biofuels and engines in the transportation sector. The workshop brought together the DOE Combustion Research Facility and the DOE Joint BioEnergy Institute along with oil companies, biofuel developers, engine manufacturers, suppliers, and experts from the university, regulatory, finance, and national laboratory communities. The intersection of biofuels and engines, if properly scaled, can meet a triad of national goals: • Reduced climate impact • Economic development • Energy security through energy diversity The workshop identified opportunities for codevelopment of biofuels and engines, it addressed roadblocks to success, and it outlined joint biofuel and engine R&D needs. Over two days, participants underscored a series of key attributes that the community must address to make introducing next generation biofuels a reality in the transportation sector. These attributes can be summarized as the need for: Clean, Sustainable, Compatible, Liquid, Fuels • Clean. Next generation biofuels might be oxygenates, blended constituents, or drop-in replacements. Their combustion, however, must not increase Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated criteria pollutants, nor can these biofuels introduce other air and water contaminants. • Sustainable. Based on a thorough life cycle analysis, the CO2 footprint of biofuels must be lower than the petroleum-based fuels that are being displaced. • Compatible. The need for compatibility has multiple dimensions. First, the biofuel should be compatible with both current and future engine designs, including any aftertreatment and fuel storage components on board the vehicle. Second, the biofuel should be compatible with the current distribution infrastructure as well as future infrastructures that may evolve. Compatibility with the current fuel industry infrastructure will accelerate the introduction of alternatives. • Liquid. The driving force for biofuels is to displace petroleum feedstocks. The goal is to both reduce the CO2 footprint and allow for enhanced security through diversity and choice in fuel sources. Liquid petroleum products are attractive in internal combustion engines due to their energy density (volume and weight). Next generation biofuels must be of the same or higher energy density. • Fuels. To make a significant impact on the transportation energy sector, a path to scale-up of next generation biofuels must be included in the research, development, and deployment planning. Business models that address scaling to significant quantities are critical. General Observations The workshop recognized three important issues surrounding the development of biofuels: • The definition of fungible or drop-in fuels (DIF) needs to be clarified. The framework for fungible fuels development is not clear, nor have the fuel and engine communities fully vetted the options. • Fuel specifications can become the bridge between engines and biofuels. Both gasoline and diesel engine designers need to provide greater specificity to the fuels development communities, both for near-term and for future engine concepts. • An integrated biofuels and engines research program is key. Today two separate DOE program offices fund research on biofuels and advanced engine concepts. A consolidated research program would acce