Carbon Capture and Storage

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Estimated 200 hours

(Prior to 2010 CHEN40003 Reactor Engineering)

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For the purposes of considering applications for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005) and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, this subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this with the Subject Co-ordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

AIMS

This subject will give an overview of the drivers for carbon capture and storage, the technology and the economics.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

Specific topics will include: Climate Change and Emissions Reduction Measures, Fuel types (coal, oil, gas). Coal chemistry. Other emission sources (natural gas sweetening, cement, iron and steel production) Combustion – conventional pulverized coal, supercritical boilers, IGCC and gasifier design, oxyfuel processes. Coal to liquid fuel processes. Carbon capture using solvent absorption. Other technologies including membranes, adsorbents, chemical looping, cryogenics and gas hydrate technology. Carbon dioxide compression and pipeline transport. Geological Storage – Site selection (containment, capacity, injectivity). Reservoir modeling (static and dynamic), storage in coal seams, enhanced coal bed methane recovery, storage in depleted gas reservoirs and saline formations, enhanced oil recovery. Long term closure and remediation. Economics – levelised cost of electricity, carbon accounting, the economics of CCS. Health and Safety, Risk Assessment and management, legal issues.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)

On completion of this subject the student is expected to:

1. Discuss the impacts of climate change and the range of measures that can be taken to reduce emissions
2. Describe the operation of a coal fired power station and the integration of carbon capture and storage into this operation
3. Estimate the cost of carbon capture and storage and its impact on the levelised cost of electricity
4. Evaluate different carbon storage options and assess the viability of geosequestration.

• Laboratory-based assignment (10%). Time commitment of 13-15 hours. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 to 3 are reinforced by this assignment. Due week 6
• Computer-based assignment (10%). Time commitment of 13-15 hours. ILOs 1 to 3 are reinforced by this assignment. Due week 8
• 3 hour examination (80%). ILOs 1 to 4 are addressed by the examination. Held during the end-of-semester exam period.

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Rackley, S.A., 2010, Carbon Capture and Storage, Elsevier

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline
• Ability to use a systems approach to design and operational performance
• Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer and the need for sustainable development
• Understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development.

LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS

The subject will be delivered through a combination of lectures and tutorials.

INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES

Students will have access to lecture notes and lecture slides.

CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS

Speakers from industry are regular contributors to this subject.