Cost Of Coal Research Articles

Fusion power: The uncertain certainty

ABSTRACT Fusion will be and needs to be achieved. But when? Its primary fuel, deuterium, exists in sufficient quantity to satisfy any conceivable energy demands for thousands of millions of years. The cost of obtaining it from water is less than one per cent the present cost of coal. Is fusion power a distant dream or a near-term possibility? The first applications could come in the 1980s. Richard F. Post, a physicist, is head of the magnetic mirror program in controlled thermonuclear research at the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, Livermore, California. This report on progress in fusion research was adapted from his presentation on April 26, 1971 to the National Academy of Sciences Symposium on “Energy for the Future.”

Modeling and experiments on plasma ignition of Ekibastuz coal in the form of dust

Due to the low cost of coal and the fact that it is readily available in most parts of the world, coal is a convenient fuel source. Despite the inefficiency of the systems when it comes to converting heat energy into electricity, new technologies are necessary in order to improve their efficiency. In contrast to traditional methods of starting-up boilers and stabilizing combustion, plasma ignition and combustion stabilization (PICS) of pulverized coal flames offers an effective and sustainable alternative to the use of fuel oil or gas. This technology involves heating the air-coal mixture with electric arc plasma until the coal devolatilizes and the coke residue partially gasifies. Consequently, low-rank coal is converted into a highly reactive two-component fuel (HRTF) consisting of combustible gas and coke residue. For these processes in a plasma-coal burner (PCB) using Ekibastuz coal in the form of dust, a kinetic analysis was conducted using the PlasmaKinTherm program. Modeling the kinetics of PICS of pulverized fuel allowed changes in temperature, velocity, and concentration to be determined along the length of a PCB. The composition, degree of carbon gasification, and temperature of a stable coal-dust flame were determined using plasma ignition of solid fuel. Based on the comparison between experimental and calculated data, it was found that the results were satisfactory.

Investigation of the effects of coal properties, environmental conditions, and costs on coal drying method selection using multi-criteria decision-making method (AHP)

In this study, coal properties and environmental characteristics were investigated, and the most suitable coal drying method was determined for four different regions (Armutcuk, Afsin, Can, and Soma) where Türkiye's significant coal reserves are located, using the AHP method (Analytical Hierarchy Process). Installation and operating cost, drying rate, environmental risk, and land area parameters were used as selection criteria in the AHP method. After analyzing the physical and chemical properties of coals from four different regions, changes in moisture content and drying costs were calculated according to various drying methods (rotary, microwave, solar, and air). The results indicated that the solar energy data of the regions were determined to be 1315, 1610, 1400, and 1444 kWh/m²-year for Armutcuk, Afsin, Can, and Soma, respectively. Accordingly, solar energy drying systems are expected to be preferred in regions with high solar energy. However, with the effect of other selection criteria, it was determined that although the Can region receives less solar energy than the Soma region, the microwave drying method should be used for the coal of the Soma region, and the solar energy drying method should be used for the coal of Can region. Microwave and solar energy methods should be preferred for drying the coals of the Armutcuk and Afsin regions, respectively. As in many sectors, multi-criteria decision-making methods are necessary for optimum equipment/method selection in the mining sector. In conclusion, this study showed that the AHP method can be used when appropriate criteria are thoroughly determined.

Study on the cost composition and control of coal power in China under the perspective of policy evolution

The direction of China's power supply side to cleaner transformation has become a foregone conclusion, the future will mainly rely on new energy and renewable energy, coal-powered units will gradually from the main power supply to the regulating power supply, standby power change. However, due to China's special policy background and the annual rise in coal costs, China's coal power prices have long been subject to high-cost squeeze, cost-price linkage failure one after another, the survival and development of coal power has brought great risks and challenges. Research shows that the policy changes experienced by China's coal power is the primary reason for its cost system composition and price formation. Therefore, this paper takes the evolution of China's coal power reform policy as the entry point for research, reanalyze the cost composition system of coal-fired power and summarize its impact on the cost of coal-fired power, and puts forward suggestions on cost control in the dimension of sustainable development of coal power, which provides an effective reference to the planning and deployment of solving the predicament of transitioning coal power and narrowing down the profit loss.

With uncertainty comes opportunity: Repurposing coal assets to create new beginnings in the U.S.

Coal power plants are retiring in the United States due to a sharp decline in natural gas prices along with an aging fleet, the rising cost of coal, and decarbonization goals. In the last five years alone (2019–2023), more than 58 gigawatts (GW) of coal power capacity retired in the United States, while almost 30 percent of the remaining 194 GW of operating capacity is expected to retire by 2040. The cessation of operations at an existing power plant can have important impacts on the local economy, including job loss and a potential reduction in total economic output. Repurposing these assets effectively, including conversion into other power generation technologies, industrial manufacturing facilities, or commercial buildings, among others, can at least partially offset any negative economic impacts. This paper provides a review of ongoing and planned repurposing activities related to former coal power plants (not including repurposing related to fuel-switching from coal to natural gas) being pursued by utilities across the United States and discusses the costs, benefits, and challenges presented by types of repurposing assets or prospects.22Some of the concepts/metrics described have standard language and the authors have tried to stick to the use of these terms for consistency. The review shows that the repurposing type and capacity of the new projects is typically unrelated to the asset type and capacity being retired. The decision to repurpose a retiring power plant or unit is a result of a combination of factors that include, among others, decommissioning costs, land availability, and financial and regulatory incentives directed towards a clean and just energy transition. A list of current planned, in-process (under construction), or completed repurposing projects for energy and non-energy alternatives is presented, including several reference examples of repurposing from fuels other than coal. Relevant factors to consider in repurposing existing retiring assets, including the relevance of incentives for retiring assets in a just energy transition, are identified and described.

Comprehensive Method for Estimating the Time and Expenditures Required for Mine Liquidation Processes of Business Processes

Abstract The European Green Deal (EU Green Deal) has set the direction for the EU’s energy transition towards climate neutrality by 2050. In Poland, this means moving away from the extraction and use of coal. The Social Contract for the Mining Industry signed in 2021 states the necessity of last mine closure by 2049. Mine closure is a complex, lengthy and costly process. A complex scientific solution may concern the use of rational operations and minimization of mine closure costs. This article presents a system for the elementary assessment of the potential time and cost of coal mine liquidation. Estimating coal mine closure costs in the early design phase is an key aspect of supporting the company dealing with mine closure. The aim of the research was to improve the tool for assessing mine liquidation price. The extended assessment solution proposed in the article is formed on base of statistics of past mining institution liquidation processes. This method can, with minor modifications, be used for each restructuring and revitalizing task for mining industries in the process of liquidation. At the core of the developed method is a preliminary data analysis, which should be confirmed by a complex and multi-criteria estimation of the costs of the planned mine liquidation.

Repurposing coal plants—regional economic impacts from low carbon generation

Repurposing coal power plants in the United States may provide significant opportunities to incentivize low-carbon and renewable electricity generation created by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Re-using coal sites for their existing electric grid interconnections and infrastructure could reduce costs and provide benefits to coal-based communities experiencing energy transitions. This study estimates local employment, labor income, and tax revenue effects from renewable and low-carbon generation options repurposing coal power plants and meeting their economic impacts at existing coal plant sites in North Carolina. The study bridges gaps in energy transition studies by including site feasibility assessment of advanced reactors for former coal power plant sites, renewable electricity generation, and thermal energy storage. It also considers cost advantages of reusing existing power plant interconnections, IRA discounts, and generation technology economic impacts using IMPLAN. A least-cost quadratic optimization model considers different site-specific electricity generation portfolios to analyze site-based economic impacts and associated technology costs meeting or exceeding site-based coal generation and its economic impacts. This study finds that replacing coal generation costs less than maintaining the current coal fleet, a technology-inclusive portfolio provides the least-cost pathway, and benefits may exceed site-based impacts of existing coal plants. Local tax revenues from advanced reactors and thermal energy storage systems may increase revenues by at least $28 million. Across all repurposing scenarios, replacing existing coal plants with energy storage, renewable, and low-carbon generation leads to net employment growth and tax revenues, indicating further benefits to a rapid and more equitable decarbonization through economic development.

Study Case of Optimization Analysis on Energy-saving in Paper Mill Power-Heat System

According the characteristics of both steam and power was supplied in paper mill power plant， the optimal running model of the coal-fired power-heat system was researched in this paper. The power plant’s physical structure was researched, the superstructure was established and the boiler and turbine running model was analyzed. With the help of mathematical programming, each turbine unit optimal loads were obtained when the same power and steam were produced, moreover, the minimum coal cost were calculated with each boiler unit optimal load distribution. The case study of one paper mill showed that the optimization model was helpful and the coal consumption can decrease 4.7% aiding with the model

Coal price forecasting using complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition and stacking‐based ensemble learning with semisupervised data processing

AbstractGlobally, coal is a critical energy source, and the profits of related enterprises are highly related to changes in the coal price. A robust coal purchasing cost forecasting method may enhance the coal purchasing strategies of coal‐consuming enterprises and obtain key information for reducing global carbon emissions. However, forecasting the price of coal is a challenging task due to the noise and high random fluctuation of coal price data. To overcome these obstacles, this research proposes a novel forecasting method combining data decomposition, semisupervised feature engineering, and ensemble learning to forecast coal prices. Initially, the Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (CEEMDAN) method is employed to decompose the coal price series to reduce the complexity. Second, considering the fluctuation of coal price is influenced by various factors (such as transportation cost and coal mine production), the proposed system incorporates an adaptive data fusion module to fuse data from multiple sources. Finally, a stacking‐based ensemble learning model is adopted in the method to increase the forecasting accuracy by combining the forecasting results of multiple models. The Bohai‐Rim Steam‐Coal Price Index was used to validate the proposed method, and the result of the case study shows that the proposed method provides superior performance than the other nine baseline models in all measured indices. The outcomes of ablation tests indicate the precision of each algorithm is improved by combining CEEMDAN, which proves that the decomposition algorithm is necessary.

Biomass analysis of resource utilization system

This paper uses the biomass of livestock, poultry manure and straw to study the resource utilization and integration technology by division and classification. The SPSS regression analysis and integration were applied to analyze the economic benefits of the base period (2018) and the audit period (2020). The analysis gives an opportunity in rural areas to reduce chemical fertilizers, pesticides, electricity and coal cost in planting, and this paper opens a novel window for utilizing renewable energy resources and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Coal blending optimization in thermal power plants based on multi-strategy fusion multi-objective particle swarm optimization

ABSTRACT Rising coal price and increasingly stringent emission policy highlight the importance of balancing economic benefit and sustainable development of coal-fired power plants. In order to make the power plant operate economically and safely, and reduce the emission of pollutants as much as possible, this paper proposed a coal blending optimization framework for coal-fired power plants. This framework constructs a set of mathematical model based on the minimization objective function, including the economy, safety and environmental protection of coal. And a multi-strategy fusion multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MSF-MOPSO) method is proposed to optimize the coal blending model. The feasibility, effectiveness and superiority of the method are theoretically verified by convergence analysis and several sets of simulation experiments. And the practical application of this framework shows that under the coal blending strategy based on different weight combinations, the algorithm proposed in this paper can produce high-quality Pareto spatial distribution. Comparing with other state-of-the-art coal blending algorithms, this method can reduce the coal purchase cost by 4.42% and S O 2 emission by 5.11% at least under the same condition. It has significant environmental protection and economic benefit.

Methane mitigation potentials and related costs of China's coal mines

Mitigating methane (CH4) emissions from China's coal mines as the largest contributor to anthropogenic CH4 emissions is vital for limiting global warming. However, the knowledge about CH4 mitigation potentials and economic costs of Chinese coal mines remain poorly understood, which hinders the formulation of tailored CH4 mitigation strategies. Here, we estimate and project China's provincial coal mine methane (CMM) emissions, mitigation potentials and costs under various coal production scenarios, by integrating the dynamic emission factors of CMM and key abatement technologies. We find that through continuous coal cuts and available CMM mitigation measures, China's CMM emissions can be reduced by 65%-78% (10.9 Tg-13.1 Tg) in 2060, compared with the 2021 level. CH4 emissions from abandoned coal mines will far exceed those from coal mining under the 2060 carbon-neutral scenario, especially in northeastern China. It was also found that CMM mitigation is not economically feasible at present, but may be the most cost-effective solution as CO2 prices increase. All coal-producing provinces can achieve CMM mitigation below 50 RMB/t CO2e in 2060. Inner Mongolia is identified as a hotspot for CMM mitigation with huge potential and lower cost. Our prospective assessment can provide insights into China's CMM mitigation in response to climate change.

Techno-economic analyses of solar thermal process heat integration at South African beverage producers

South Africa's industrial sector relies primarily on coal and gas to meet process heat requirements (700–750 petajoules per annum). Much of this energy is used to fire steam boilers operated at less than 200 °C. This study determines the viability of solar thermal technologies as a replacement for fossil fuels for the supply of steam in large beverage facilities in South Africa. The Gauteng and Western Cape provinces are considered, which account for two-thirds of South Africa's beverage production. The sizing of collector fields and potential solar fractions are determined using typical ready-to-drink beverage packaging hall energy requirements. The cost of heat from parabolic trough collector systems is modelled using quasi-dynamic simulations in Polysun, and heat storage configurations are optimised. This study demonstrates that solar thermal projects would be viable alternatives to heavy fuel oil, diesel, gas, and even coal - should the cost of coal remain above US$250 /tonne (2020 real-term values). Transition to solar thermal energy for process heat in this sector is thus strongly recommended.

Maximum power enhancement in solar PV modules through modified TCT interconnection method

This article presents a narrativemove towards for maximal power augmentation in poly-crystalline solar photovoltaic (PV) modules through the modified Total Cross Tied (TCT) interlinkconnection method. Worldwide, the cost of coal has increased after a pandemic rebound in industrial activity and it leads to demand for electricity. The maximum power extraction from sustainable energy sources plays a vital role as they are ample, eco-friendly, harmless, and won’t run out. Due to shading effects like the transition of clouds and tree shadows, the output power generated from the solar photovoltaic array is reduced uptill 60%. Several methodologies of array formation and reconfiguration strategies were developed to overcome the partial shading effects. In this proposed method, PV cells in modules are tied via modified TCT fashion with a bypass diode through each row. Real-time experimental analysis is performed with 4 × 4 cell connections. The current (I)-(V)voltage and Power(P)-(V) voltage characteristics are obtained under normal and various partial shading conditions. According to our proposed method, the percentage power enhancement achieved by row-wise partial shading increases from 10% to 60%, approximately 83.64, 82%,80%, 74.29%, 70%, and 64%. According to the conventional topology, the maximum fill factor is 0.28 in columnwise 25% shading ratio, whereas the proposed modified TCT PV array has a fill factor of 0.53, 89% higher. Compared to the proposed pattern, which has a maximum performance ratio of 0.86 for 10% shading condition. The modified TCT interconnected PV module connection extracts a maximum of 50% increased output power when compared to conventional PV modules. The performance of the projected modules is also examined in a one kW PV array.

Flow characteristics of microwave treated Indian coal: A deep learning modelling

To meet the escalating energy needs of the growing population, the power stations are gradually shifting towards abundant low-quality coals and lignites. This study proposes a sustainable methodology to utilize such low-quality coals by cutting down the coal pretreatment costs. Instead of utilizing the treated coal as a whole, this study proposes to blend the treated coal with the untreated coal for further utilization. These blended samples are then used to prepare coal water slurry, with concentrations varying in the range of 10 to 60% by mass. The rheology of the blended samples shows a reduction in viscosity by ∼ 23% when the blended sample contains 50% treated coal. The sustainability of the process is verified by a trained artificial neural network, that includes an extensive validation of predicted results with experimental data and Irvine (1988) model. The artificial neural network indicates a maximum of 11.5% reduction in the headloss when the blended sample is transported at 50% solid concentration. The specific enthalpy consumption is found to be the minimum for the blended samples transported at 50% solid concentration.

Changes in ambient air pollutants in New York State from 2005 to 2019: Effects of policy implementations and economic and technological changes

Over the past 20 years, a number of regulatory efforts have been applied to improve air quality in the United States and specifically in New York State. These measures generally focused on mobile emissions through emissions controls and improved fuel quality, and controls on electricity generation to reduce emissions from older, uncontrolled electricity generation units (EGUs). In addition, economic drivers such as the major recession in 2007–2009 and the change in the relative costs of natural gas and coal also drove changes in the mixture of EGU technologies. To assess the effects of these changes and to define the baseline for future changes as the economy further decarbonizes through renewable electricity generation and electric vehicles, the concentrations of all pollutants measured at all regulatory monitoring sites in New York State were assessed for their trends. Trends were examined using seasonal-trend decomposition with local regression smoothing (STL), Mann-Kendall trend analysis with the Theil-Sen nonparametric slope estimation, and piecewise regression analysis to identify breakpoints in the slopes of the time series data. The concentrations of primary gaseous pollutants, CO, NO2, and SO2 have decreased substantially in step with the declining emissions. PM2.5 has substantially declined largely due to the reductions in particulate sulfate. However, in recent years, the rate of decline has diminished due to relatively constant or increasing particulate nitrate and secondary organic aerosol. O3 has also generally increased at the urban sites likely as a result of reduced NOx emissions, while it declined or remained constant at the rural sites. Thus, the promulgated regulations assisted by the economic drivers have improved air quality, but additional actions will be needed to further reduce urban O3 and PM2.5.

Assessing Geological and Mining Condition Nuisance and its Impact on the Cost of Exploitation in Hard Coal Mines with the Use of a Multi-Criterion Method

This article presents the use of a multi-criterion Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method to assess geological and mining condition nuisance in longwall mining operations in selected coal mines in Poland. For this purpose, a methodology has been developed which was used to calculate the operational nuisance indicator (WUe) in relation to the cost of mining coal in individual longwalls. Components of the aggregate operational nuisance indicator include four sub-indicators: the natural hazards indicator (UZN), an indicator describing the seam parameters (UPZ), an indicator describing the technical parameters (UT) and an environmental impact indicator (UŚ). In total, the impact of 28 different criteria, which formed particular components of the nuisance indicators were analysed. In total 471 longwalls in 11 coal mines were analysed, including 277 longwalls that were mined in the period of 2011 to 2016 and 194 longwalls scheduled for exploitation in the years 2017 to 2021. Correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationships between nuisance and the operating costs of longwalls. The analysis revealed a strong correlation between the level of nuisance and the operating costs of the longwalls under study. The design of the longwall schedule should therefore also take into account the nuisance arising from the geological and mining conditions of the operations. Selective operations management allows for the optimization of costs for mining in underground mines using the longwall system. This knowledge can also be used to reduce the total operating costs of mines as a result of abandoning the mining operations in entire longwalls or portions of longwalls that may be permanently unprofitable. Currently, underground mines do not employ this optimization method, which even more emphasizes the need for popularizing this approach.

Energy Generation by Advanced Various Renewable Technology

Aim of this project is to production of electric energy using variable renewable technology, which is to be provided for the daily purpose. About 50% of the electricity used in India is generated by thermal power plants, which release a lot of toxic pollutants into the air and have a lot of negative environmental effects. Due to the high demand for electricity and the rising costs of coal and fuels, it has recently been noticed that there is an electricity crisis or shortage in India and other nations following the pandemic era. Since India is a nation that is constantly developing, there is a rising need for electricity. After all, coal is a type of fossil fuel whose supply will eventually run out, necessitating a shift to renewable technology. Over the road dividers, a vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) is being installed. As the car moves along the road, wind turbulence becomes trapped in the VAWT's blades, causing them to rotate and produce electricity. Additionally, we mount the solar panel over the VAWT, which generates electricity as well. When we apply this concept, a small hydroelectric power plant is built if there are nearby water bodies, such as ponds, rivers, dams, and water treatment facilities. A large amount of electricity can be generated by combining three renewable energy sources. It helps you reduce pollution in the atmosphere, earn carbon credits, and make energy generation economical. In our study, we found that about 0.5–1 KW of electricity can be generated in an hour, depending on the availability of wind turbulence and light intensity. This technology is capable of supplying electricity to one home

Analysis on Coal Mine Safety in Southwest China

China ranks first in the number of coal mines and coal production in the world, its geological conditions of coal storage and mining costs are inferior to other coal producing countries. However, China’s attention and mining enthusiasm for coal have not decreased at all. The concentration of coal production has been increasing, and the important role and strategic position of the main coal producing areas in the central and western regions have become more and more prominent. In particular, the number of coal mines and accidents in Southwest China ranks first in the country. Contrary to the dominant position of state-owned coal companies in other regions of the country, there are more private coal companies in Southwest China. Take Liupanshui (LPS) as an example, considering the analysis of its coal geological conditions, high-quality development, industrial structure, potential risks, accident types, accident time and other safety conditions, regardless of regional factors, the safety situation of coal mine in LPS is an epitome of the China’s private coal companies, which can be used for reference to improve the safety production situation in other regions.

Analysis of Factors Influencing the Volatility of Coal Industry Development Under the Double Carbon Policy

At present, the global carbon dioxide concentration is approaching the threshold, and the climate problem is more prominent than ever, which seriously threatens people's daily life. The value of coal is constrained by many aspects, including coal mine cost, international coal transportation price, macroeconomic policies of the world, global coal price, coal mine inventory, and the rising price of alternative resources, etc. This article focuses on the supply and demand situation and policy measures of the world coal industry to study the main reasons affecting the supply and demand situation and price changes of the world coal industry, and put forward relevant suggestions, in order to provide some reference and significance for the development of coal industry. This article focuses on the supply and demand situation of the world coal industry and the policy measures, and puts forward relevant suggestions, with a view to providing certain reference and significance for the development of the coal industry.