Coal as future fuel

Imagine traveling over nine times the speed of sound in a hypersonic aircraft powered by... coal. It is true that hypersonic flight is being ushered into our future with such aeronautic innovations as NASA's unpiloted X-43 Hypersonic flight vehicle which will ultimately result in larger, manned aircraft with larger engines. But the major obstacle for such high-speed flight is heat, particularly the amount of heat exposed to an aircraft's engines and the fuel that powers them. While today's jet engines are exposed to heat of roughly 310-320 degrees Celsius (600 degrees Fahrenheit), hypersonic speeds can introduce these engines to temperatures over 480 degrees Celsius (900 degrees Fahrenheit). Not only is coal-powered flight possible, according to scientists, but it may be available within a few years, according to The Energy Institute at Pennsylvania State University.
X-43A Hypersonic Experimental Vehicle, or "Hyper-X," was developed to fly at speeds from Mach 7 up to Mach 10(Mach 1 represents the speed of sound). Heat associated with such flight can cause problems for conventional jet fuels and coal may hold the answer to the fuel challenge. (Courtesy: NASA)
Funded for over nine years by the US Air Force, research at Penn State University has concluded that coal is more suited for high velocity flight because the conventional petroleum-based jet fuel cannot withstand the intense temperatures associated with supersonic flight. Petroleum-based fuels will breakdown under intense heat, which can be as high as 1,000Š C (about 1,800Š F) in hypersonic flight. These temperatures usually range under 315Š C (about 600Š F) during today's normal jet flights. "Solid coal itself could not of course be used in these applications, but coal-derived liquid fuels most certainly could be used," said Dr. Harold Schobert, Director of the Energy Institute, in reference to the possibility that coal could become the primary fuel for hypersonic flight. Coal-based fuels, however, have shown that they can withstand much more intense heat than petroleum fuel, and they have already been put to the test by the Penn State research team. Coal fuel has been subjected to temperatures in excess of 800 degrees Celsius (approximately 1,450 degrees Fahrenheit), and plans are to continue experimenting with higher temperatures. It is expected these fuels will be tested in actual engines by 2005, if not sooner. Coal Power for the Future
It seems logical that coal would be used as the predominant fuel of the future until other non-petroleum-based substitutes are fully developed. Coal burns cleaner, despite the false image that associates coal with the dingy, smog-choked air of the old coal-burning cities and towns, particularly during the Industrial Revolution. Furthermore, according to The World Coal Institute (WCI), "technologies have been developed to improve the environmental performance of coal-use techniques" and that the efficient burning of coal-based fuels results in the release of fewer pollutants into the atmosphere. All fossil fuels produce greenhouse gases; but, greenhouse gases from coal contribute to less than 20% of any enhanced greenhouse effect. Currently, coal is the primary source of fuel for electricity generation worldwide, according to WCI. Over 62 % of the world's total coal production is used for about 37% of the world's electricity.
Electricity needs are on the increase worldwide at an alarming pace for cities such as this one in India. India, which derives 75% of it's electricity from coal-based fuel, is the third largest producer of coal. Other uses for coal are used for steel and cement production, commerce, public services, agriculture and other industries, as well as domestic use. Gas (16%), oil (9%), nuclear (17%), and renewable energy sources (21%) supply the rest of the world's electricity needs. Total world production of hard coal is about 3,700 metric tons, withChina, the United States, India, South Africa, Australia and Russia topping the list of coal producers. Coal provides the majority of the electricity needs for countries such as Poland (96%), South Africa (90%), China (81%), Greece ((70%), India (75%), USA (56%), and Germany (51%). If coal-based fuels could be relied on more heavily for domestic and commercial transportation, such as airlines and automobiles, all countries around the world can be confident that their coal-based energy resources would be secured, and dependency on the more centralized petroleum-based production industry would be significantly reduced. According to WCI, this would mean that our energy needs can be assured and prices would remain stable and competitive with other fuels. Scientists have confirmed that there is over 200 years of coal resource availability worldwide, far exceeding current known and available petroleum reserves. "In terms of BTUs [British Thermal Unit - unit of measurement used to express the heat contained in energy resources] in the ground, there is plenty of coal," said Dr. Schobert. "But the 'killer issue' on coal is that it produces more (carbon dioxide) emissions per BTU of energy than the other major fuels." However, "technologies are available or under development to address (these issues)." Still coal remains our safest, most viable and dependable energy resource to meet our enormous energy needs. When asked if there any source of energy that could replace coal as our primary energy source within our lifetimes, Dr. Schobert replied, "There is only one: nuclear." What is Coal?
Coal is an organic, sedimentary (produced from sediments) rock composed primarily of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.
Over half of the world's coal reserves is of the bituminious variety, such as is being mined here in Queensland, Australia. Only anthracite coal is harder than bituminious. (Courtesy: World Coal Institute) Coal was formed from pre-historic vegetation that has been under the heat and pressure within the earth. After going through physical and chemical changes over millions of years, the vegetation was converted into coal. Such processes did not begin until land plants evolved some 400 million years ago. Peat was the first stage of coal to form, which was eventually converted into lignite or brown coal. After millions of more years of heat and pressure from within the earth's surface, bituminous or hard coal evolved. Ultimately, the bituminous coal transforms into an even harder form called anthracite coal. Anthracite has a higher carbon and energy content and a lower level of moisture than bituminous coal, and is used for domestic and industrial purposes, including smokeless fuel. Bituminous coal is primarily used for power generation, and the production of cement, iron and steel.

The future of energy

There is a great deal of information and enthusiasm today about the development and increased production of our global energy needs from alternative energy sources. Solar energy, wind power and moving water are all traditional sources of alternative energy that are making progress. The enthusiasm everyone shares for these developments has in many ways created a sense of complacency that our future energy demands will easily be met. Alternative energy is an interesting concept when you think about it. In our global society, it simply means energy that is produced from sources other than our primary energy supply: fossil fuels. Coal, oil and natural gas are the three kinds of fossil fuels that we have mostly depended on for our energy needs, from home heating and electricity to fuel for our automobiles and mass transportation. The problem is, fossil fuels are non-renewable. They are limited in supply and will one day be depleted. There is no escaping this conclusion. Fossil fuels formed from plants and animals that lived hundreds of millions of years ago and became buried way underneath the Earth's surface where their remains collectively transformed into the combustible materials we use for fuel. In fact, the earliest known fossil fuel deposits are from the Cambrian Period about 500 million years ago, way before the dinosaurs emerged onto the scene. This is when most of the major groups of animals first appeared on Earth. The later fossil fuels -- which provide more substandard fuels like peat or lignite coal (soft coal) -- began forming as late as five million years ago in the Pliocene Period. At our rate of consumption, these fuels cannot occur fast enough to meet our current or future energy demands. Despite the promise of alternative energy sources -- more appropriately called renewable energy, collectively they provide only about seven percent (7%) of the world's energy needs (Source: Energy Information Agency). This means that fossil fuels, along with nuclear energy -- a controversial, non-renewable energy source -- are supplying 93% of the world's energy resources. Nuclear energy, which is primarily generated by splitting atoms, only provides six percent (6%) of the world's energy supplies. And it is not likely to be a major source of world energy consumption because of public pressure and the relative dangers associated with unleashing the power of the atom. Yet, governments such as the United States see its vast potential and are placing pressure on the further exploitation of nuclear energy.The total world energy demand is for about 400 quadrillion British Thermal Units -- or BTUs -- each year (Source: US Department of Energy). That's 400,000,000,000,000,000 BTUs! A BTU is roughly equal to the energy and heat generated by a match. Oil, coal and natural gas supply nearly 88 % of the world's energy needs, or about 350 quadrillion BTUs. Of this amount, oil is king, providing about 41 percent of the world's total energy supplies, or about 164 quadrillion BTUs. Coal provides 24% of the world's energy, or 96 quadrillion BTUs, and natural gas provides the remaining 22%, or 88 quadrillion BTUs. It's not so much that we mine fossil fuels for our consumption any more than it is to mine salt or tap water supplies way underground. The problems occur when we destroy ecosystems while mining it and while using it. Certainly, if there were a way that fossil fuels can be mined and used in ways that do not harm our ecology, then every thing will be okay... in a perfect world. What makes our world perfect is that, it really isn't perfect according to definition. It is natural, with all things interdependent on each other to live, grow and produce. Fossil fuel mining and oil production can and has caused irreparable damage to our environment. The Fossil Fuel Dilemma Fossil fuels exist, and they provide a valuable service. It's not so much that we use fossil fuels for energy that is problematic, but it's the side effects of using them that causes all of the problems. Burning fossil fuels creates carbon dioxide, the number one greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. Combustion of these fossil fuels is considered to be the largest contributing factor to the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In the 20th century, the average temperature of Earth rose one degree Fahrenheit (1°F). This was a period that saw the most prolific population growth and industrial development (read use of energy) in Earth's history. The impact of global warming on the environment is extensive and affects many areas. In the Arctic and Antarctica, warmer temperatures are causing the ice to melt which will increase sea level and change the composition of the surrounding sea water. Rising sea levels alone can impede processes ranging from settlement, agriculture and fishing both commercially and recreationally. Air pollution is also a direct result of the use of fossil fuels, resulting in smog and the degradation of human health and plant growth. But there's also the great dangers posed to natural ecosystems that result from collecting fossil fuels, particularly coal and oil. Oil spills have devastated ecosystems and coal mining has stripped lands of their vitality. This is the primary reason there is enormous pressure on the current Bush Administration to discontinue its pursuit to tap the vast oil reserves in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). The oil, coal and natural gas companies know these are serious problems. But until our renewable energy sources become more viable as major energy providers, the only the alternative for our global population is for these companies to continue tapping into the fossil fuel reserves to meet our energy needs. And, you can pretty much count on these companies being there providing energy from renewable sources when the fossil fuels are depleted. Many oil companies, for example, are involved in the development of more reliable renewable energy technologies. For example, British Petroleum Company, today known as BP, has become one of the world's leading providers of solar energy through its BP Solar division, a business that they are planning on eclipsing their oil production business in the near future. Future Supplies for Future Energy
Oil fossil fuels come from marine plants and animals and are found only underneath the ocean or under land that was covered by the oceans millions of years ago. This oil rig is located offshore in the Arabian Gulf. (Photo: Saudi Arabian Embassy - London) Just how limited are our fossil fuel reserves? Some estimates say our fossil fuel reserves will be depleted within 50 years, while others say it will be 100-120 years. The fact is that neither one of these projections is very appealing for a global community that is so heavily dependent on fossil fuels to meet basic human needs. The bottom line: We are going to run out of fossil fuels for energy and we have no choice but to prepare for the new age of energy production since, most certainly, human demands for energy will not decrease. Nobody really knows when the last drop of oil, lump of coal or cubic foot of natural gas will be collected from the Earth. All of it will depend on how well we mange our energy demands along with how well we can develop and use renewable energy sources. And here is one very important factor: population growth. As the population grows upwards towards nine billion people over the next 50 years, the world's energy demands will increase proportionately. Not only will it be important for renewable energy to keep up with the increasing population growth, but it must outpace not only these demands but begin replacing fossil fuel energy production if we are to meet future energy needs. By the year 2020, world energy consumption is projected to increase by 50%, or an additional 207 quadrillion BTUs. If the global consumption of renewable energy sources remains constant, the world's available fossil fuel reserves will be consumed in 104 years or early in the 22nd century.(Source: US Department of Energy) Clearly, renewable energy resources will play an increasingly vital role in the power generation mix over the next century. The Ultimate Energy Sources as the Underdogs Modern windmills have become very efficient at transferring the energy of wind to electricity. Wind power is an important part of the overall renewable energy sources for the future. (Photo: CORE) Sun, wind and water are perfect energy sources...depending on where you are. They are non-polluting, renewable and efficient. They are simple: all you need is sunlight, running water and/or wind. Not only do the use of renewable energy sources help reduce global carbon dioxide emissions, but they also add some much-needed flexibility to the energy resource mix by decreasing our dependence on limited reserves of fossil fuels. Essentially, these renewable energy sources create their own energy. The object is to capture and harness their mechanical power and convert it to electricity in the most effective and productive manner possible. There's more than enough renewable energy sources to supply all of the world's energy needs forever; however, the challenge is to develop the capability to effectively and economically capture, store and use the energy when needed. Solar energy is having the most immediate impact on home energy needs, and is expected to provide the energy needs for one billion people by the middle of this century. Homes can be fitted with solar panels, such as the ones pictured above. (Photo: Maui Green Energy) Take solar energy for example. The ultimate source of energy is the sun. Its energy is found in all things, including fossil fuels. Plants depend on the sun to make food, animals eat the plants, and both ended up becoming the key ingredients for fossil fuels. Without the sun, nothing on this planet would exist. The sun also provides enough energy that can be stored for use long after the sun sets and even during extended cloudy periods. But making it available is much easier said than done. It would be cost prohibitive to make solar energy mainstream for major world consumption in the near future. The technology is pretty much ready for many business and consumer applications, but it would be way too expensive to replace the current energy infrastructure used for fossil fuel energy. Still, according to the European Photovoltaic Industry Association, solar power could provide energy for more than one billion people by 2020 and 26% percent of global energy needs by 2040. Wind and hydroelectric power, which have been used effectively for generations, are also rapidly growing energy markets. The principle behind both is that the force of the wind and water currents are passed through turbines which convert their energy into electricity. Commercial wind energy is usually collected by wind "farms" essentially consisting of hundreds of wind turbines (windmills) spread over large plots of land. But hydroelectric power is harnessed in several different methods. The most popular is through dams, such as the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. Another form of hydroelectric energy is tidal power. In use since the early 1900s, tidal power stations collect the energy created by the rise and fall of the tides to convert to electricity. Biomass energy, or energy from burning plants and other organic matter, is one of man's earliest sources of energy. Wood was once the main source of power for heat, and it still is in many developing countries. Most people in developed countries use wood only for aesthetic purposes or secondary heating, limited mainly to fireplaces and decorative woodstoves. Roughly one to two billion people in the developing nations still use wood as their primary source of heat. It is this group that is seen being among the first to convert to solar heating and energy because there is no other existing infrastructure to hinder its development. Conclusions Perhaps the best solution to our growing energy challenges comes from The Union of Concerned Scientists: "No single solution can meet our society's future energy needs. The solution instead will come from a family of diverse energy technologies that share a common thread -- they do not deplete our natural resources or destroy our environment."