Hydrogen production from biomass and waste fuels
This project will investigate experimentally, different thermochemical techniques for converting biomass into useful energy.
Australia is the highest per capita greenhouse gas emitter in the developed world, and relies heavily on coal production for both domestic energy and export income. In contrast sustainable energy supply can be defined as the generation of energy efficiently, safely, renewably and with minimum environmental impact. The use of biomass as a renewable energy resource has received increased attention over the past two decades, despite substantial reserves of fossil fuels being available.This project will investigate experimentally, different thermochemical techniques for converting biomass into useful energy. These include fluidised bed combustion, pyrolysis and gasification of various biomass fuels, e.g. wood, newspaper, coffee husks, grass cuttings, bagasse and woody weeds. Solar powered biomass conversion systems will also be investigated, in collaboration with partners in Australia ad overseas. A comparison of the thermochemical processing characteristics of the various biomass fuels will then be made with the combustion and gasification characteristics of various Australian coals. The project will also involve thermodynamic and kinetic modelling and process design.
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The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 352
Other opportunities with Professor Andrew Harris
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