Support of Advanced Fossil Resource Conversion and Utilization Research by Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Other Minority Inwstitutions

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Support of Advanced Fossil Resource Conversion and Utilization Research by Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Other Minority Inwstitutions: TECHNICAL TOPIC 2 COMPUTATIONAL ENERGY SCIENCES (DE-PS26-06NT42788-02) (a) Multiphase Flow Simulation Polydispersed Systems: Proposals are sought for developing continuum models of gas-solids flows that describes suspended solids with a distribution in size or density or both. The constitutive models are required for granular stresses and gas-solids drag. The granular stress models are expected to be extensions of granular kinetic theory applicable to several discrete particle types or to a particle size/density distribution. Research work may be proposed in areas such as the development of theory and advanced computational models, gathering of experimental data from physical systems or molecular dynamics simulations, and the validation of the models. Frictional Flow Regime: Proposals are sought for the development of continuum models of gas-solids flows applicable to flow regimes in which the particles are in enduring contact. Although constitutive models originating from soil mechanics are available for describing dense flows, these models cannot handle the transitions from stagnant to shearing regimes and from dense flow to dilute flow (described using granular kinetic theory) regimes. Research work may be proposed in areas such as the development of theory and advanced computational models, the gathering of experimental data from physical systems or molecular dynamics simulations, and the validation of the models. (b) Advanced Diagnostics for Gas Solids Flow Systems Advanced diagnostics are needed for probing the fluid dynamics of solids and gas solids flow systems. Detailed information on solids and gas-solids flow structure is needed for validation of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) models. Diagnostics of interest include, but are not limited to, imaging of solids concentration, wall shear, local gas and solids velocities and concentrations (with up to 20% solids), gas and solids dispersion, turbulence, and granular temperature. These topics of interest are discussed in more below. Gas-Solids Distribution: Advanced 3-dimensional imaging of gas-solids distribution is sought to measure voidages > 80% over a short time scales to help identify particle clusters. In order to avoid wall effects these measurements are desired in a circulating fluidized bed riser or transport reactor of 12 or larger in diameter with the ability to vary the axial location from the entrance, fully developed regions, and near the outlet of the riser. Wall Shear Measurement: Shear at the wall of a circulating fluid bed riser is a critical boundary condition used by CFD codes for which sufficient information is not currently available. New, accurate approaches are sought to make these measurements on a local basis using Micro Electrical Mechanical Systems (MEMS) or optical interferometry with hair-like fibers, or similar technologies. Data Analysis: Mathematical analysis methods are required to identify necessary and sufficient criteria for model validation using experimental results. Criteria and identification are required for local, micro-scale, gas-solids flow structures in circulating and transport fluid beds such as particle cluster size, concentration in order to compare and validate CFD simulations with experimental data. For example, further development is required for various de-convolution techniques such as wavelet analysis to separate cluster characteristics from diagnostic data from high speed pressure fluctuations, optical data, and gas tracer measurements. Solids Circulation Rate: A method is needed to continuously monitor the circulation rate in the moving bed region of standpipes in hot circulating fluid bed reactors. Advanced power generation concepts such as chemical looping processes require the careful control of solids flow between three or more different fluid bed reactors operating at elevated temperatures. Currently there is no means to measure these solids flows. (c) Dynamic Simulation and Advanced Process Control of Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) Plants Proposals are sought to develop advanced process control strategies for optimizing the operation and control of complex IGCC plants. Multiple components such as the air separation unit, gasifier, gas cleanup system, gas turbine, and steam cycle are integrated and require coordinated control to simultaneously satisfy operation and emission control objectives. Dynamic simulations are needed to determine the key equipment response time requirements and investigate interactions among those components so as to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly operation and control of the plant. The IGCC dynamic model needs to be used to predict the transient behavior of the IGCC plant during startup and shutdown, as well as subsequent to planned (e.g., loading, unloading) or unplanned (e.g., gasifier trip, gas turbine trip, steam turbine trip) disturbances of the steady-state operation. Advanced process control strategies needs to be designed to drive the gasifier to satisfy load demands while meeting IGCC plant integration, performance, and environmental objectives. Interested parties looking to submit an application under this Technical Topic can download the application package by clicking on the How to Apply icon at the following web site: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW oppId=9067