Ash-Related Operational Challenges in Energy Utilization of Sustainable Fuels from Coursera

The basic idea behind this MOOC, is to present recent data on fuel characterization, slagging, fouling, corrosion, and trace element transformations, in a course that can be readily provided for students and industry people.

This ensures understanding and application of the research, and provides the students and industry with a forum for discussion of the very latest research results, as well as feedback from industry to the research group at DTU, on important new research subjects in the field.

The specific aim of the MOOC, is that students will be able to;

Explain basic physical and chemical differences between solid fuels like coal, biomass, waste etc., be able to characterize solid fuels, and to interpret fuel analyses of them

Interpret and utilize data from advanced fuel and ash analyses (SEM, DTA/TGA, chemical fractionation, ash melting temperatures)

Describe chemically and physically, how critical ash-forming elements are released to the gas phase, the mechanisms for formation of aerosols and fly ash particles, and explain how ash is transported from bulk gas to heat transfer surfaces

Quantify the processes of deposit build-up, sintering and shedding

Explain the fundamentals of high-temperature corrosion in thermal fuel conversion systems

Can calculate viscosities as a function of temperature and composition, temperature profiles in a deposit, rates of deposit build-up and sintering, as well as porosity changes vs. time.

What's inside

Syllabus

Brief MOOC Introduction and Incitement for Following This

This module will introduce the basic content of the course to the student.

Fuel and Ash Chemistry and Characterization

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores solid fuel characterization, emphasizing key industry applications

Taught by Flemming Jappe Frandsen, a recognized researcher in fuel conversion systems

Develops understanding of deposit formation, minimizing corrosion and environmental impact

Provides a comprehensive overview of fuel chemistry, combustion, and emissions

Requires background knowledge in fuel science or combustion engineering

Some concepts may be too advanced for beginners

Reviews summary

Deep dive into ash-related energy challenges

According to learners, this course offers an incredibly detailed and comprehensive exploration of ash-related operational challenges in energy utilization of sustainable fuels. Students consistently praise the highly informative lectures delivered by true experts, finding the content valuable for their professional work and directly applicable to research. While providing a solid foundation for advanced learners, some note the pace is quite fast and the format is very academic, wishing for more interactive exercises and updated visual aids. Overall, it's considered an exceptional course for advanced learners in the field.

Assumes a strong foundational understanding in the field.

"It's not for beginners, but if you have a strong background in chemical engineering, you'll gain immense insights."

"It assumed a high level of prior knowledge, which was fine for me, but might be tough for others."

"This course is truly exceptional for advanced learners and those with relevant academic or industry experience."

Directly applicable to work and research in the energy sector.

"I found the modules on high-temperature corrosion and additives particularly valuable for my work in power plants."

"This course directly applies to my research in biomass energy. Truly exceptional for advanced learners."

"It definitely complements my ongoing work. The concepts on preventing corrosion are gold."

Delivered by knowledgeable instructors with deep expertise.

"The lectures are highly informative, delivered by true experts."

"The instructor's expertise shines through, making complex topics understandable."

"I appreciated the thorough introduction to advanced analytical techniques like SEM, clearly explained by the instructors."

Offers extensive, specialized knowledge for advanced learners.

"This course is incredibly detailed and comprehensive, a true deep dive into ash-related issues."

"An outstanding course! The systematic breakdown of fuel and ash chemistry... is exactly what I needed."

"Very specific and useful for my niche. The depth of knowledge on transport and adhesion of ash particles was impressive."

Could benefit from updated visuals and more engaging activities.

"The forum discussions were somewhat quiet, which made it harder to clarify doubts quickly."

"The visual aids sometimes felt outdated, and I think a refresh of the presentation style would significantly improve engagement."

"While the Danish case studies were interesting, I struggled to connect them to my own region's challenges without more global examples."

Challenging due to fast pace and reliance on theoretical lectures.

"Good content overall, but the pace is quite fast, and sometimes the theoretical explanations could use more practical examples."

"The course has a lot of good information, but it feels a bit dry and lecture-heavy."

"I wish there were more interactive exercises or problem sets to solidify understanding, as it's very dense."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ash-Related Operational Challenges in Energy Utilization of Sustainable Fuels with these activities:

Organize and Summarize Course Materials

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Consolidate lecture notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams into a comprehensive and organized resource, facilitating efficient review and retention of course material.

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Review all course materials, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Create a logical organizational structure for the materials.
Condense and summarize key concepts and findings from each material.
Produce a comprehensive document or digital compilation for easy reference.

Review Advanced Physical Chemistry

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Review background knowledge by going through advanced physical chemistry materials to refresh your understanding of principles and concepts.

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Review key concepts from the previous course, such as thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum mechanics.
Solve practice problems to test your understanding of the material.
Create a study guide or summary of the key concepts.

Review of Thermodynamics and Mass Transfer

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Refresh foundational knowledge in thermodynamics and mass transfer, strengthening understanding of concepts related to fuel conversion and ash behavior.

Browse courses on Thermodynamics

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Review key concepts of thermodynamics, such as laws of thermodynamics, enthalpy, and entropy.
Recall principles of mass transfer, including diffusion, convection, and particle transport.
Relate these concepts to the processes of fuel combustion and ash formation.

Nine other activities

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Ash Release Calculations

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Practice calculations to determine the release of critical ash-forming elements from fuels, reinforcing understanding of fuel chemistry and ash formation processes.

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Review lecture materials on ash release mechanisms.
Identify critical ash-forming elements for a given fuel.
Apply appropriate formulas and techniques to calculate ash release.
Compare calculated values to experimental data or industry benchmarks.

Solve Examples in Lessons

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Solve examples in every lesson related to fuel characterization to improve your understanding.

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Read the lesson material on fuel characterization.
Identify the key concepts and equations in the lesson.
Solve the example problems provided in the lesson.
Check your answers against the provided solutions.

Discussion on Ash Deposition in Heat Exchangers

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Engage in peer discussions to exchange knowledge and perspectives on ash deposition mechanisms, factors affecting deposition, and strategies for mitigation.

Browse courses on Corrosion

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Prepare by reading relevant course materials and collecting questions.
Join a peer session or study group.
Present key concepts and engage in discussions on ash deposition.
Listen to and consider different viewpoints, share experiences, and collectively enhance understanding.

Corrosion Rate Calculations

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Practice calculating corrosion rates in high-temperature environments, applying electrochemical principles to assess the impact of temperature, ash composition, and operating conditions on corrosion severity.

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Review electrochemical principles and corrosion mechanisms.
Identify key factors influencing corrosion rates in power plant environments.
Apply appropriate formulas and techniques to calculate corrosion rates.
Interpret and analyze calculated corrosion rates to predict potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.

Advanced SEM Analysis for Ash Characterization

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Delve into advanced Scanning Electron Microscopy techniques for ash characterization, enhancing understanding of ash morphology, composition, and particle size distribution.

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Explore online tutorials or seek guidance from experts on SEM analysis.
Prepare ash samples and optimize SEM settings for high-resolution imaging.
Use software tools to analyze and interpret SEM images, identifying ash particles, quantifying their size, and determining their elemental composition.
Apply knowledge gained to real-world ash samples from boilers or combustion processes.

Estimate Viscosity

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Strengthen your problem-solving skills by estimating the viscosity of deposits in various scenarios.

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Review the concepts of viscosity and its relationship to deposit formation.
Gather data on the composition and temperature of the deposit.
Apply appropriate equations and models to estimate the viscosity.
Compare your results with experimental data or literature values.

Discuss Corrosion Mechanisms

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Deepen your understanding of corrosion mechanisms in thermal fuel conversion systems through peer discussions.

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Form a study group with classmates.
Choose a specific aspect of high-temperature corrosion to focus on.
Research and gather information on the topic.
Meet with your group to discuss your findings.

Case Study on Boiler Fouling

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Develop an in-depth case study on boiler fouling, integrating knowledge of deposit formation, transport, and corrosion to analyze real-world scenarios and propose solutions.

Browse courses on Corrosion

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Gather data and conduct interviews with industry professionals or researchers.
Analyze boiler operating conditions, fuel characteristics, and ash chemistry.
Identify the type and extent of fouling present.
Develop recommendations for mitigating or preventing the fouling issue.
Present findings in a written report or presentation.

Symposium on Advanced Coal Combustion Technologies

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Attend a workshop or symposium focused on cutting-edge coal combustion technologies, gaining insights into real-world challenges, emerging solutions, and industry best practices.

Browse courses on Corrosion

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Research and identify relevant workshops or symposiums.
Attend the event and actively participate in sessions.
Engage with experts, ask questions, and gather valuable information.
Summarize key takeaways and apply insights to enhance understanding of the course material.

Career center

Learners who complete Ash-Related Operational Challenges in Energy Utilization of Sustainable Fuels will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Combustion Engineer

Combustion Engineers design, build, and operate combustion systems, such as boilers, furnaces, and engines. They also troubleshoot and maintain these systems. This course may be useful for Combustion Engineers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the chemical and physical processes involved in fuel utilization. This knowledge can help Combustion Engineers design and operate systems that are more efficient and less polluting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Combustion Engineer

Power Plant Engineer

Power Plant Engineers design, build, and operate power plants. They also troubleshoot and maintain these plants. This course may be useful for Power Plant Engineers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the chemical and physical processes involved in fuel utilization. This knowledge can help Power Plant Engineers design and operate power plants that are more efficient and less polluting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Power Plant Engineer

Boiler Operator

Boiler Operators operate and maintain boilers. They also troubleshoot and repair boilers. This course may be useful for Boiler Operators because it provides a comprehensive overview of the chemical and physical processes involved in fuel utilization. This knowledge can help Boiler Operators operate and maintain boilers more efficiently and safely.

See salaries and explore the career path for Boiler Operator

Furnace Operator

Furnace Operators operate and maintain furnaces. They also troubleshoot and repair furnaces. This course may be useful for Furnace Operators because it provides a comprehensive overview of the chemical and physical processes involved in fuel utilization. This knowledge can help Furnace Operators operate and maintain furnaces more efficiently and safely.

See salaries and explore the career path for Furnace Operator

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design, build, and operate systems to protect the environment. They also troubleshoot and maintain these systems. This course may be useful for Environmental Engineers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the chemical and physical processes involved in fuel utilization. This knowledge can help Environmental Engineers design and operate systems that are more efficient and less polluting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists research and develop new materials. They also test and evaluate materials. This course may be useful for Materials Scientists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the chemical and physical processes involved in fuel utilization. This knowledge can help Materials Scientists develop new materials that are more resistant to the effects of fuel combustion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design, build, and operate chemical plants. They also troubleshoot and maintain these plants. This course may be useful for Chemical Engineers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the chemical and physical processes involved in fuel utilization. This knowledge can help Chemical Engineers design and operate plants that are more efficient and less polluting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, build, and operate mechanical systems. They also troubleshoot and maintain these systems. This course may be useful for Mechanical Engineers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the chemical and physical processes involved in fuel utilization. This knowledge can help Mechanical Engineers design and operate systems that are more efficient and less polluting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Process Engineer

Process Engineers design, build, and operate processes. They also troubleshoot and maintain these processes. This course may be useful for Process Engineers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the chemical and physical processes involved in fuel utilization. This knowledge can help Process Engineers design and operate processes that are more efficient and less polluting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Process Engineer

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research on a variety of topics. This course may be useful for Research Scientists who are interested in the chemical and physical processes involved in fuel utilization. This knowledge can help Research Scientists develop new technologies that can improve the efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of fuel utilization.

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Professor

Professors teach and conduct research at universities. This course may be useful for Professors who are interested in the chemical and physical processes involved in fuel utilization. This knowledge can help Professors develop new teaching materials and research projects that can advance the field of fuel utilization.

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Science Writer

Science Writers write about science for a variety of audiences. This course may be useful for Science Writers who are interested in writing about the chemical and physical processes involved in fuel utilization. This knowledge can help Science Writers produce accurate and informative articles that can educate the public about this important topic.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers write about technical topics for a variety of audiences. This course may be useful for Technical Writers who are interested in writing about the chemical and physical processes involved in fuel utilization. This knowledge can help Technical Writers produce accurate and informative documents that can help people understand this complex topic.

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Energy Policy Analyst

Energy Policy Analysts analyze energy policies and make recommendations on how to improve them. This course may be useful for Energy Policy Analysts who are interested in developing policies that can promote the efficient and environmentally friendly use of fuels. This knowledge can help Energy Policy Analysts make informed decisions that can benefit society.

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Energy Economist

Energy Economists study the economic aspects of energy production, distribution, and consumption. This course may be useful for Energy Economists who are interested in understanding the economic implications of different fuel utilization technologies. This knowledge can help Energy Economists make informed decisions that can benefit society.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Economist