(364aq) Energy Systems

As we move forward to supply our energy demand based on the geographical locations, resilient/sustainable energy systems are required. A solo or a combination of resources is required to secure the energy supply. These energy sources include coal, oil, natural gas, wind, solar, and other secondary forms of energy such as electricity. On the other hand, there are environmental concerns regarding using these resources.

Therefore, achieving suitable energy systems to address (a) demand and (b) emission will be possible through techno-economic analyses, lifecycle assessments, and advancing novel technologies or gaining higher efficiencies. As the results of analyses, below a few projects are elaborated:

(I) NG to H₂ via a process intensified cold atmospheric plasma-based reformer

At Texas A&M University, on PhD research, a novel system was experimentally developed and modeled to reform natural gas to hydrogen via an electrified modularized reforming system (nanosecond plasma). The reforming takes place in less than 10 nanoseconds. After reforming the natural gas to hydrogen, C₁ to C₄, the gas mixture separates through a membrane separation system, which was designed by Aspen®. Techno-economic analyses were performed to compare the levelized cost of hydrogen via nanosecond plasma-based reforming with benchmarked technologies. Also, sensitivity analyses of various variables, including the effect of the cost of power and feedstock were performed.

Traditional methods of reducing emissions have predominantly centered on post-production capture and sequestration. The core concept of this project centered around the transformative potential of utilizing non-thermal, non-oxidative processes. Fundamentally, the project was focused on reducing the decarbonization emissions for producing hydrogen which is directly correlated to energy transition and electrification eras. The reformer is filled for an international patent by TAMUTEES.

(II) The Energy and Material Transition Nexus

In this research, the main focus is to use a combination of energy resources such as natural gas, oil, wind, and solar to produce polymeric materials, such as nanotubes and high-density polyethylene at fewer pollutant pathways as well as a feasible economical cost.

There are various research dimensions involved in this project. In other words, the amount of decarbonization emission reduction via changing energy resources or optimizing the reforming processes is considered. As a case study, a comparison between plastics used in conventional and EV vehicles and their refueling infrastructure is considered.

Carbon is a valuable molecule by itself. How can we change the processes to reuse the carbon in the system or mitigate emitted CO₂ at a feasible economic solution by changing the energy supplier systems?

A multiscale modeling and optimization decision-making framework for (a) calculating and managing carbon vectors for producing polymeric material and (b) power generation, storage, and dispatch through intermittent renewables is under development. The study reveals the interconnection between energy supply, materials production, and vehicle production, emphasizing the importance of an integrated energy-material-mobility nexus approach.

Details of the system optimization (considering materials)
Emissions reduction (%)	Cost capacity (ton/h)	HDPE-BAU capacity (ton/h)	HDPE-CCUS capacity (MW)	Wind capacity (MW)	PV capacity (MW)	Storage Li-Ion capacity (MW)
Base case (0)	$1.11 billion	29.39	0	243.04	147.43	92.54
0	100	29.39	0	243.04	147.43	92.54
5	104.3	29.39	0	301.18	99.44	109.74
10	111.61	29.39	0	379.21	46.23	133.82
20	146.64	28.42	8.56	476.08	0	216.83
30	195.58	26.44	26.01	576.10	0	262.38
34.7	235.63	25.90	30.83	551.40	0	458.70

	Building the toolbox Goals
Given the following: - Resources-varying availability, prices, demand - Processes-varying capacities, expenditure - Materials-varying availability, prices - Capacity and supply chains in Texas		Optimize: - Total system costs - Carbon vector utilization - CO2 emissions through comprehensive carbon accounting
Emissions loads: - Carbon footprint - Global warming potential (GWP) - Toxicity		Investigate the role of: - Novel technologies - Polymers as a carbon sink - Sustainable materials
While considering: - Role of policy initiatives such as carbon tax and subsidies - Potential for sector integration		Determine and evaluate: - The trade-off between carbon intensity and system cost - Transition pathways - Effect of fluctuations (price, demand, capacities)

(III) Model predictive control to enhance safety and efficiency of process and energy systems

In collaboration with West Virginia University and Mary Kay O’Conor Safety Center, an experimental setup is developed to systematically quantify the safe operating window for a PEMWE system considering energy intermittency and varying hydrogen demand.

Utilizing the setup, the temperature portfolio and power input, through the system are monitored and controlled for maximizing the hydrogen production and safety during refueling. At the industrial scale, the temperature of the water system through PEM would be varied between 30 ⁰C and 90 ⁰C based on the current and voltage of stacks. A process modeling is designed to

• Analyze various scenarios for the required energy systems including wind, solar, etc.
• Utilizing the generated heat through the system by turbines for producing power and enhancing the overall efficiency of the whole system.

(IV) Built environment energy efficiency - Energy System Transition

This multi-million project was performed at the George Bush Airport. This project included various segments:

• Adding solar energy to the system to reduce airport emissions and produce part of the electricity demand on-site.
• Enhancing energy consumption by upgrading the cooling and heating systems.
• Adding electrified chillers to the facility.
• Analyzing data to enhance efficiency and energy consumption of equipment.

Research and implementing changes consequently resulted in $1.6 MM of annual savings.

Research Interests

Energy systems, developing technologies and products, techno-economic analyses, lifecycle assessments, and analyses.