1. CO2 Capture
CO2 Capture
Theme Leader: Dr. Mohammad Abu Zahra ADVANCED SORBENT DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION FOR CO2 CAPTURE HYBRID SYSTEMS
The objective of this project is to develop novel sorbent for carbon dioxide capture applications using hybrid systems. This includes steps such as synthesis of solid adsorbent, characterization of solid adsorbent, surface functionalization of solid adsorbent, selection, synthesis, and evaluation of liquid absorbent, evaluation of the CO2 capture hybrid system using major process performance indicators such as absorption capacity, selectivity, sorbent stability, energy requirement and mass transfer efficiency. In addition, the experimental evaluation and selection of the different sorbent materials will be supported by molecular modelling and mass transfer/diffusion modelling.
ADVANCED CO2 CAPTURE PROCESSES EVALUATION AND INTEGRATION
The objective of this project is o develop an integrated framework for the design and analyses of intensified and novel CO2 capture system with improved efficiency, lower energy requirement and reduced cost. Figure 2 exhibits the current status of CO2 capture technologies and its readiness to commercialization.
2. CO2 Utilization
CO2 Utilization
Theme Leader: Dr. Ludovic F. Dumée SOLAR-DRIVEN CONVERSION OF CO2 AND H2S INTO FUEL PRODUCTION
The objective of this project is to develop and optimize solar-driven photochemical and thermochemical processes for the production of fuels and products (H2, CO, O2 and S) from H2S/CO2 splitting, both very abundant in the UAE, using novel materials, demonstrating their technical feasibility.
MACHINE LEARNING APPROACH FOR NOVEL MATERIALS DEVELOPMENT
In this project,we make use of machine learning techniques to develop advanced molecular models of new materials for CO2 conversion and H2 production. We are using a computational design environment involving high-throughput as well as detailed theoretical studies along with data mining and the information from P2.1 and P3.1.
DIRECT CONVERSION OF CO2 INTO VALUABLE PRODUCTS: FROM WASTE TO MATERIALS
Firmly based in the concept of sustainability, in this project we are working on converting alkaline wastes to valuable materials for direct applications through carbonation process. The focus is on two types of wastes: Steel slag produced from the steelmaking industry and brine produced from water desalination, both of them abundant in the UAE and the region. Figure 3 shows the different pathways of CO2 usage and its conversion to different value-added products.
3. Hydrogen Production and Storage
Hydrogen Production and Storage
Theme Leader: Dr. Lourdes Vega MATERIALS AND SYSTEMS FOR H2 PRODUCTION AND STORAGE
H2 production and storage are key enabling technologies for the advancement of H2 and fuel cells in applications such as stationary power, portable power and transportation. We aim at the development of novel, highly efficient materials-based H2 processes for production and storage systems.
AMMONIA AS A CARBON-LESS FUEL USING HYDROGEN
The objective of this project is to establish the scientific fundamentals that will allow the use of ammonia as carbon-less fuel in existing power infrastructure, i.e. gas turbines and reciprocating internal combustion engines. Of particular importance is to address the issues that have so far hindered this application, namely long ignition delays, NOx production and fuel management.
INTEGRATED APPROACH FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING OF H2/CO2 NETWORKS
In this project, we are developing an integrated framework for strategic planning and modeling of hydrogen/CO2 network. The framework presents a systematic approach to obtain an optimal design and operation of H2/CO2 network, including production/processing, transportation, and utilization. In order to develop such a framework, we are creating a superstructure that consists of several nodes that are available to exchange quantities of material and energy. The second phase of the project will involve integration and coordination schemes under uncertainty through mixed integer programming. A particular case will be the optimized network of CO2 for EOR for the UAE.
4. Hydrogen distribution and utilization
Hydrogen distribution and utilization
Theme Leader: Dr. Dimitrios Kyritsis and Dr. Ali Almansoori Optimization of materials and processes for hydrogen distribution at short and long distances. Utilization of hydrogen in different sectors
5. Outreach and Dissemination
Outreach and Dissemination
Theme Leader: Dr. Ali Almansoori The specific objective of Outreach and Dissemination include:
- To spread the information regarding the existence and functioning of the RICH Center, both, regionally as well as internationally.
- To promote and foster academic-industry partnership by engagement and interaction with relevant industries present in the region by matching the proposed Research Center’s expertise, experience and innovations to the requirement of the industry.
- To train highly skilled scientist and engineers to lead novel materials and clean energy development
- To increase the research reputation and international visibility of KU
- To raise funding and additional support to the center by organizing workshops technical days and devoted courses
- To serve the governmental agencies in the UAE in terms of PMI and other commitments
- To educate the community and society in clean energy, sustainability and hydrogen economy