CCS

Research Interests

Process Systems Engineering (PSE) (process simulation, process control, process synthesis, large scale process optimization, real time optimisation (rto)), CO₂ capture, storage and mitigation technologies and automatic moisture control & post harvest grain technology.

Process Systems Engineering

• The major research thrust that has emerged has been the use and integration of knowledge (in all its forms) to design and optimize the operation of processes at several levels of detail. At the highest level, we are developing computer programs to synthesize or invent process flowsheets using knowledge in the form of experience. At a lower level, we are developing methods to synthesize and optimize the design of special processes, for example, CO₂ mitigation processes and thermally integrated distillation sequences. This involves a combination of experience, mathematical models and optimization.

• My continued research now centres on the development of generalized procedures using available software to integrate the synthesis, simulation, optimization and control functions. For example, we are currently using industrial simulation and optimization systems for incorporating process control considerations at the design stage. Processes that are currently being studied are unit operations such as distillation as well as complete processes involving reaction, separation and recycle.

Carbon Capture and Storage R&D Group

CO₂ Capture, Storage and Mitigation Processes

• I am a founding member of GERI (Green Energy Research Institute) at the UW. "GERI develops and promotes green energy systems that strive for sustainable environment, social and economic performance. The institute accomplishes its mission through original research to develop and promote technologies for diversified and localised energy systems, clean energy alternatives, sustainable development and energy security".

• This research focuses on PSE applications of energy utilisation with a goal to reduce CO₂ and other greenhouse gas emissions.

• A major thrust of our research concerns the development of a new generation of computer models to synthesize greenhouse gas mitigation systems. Our modelling framework will have the ability to analyze a fleet of power plants and synthesize an optimal fleet-solution.

• Current projects involve the techno-economic evaluation of various CO₂ mitigation strategies including MEA scrubbing, O₂ /CO₂ recycle combustion, integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) , solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and membranes.

• Our research is supported by a variety of industrial and governmental partners .

Post Harvest Grain Technology

• An application of PSE technology to Post Harvest Grain Technology has emerged as an interesting and important application. Grain losses due only to inadequate and poor dryer control have been estimated at about 10% world wide. Our research has led to the development of a spin-off company Dantec Corporation and the Dryer Master^TM system for automatic moisture control and energy savings in grain and industrial dryers .

NSTDA

• NSTDA(National Science and Technology Development Agency of Thailand) and the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo have signed an MOU outlining an initiative to promote the training of graduate students.

• For Thai students wishing to participate in the consortia with the University of Waterloo there are two basic options:

1. support by Thai Government Scholarships
2. support by NSTDA

• In the case of support by a Thai Government Scholarship the student should register as a graduate student at the University of Waterloo. In the case of support by NSTDA the student may choose to register at a Thai University or at the University of Waterloo depending on the research plan and funding available from NSTDA. In either case the student is encouraged to develop a collaborate research program with a University of Waterloo professor and a Thai university professor.

• Students interested in participating in this programme may contact Peter Douglas.

• A Thai student's web-site at the University of Waterloo has been created by Maradee Phongpipatpong a PhD student in the Department of Chemical Engineering.

Selected References

• Alie, C, PL Douglas, E Croiset, 2006, "Simulation and Optimization of a Coal-Fired Power Plant with Integrated CO₂ Capture using MEA Scrubbing", GHGT-8 Conference, Trondheim, Norway

• Alie C, PL Douglas, E Croiset, 2006, "A Generalized Framework for Evaluating the Performance of CO₂ Capture Processes", GHGT-8 Conference, Trondheim, Norway

• Ordorica-Garcia, G, E Croiset, PL Douglas, A Elkamel, M Gupta, 2006, "Development of an Optimal Energy Infrastructure for the Canadian Oil Sands Industry in a CO₂-constrained World", GHGT-8 Conference, Trondheim, Norway

• Tarun, C, E Croiset, PL Douglas, M Gupta, MHM Chowdhury, 2006, "Techno-economic Study of CO₂ Capture from Natural Gas Based Hydrogen Plants", GHGT-8 Conference, Trondheim, Norway

• Chawankul, N., H. Budman, P.L. Douglas, 2005, "The Integration of Design and Control: IMC Control and Robustness", Computers and Chemical Engineering, 29/2, 261-271

• Hashim, H., P.L. Douglas, A. Elkamel, E. Croiset, 2005, "An Optimization Model for Energy Planning with CO₂ Emission Considerations", Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 44, 879-890

• Alie, C., L. Backham, E. Crosiet, P.L. Douglas and M.A. Douglas, 2005, "Decomposition of the MEA Recycle Process for CO₂ Capture", Energy Conversion and Management, 46, 475-487

• Zhang, W., E. Croiset, M.W. Fowler, P.L. Douglas and E. Entchev, 2005, "Simulation of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Using Aspen Plus", Energy Conversion and Management,46, 181-196

• Suwanwarangkul, R, E. Croiset, M.D. Pritzker, M.W. Fowler, P.L. Douglas and E.Entchev, 2005, "Mechanistic Modelling of a Cathode-Supported Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell", Journal of Power Sources, in press

• Shafeen, A.S, E. Croiset, P.L. Douglas and I. Chatzis, 2004, "CO₂ Sequestration in Ontario, Canada, Part II: Cost Estimation", Energy Conversion and Management, 45, 3207-3217

• Shafeen, A., E. Croiset, P.L. Douglas and I. Chatzis, 2004, "CO₂ Sequestration in Ontario, Canada, Part I: Storage Evaluation of Potential Reservoirs", Energy Conversion and Management, 45, 2645-2659

• Singh, D., E. Croiset, P.L. Douglas and M.A. Douglas, 2003, "Techno-Economic Study of CO₂ Capture From an Existing Coal-Fired Power Plant: MEA Scrubbing vs. O₂ /CO₂ Recycle Combustion", Energy Conversion and Management, 44, 3073 - 3091

• Suwanwarangkul, R., E. Croiset, M.W. Fowler, P.L. Douglas, E. Entchev, 2003, "Performance Comparison of Fick's, Dusty-Gas and Stefan-Maxwell Models to Predict the Concentration Overpotential in an SOFC Anode", Journal of Power Systems, 122, 9 - 18

• Phongpipatpong, M., P.L. Douglas, 2003, "Synthesis of Rice Processing Plants Part I - Development of Simplified Models", Drying Technology Journal, 21, 9, 1599 - 1614

• Phongpipatpong, M., P.L. Douglas, 2003, "Synthesis of Rice Processing Plants Part II - MINLP Optimisation", Drying Technology Journal, 21, 9, 1615 - 1633

• Phongpipatpong, M., P.L. Douglas, 2003, "Synthesis of Rice Processing Plants Part III - Sensitivity Analysis", Drying Technology Journal, 21, 9, 1635 - 1648

• Iguaz, A. H. Budman and P.L. Douglas, 2002, "Modelling and Control of an Alfalfa Rotary Dryer", Drying Technology Journal, 20, 9, 1869-1887

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