Coal utilization science projects are using laser diagnostics to probe the way coal burns.

The Coal Utilization Science Program is a diverse, scientifically oriented research and development program that addresses issues affecting the way coal is used. The program's primary emphasis is to support the development of advanced technologies that use coal with near-zero emissions.

To provide this support, the program identifies scientific and technological needs and develops a basic understanding of the underlying chemical and physical processes that, unless resolved, could create a technological barrier to these new coal-based concepts.

The emphasis of the program is on conducting experimental and theoretical investigations to increase our knowledge of the principal mechanisms that control coal conversion processes.

The program serves as a bridge between basic science and the fabrication and testing of new technologies. From this program, for example, has come the first one- and two-dimensional combustion-capable Computational Fluid Dynamics code in the United States. The program has also provided insights into coal devolitization, char reactivity, and ash behavior that have led to new mechanistic models now used in several commercial and research-oriented combustion codes. Many of today's low-NOx burners and advanced reburning technologies are based on the kinetic data and models developed originally in the Coal Utilization Science program.

Currently researchers supported by this program are working on:

• Enabling technologies targeting critical areas of power plants designed for near zero emissions. Knowledge gained in these efforts will enable better designs of more economic coal-fired power systems that can achieve unprecedented levels of fuel-to-electricity efficiencies with extremely low emissions.

• Advanced simulation that is producing new software that can help tomorrow's engineers design, evaluate, and optimize the performance of future generations of fossil-fired power systems. Computer models developed or being developed are being integrated to produce a virtual simulation of advanced power plants.

• CO2 science that is increasing scientists' understanding of the basic processes for managing carbon released when coal and other fossil fuels are converted into useful energy. One promising process being studied is mineral sequestration of CO2.

• Advanced instrumentation and controls that can provide the high-tech sensors and integrated control systems to enhance the reliability and availability of future power systems while decreasing pollutants and lowering costs. Examples include: a cavity ringdown spectrometer for low-level mercury detection, and metal oxide film sensors for high temperature applications.