Decarbonization of Hard-to-Decarbonize Heat

Abstract

Decarbonizing heat is a key strategy in alleviating global warming. This study delved into the viable pathways for heat decarbonization within the water-energy nexus, power generation, and industrial processes. At first, the research develops a techno-economic model for solar thermal seawater desalination, uncovering its economic feasibility closely tied to the costs of solar energy and desalination efficiency. Building on this, we construct a thermodynamic model for concentrated solar thermal seawater desalination, emphasizing the significance of enhancing the concentration ratio and latent heat recovery. Employing the principle of exergy cascade utilization, we design a topological concentrated solar thermal desalination system, addressing the issue of exergy mismatch in practical engineering for higher water production performance. The state-of-the-art particle-based concentrated solar power plant utilizes ceramic particles to capture solar radiation, obtaining high-temperature thermal energy and thus enhancing electricity generation efficiency. To deeply understand the heat transfer mechanisms of particles in dynamic flow, the study combines X-ray computed tomography and deep learning techniques in computer vision to develop an ultra-sparse view reconstruction model. This model drastically reduces the three-dimensional sampling time by nearly a hundredfold, achieving high-temporal-resolution four-dimensional sampling. This innovation opens new possibilities for the application of X-ray technology in the imaging characterization and dynamic study of fluid particles and other energy systems. Finally, for decarbonizing heat in industrial processes, the research establishes a comprehensive techno-economic planning model for the entire system. This model optimizes configurations of carbon-free technologies, heat electrification, and storage solutions up to 2050 to meet the real-time demands of high-energy-consuming industries with various temperature characteristics. Based on technological advancements and the potential of regional renewable resources, the study explores promising cost-effective decarbonization planning strategies. Overall, this dissertation provides a thorough exploration of practical paths for decarbonizing heat in crucial sectors, aiming to significantly contribute to a carbon-free future by addressing challenges and proposing economically viable solutions for hard-to-decarbonize heat applications.