Coal Connor Edmonds, Mike Feula, and Mike Kappaz

Brief History of Coal 4000 BC First discovered uses of coal in Shenyang Area of China 200 AD Romans were exploiting coals in all the major coalfields in England and Wales 1000 AD Coal begins to become of great importance during High Middle Ages Westminster Abbey construction fueled by coal 13 th Century Underground extraction methods developed Industrial Revolution sparks widespread use of coal 1882 First coal-fired electric generating system developed by Thomas Edison goes into operation in NYC 1961 Coal had become the major fuel used by electric utilities in the US

Coal Use Primarily used for electricity o nearly half of American electricity! Global o Over 6.6 Billion tons used Steel and Cement Production Key for: o Soap o Aspirins o Dyes o Plastics

Types of Coal Anthracite – Has the highest Carbon content, at 86%-98% C, therefore it is the most valuable type of coal. However it is not a very large part of the Coal Market Bituminous – The most common type of coal in electricity generation. Has a Carbon content of 45%-86%. Subbituminous – 35%-45% carbon content. Is different because it contains Sulfur so it burns cleaner and is better for the environment. Lignite – “Brown Coal” is used to generate electricity. Has the lowest Carbon content at 25%-35%.

Coal Mining Above Ground Cast Mountaintop Removal Below Ground Room and Pillar Long Wall

Process to Create Power 1.Coal is crushed into a fine powder then thrown into a furnace and mixed with hot air. 2. This mixture burns to boil water and create steam. 3.The steam is released into a turbine spinning turbine to power a generator that creates electrical power from the mechanical power.

The Issues Releases impurities (Sulfur, Nitrogen) Can lead to acid rain o Pollutes waterways and soil Carbon Dioxide formation o Leads to climate change

Basic Improvements Coal Selection Crush and wash Sulfur Scrubbers- Limestone Staged Combustion Catalysts? Pressurized Bed Boiler

The Future Power Numbers o Can filter 99% ash particles o Can capture 95% impurities o Improved Carbon Dioxide reduction In Process o Over $3 Billion invested since mid-1980s o Clean Coal Technology Program