In situ fluidized mining and conversion solution to alleviate geological damage and greenhouse gas emissions due to coal exploitation: A numerical analysis and evaluation. Issue 1 (11th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ju, Yang; Nie, Xiaodong; Zhu, Yan; Xie, Heping
• Is Part Of: Energy science & engineering. Volume 9:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 40
• Page End: 57
• Publication Date: 2020-09-11
• Subjects: coal resources -- in situ conversion -- In situ fluidized mining -- microseismicity -- numerical evaluation -- stress distribution; Energy industries -- Periodicals; Energy development -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1002/ese3.812
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-0505

Abstract

Abstract: Coal remains a primary energy source for the foreseeable future. However, existing approaches for coal exploitation and utilization are highly detrimental to the geological formations from which they are extracted and the atmospheric environment. Moreover, underground mining can induce earthquakes that lead to fatalities and financial losses. The demand to abandon coal mining is increasing worldwide, and the need for efficient, safe, and environmentally acceptable coal exploitation and utilization has garnered widespread attention. We propose a novel unmanned automatic machine‐based mining and in situ conversion method for the safe and clean exploitation and utilization of subsurface coal resources. Solid coal is transformed in situ into fluidized energy resources using this method. To evaluate its effectiveness, a geological model of a coal mine was generated, and a numerical simulation based on the continuum‐based discrete element method was conducted to compare the mining‐induced stress distribution, roof subsidence, coal wall failure, and microseismicity for fluidized and traditional mining methods. Our results indicate that the proposed mining method can significantly reduce damage to the geological formation and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the exploitation and utilization of coal resources. We also discuss the limitations of the current study and future research possibilities. Abstract : This study considers a promising in situ fluidized mining technique, which involves transforming deep solid coal into electric energy or gaseous/liquid state substances in situ and then transporting the fluidized resources to the ground, resulting in zero or near‐zero carbon emissions and geological formation damage. A numerical simulation is conducted to compare the mining‐induced stress distribution, roof subsidence, coal wall failure, and microseismicity for fluidized and traditional mining methods.