15. Designing a Metal Fuel Energy System for Campus Power - 4CBLW00-15

Metal fuels, particularly iron oxide particles, are being explored as a promising energy carrier in combustion processes due to their high energy density, recyclability, and environmental benefits. When iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) is reduced in a combustion reaction, it releases significant amounts of heat while producing iron (Fe) as a byproduct. This iron can then be re-oxidized in a controlled process, making it a cyclical fuel source. For sustainability, the regeneration of iron to iron oxide should ideally be carried out using hydrogen produced from renewable sources, such as electrolyzers powered by solar or wind energy. Iron oxide particles have the advantage of being abundant, relatively inexpensive, and capable of being used in both small-scale applications, like energy storage, and larger industrial settings. This approach offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to a circular energy economy.

In this project, you are tasked with designing a system that powers the entire university using metal fuels, with the electricity required for the fuel regeneration (e.g., iron to iron oxide) coming from renewable energy sources like solar or wind. Your design should include calculations for the dimensions and capacity of the system, such as the amount of metal fuel needed, storage requirements, and the size of renewable energy infrastructure (e.g., electrolyzers). In addition, analyze the limitations of the system, especially regarding the intermittency of renewable energy, and how this may affect energy availability and reliability. Finally, assess the associated costs, considering both capital and operational expenses, and propose solutions to mitigate challenges related to intermittency and cost.