Coal-fueled diesels, fossil energy activities

The U. S. Department of Energy, Office of Fossil Energy, through its Morgantown Energy Technology Center, has initiated a program for the application of less expensive fuels for use in heat engines; the overall objective is to develop an environmentally sound integrated heat engine system which produces cost-competitive energy. The fuel is coal and may be in several forms which include a micronized powder, a slurry (with water, methanol, etc.) or a minimally cleaned, coal-derived gas. The heat engines of primary concern are the gas turbine and diesel. The ability of these heat engines to accept coal fuels is projected to result in a lower overall cost of energy relative to gas and oil. Activities to support the program and the overall program flow for development of coal-fueled diesel technology are discussed.