Research Projects

Coal, once a popular energy source during the industrial revolution in the 18th century, has evolved into a major source of energy in India, with over 50% of electricity coming from coal-fired power plants. However, concerns about climate change have led to a shift towards cleaner sources of energy. This project emphasizes the importance of understanding coal's molecular structure and genesis to better predict its properties. Spontaneous heating assisted by atmospheric oxidation is considered as the basis for this study, as it is an atmospheric and natural phenomenon. Coal stockpiles undergo atmospheric aerial oxidation leading to spontaneous fire, guided by the type of coal defined by its intrinsic nature. Intrinsic factors based on coal architecture, including maceral composition, will be explored at the fundamental level, and region and rank wise reasonable coal structural models will be developed. Details of crossing point temperature and ignition point temperature will be investigated using standard apparatus of coals of different ranks. The structure of coal in terms of oxygen content, defined by the presence of functional groups like hydroxyl and carboxyl, will also be studied to construct a comprehensive framework. The experimental data obtained will be used as inputs to theoretical studies using computational software. The developed coal models will be useful in understanding, preparing, and preventing spontaneous fires. Uncovering the constitution of coal will also shed light on the genesis of coalification and help coal remain relevant in this crucial transition phase.