SPONGE IRON POWDER AS A POSSIBLE FUEL OF THE FUTURE
Dr. Yuriy Shoshin, TU/e
Dr. Yuriy Shoshin also emphasized the energy transition to novel non-polluting renewable energy carriers.
Methods for the reduction of iron oxide back to iron are well known: this is actually how all iron is produced.
Comparison of existing iron making technologies suggests that the Direct Reduced (sponge) Iron (DRI) process can be the best starting point for future “green" iron fuel recycling at industrial scale. Pure hydrogen can be used in many existing DRI technologies. Combining DRI process with hydrogen production from solar or wind power can make iron fuel cycle entirely CO2-free.
However, Dr. Shoshin also explained that significant modifications of existing technologies, or new type reactors may be needed to directly reduce fine iron oxide powders (the product of iron powder combustion), avoiding pelletizing, grinding or melting of iron.
Solving engineering problems on the way to clean iron energy requires joint international efforts involving both academic and industrial sectors, which is why TU/e is interested in this promising novel fuel.
