TRU Energy Assignment Examples

Rare Earth Element Elements - Industry and Competitiveness

Rare Earth Elements Competitiveness West Vs China

TRU rare earth metals consultants identified and assessed promising heavy rare earth metals development projects under development in the west and ranked them according to clients criteria. In particular TRU assessed the west's capability to supply REE needed for electric vehicles and batteries. Evaluated processing amenability and compared costs of various producers compared to China. Modelled processes and costs of production. Determined competitiveness with REE producers in China and the outlook for western verses Chinese market. Focused on heavy HREE (examples, dysprosium Dy, Europium Eu, Terbium Tb, Yttrium, Y) used in permanent magnets for electric motors. Typical minerals are Aeschynite Bastnasite Eudialyte Euxenite Fergusonite Gadolinite Loparite Monazite Monsadrite Orthite. Recommended a strategy for client to fulfill its rare earth development requirement. See TRU Rare Earth Elelements Team

Detailed Feasibility of Clean Coal Technology Energy Complex

Coal Coking Plant and Coal Gasification Feasibility

TRU gasifier consulting team undertook a detailed feasibility study of a coal based energy complex comprising a coal coking plant, coke-oven-gas, coal gasification, Integrated Gasification Combined Cycles IGCC, power plant, coal handling and coal mining. Studied options and determined best technical, environmental and economic conclusions. Obtained quotations from suppliers in the west and China. Also assessed local coal resource, coal mining issues and mining costs. Detailed operational and financial plan compiled.

Coal Gasification for Chemicals Bankable Feasibility

Coal Synthesis Gas Plant for Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizer + New Urea Fertilizer Plant

TRU undertook a bankable feasibility study on the viability of a $700 million coal-based synthesis gasification gas plant to produce gas suitable for the production of ammonia and the upgrading of existing facilities for the production of nitric acid and ammonium nitrate. The specific operations investigated were coal handling, preparation for gasification, coal gasification and ash handling. TRU engineered synthesis gas production and purification including shifting, acid gas removal and any other required processes. Also determined requirement and design for capacity enhancement of the air separation, ammonia synthesis, nitric acid and new urea fertilizer facility for urea granules. TRU continues in 2012 to assist the client with pilot testing and implementation as part of the Owners Team. See also TRU consultantancy capability in Potash Fertilizer.

Strategy, Planning and Financing

Lithium-ion Battery • New Li-fiber Battery Launch

TRU prepared strategies and business plan for a company developing lithium-ion batteries made with a new Li-fiber [carbon-carbon] anode. The new carbon-carbon fiber technology is claimed to be superior to existing Li-ion and Li-polymer batteries especially for higher energy applications (for example, in particular for the plug-in electric vehicle). Refer: :Li-fiber Battery OR :TRU electric vehicles forecast 2020 In other assignment, TRU forecast supply-demand for battery electrolytes.
Also see :TRU REE rare earth elements. More on :TRU Lithium Team Capability

Product Substitution & Demand Estimation

Renewable Energy for Remote Locations & Communities

TRU conducted an in depth assessment of energy use in remote villages/ camps and other non-grid-connected location. Estimated energy consumption by end use and type. Reviewed technology for displacement by renewable energy such as small-scale hydropower, photovoltaic & thermal solar, wind & tidal power, geothermal, peat and conservation.

Technology Forecasting & Econometric Modeling

Green versus Conventional Energy

TRU evaluated the integrity and usefulness of comprehensive MITRE technology foresight model. The model is multivariate containing technology, manufacturing, and use factors for both conventional and renewable energy. Other econometric models used in analyzing aspects of renewable energy production and use were compared. True Group.

New Product Launch in the United States

Retrofit Insulation Product

TRU conducted a market study in a United States regional market to assess the acceptability of a new insulation product to be sold to contractors and homeowners. Surveyed contractors and retailers. Made solid conclusions and provided client with product launch strategy.

Market and Competition Analysis

Thermal Solar Panel Market

TRU undertook an in-depth assessment of thermal solar energy including compiling a comprehensive inventory of installations. Examined the techno-economics of thermal solar for various applications, including commercial buildings, homes, process water heating, and pools. Prepared historical segmented data on usage and forecast of demand.

Electric Vehicles & EV Batteries 2020 for Mitsubishi Corporation

Technology Forecasting - Market Outlook Assessment

TRU examined issues at play in the development of the electric vehicle EV TRU Electric Vehicle Forecast 2020 PEV HEV EV Outlookmarket including its segment hybrid HEV, plug-in PHEV and full electric vehicles PEV. Forecast global EV demand through 2020. Much of the evaluation concerned the readiness of battery technology especially lithium li-ion and disruptive cell technology, to meet the special performance demands for the electric vehicle. Battery innovation was a strong determinant of EV market potential. If you would like a free summary of this report please see -

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NRC R&D Plan for Energy Building Research

Energy Conservation in Buildings

TRU worked with the National Research Council to develop research and development priorities for energy conservation in buildings. TRU advised and facilitated a Task Force to examine technological issues that affected energy use in buildings and ways in which R&D could address those issues. Set objectives and scoped out the R&D plan.

Data Gathering and Survey

Energy Use in School Buildings

TRU surveyed the use of various forms of conventional energy in school buildings as part of a program for finding an approach to energy savings. This was a first phase data gathering census of educational institutions in specified regions to be used by the government to institute energy saving measures in buildings that they own.

Survey of Potential

Manufacturing Sector Energy Conservation

TRU undertook a surveys of manufacturing companies to obtain data on their use and attitude towards energy conservation. This was for a major electric utility that was interested in encouraging energy conservation and looking for ways to manage peak power loads on their network.

Market, Techno-economic and Industry Assessment

Photovoltaic Solar Cells

TRU assessed the state of technology and industry development of the solar cell and solar panel market. In depth survey of application and consumption of solar cells. Examined methods and techno-economics of manufacturing cells. Compared products on the market and in the pipeline. Technology foresight modeled and demand forecasts made.

Marketing Study for Start-up Company

Passive Solar Windows

TRU assisted a start-up company to establish information on markets for their passive solar window designs. Regional market size was calculated, customers identified and product designs assessed. TRU client was advised on methods it should use to penetrate the American market.

Consumption, Application and Industry Assessments

Insulation Products & Industry Competition

TRU conducted an in depth survey of insulation markets and competition with the objective of measuring the impact of the Government's "Home Insulation Program". Effectiveness of insulation products were evaluated. TRU Interviewed contractors and insulation manufacturers, and used concurrent homeowner surveys to assess market demand.

Investor Due Diligence

Novel Gasifier Design

TRU assesses the technology and techno-economics of a new design for a biomass gasifier. The market potential for the design was assessed as well as competitive technologies. TRU advised our client on the viability of the business and the risks associated with the proposed investment.

Diesel Power Generation Plant Design

Grid Connected Diesel Generation Plant

TRU assessed energy requirements and designed the diesel generation plant for a major smelter to be located in a remote location but with possibilities for connection to a low tension power grid. Specified the basic design for the diesel gas-turbine-generators and related switchgear and controls. Obtained supplier quotations for the plant.