Thomas Adams

Prof. Thomas Adams

Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S4L7, Canada
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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

21Years (2006-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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23 November 2018 in Processes
Verified
Journal Article
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ASAVINASH SHANKAR RAMMOHAN SUBRAMANIAN
AVINASH SHANKAR RAMMOHAN SUBRAMANIAN
TGTruls Gundersen
Truls Gundersen
Thomas AdamsThomas Adams
Thomas Adams
Energy is a key driver of the modern economy, therefore modeling and simulation of energy systems has received significant research attention. We review the major developments in this area and propose two ways to categorize the diverse contributions. The first categorization is according to the modeling approach, namely into computational, mathematical, and physical models. With this categorization, we highlight certain novel hybrid approaches that combine aspects of the different groups proposed. The second categorization is according to field namely Process Systems Engineering (PSE) and Energy Economics (EE). We use the following criteria to illustrate the differences: the nature of variables, theoretical underpinnings, level of technological aggregation, spatial and temporal scales, and model purposes. Traditionally, the Process Systems Engineering approach models the technological characteristics of the energy system endogenously. However, the energy system is situated in a broader economic context that includes several stakeholders both within the energy sector and in other economic sectors. Complex relationships and feedback effects exist between these stakeholders, which may have a significant impact on strategic, tactical, and operational decision-making. Leveraging the expertise built in the Energy Economics field on modeling these complexities may be valuable to process systems engineers. With this categorization, we present the interactions between the two fields, and make the case for combining the two approaches. We point out three application areas: (1) optimal design and operation of flexible processes using demand and price forecasts, (2) sustainability analysis and process design using hybrid methods, and (3) accounting for the feedback effects of breakthrough technologies. These three examples highlight the value of combining Process Systems Engineering and Energy Economics models to get a holistic picture of the energy system in a wider economic and policy context.

27 September 2012 in Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research
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Journal Article
Closed access
Thomas AdamsThomas Adams
Thomas Adams
JNJake Nease
Jake Nease
DTDavid Tucker
David Tucker
PBPaul I. Barton
Paul I. Barton

1 March 2011 in Fuel Processing Technology
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Journal Article
Closed access
Thomas AdamsThomas Adams
Thomas Adams
PBPaul I. Barton
Paul I. Barton

1 November 2009 in International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
Thomas AdamsThomas Adams
Thomas Adams
PBPaul I. Barton
Paul I. Barton

1 January 2020 in Energy Conversion and Management
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
LDLingyan Deng
Lingyan Deng
Thomas AdamsThomas Adams
Thomas Adams

16 March 2011 in Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
YCYang Chen
Yang Chen
Thomas AdamsThomas Adams
Thomas Adams
PBPaul I. Barton
Paul I. Barton