Research Impact Narratives Lunch – April 25, 2013
For internal University of Toronto Engineering use only
David Sinton, Mechanical & Industrial
Engineering (MIE)
Small-scale Plumbing for Cleaner Energy
Professor David Sinton (MIE) and his fluidics and
energy research team study small-scale fluid mechanics
for use in energy systems and analysis. His lab focuses
on the small-scale “plumbing” involved in the creation
and extraction of fuels.
The Problem
The burning of fossil fuels has powered the development
of the modern world, but the resulting carbon dioxide
emissions are forcing us to find cleaner energy sources.
While solar, wind and geothermal energy offer
promising solutions, fuels still account for about 86 percent of the global energy mix.
The extraction process itself consumes a significant amount of energy – about the
equivalent of one-third of each barrel of oil extracted, for example.
The Answer
Professor Sinton’s work addresses the energy problem from both directions. In his
fluidics and energy lab, researchers are working on more efficient ways to grow biofuels
and to optimize current methods of fossil fuel extraction.
His biofuels research focuses on delivering just the right amount of light and fluids to
photosynthetic bacteria to maximize the growth of compact, high-density algae ponds.
One current project involves fiber optics nested within a block of algae, which help
retain light for maximum growth.
To increase efficiency in the extraction of traditional fossil fuels, Sinton analyzes the
fluidic processes involved to better understand the optimal temperature and pressure.
He also investigates how certain additives can help to more easily free fuels from
reservoirs, reducing the energy input required and the associated carbon footprint.
The Impact
Sinton’s collaborations with other researchers are helping make algae growth more
efficient and bringing biofuels closer to becoming a sustainable, commercially viable
Research Impact Narratives Lunch – April 25, 2013
For internal University of Toronto Engineering use only
alternative to fossil fuels. The key will be increased operational energy density, and his
recent work indicates that improvements of two to three orders of magnitude are
possible.
His work also holds the promise of dramatically decreasing the carbon footprint of
existing oil extraction processes. His recent research indicates potential for a 50 percent
improvement in operational efficiency. If these findings lead to even a five percent
increase in extraction efficiency, it would decrease Canadian carbon dioxide emissions
by one million tons each year.
In the News

Engineering Professor Develops Microfluidic Chips For Bitumen Gas Analysis

Engineering Professor Part of Team Awarded Research Grant

MIE Professors Honoured by Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering