Canada
New Integrated Process for the Efficient Production of Methanol, Electrical Power, and Heating
Jan 2022
Publication
In this paper a novel process is developed to cogenerate 4741 kg/h of methanol 297.7 kW of electricity and 35.73 ton/h of hot water including a hydrogen purification system an absorption– compression refrigeration cycle (ACRC) a regenerative Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) and parabolic solar troughs. The heat produced in the methanol reactor is recovered in the ORC and ACRC. Parabolic solar troughs provide thermal power to the methanol distillation tower. Thermal efficiencies of the integrated structure and the liquid methanol production cycle are 78.14% and 60.91% respectively. The process’s total exergy efficiency and irreversibility are 89.45% and 16.89 MW. The solar thermal collectors take the largest share of exergy destruction (34%) followed by heat exchangers (30%) and mixers (19%). Based on the sensitivity analysis D17 (mixture of H2 and low-pressure fuel gas before separation) was the most influential stream affecting the performance of the process. With the temperature decline of stream D17 from −139 to −149 °C the methanol production rate and the total thermal efficiency rose to 4741.2 kg/h and 61.02% respectively. Moreover the growth in the hydrogen content from 55% to 80% molar of the feed gas the flow rate of liquid methanol and the total exergy efficiency declined to 4487 kg/h and 86.05%.
Safety and Risk Management in Nuclear-Based Hydrogen Production with Thermal Water Splitting
Sep 2013
Publication
The challenges and approaches of the safety and risk management for the hydrogen production with nuclear-based thermochemical water splitting have been far from sufficiently reported as the thermochemical technology is still at a fledgling stage and the linkage of a nuclear reactor with a hydrogen production plant is unprecedented. This paper focuses on the safety issues arising from the interactions between the nuclear heat source and thermochemical hydrogen production cycle as well between the proximate individual processes in the cycle. As steam is utilized in most thermochemical cycles for the water splitting reaction and heat must be transferred from the nuclear source to hydrogen production plant this paper particularly analyzes and quantifies the heat hazard for the scenarios of start-up and shutdown of the hydrogen production plant. Potential safety impacts on the nuclear reactor are discussed. It is concluded that one of the main challenges of safety and risk management is efficient rejection of heat in a shutdown accident. Several options for the measures to be taken are suggested. Copper-chlorine and sulphur-iodine thermochemical cycles are taken as two representative examples for the hazard analysis. It is expected that these newly reported challenges and approaches could help build the future safety and risk management codes and standards for the infrastructure of the thermochemical hydrogen production.
Boundary Layer Effects on the Critical Nozzle of Hydrogen Sonic Jet
Oct 2015
Publication
When hydrogen flows through a small finite length constant exit area nozzle the viscous effects create a fluid throat which acts as a converging-diverging nozzle and lead to Mach number greater than one at the exit if the jet is under-expanded. This phenomenon influences the mass flow rate and the dispersion cloud size. In this study the boundary layer effect on the unsteady hydrogen sonic jet flow through a 1 mm diameter pipe from a high pressure reservoir (up to 70 MPa) is studied using computational fluid dynamics with a large eddy simulation turbulence model. This viscous flow simulation is compared with a non-viscous simulation to demonstrate that the velocity is supersonic at the exit of a small exit nozzle and that the mass flow is reduced.
Evaluation of Hydrogen, Propane and Methane-air Detonations Instability and Detonability
Sep 2013
Publication
In this paper the detonation propensity of different compositions of mixtures of hydrogen propane and methane with air has been evaluated over a wide range of compositions. We supplement the conventional calculations of the induction delay with calculations of the characteristic acceleration parameter recently suggested by Radulescu Sharpeand Bradley(RSB) to characterize the instability of detonations. While it is well established that the ignition delay provides a good measure for detonability the RSB acceleration or its non-dimensionalform provides a further discriminant between mixtures with similar ignition delays. The present assessment of detonability reveals that while a stoichiometric mixture of hydrogen-air has an ignition delay one and two orders of magnitude shorter than respectively propane and methane hydrogen also has a parameter smaller by respectively one and two orders of magnitude. Its smaller propensity for instability is reflected by an RSB acceleration parameter similar to the two hydrocarbons. The predictions however indicate that lean hydrogen mixtures are likely to be much more unstable than stoichiometric ones. The relation between the parameter and potential to amplify an unstable transverse wave structure has been further determined through numerical simulation of decaying reactive Taylor-Sedov blast waves. Using a simplified two-step model calibrated for these fuels we show that methane mixtures develop cellular structures more readily than propane and hydrogen when observed on similar induction time scales. Future work should be devoted towards a quantitative inclusion of the RSB parameter in assessing the detonability of a given mixture.
Sizing and Operation of a Pure Renewable Energy Based Electric System through Hydrogen
Nov 2021
Publication
Today in order to reduce the increase of the carbon dioxide emissions a large number of renewable energy resources (RES) are already implemented. Considering both the intermittency and uncertainty of the RES the energy storage system (ESS) is still needed for balancing and stabilizing the power system. Among different existing categories of ESS the hydrogen storage systems (HSS) have the highest energy density and are crucial for the RES integration. In addition RES are located in faraway regions and are often transmitted to the terminal consumption center through HVDC (high voltage direct current) due to its lower power loss. In this paper we present a power supply system that achieves low-carbon emissions through combined HSS and HVDC technology. First the combined HSS and the HVDC model are established. Secondly the rule-based strategy for operating the HSS microgrid is presented. Then an operating strategy for a typical network i.e. the pure RES generation station-HVDC transmission-microgrids is demonstrated. Finally the best sizing capacities for all components are found by the genetic algorithm. The results prove the efficiency of the presented sizing approach for a pure RES electric system.
Effect of Anion Exchange Ionomer Content on Electrode Performance in AEM Water Electrolysis
Aug 2020
Publication
Anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) has acquired substantial consideration as a cost-effective hydrogen production technology. The anion ionomer content in the catalyst layers during hydrogen and oxygen evolution reaction (HER and OER) is of ultimate significance. Herein an in-situ half-cell analysis with reference electrodes was carried out for simultaneous potential measurements and identification of the influence of the anion exchange ionomer (AEI) content on anode and cathode performance. The measured half-cell potentials proved the influence of AEI content on the catalytic activity of HER and OER which was supported by the rotating disk electrode (RDE) measurements. Cathode overpotential of Ni/C was not negligible and more affected by the AEI content than anode with the optimized AEI content of 10 wt% while NiO anode OER overpotential was independent of the AEI content. For the same AEI content PGM catalysts showed higher electroactivity than Ni-based catalysts for HER and OER and the cathode catalyst's intrinsic activity is of high importance in the AEM electrolysis operation. Post-mortem analysis by SEM mapping of both AEI and catalyst distributions on the electrode surface showed the effect of AEI loading on the catalyst morphology which could be related to the electrode performance.
Hydrogen Strategy for Canada: Seizing the Opportunities for Hydrogen - A Call to Action
Dec 2020
Publication
For more than a century our nation’s brightest minds have been working on the technology to turn the invisible promise of hydrogen into tangible solutions. Canadian ingenuity and innovation has once again brought us to a pivotal moment. As we rebuild our economy from the impacts of COVID-19 and fight the existential threat of climate change the development of low-carbon hydrogen is a strategic priority for Canada. The time to act is now.<br/>The Hydrogen Strategy for Canada lays out an ambitious framework for actions that will cement hydrogen as a tool to achieve our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 and position Canada as a global industrial leader of clean renewable fuels. This strategy shows us that by 2050 clean hydrogen can help us achieve our net-zero goal—all while creating jobs growing our economy and protecting our environment. This will involve switching from conventional gasoline diesel and natural gas to zero-emissions fuel sources taking advantage of new regulatory environments and embracing new technologies to give Canadians more choice of zero emission alternatives.<br/>As one of the top 10 hydrogen producers in the world today we are rich in the feedstocks that produce hydrogen. We are blessed with a strong energy sector and the geographic assets that will propel Canada to be a major exporter of hydrogen and hydrogen technologies. Hydrogen might be nature’s smallest molecule but its potential is enormous. It provides new markets for our conventional energy resources and holds the potential to decarbonize many sectors of our economy including resource extraction freight transportation power generation manufacturing and the production of steel and cement. This Strategy is a call to action. It will spur investments and strategic partnerships across the country and beyond our borders. It will position Canada to seize economic and environmental opportunities that exist coast to coast. Expanding our exports. Creating as many as 350000 good green jobs over the next three decades. All while dramatically reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. And putting a net-zero future within our reach.<br/>The importance of Canada’s resource industries and our clean technology sectors has been magnified during the pandemic. We must harness our combined will expertise and financial resources to fully seize the opportunities that hydrogen presents. This strategy is the product of three years of study and analysis including extensive engagement sessions where we heard from more than 1500 of our country’s leading experts and stakeholders. But its release is not the end of a process. This is only the beginning. Together we will use this Strategy to guide our actions and investments. By working with provinces and territories Indigenous partners and the private-sector and by leveraging our many advantages we will create the prosperity we all want protect the planet we all cherish and we will ensure we leave no one behind.
A Review of Recent Advances on the Effects of Microstructural Refinement and Nano-Catalytic Additives on the Hydrogen Storage Properties of Metal and Complex Hydrides
Dec 2010
Publication
The recent advances on the effects of microstructural refinement and various nano-catalytic additives on the hydrogen storage properties of metal and complex hydrides obtained in the last few years in the allied laboratories at the University of Waterloo (Canada) and Military University of Technology (Warsaw Poland) are critically reviewed in this paper. The research results indicate that microstructural refinement (particle and grain size) induced by ball milling influences quite modestly the hydrogen storage properties of simple metal and complex metal hydrides. On the other hand the addition of nanometric elemental metals acting as potent catalysts and/or metal halide catalytic precursors brings about profound improvements in the hydrogen absorption/desorption kinetics for simple metal and complex metal hydrides alike. In general catalytic precursors react with the hydride matrix forming a metal salt and free nanometric or amorphous elemental metals/intermetallics which in turn act catalytically. However these catalysts change only kinetic properties i.e. the hydrogen absorption/desorption rate but they do not change thermodynamics (e.g. enthalpy change of hydrogen sorption reactions). It is shown that a complex metal hydride LiAlH4 after high energy ball milling with a nanometric Ni metal catalyst and/or MnCl2 catalytic precursor is able to desorb relatively large quantities of hydrogen at RT 40 and 80 °C. This kind of behavior is very encouraging for the future development of solid state hydrogen systems.
Quantification of Temperature Dependence of Hydrogen Embrittlement in Pipeline Steel
Feb 2019
Publication
The effects of temperature on bulk hydrogen concentration and diffusion have been tested with the Devanathan–-Stachurski method. Thus a model based on hydrogen potential diffusivity loading frequency and hydrostatic stress distribution around crack tips was applied in order to quantify the temperature’s effect. The theoretical model was verified experimentally and confirmed a temperature threshold of 320 K to maximize the crack growth. The model suggests a nanoscale embrittlement mechanism which is generated by hydrogen atom delivery to the crack tip under fatigue loading and rationalized the ΔK dependence of traditional models. Hence this work could be applied to optimize operations that will prolong the life of the pipeline.
The ‘Green’ Ni-UGSO Catalyst for Hydrogen Production under Various Reforming Regimes
Jun 2021
Publication
A new spinelized Ni catalyst (Ni-UGSO) using Ni(NO3)2·6H2O as the Ni precursor was prepared according to a less material intensive protocol. The support of this catalyst is a negative-value mining residue UpGraded Slag Oxide (UGSO) produced from a TiO2 slag production unit. Applied to dry reforming of methane (DRM) at atmospheric pressure T = 810 °C space velocity of 3400 mL/(h·g) and molar CO2/CH4 = 1.2 Ni-UGSO gives a stable over 168 h time-on-stream methane conversion of 92%. In this DRM reaction optimization study: (1) the best performance is obtained with the 10–13 wt% Ni load; (2) the Ni-UGSO catalysts obtained from two different batches of UGSO demonstrated equivalent performances despite their slight differences in composition; (3) the sulfur-poisoning resistance study shows that at up to 5.5 ppm no Ni-UGSO deactivation is observed. In steam reforming of methane (SRM) Ni-UGSO was tested at 900 °C and a molar ratio of H2O/CH4 = 1.7. In this experimental range CH4 conversion rapidly reached 98% and remained stable over 168 h time-on-stream (TOS). The same stability is observed for H2 and CO yields at around 92% and 91% respectively while H2/CO was close to 3. In mixed (dry and steam) methane reforming using a ratio of H2O/CH4 = 0.15 and CO2/CH4 = 0.97 for 74 h and three reaction temperature levels (828 °C 847 °C and 896 °C) CH4 conversion remains stable; 80% at 828 °C (26 h) 85% at 847 °C (24 h) and 95% at 896 °C (24 h). All gaseous streams have been analyzed by gas chromatography. Both fresh and used catalysts are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy-electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDXS) X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) coupled with mass spectroscopy (MS) and BET Specific surface. In the reducing environment of reforming such catalytic activity is mainly attributed to (a) alloys such as FeNi FeNi3 and Fe3Ni2 (reduction of NiFe2O4 FeNiAlO4) and (b) to the solid solution NiO-MgO. The latter is characterized by a molecular distribution of the catalytically active Ni phase while offering an environment that prevents C deposition due to its alkalinity.
Transition of Future Energy System Infrastructure; through Power-to-Gas Pathways
Jul 2016
Publication
Power-to-gas is a promising option for storing interment renewables nuclear baseload power and distributed energy and it is a novel concept for the transition to increased renewable content of current fuels with an ultimate goal of transition to a sustainable low-carbon future energy system that interconnects power transportation sectors and thermal energy demand all together. The aim of this paper is to introduce different Power-to-gas “pathways” including Power to Hydrogen Power to Natural Gas End-users Power to Renewable Content in Petroleum Fuel Power to Power Seasonal Energy Storage to Electricity Power to Zero Emission Transportation Power to Seasonal Storage for Transportation Power to Micro grid Power to Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) to Pipeline (“Methanation”) and Power to Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) to Seasonal Storage. In order to compare the different pathways the review of key technologies of Power-to-gas systems are studied and the qualitative efficiency and benefits of each pathway is investigated from the technical points of view. Moreover different Power-to-gas pathways are discussed as an energy policy option that can be implemented to transition towards a lower carbon economy for Ontario’s energy systems
A Methodology for Assessing the Sustainability of Hydrogen Production from Solid Fuels
May 2010
Publication
A methodology for assessing the sustainability of hydrogen production using solid fuels is introduced in which three sustainability dimensions (ecological sociological and technological) are considered along with ten indicators for each dimension. Values for each indicator are assigned on a 10-point scale based on a high of 1 and a low of 0 depending on the characteristic of the criteria associated with each element or process utilizing data reported in the literature. An illustrative example is presented to compare two solid fuels for hydrogen production: coal and biomass. The results suggest that qualitative sustainability indicators can be reasonably defined based on evaluations of system feasibility and that adequate flexibility and comprehensiveness is provided through the use of ten indicators for each of the dimensions for every process or element involved in hydrogen production using solid fuels. Also the assessment index values suggest that biomasses have better sustainability than coals and that it may be advantageous to use coals in combination with biomass to increase their ecological and social sustainability. The sustainability assessment methodology can be made increasingly quantitative and is likely extendable to other energy systems but additional research and development is needed to lead to a more fully developed approach.
Recovery Through Reform: Advancing a Hydrogen Economy While Minimizing Fossil Fuel Subsidies
Feb 2021
Publication
This brief explores recent momentum on hydrogen and evaluates potential implications for subsidies for fossil fuel-based hydrogen given the government's commitments on fossil fuel subsidies.
Spending on hydrogen has the potential to significantly influence the direction taken by the world’s energy systems. In December 2020 Canada unveiled a national hydrogen strategy following the announcement of a strengthened climate plan. The strategy emphasized both blue and green hydrogen. As the government considers whether to provide subsidies for hydrogen we recommend government:
This brief is one of three International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) policy briefs in its Recovery Through Reform series which assesses how efforts to achieve a green recovery from COVID-19 in Canada rely on—and can contribute to—fossil fuel subsidy reform.
Spending on hydrogen has the potential to significantly influence the direction taken by the world’s energy systems. In December 2020 Canada unveiled a national hydrogen strategy following the announcement of a strengthened climate plan. The strategy emphasized both blue and green hydrogen. As the government considers whether to provide subsidies for hydrogen we recommend government:
- Ensure that any subsidies for hydrogen are in line with the government’s commitments to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2025 and meet net-zero by 2050.
- Thoroughly evaluate the potential efficiency of subsidies for hydrogen against robust social environmental and economic criteria. • Improve transparency by publicly reporting on direct spending and tax expenditures for hydrogen production.
- Follow international best practices being set by Canada’s peers. For example Germany and Spain have laid out hydrogen strategies prioritizing green hydrogen.
This brief is one of three International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) policy briefs in its Recovery Through Reform series which assesses how efforts to achieve a green recovery from COVID-19 in Canada rely on—and can contribute to—fossil fuel subsidy reform.
Hydrogen Safety, Training and Risk Assessment System
Sep 2007
Publication
The rapid evolution of information related to hydrogen safety is multidimensional ranging from developing codes and standards to CFD simulations and experimental studies of hydrogen releases to a variety of risk assessment approaches. This information needs to be transformed into system design risk decision-making and first responder tools for use by hydrogen community stakeholders. The Canadian Transportation Fuel Cell Alliance (CTFCA) has developed HySTARtm an interactive Hydrogen Safety Training And Risk System. The HySTARtm user interacts with a Web-based 3-D graphical user interface to input hydrogen system configurations. The system includes a Codes and Standards Expert System that identifies the applicable codes and standards in a number of national jurisdictions that apply to the facility and its components. A Siting Compliance and Planning Expert System assesses compliance with clearance distance requirements in these jurisdictions. Incorporating the results of other CTFCA projects HySTARtm identifies stand-out hydrogen release scenarios and their corresponding release condition that serves as input to built-in consequence and risk assessment programs that output a variety of risk assessment metrics. The latter include on- and off-site individual risk probability of loss of life and expected number of fatalities. These results are displayed on the graphical user interface used to set up the facility. These content and graphical tools are also used to educate regulatory approval and permitting officials and build a first-responder training guide.
Numerical Investigation of Hydrogen Release from Varying Diameter Exit
Sep 2011
Publication
Computational fluid dynamics is used to simulate the release of high pressure Hydrogen from a reservoir with an exit of increasing diameter. Abel-Noble real gas equation of state is used to accurately simulate this high pressure release. Parallel processing based on Message Passing Interface for domain decomposition is employed to decrease the solution time. The release exit boundary is increased in time to simulate a scenario when the exit area increases during the release. All nodes and elements are moved accordingly at each time step to maintain the quality of the mesh. Different speeds of increasing diameter are investigated to see the impact on this unsteady flow.
CFD Modeling of Hydrogen Dispersion Experiments for SAE J2578 Test Methods Development
Sep 2007
Publication
This paper discusses the results of validation of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling of hydrogen releases and dispersion inside a metal container imitating a single car garage based on experimental results. The said experiments and modelling were conducted as part of activities to predict fuel cell vehicles discharge flammability and potential build-up of hydrogen for the development of test procedures for the Recommended Practice for General Fuel Cell Vehicle Safety SAE J2578. The experimental setup included 9 hydrogen detectors located in each corner and in the middle of the roof of the container and a fan to ensure uniform mixing of the released hydrogen. The PHOENICS CFD software package was used to solve the continuity momentum and concentration equations with the appropriate boundary conditions buoyancy effect and turbulence models. Obtained modelling results matched experimental data of a high-rate injection of hydrogen with fan-forced dispersion used to create near-uniform mixtures with a high degree of accuracy. This supports the conclusion that CFD modelling will be able to predict potential accumulation of hydrogen beyond the experimental conditions. CFD modelling of hydrogen concentrations has proven to be reliable effective and relatively inexpensive tool to evaluate the effects of hydrogen discharge from hydrogen powered vehicles or other hydrogen containing equipment.
Electrification Opportunities in the Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Segment in Canada
Jun 2021
Publication
The medium- and heavy-duty (MD/HD) vehicle sector is a large emitter of greenhouse gases. It will require drastic emissions reductions to realize a net-zero carbon future. This study conducts fourteen short feasibility investigations in the Canadian context to evaluate the merits of battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell alternatives to conventional city buses inter-city buses school buses courier vehicles (step vans) refuse trucks long-haul trucks and construction vehicles. These “clean transportation alternatives” were evaluated for practicality economics and emission reductions in comparison to their conventional counterparts. Conclusions were drawn on which use cases would be best suited for accelerating the transformation of the MD/HD sector.
Alberta Hydrogen Roadmap
Nov 2021
Publication
Alberta is preparing for a lower emission future. The Hydrogen Roadmap is a key part of that future and Alberta's Recovery Plan. The roadmap is our path to building a provincial hydrogen economy and accessing global markets. It contains several policy actions that will be introduced in the coming months and years and it provides support to the sector as technology and markets develop.<br/>Alberta is already the largest hydrogen producer in Canada. We have all the resources expertise and technology needed to quickly become a global supplier of clean low-cost hydrogen. With a worldwide market estimated to be worth over $2.5 trillion a year by 2050 hydrogen can be the next great energy export that fuels jobs investment and economic opportunity across our province.
Experimental Study and Model Predictions on Helium Release in an Enclosure with Single or Multiple Vents
Sep 2021
Publication
This paper presents experiments performed at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) to examine the dispersion behaviour of helium in a polycarbonate enclosure that was representative of a residential parking garage. The purpose was to gain a better understanding of the effect of buoyancy- or winddriven natural ventilation on hydrogen dispersion behaviour. Although hydrogen dispersion studies have been reported extensively in the literature gaps still exist in predictive methods for hazard analysis. Helium a simulant for hydrogen was injected near the centre of the floor with a flow rate ranging from 5 to 75 standard litres per minute through an upward-facing nozzle resulting in an injection Richardson number ranging between 10-1 and 102. The location of the nozzle varied from the bottom of the enclosure to near the ceiling to examine the impact of the nozzle elevation on the development of a stratified layer in the upper region of the enclosure. When the injection nozzle was placed at a sufficiently low elevation the vertical helium profile always consisted of a homogenous layer at the top overlaying a stratified layer at the bottom. To simulate outdoor environmental conditions a fan was placed in front of each vent to examine the effect of opposing or assisting wind on the dispersion. The helium transients in the uniform layer predicted with analytical models were in good agreement with the measured transients for the tests with injection at lower elevations or with no wind. Model improvements are required for adequately predicting transients with significantly stratified profiles or with wind.
Valorization and Sequestration of Hydrogen Gas from Biomass Combustion in Solid Waste Incineration NaOH Oxides of Carbon Entrapment Model (SWI-NaOH-OCE Model)
Dec 2019
Publication
The valorization of biomass-based solid wastes for both geotechnical engineering purposes and energy needs has been reviewed to achieve eco-friendly eco-efficient and sustainable engineering and reengineering of civil engineering materials and structures. The objective of this work was to review the procedure developed by SWI-NaOH-OCE Model for the valorization of biomass through controlled direct combustion and the sequestration of hydrogen gas for energy needs. The incineration model gave a lead to the sequestration of emissions released during the direct combustion of biomass and the subsequent entrapment of oxides of carbon and the eventual release of abundant hydrogen gas in the entrapment jar. The generation of geomaterials ash for the purpose of soil stabilization concrete and asphalt modification has encouraged greenhouse emissions but eventually the technology that has been put in place has made it possible to manage and extract these emissions for energy needs. The contribution from researchers has shown that hydrogen sequestration from other sources requires high amount of energy because of the lower energy states of the compounds undergoing thermal decomposition. But this work has presented a more efficient approach to release hydrogen gas which can easily be extracted and stored to meet the energy needs of the future as fuel cell batteries to power vehicles mobile devices robotic systems etc. More so the development of MXene as an exfoliated two-dimensional nanosheets with permeability and filtration selectivity properties which are connected to its chemical composition and structure used in hydrogen gas extraction and separation from its molecular combination has presented an efficient procedure for the production and management of hydrogen gas for energy purposes.
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