Spain
Hydrogen vs. Battery-Based Propulsion Systems in Unipersonal Vehicles—Developing Solutions to Improve the Sustainability of Urban Mobility
May 2021
Publication
The percentage of the population in urban areas has increased by ten points from 2000 (46%) to 2020 (56%); it is expected to reach up to 70% by 2050. This undoubtedly will encourage society to use alternative transports. On the other hand the widespread fear of pandemics seems to be here to stay and it is causing most people to leave public transport to use private cars and a few have chosen unipersonal electric vehicles. As a consequence the decision of using private cars negatively affects the air quality and consequently urban population health. This paper aims to demonstrate a sustainable solution for urban mobility based on a hydrogen powered unipersonal electric vehicle which as shown provides great advantages over the conventional battery powered unipersonal electric vehicle. To show this the authors have developed both vehicles in comparable versions using the same platform and ensuring that the total weight of the unipersonal electric vehicle was the same in both cases. They have been subjected to experimental tests that support the features of the hydrogen-based configuration versus the battery-based one including higher specific energy more autonomy and shorter recharge time.
Life Cycle Assessment of Improved High Pressure Alkaline Electrolysis
Aug 2015
Publication
This paper investigates environmental impacts of high pressure alkaline water electrolysis systems. An advanced system with membranes on polymer basis is compared to a state-of-the-art system with asbestos membranes using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach. For the advanced system a new improved membrane technology has been investigated within the EU research project “ELYGRID”. Results indicate that most environmental impacts are caused by the electricity supply necessary for operation. During the construction phase cell stacks are the main contributor to environmental impacts. New improved membranes have relatively small contributions to impacts caused by cell construction within the advanced systems. As main outcome the systems comparison illustrates a better ecological performance of the new developed system
Life Cycle Environmental and Cost Comparison of Current and Future Passenger Cars under Different Energy Scenarios
Apr 2020
Publication
In this analysis life cycle environmental burdens and total costs of ownership (TCO) of current (2017) and future (2040) passenger cars with different powertrain configurations are compared. For all vehicle configurations probability distributions are defined for all performance parameters. Using these a Monte Carlo based global sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the input parameters that contribute most to overall variability of results. To capture the systematic effects of the energy transition future electricity scenarios are deeply integrated into the ecoinvent life cycle assessment background database. With this integration not only the way how future electric vehicles are charged is captured but also how future vehicles and batteries are produced. If electricity has a life cycle carbon content similar to or better than a modern natural gas combined cycle powerplant full powertrain electrification makes sense from a climate point of view and in many cases also provides reductions in TCO. In general vehicles with smaller batteries and longer lifetime distances have the best cost and climate performance. If a very large driving range is required or clean electricity is not available hybrid powertrain and compressed natural gas vehicles are good options in terms of both costs and climate change impacts. Alternative powertrains containing large batteries or fuel cells are the most sensitive to changes in the future electricity system as their life cycles are more electricity intensive. The benefits of these alternative drivetrains are strongly linked to the success of the energy transition: the more the electricity sector is decarbonized the greater the benefit of electrifying passenger vehicles.
A Model-based Parametric and Optimal Sizing of a Battery/Hydrogen Storage of a Real Hybrid Microgrid Supplying a Residential Load: Towards Island Operation
Jun 2021
Publication
In this study the optimal sizing of a hybrid battery/hydrogen Energy Storage System “ESS” is assessed via a model-based parametric analysis in the context of a real hybrid renewable microgrid located in Huelva Spain supplying a real-time monitored residential load (3.5 kW; 5.6 MWh/year) in island mode. Four storage configurations (battery-only H2-only hybrid battery priority and hybrid H2 priority) are assessed under different Energy Management Strategies analysing system performance parameters such as Loss of Load “LL” (kWh;%) Over Production “OP” (kWh;%) round-trip storage efficiency ESS (%) and total storage cost (€) depending on the ESS sizing characteristics. A parallel approach to the storage optimal sizing via both multi-dimensional sensitivity analysis and PSO is carried out in order to address both sub-optimal and optimal regions respectively. Results show that a hybridised ESS capacity is beneficial from an energy security and efficiency point of view but can represent a substantial additional total cost (between 100 and 300 k€) to the hybrid energy system especially for the H2 ESS which presents higher costs. Reaching 100% supply from renewables is challenging and introducing a LL threshold induces a substantial relaxation of the sizing and cost requirements. Increase in battery capacity is more beneficial for the LL abatement while increasing H2 capacity is more useful to absorb large quantities of excess energy. The optimal design via PSO technique is complemented to the parametric study.
Validation of GreenH2armony® as a Tool for the Computation of Harmonised Life-Cycle Indicators of Hydrogen
Apr 2020
Publication
The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology is often used to check the environmental suitability of hydrogen energy systems usually involving comparative studies. However these comparative studies are typically affected by inconsistent methodological choices between the case studies under comparison. In this regard protocols for the harmonisation of methodological choices in LCA of hydrogen are available. The step-by-step application of these protocols to a large number of case studies has already resulted in libraries of harmonised carbon energy and acidification footprints of hydrogen. In order to foster the applicability of these harmonisation protocols a web-based software for the calculation of harmonised life-cycle indicators of hydrogen has recently been developed. This work addresses—for the first time—the validation of such a tool by checking the deviation between the available libraries of harmonised carbon energy and acidification footprints of hydrogen and the corresponding tool-based harmonised results. A high correlation (R2 > 0.999) was found between the library- and tool-based harmonised life-cycle indicators of hydrogen thereby successfully validating the software. Hence this tool has the potential to effectively promote the use of harmonised life-cycle indicators for robust comparative LCA studies of hydrogen energy systems significantly mitigating misinterpretation.
Analysis of Stress Corrosion Cracking in X80 Pipeline Steel: An Approach from the Theory of Critical Distances
Dec 2018
Publication
This paper presents an analysis of Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) based on the Theory of Critical Distances (TCD). The research is based on an experimental program composed of fracture specimens with notch radius varying from 0 mm (crack-like defect) up to 1 mm and tensile specimens. A pipeline steel was used in this work (X80). It has been analysed in one hydrogen embrittlement situation. The study has been completed with Finite Elements Simulation analysis. The capacity of the TCD to analyse SCC processes has been proven.
Hydrogen Embrittlement Susceptibility of Prestressing Steel Wires: The Role of the Cold-drawing Conditions
Jul 2016
Publication
Prestressing steel wires are highly susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement (HE). Residual stress-strain state produced after wire drawing plays an essential role since hydrogen damage at certain places of the material is directly affected by stress and strain fields. Changes in wire drawing conditions modify the stress and strain fields and consequently the HE susceptibility and life in service of these structural components in the presence of a hydrogenating environment. This paper analyzes the distributions of residual stress and plastic strain obtained after diverse drawing conditions (inlet die angle die bearing length varying die angle and straining path) and their influence on HE susceptibility of the wires. The conditions for industrial cold drawing can thus be optimized thereby producing commercial prestressing steel wires with improved performance against HE phenomena.
Hydrogen in Grid Balancing: The European Market Potential for Pressurized Alkaline Electrolyzers
Jan 2022
Publication
To limit the global temperature change to no more than 2 ◦C by reducing global emissions the European Union (EU) set up a goal of a 20% improvement on energy efficiency a 20% cut of greenhouse gas emissions and a 20% share of energy from renewable sources by 2020 (10% share of renewable energy (RE) specifically in the transport sector). By 2030 the goal is a 27% improvement in energy efficiency a 40% cut of greenhouse gas emissions and a 27% share of RE. However the integration of RE in energy system faces multiple challenges. The geographical distribution of energy supply changes significantly the availability of the primary energy source (wind solar water) and is the determining factor rather than where the consumers are. This leads to an increasing demand to match supply and demand for power. Especially intermittent RE like wind and solar power face the issue of energy production unrelated to demand (issue of excess energy production beyond demand and/or grid capacity) and forecast errors leading to an increasing demand for grid services like balancing power. Megawatt electrolyzer units (beyond 3 MW) can provide a technical solution to convert large amounts of excess electricity into hydrogen for industrial applications substitute for natural gas or the decarbonization of the mobility sector. The demonstration of successful MW electrolyzer operation providing grid services under dynamic conditions as request by the grid can broaden the opportunities of new business models that demonstrate the profitability of an electrolyzer in these market conditions. The aim of this work is the demonstration of a technical solution utilizing Pressurized Alkaline Electrolyzer (PAE) technology for providing grid balancing services and harvesting Renewable Energy Sources (RES) under realistic circumstances. In order to identify any differences between local market and grid requirements the work focused on a demonstration site located in Austria deemed as a viable business case for the operation of a largescale electrolyzer. The site is adapted to specific local conditions commonly found throughout Europe. To achieve this this study uses a market-based solution that aims at providing value-adding services and cash inflows stemming from the grid balancing services it provides. Moreover the work assesses the viability of various business cases by analyzing (qualitatively and quantitatively) additional business models (in terms of business opportunities/energy source potential grid service provision and hydrogen demand) and analyzing the value and size of the markets developing recommendations for relevant stakeholder to decrease market barriers.
Analysis of Samples Cleaning Methods Prior to Hydrogen Content Determination in Steel
May 2020
Publication
There are multiple references to sample cleaning methods prior to hydrogen content determination or hydrogen spectroscopy analysis but there is still no unified criteria; different authors use their own “know-how” to perform this task. The aim of this paper is to solve or at least clarify this issue. In this work the most commonly used sample cleaning methods are compared. Then five different methodologies are applied on certified hydrogen content calibration pins and on high strength steel concrete-prestressing strands and the three main situations regarding hydrogen content in the microstructural net (non-charged charged and charged and uncharged) are studied. It was concluded that the HCl solution C-3.5 cleaning method recommended by ASTM G1 introduces large amounts of hydrogen in the samples; but can be useful for eliminating superficial oxides if necessary. The rest of the methods had similar results; but the more complete ones that involve ultrasounds and last longer than 8 min are not appropriated when important diffusion may occur on the samples during their application. Simple methods that involve acetone or trichloroethylene and last around 1 min are preferable for almost all situations as these are faster easier and cheaper. As a final recommendation as trichloroethylene is toxic the simple acetone method is in general the most convenient one for regular hydrogen content analysis.
Hybrid Power-heat Microgrid Solution Using Hydrogen as an Energy Vector for Residential Houses in Spain. A Case Study
May 2022
Publication
In order to favor a transition to a renewable energy economy it is necessary to study the possible permeation of renewable energy sources not only in the electric grid or industrial scale but also in the small householding scale. One of the most interesting technologies available for this purpose is solar energy since it is a mature technology that can be easily installed in every rooftop. Thus a techno-economic assessment was carried out to evaluate the installation of a solar-based power-heat hybrid microgrid considering the use of hydrogen as an energy vector in a typical residential house in Spain. Lead-acid batteries plus the photovoltaic and solar thermal energy installation are complemented with a hydrogen system composed of an electrolyzer two metal hydride bottles and a fuel cell. A simulation tool has been generated using experimental models developed and validated with real equipment for each one of the electric microgrid component. Three operating modes were tested making use of this tool to better manage the energy consumed/produced and optimize the economic output of the facility. The results show that setting up a hydrogen-based microgrid in a residential house is unviable today mainly due to the high cost of hydrogen generation and consumption equipment. If only solar energy is considered the microgrid inversion (12.500 €) is recovered in ten years. On the other hand selling the electricity output has almost no repercussions considering current electrical rates in Spain. Finally while using an optimization algorithm to manage energy use battery life-spam and economic benefit slightly increase. However this profit may not be enough to justify the use of a more complex control system. The results of this research will help users renewable energy companies investigators and policymakers to better understand the different factors influencing the spread of renewable smart grids in households and propose solutions to address these.
Assessing the Life-Cycle Performance of Hydrogen Production via Biofuel Reforming in Europe
Jun 2015
Publication
Currently hydrogen is mainly produced through steam reforming of natural gas. However this conventional process involves environmental and energy security concerns. This has led to the development of alternative technologies for (potentially) green hydrogen production. In this work the environmental and energy performance of biohydrogen produced in Europe via steam reforming of glycerol and bio-oil is evaluated from a life-cycle perspective and contrasted with that of conventional hydrogen from steam methane reforming. Glycerol as a by-product from the production of rapeseed biodiesel and bio-oil from the fast pyrolysis of poplar biomass are considered. The processing plants are simulated in Aspen Plus® to provide inventory data for the life cycle assessment. The environmental impact potentials evaluated include abiotic depletion global warming ozone layer depletion photochemical oxidant formation land competition acidification and eutrophication. Furthermore the cumulative (total and non-renewable) energy demand is calculated as well as the corresponding renewability scores and life-cycle energy balances and efficiencies of the biohydrogen products. In addition to quantitative evidence of the (expected) relevance of the feedstock and impact categories considered results show that poplar-derived bio-oil could be a suitable feedstock for steam reforming in contrast to first-generation bioglycerol.
On the Concept of Micro-fracture Map (MFM) and its Role in Structural Integrity Evaluations in Materials Science and Engineering: A Tribute to Jorge Manrique
Dec 2020
Publication
This paper deals with the concept of micro-fracture map (MFM) and its role in structural integrity evaluations in materials science and engineering on the basis of previous research by the author on notch-induced fracture and hydrogen embrittlement of progressively cold drawn pearlitic steels and 316L austenitic stainless steel. With regard to this some examples are provided of assembly of MFMs in particular situations.
The Effect of Heat Treatments on the Constituent Materials of a Nuclear Reactor Pressure Vessel in Hydrogen Environment
Jul 2016
Publication
A nuclear reactor pressure vessel (NRPV) wall is formed by two layer of different materials: an inner layer of stainless steel (cladding material) and an outer layer of low carbon steel (base material) which is highly susceptible to corrosion related phenomena. A reduction of the mechanical properties of both materials forming the wall would appear due to the action of the harsh environment causing hydrogen embrittlement (HE) related phenomena. As a result of the manufacturing process residual stresses and strains appear in the NRPV wall thereby influencing the main stage in HE: hydrogen diffusion. A common engineering practice for reducing such states is to apply a tempering heat treatment. In this paper a numerical analysis is carried out for revealing the influence of the heat treatment parameters (tempering temperature and tempering time) on the HE of a commonly used NRPV. To achieve this goal a numerical model of hydrogen diffusion assisted by stress and strain was used considering diverse residual stress-strain states after tempering. This way the obtained hydrogen accumulation during operation time of the NRPV provides insight into the better tempering conditions from the structural integrity point of view.
Overview of First Outcomes of PNR Project HYTUNNEL-CS
Sep 2021
Publication
Dmitry Makarov,
Donatella Cirrone,
Volodymyr V. Shentsov,
Sergii Kashkarov,
Vladimir V. Molkov,
Z. Xu,
Mike Kuznetsov,
Alexandros G. Venetsanos,
Stella G. Giannissi,
Ilias C. Tolias,
Knut Vaagsaether,
André Vagner Gaathaug,
Mark R. Pursell,
Wayne M. Rattigan,
Frank Markert,
Luisa Giuliani,
L.S. Sørensen,
A. Bernad,
Mercedes Sanz Millán,
U. Kummer,
Christian Brauner,
Paola Russo,
J. van den Berg,
F. de Jong,
Tom Van Esbroeck,
M. Van De Veire,
Didier Bouix,
Gilles Bernard-Michel,
Sergey Kudriakov,
Etienne Studer,
Domenico Ferrero,
Joachim Grüne and
G. Stern
The paper presents the first outcomes of the experimental numerical and theoretical studies performed in the funded by Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH2 JU) project HyTunnel-CS. The project aims to conduct pre-normative research (PNR) to close relevant knowledge gaps and technological bottlenecks in the provision of safety of hydrogen vehicles in underground transportation systems. Pre normative research performed in the project will ultimately result in three main outputs: harmonised recommendations on response to hydrogen accidents recommendations for inherently safer use of hydrogen vehicles in underground traffic systems and recommendations for RCS. The overall concept behind this project is to use inter-disciplinary and inter-sectoral prenormative research by bringing together theoretical modelling and experimental studies to maximise the impact. The originality of the overall project concept is the consideration of hydrogen vehicle and underground traffic structure as a single system with integrated safety approach. The project strives to develop and offer safety strategies reducing or completely excluding hydrogen-specific risks to drivers passengers public and first responders in case of hydrogen vehicle accidents within the currently available infrastructure.
AMHYCO Project - Towards Advanced Accident Guidelines for Hydrogen Safety in Nuclear Power Plants
Sep 2021
Publication
Severe accidents in nuclear power plants are potentially dangerous to both humans and the environment. To prevent and/or mitigate the consequences of these accidents it is paramount to have adequate accident management measures in place. During a severe accident combustible gases — especially hydrogen and carbon monoxide — can be released in significant amounts leading to a potential explosion risk in the nuclear containment building. These gases need to be managed to avoid threatening the containment integrity which can result in the releases of radioactive material into the environment. The main objective of the AMHYCO project is to propose innovative enhancements in the way combustible gases are managed in case of a severe accident in currently operating reactors. For this purpose the AMHYCO project pursues three specific activities including experimental investigations of relevant phenomena related to hydrogen / carbon monoxide combustion and mitigation with PARs (Passive Autocatalytic Recombiners) improvement of the predictive capabilities of analysis tools used for explosion hazard evaluation inside the reactor containment as well as enhancement of the Severe Accident Management Guidelines (SAMGs) with respect to combustible gases risk management based on theoretical and experimental results. Officially launched on 1 October 2020 AMHYCO is an EU-funded Horizon 2020 project that will last 4 years from 2020 to 2024. This international project consists of 12 organizations (six from European countries and one from Canada) and is led by the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM). AMHYCO will benefit from the worldwide experts in combustion science accident management and nuclear safety in its Advisory Board. The paper will give an overview of the work program and planned outcome of the project.
Optimal Design of Photovoltaic, Biomass, Fuel Cell, Hydrogen Tank Units and Electrolyzer Hybrid System for a Remote Area in Egypt
Jul 2022
Publication
In this paper a new isolated hybrid system is simulated and analyzed to obtain the optimal sizing and meet the electricity demand with cost improvement for servicing a small remote area with a peak load of 420 kW. The major configuration of this hybrid system is Photovoltaic (PV) modules Biomass gasifier (BG) Electrolyzer units Hydrogen Tank units (HT) and Fuel Cell (FC) system. A recent optimization algorithm namely Mayfly Optimization Algorithm (MOA) is utilized to ensure that all load demand is met at the lowest energy cost (EC) and minimize the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the proposed system. The MOA is selected as it collects the main merits of swarm intelligence and evolutionary algorithms; hence it has good convergence characteristics. To ensure the superiority of the selected MOA the obtained results are compared with other well-known optimization algorithms namely Sooty Tern Optimization Algorithm (STOA) Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) and Sine Cosine Algorithm (SCA). The results reveal that the suggested MOA achieves the best system design achieving a stable convergence characteristic after 44 iterations. MOA yielded the best EC with 0.2106533 $/kWh the net present cost (NPC) with 6170134 $ the loss of power supply probability (LPSP) with 0.05993% and GHG with 792.534 t/y.
Ammonia as a Carrier for Hydrogen Production by using Lanthanum Based Perovskites
Sep 2021
Publication
LaNiO3 and LaCoO3 perovskites synthesized by self-combustion were characterised and studied in the ammonia decomposition reaction for obtaining hydrogen. Both the fuel to metal nitrates molar ratio and calcination temperature were found to be crucial to synthesize perovskites by self-combustion. Moreover generating non-precursor species during synthesis and small metal size were two factors which significantly influenced catalytic activity. Hence with a citric acid to metal nitrates molar ratio equal to one a LaNiO3 perovskite was obtained with suitable physicochemical properties (specific surface area lower impurities and basicity). In addition a lower calcination temperature (650 ◦C) resulted in small and well-dispersed Ni0 crystallite size after reduction which in turn promoted the catalytic transformation of ammonia into hydrogen. For cobalt perovskites calcination temperature below 900 ◦C did not have a significant influence on the size of the metallic cobalt crystallite size. The nickel and cobalt perovskite-derived catalysts calcined at 650 ◦C and 750 ◦C respectively yielded excellent H2 production from ammonia decomposition. In particular at 450 ◦C almost 100% of the ammonia was converted over the LaNiO3 under study. Furthermore these materials displayed admirable performance and stability after one day of reaction.
Waste Aluminum Application as Energy Valorization for Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Mobile Low Power Machines Applications
Nov 2021
Publication
This article proposes a new model of power supply for mobile low power machines applications between 10 W and 30 W such as radio-controlled (RC) electric cars. This power supply is based on general hydrogen from residual aluminum and water with NaOH so it is proposed energy valorization of aluminum waste. In the present research a theoretical model allows us to predict the requested aluminum surface and the required flow of hydrogen has been developed also considering in addition to the geometry and purity of the material two key variables as the temperature and the molarity of the alkaline solution used in the hydrogen production process. Focusing on hydrogen production isopropyl alcohol plays a key role in the reactor’s fuel cell vehicle as it filters out NaOH particles and maintains a constant flow of hydrogen for the operation of the machine keeping the reactor temperature controlled. Finally a comparison of the theoretical and experimental data has been used to validate the developed model using aluminum sheets from ring cans to generate hydrogen which will be used as a source of hydrogen in a power fuel cell of an RC car. Finally the manuscript shows the parts of the vehicle’s powertrain its behavior and mode of operation.
Global Gas Report 2022
May 2022
Publication
This edition of the Global Gas Report covers two very turbulent years in the global gas industry and the wider global energy markets. The Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns with a brief period of excess supply and low prices gave way to tight energy markets extreme price volatility and a compounding geopolitical challenge to energy security. At the time of writing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has been affecting the flows of gas and has put Europe on a quest to diversify its energy and gas supply that is now opening a new paradigm in the energy industry. This report comes at a time when the situation for global commodity and gas markets is in a state of rapid change and the strategic path forwards for the gas industry and energy policy-makers is continually developing. One thing is clear this is a critical and decisive moment for the gas industry. How it navigates the way through this crisis and charts a path forward will shape its long-term success and the role that it will play in the energy transition and beyond. This is the moment for the gas industry to demonstrate that gas can deliver a sustainable and secure energy future for all and that natural gas and a portfolio of decarbonized low- and zero-carbon gases are key to an achievable energy transition. This year’s report assesses key gas market trends from 2020 and 2021 including Covid-19 outcomes tightness of supply price volatility investments and the upward reversal in the global emissions trend. It then turns to the main topic on the global energy agenda – security – and considers key variables impacting it from industry and policy perspectives as well as considering possible paths to reinforce it. Finally the report looks at the main decarbonization pathways for gas supply as they progressively develop to make gas itself a low or zero-carbon fuel for the future. This report seeks to deliver insights about the global gas sector and to inform its stakeholders partners and importantly global decision-makers about the state of play today and possibilities for the future. It concludes with key insights on how sustainability security and competitiveness can help to deliver a sustainable future in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Agenda.
Micro-grid Design and Life-cycle Assessment of a Mountain Hut's Stand-alone Energy System with Hydrogen Used for Seasonal Storage
Dec 2020
Publication
Mountain huts as special stand-alone micro-grid systems are not connected to a power grid and represent a burden on the environment. The micro-grid has to be flexible to cover daily and seasonal fluctuations. Heat and electricity are usually generated with fossil fuels due to the simple on-off operation. By introducing renewable energy sources (RESs) the generation of energy could be more sustainable but the generation and consumption must be balanced. The paper describes the integration of a hydrogen-storage system (HSS) and a battery-storage system (BattS) in a mountain hut. The HSS involves a proton-exchange-membrane water electrolyser (PEMWE) a hydrogen storage tank (H2 tank) a PEM fuel cell (PEMFC) and a BattS consisting of lead-acid batteries. Eight micro-grid configurations were modelled using HOMER and evaluated from the technical environmental and economic points of view. A life-cycle assessment analysis was made from the cradle to the gate. The micro-grid configurations with the HSS achieve on average a more than 70% decrease in the environmental impacts in comparison to the state of play at the beginning but require a larger investment. Comparing the HSS with the BattS as a seasonal energy storage the hydrogen-based technology had advantages for all of the assessed criteria.
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