United Kingdom
Experimental Study on Vented Hydrogen Deflagrations in a Low Strength Enclosure
Oct 2015
Publication
This paper describes an experimental programme on vented hydrogen deflagrations which formed part of the Hyindoor project carried out for the EU Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity of analytical models used to calculate overpressures following a low concentration hydrogen deflagration. Other aspects of safety were also investigated such as lateral flame length resulting from explosion venting. The experimental programme included the investigation of vented hydrogen deflagrations from a 31 m3 enclosure with a maximum internal overpressure target of 10 kPa (100 mbar). The explosion relief was provided by lightly covered openings in the roof or sidewalls. Uniform and stratified initial hydrogen distributions were included in the test matrix and the location of the ignition source was also varied. The maximum hydrogen concentration used within the enclosure was 14% v/v. The hydrogen concentration profile within the enclosure was measured as were the internal and external pressures. Infrared video images were obtained of the gases vented during the deflagrations. Findings show that the analytical models were generally conservative for overpressure predictions. Flame lengths were found to be far less than suggested by some guidance. Along with the findings the methodology test conditions and corresponding results are presented.
FutureGrid: Project Progress Report
Dec 2021
Publication
The facility will be built from a range of decommissioned transmission assets to create a representative whole-network which will be used to trial hydrogen and will allow for accurate results to be analysed. Blends of hydrogen up to 100% will then be tested at transmission pressures to assess how the assets perform.<br/>The hydrogen research facility will remain separate from the main National Transmission System allowing for testing to be undertaken in a controlled environment with no risk to the safety and reliability of the existing gas transmission network.<br/>Ofgem’s Network Innovation Competition will provide £9.07m of funding with the remaining amount coming from the project partners.<br/>The aim is to start construction in 2021 with testing beginning in 2022.
Installation Permitting Guidance for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Stationary Applications: UK Version
Jan 2009
Publication
The HYPER project a specific targeted research project (STREP) funded by the European Commission under the Sixth Framework Programme developed an Installation Permitting Guide (IPG) for hydrogen and fuel cell stationary applications. The IPG was developed in response to the growing need for guidance to foster the use and facilitate installation of these systems in Europe. This document presents a modified version of the IPG specifically intended for the UK market. For example reference is made to UK national regulations standards and practices when appropriate as opposed to European ones.<br/>The IPG applies to stationary systems fuelled by hydrogen incorporating fuel cell devices with net electrical output of up to 10 kWel and with total power outputs of the order of 50 kW (combined heat + electrical) suitable for small back up power supplies residential heating combined heat-power (CHP) and small storage systems. Many of the guidelines appropriate for these small systems will also apply to systems up to 100 kWel which will serve small communities or groups of households. The document is not a standard but is a compendium of useful information for a variety of users with a role in installing these systems including design engineers manufacturers architects installers operators/maintenance workers and regulators.<br/>This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its contents including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.
High CO2 Absorption Capacity of Metal-Based Ionic Liquids: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Apr 2020
Publication
The absorption of CO2 is of importance in carbon capture utilization and storage technology for greenhouse gas control. In the present work we clarified the mechanism of how metal-based ionic liquids (MBILs) Bmim[XCln]m (X is the metal atom) enhance the CO2 absorption capacity of ILs via performing molecular dynamics simulations. The sparse hydrogen bond interaction network constructed by CO2 and MBILs was identified through the radial distribution function and interaction energy of CO2-ion pairs which increase the absorption capacity of CO2 in MBILs. Then the dynamical properties including residence time and self-diffusion coefficient confirmed that MBILs could also promote the diffusion process of CO2 in ILs. That's to say the MBILs can enhance the CO2 absorption capacity and the diffusive ability simultaneously. Based on the analysis of structural energetic and dynamical properties the CO2 absorption capacity of MBILs increases in the order Cl− → [ZnCl4]2-→ [CuCl4]2-→ [CrCl4]- → [FeCl4]- revealing the fact that the short metal–Cl bond length and small anion volume could facilitate the performance of CO2 absorbing process. These findings show that the metal–Cl bond length and effective volume of the anion can be the effective factors to regulate the CO2 absorption process which can also shed light on the rational molecular design of MBILs for CO2 capture and other key chemical engineering processes such as IL-based gas sensors nano-electrical devices and so on.
H2FC Supergen- The Role of Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in Future Energy Systems
Mar 2017
Publication
This White Paper has been commissioned by the UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell (H2FC) SUPERGEN Hub to examine the roles and potential benefits of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in delivering energy security for the UK. The H2FC SUPERGEN Hub is an inclusive network encompassing the entire UK hydrogen and fuel cells research community with around 100 UK-based academics supported by key stakeholders from industry and government. It is funded by the UK EPSRC research council as part of the RCUK Energy Programme. This paper is the second of four that were published over the lifetime of the Hub with the others examining: (i) low-carbon heat; (iii) future energy systems; and (iv) economic impact.
- Fuel cells can contribute to UK energy system security both now and in the future.
- Hydrogen can be produced using a broad range of feedstocks and production processes including renewable electricity.
- Adopting hydrogen as an end-use fuel in the long term increases UK energy diversity.
Recent Studies of Hydrogen Embrittlement in Structural Materials
Dec 2018
Publication
Mechanical properties of metals and their alloys are most often determined by interstitial atoms. Hydrogen as one common interstitial element is often found to degrade the fracture behavior and lead to premature or catastrophic failure in a wide range of materials known as hydrogen embrittlement. This topic has been studied for more than a century yet the basic mechanisms of such degradation remain in dispute for many metallic systems. This work attempts to link experimentally and theoretically between failure caused by the presence of hydrogen and second phases lattice distortion and deformation levels.
Ignited Releases of Liquid Hydrogen
Jan 2014
Publication
If the hydrogen economy is to progress more hydrogen fuelling stations are required. In the short term in the absence of a hydrogen distribution network these fuelling stations will have to be supplied by liquid hydrogen (LH2) road tanker. Such a development will increase the number of tanker offloading operations significantly and these may need to be performed in close proximity to the general public.<br/>Several research projects have been undertaken already at HSL with the aim of identifying and addressing hazards relating to the storage and transport of bulk LH2 that are associated with hydrogen refuelling stations located in urban environments.<br/>The first phase of the research was to produce a position paper on the hazards of LH2 (Pritchard and Rattigan 2009). This was published as an HSE research report RR769 in 2010. <br/>The second phase developed an experimental and modelling strategy for issues associated with LH2 spills and was published as an internal report HSL XS/10/06. The subsequent experimental work is a direct implementation of that strategy. LH2 was first investigated experimentally (Royle and Willoughby 2012 HSL XS/11/70) as large-scale spills of LH2 at a rate of 60 litres per minute. Measurements were made on unignited releases which included the concentration of hydrogen in air thermal gradients in the concrete substrate liquid pool formation and temperatures within the pool. Computational modelling on the un-ignited spills was also performed (Batt and Webber 2012 HSL MSU/12/01).<br/>The experimental work on ignited releases of LH2 detailed in this report is a direct continuation of the work performed by Royle and Willoughby.<br/>The aim of this work was to determine the hazards and severity of a realistic ignited spill of LH2 focussing on; flammability limits of an LH2 vapour cloud flame speeds through an LH2 vapour cloud and subsequent radiative heat and overpressures after ignition. The results of the experimentation will inform the wider hydrogen community and contribute to the development of more robust modelling tools. The results will also help to update and develop guidance for codes and standards.
Concepts for Improving Hydrogen Storage in Nanoporous Materials
Feb 2019
Publication
Hydrogen storage in nanoporous materials has been attracting a great deal of attention in recent years as high gravimetric H2 capacities exceeding 10 wt% in some cases can be achieved at 77 K using materials with particularly high surface areas. However volumetric capacities at low temperatures and both gravimetric and volumetric capacities at ambient temperature need to be improved before such adsorbents become practically viable. This article therefore discusses approaches to increasing the gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen storage capacities of nanoporous materials and maximizing the usable capacity of a material between the upper storage and delivery pressures. In addition recent advances in machine learning and data science provide an opportunity to apply this technology to the search for new materials for hydrogen storage. The large number of possible component combinations and substitutions in various porous materials including Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) is ideally suited to a machine learning approach; so this is also discussed together with some new material types that could prove useful in the future for hydrogen storage applications.
New Insights into the Electrochemical Behaviour of Porous Carbon Electrodes for Supercapacitors
Aug 2018
Publication
Activated carbons with different surface chemistry and porous textures were used to study the mechanism of electrochemical hydrogen and oxygen evolution in supercapacitor devices. Cellulose precursor materials were activated with different potassium hydroxide (KOH) ratios and the electrochemical behaviour was studied in 6 M KOH electrolyte. In situ Raman spectra were collected to obtain the structural changes of the activated carbons under severe electrochemical oxidation and reduction conditions and the obtained data were correlated to the cyclic voltammograms obtained at high anodic and cathodic potentials. Carbon-hydrogen bonds were detected for the materials activated at high KOH ratios which form reversibly under cathodic conditions. The influence of the specific surface area narrow microporosity and functional groups in the carbon electrodes on their chemical stability and hydrogen capture mechanism in supercapacitor applications has been revealed.
Allowable Hydrogen Permeation Rate From Road Vehicle Compressed Gaseous Storage Systems In Garages- Part 1- Introduction, Scenarios, and Estimation of an Allowable Permeation Rate
Sep 2009
Publication
The paper presents an overview of the main results of the EC NOE HySafe activity to estimate an allowable hydrogen permeation rate for automotive legal requirements and standards. The work was undertaken as part of the HySafe internal project InsHyde.<br/>A slow long term hydrogen release such as that due to permeation from a vehicle into an inadequately ventilated enclosed structure is a potential risk associated with the use of hydrogen in automotive applications. Due to its small molecular size hydrogen permeates through the containment materials found in compressed gaseous hydrogen storage systems and is an issue that requires consideration for containers with non-metallic (polymer) liners. Permeation from compressed gaseous hydrogen storage systems is a current hydrogen safety topic relevant to regulatory and standardisation activities at both global and regional levels.<br/>Various rates have been proposed in different draft legal requirements and standards based on different scenarios and the assumption that hydrogen dispenses homogeneously. This paper focuses on the development of a methodology by HySafe Partners (CEA NCSRD. University of Ulster and Volvo Technology) to estimate an allowable upper limit for hydrogen permeation in automotive applications by investigating the behaviour of hydrogen when released at small rates with a focus on European scenario. The background to the activity is explained. reasonable scenarios are identified a methodology proposed and a maximum hydrogen permeation rate from road vehicles into enclosed structures is estimated The work is based on conclusions from the experimental and numerical investigations described by CEA NCSRD and the University of Ulster in related papers.
The Hydrogen Economy - Evaluation of the Materials Science and Engineering Issues
Jan 2005
Publication
The main objectives were to identify materials issues relating to the widespread use of hydrogen as a fuel.
MAIN FINDINGS
MAIN FINDINGS
- Hydrogen is seen by many as the answer to the environmental problems of reliance on fossil fuels for energy needs. A great deal of effort is currently being invested in research into all areas of the hydrogen economy such as fuel cells hydrogen generation transportation and storage.
- Fuel cells have the potential to provide power for a very wide range of applications ranging from small portable electronics devices to large stationary electricity production and vehicles covering the whole range of road vehicles and possibly extending to rail marine and even aviation.
- The main obstacles to achieving a viable hydrogen economy are costs of producing hydrogen from renewable sources issues relating to transportation and storage due to the low energy density of hydrogen gas and the cost and reliability of fuel cells.
- The main material considerations relating to the use of hydrogen are hydrogen embrittlement material properties at cryogenic temperatures (due to use of liquid hydrogen) and permeability.
- A number of new materials are likely to come to prominence in a hydrogen economy; high performance composites are likely to be used extensively for high pressure hydrogen cylinders new materials or combinations of materials may be used for hydrogen pipelines and a range of new materials are currently being considered for hydrogen storage such as metal hydrides and carbon nanotubes.
- Due to the effect of hydrogen on materials it is important to test any materials in the environment in which they would be used. Depending on the type of test this could require the use of very specialist expensive equipment.
Safety and Regulatory Challenges of Using Hydrogen/Natural Gas Blends in the UK
Sep 2019
Publication
The addition of hydrogen to natural gas for heating and cooking is being considered as a route to reducing carbon emissions in the United Kingdom (UK). The HyDeploy programme (hereafter referred to as HyDeploy) aims to demonstrate that hydrogen can be added to the natural gas supply without compromising public safety or appliance performance. This paper relates to the preparatory work for hydrogen injection on a live site at Keele University closed network comprising domestic premises multi-occupancy buildings and light commercial premises. The project is based around the injection of up to 20 %mol/mol hydrogen into mains natural gas at pressures below 2 barg. Work streams addressed during the pre-trial preparation included; assessment of material interaction with hydrogen blends for all distribution system components and appliances; understanding of gas appliance behaviour; review of: gas detection systems fire and explosion considerations routine and emergency procedural considerations; and the design of a new hydrogen injection grid entry unit. This paper describes the safety and regulatory challenges that were encountered during preparation of the project including obtaining the necessary regulatory permissions to blend hydrogen gas.
A Portfolio of Powertrains for the UK: An Energy Systems Analysis
Jul 2014
Publication
There has recently been a concerted effort to commence a transition to fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) in Europe. A coalition of companies released an influential McKinsey-coordinated report in 2010 which concluded that FCVs are ready for commercial deployment. Public–private H2Mobility programmes have subsequently been established across Europe to develop business cases for the introduction of FCVs. In this paper we examine the conclusions of these studies from an energy systems perspective using the UK as a case study. Other UK energy system studies have identified only a minor role for FCVs after 2030 but we reconcile these views by showing that the differences are primarily driven by different data assumptions rather than methodological differences. Some energy system models do not start a transition to FCVs until around 2040 as they do not account for the time normally taken for the diffusion of new powertrains. We show that applying dynamic growth constraints to the UK MARKAL energy system model more realistically represents insights from innovation theory. We conclude that the optimum deployment of FCVs from an energy systems perspective is broadly in line with the roadmap developed by UK H2Mobility and that a transition needs to commence soon if FCVs are to become widespread by 2050.
Cost-competitive Green Hydrogen: How to Lower the Cost of Electrolysers?
Jan 2022
Publication
The higher cost of green hydrogen in comparison to its competitors is the most important barrier to its increased use. Although the cost of renewable electricity is considered to be the key obstacle challenges associated with electrolysers are another major issue that have important implications for the cost reduction of green hydrogen. This paper analyses the electrolysis process from technological economic and policy perspectives. It first provides a comparative analysis of the main existing electrolyser technologies and identifies key trade-offs in terms of cost scarcity of materials used technology readiness and the ability to operate in a flexible mode (which enables them to be coupled with variable renewables generation). The paper then identifies the main cost drivers for each of the most promising technologies and analyses the opportunities for cost reduction. It also draws upon the experience of solar and wind power generation technologies with respect to gradual cost reduction and evaluates development paths that each of the main electrolyser technology types could take in the future. Finally the paper elaborates on the policy mechanisms that could additionally foster cost reduction and the overall business development of electrolyser technologies.
The research paper can be found on their website
The research paper can be found on their website
H2FC SUPERGEN- The Role of Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in Providing Affordable, Secure Low-carbon Heat
May 2014
Publication
This White Paper has been commissioned by the UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell (H2FC) SUPERGEN Hub to examine the roles and potential benefits of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies for heat provision in future low-carbon energy systems. The H2FC SUPERGEN Hub is an inclusive network encompassing the entire UK hydrogen and fuel cells research community with around 100 UK-based academics supported by key stakeholders from industry and government. It is funded by the UK EPSRC research council as part of the RCUK Energy Programme. This paper is the first of four that will be published over the lifetime of the Hub with the others examining: (i) low-carbon energy systems (including balancing renewable intermittency); (ii) low-carbon transport systems; and (iii) the provision of secure and affordable energy supplies for the future
- Hydrogen and fuel cells are part of the cost-optimal heating technology portfolio in long-term UK energy system scenarios.
- Fuel cell CHP is already being deployed commercially around the world.
- Hydrogen can be a zero-carbon alternative to natural gas. Most technologies that use natural gas can be adapted to use hydrogen and still provide the same level of service.
- Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies avoid some of the disadvantages of other low-carbon heating technologies.
Application of Hydrides in Hydrogen Storage and Compression: Achievements, Outlook and Perspectives
Feb 2019
Publication
José Bellosta von Colbe,
Jose-Ramón Ares,
Jussara Barale,
Marcello Baricco,
Craig Buckley,
Giovanni Capurso,
Noris Gallandat,
David M. Grant,
Matylda N. Guzik,
Isaac Jacob,
Emil H. Jensen,
Julian Jepsen,
Thomas Klassen,
Mykhaylo V. Lototskyy,
Kandavel Manickam,
Amelia Montone,
Julian Puszkiel,
Martin Dornheim,
Sabrina Sartori,
Drew Sheppard,
Alastair D. Stuart,
Gavin Walker,
Colin Webb,
Heena Yang,
Volodymyr A. Yartys,
Andreas Züttel and
Torben R. Jensen
Metal hydrides are known as a potential efficient low-risk option for high-density hydrogen storage since the late 1970s. In this paper the present status and the future perspectives of the use of metal hydrides for hydrogen storage are discussed. Since the early 1990s interstitial metal hydrides are known as base materials for Ni – metal hydride rechargeable batteries. For hydrogen storage metal hydride systems have been developed in the 2010s [1] for use in emergency or backup power units i. e. for stationary applications.<br/>With the development and completion of the first submarines of the U212 A series by HDW (now Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems) in 2003 and its export class U214 in 2004 the use of metal hydrides for hydrogen storage in mobile applications has been established with new application fields coming into focus.<br/>In the last decades a huge number of new intermetallic and partially covalent hydrogen absorbing compounds has been identified and partly more partly less extensively characterized.<br/>In addition based on the thermodynamic properties of metal hydrides this class of materials gives the opportunity to develop a new hydrogen compression technology. They allow the direct conversion from thermal energy into the compression of hydrogen gas without the need of any moving parts. Such compressors have been developed and are nowadays commercially available for pressures up to 200 bar. Metal hydride based compressors for higher pressures are under development. Moreover storage systems consisting of the combination of metal hydrides and high-pressure vessels have been proposed as a realistic solution for on-board hydrogen storage on fuel cell vehicles.<br/>In the frame of the “Hydrogen Storage Systems for Mobile and Stationary Applications” Group in the International Energy Agency (IEA) Hydrogen Task 32 “Hydrogen-based energy storage” different compounds have been and will be scaled-up in the near future and tested in the range of 500 g to several hundred kg for use in hydrogen storage applications.
Spontaneous Ignition of Hydrogen- Literature Review
Jan 2008
Publication
Objectives
The aim of this review is to establish which available literature may be of use as part of the HSE funded project which will investigate spontaneous ignition of accidental hydrogen releases (JR02071). It will identify phenomena that have the potential to cause spontaneous ignition of releases of pressured hydrogen and identify literature that may be of use when formulating the experimental program.
Main Findings
The identification of important work that shows conclusive evidence of spontaneous ignition of hydrogen due to the failure of a boundary layer.
The aim of this review is to establish which available literature may be of use as part of the HSE funded project which will investigate spontaneous ignition of accidental hydrogen releases (JR02071). It will identify phenomena that have the potential to cause spontaneous ignition of releases of pressured hydrogen and identify literature that may be of use when formulating the experimental program.
Main Findings
The identification of important work that shows conclusive evidence of spontaneous ignition of hydrogen due to the failure of a boundary layer.
Enabling Large-scale Hydrogen Storage in Porous Media – The Scientific Challenges
Jan 2021
Publication
Niklas Heinemann,
Juan Alcalde,
Johannes M. Miocic,
Suzanne J. T. Hangx,
Jens Kallmeyer,
Christian Ostertag-Henning,
Aliakbar Hassanpouryouzband,
Eike M. Thaysen,
Gion J. Strobel,
Cornelia Schmidt-Hattenberger,
Katriona Edlmann,
Mark Wilkinson,
Michelle Bentham,
Stuart Haszeldine,
Ramon Carbonell and
Alexander Rudloff
Expectations for energy storage are high but large-scale underground hydrogen storage in porous media (UHSP) remains largely untested. This article identifies and discusses the scientific challenges of hydrogen storage in porous media for safe and efficient large-scale energy storage to enable a global hydrogen economy. To facilitate hydrogen supply on the scales required for a zero-carbon future it must be stored in porous geological formations such as saline aquifers and depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs. Large-scale UHSP offers the much-needed capacity to balance inter-seasonal discrepancies between demand and supply decouple energy generation from demand and decarbonise heating and transport supporting decarbonisation of the entire energy system. Despite the vast opportunity provided by UHSP the maturity is considered low and as such UHSP is associated with several uncertainties and challenges. Here the safety and economic impacts triggered by poorly understood key processes are identified such as the formation of corrosive hydrogen sulfide gas hydrogen loss due to the activity of microbes or permeability changes due to geochemical interactions impacting on the predictability of hydrogen flow through porous media. The wide range of scientific challenges facing UHSP are outlined to improve procedures and workflows for the hydrogen storage cycle from site selection to storage site operation. Multidisciplinary research including reservoir engineering chemistry geology and microbiology more complex than required for CH4 or CO2 storage is required in order to implement the safe efficient and much needed large-scale commercial deployment of UHSP.
HyDeploy Webinar - Unlocking the Deployment of Hydrogen in the Grid
May 2020
Publication
A project overview of HyDeploy project led by Cadent Gas and supported by Northern Gas Networks Progressive Energy Ltd Keele University HSE – Science Division and ITM Power.
First Phase:
HyDeploy at Keele is the first stage of this three stage programme. In November 2019 the UK Health & Safety Executive gave permission to run a live test of blended hydrogen and natural gas on part of the private gas network at Keele University campus in Staffordshire. HyDeploy is the first project in the UK to inject hydrogen into a natural gas network.
Second and Third Phases;
Once the Keele stage has been completed HyDeploy will move to a larger demonstration on a public network in the North East. After that HyDeploy will have another large demonstration in the North West. These are designed to test the blend across a range of networks and customers so that the evidence is representative of the UK as a whole. With HSE approval and success at Keele these phases will go ahead in the early 2020s.
The longer term goal:
Once the evidence has been submitted to Government policy makers we very much expect hydrogen to take its place alongside other forms of zero carbon energy in meeting the needs of the UK population.
First Phase:
HyDeploy at Keele is the first stage of this three stage programme. In November 2019 the UK Health & Safety Executive gave permission to run a live test of blended hydrogen and natural gas on part of the private gas network at Keele University campus in Staffordshire. HyDeploy is the first project in the UK to inject hydrogen into a natural gas network.
Second and Third Phases;
Once the Keele stage has been completed HyDeploy will move to a larger demonstration on a public network in the North East. After that HyDeploy will have another large demonstration in the North West. These are designed to test the blend across a range of networks and customers so that the evidence is representative of the UK as a whole. With HSE approval and success at Keele these phases will go ahead in the early 2020s.
The longer term goal:
Once the evidence has been submitted to Government policy makers we very much expect hydrogen to take its place alongside other forms of zero carbon energy in meeting the needs of the UK population.
Bioanode and Biocathode Performance in a Microbial Electrolysis Cell
Jan 2017
Publication
The bioanode is important for a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) and its robustness to maintain its catalytic activity affects the performance of the whole system. Bioanodes enriched at a potential of +0.2 V (vs. standard hydrogen electrode) were able to sustain their oxidation activity when the anode potential was varied from 0.3 up to +1.0 V. Chronoamperometric test revealed that the bioanode produced peak current density of 0.36 A/m2 and 0.37 A/m2 at applied potential 0 and +0.6 V respectively. Meanwhile hydrogen production at the biocathode was proportional to the applied potential in the range from 0.5 to 1.0 V. The highest production rate was 7.4 L H2/(m2 cathode area)/day at 1.0 V cathode potential. A limited current output at the bioanode could halt the biocathode capability to generate hydrogen. Therefore maximum applied potential that can be applied to the biocathode was calculated as 0.84 V without overloading the bioanode
No more items...