United Kingdom
Numerical Study of a Highly Under-Expanded Hydrogen Jet
Sep 2005
Publication
Numerical simulations are carried out for a highly under-expanded hydrogen jet resulting from an accidental release of high-pressure hydrogen into the atmospheric environment. The predictions are made using two independent CFD codes namely CFX and KIVA. The KIVA code has been substantially modified by the present authors to enable large eddy simulation (LES). It employs a oneequation sub-grid scale (SGS) turbulence model which solves the SGS kinetic energy equation to allow for more relaxed equilibrium requirement and to facilitate high fidelity LES calculations with relatively coarser grids. Instead of using the widely accepted pseudo-source approach the complex shock structures resulting from the high under-expansion is numerically resolved in a small computational domain above the jet exit. The computed results are used as initial conditions for the subsequent hydrogen jet simulation. The predictions provide insight into the shock structure and the subsequent jet development. Such knowledge is valuable for studying the ignition characteristics of high-pressure hydrogen jets in the safety context.
Physics of Spontaneous Ignition of High-Pressure Hydrogen Release and Transition to Jet Fire
Sep 2009
Publication
The main objective of this study is an insight into physical phenomena underlying spontaneous ignition of hydrogen at sudden release from high pressure storage and its transition into the sustained jet fire. This paper describes modelling and large eddy simulation (LES) of spontaneous ignition dynamics in a tube with a rupture disk separating high pressure hydrogen storage and the atmosphere. Numerical experiments carried out by a LES model have provided an insight into the physics of the spontaneous ignition phenomenon. It is demonstrated that a chemical reaction commences in a boundary layer within the tube and propagates throughout the tube cross-section after that. Simulated by the LES model dynamics of flame formation outside the tube has reproduced experimental observation of combustion by high-speed photography including vortex induced “flame separation". It is concluded that the model developed can be applied for hydrogen safety engineering in particular for development of innovative pressure relief devices.
Prediction of the Lift-off, Blow-out and Blow-off Stability Limits of Pure Hydrogen and Hydrogen and Hydrocarbon Mixture Jet Flames
Sep 2007
Publication
The paper presented experimental studies of the liftoff and blowout stability of pure hydrogen hydrogen/propane and hydrogen/methane jet flam es using a 2 mm burner. Carbon dioxide and Argon gas were also used in the study for the comparison with hydrocarbon fuel. Comparisons of the stability of H 2/C3H8 H 2/CH4 H 2/Ar and H 2/CO2 flames showed that H 2/C3H8 produced the highest liftoff height and H 2/CH4 required highest liftoff and blowoff velocities. The non-dimensional analysis of liftoff height approach was used to correlate liftoff data of H 2 H2-C3H8 H 2-CO2 C 3H8 and H2-Ar jet flames tested in the 2 mm burner. The suitability of extending the empirical correlations based on hydrocarbon flames to both hydrogen and hydrogen/ hydrocarbon flames was examined.
Scenarios for Deployment of Hydrogen in Meeting Carbon Budgets (E4tech)
Nov 2015
Publication
This research considers the potential role of hydrogen in meeting the UK’s carbon budgets. It was written by consultancy E4tech.<br/>The CCC develops scenarios for the UK’s future energy system to assess routes to decarbonisation and to advise UK Government on policy options. Uncertainty to 2050 is considerable and so different scenarios are needed to assess different trajectories targets and technology combinations. Some of these scenarios assess specific technologies or fuels which have the potential to make a significant contribution to future decarbonisation.<br/>Hydrogen is one such fuel. It has been included in limited quantities in some CCC scenarios but not extensively examined in part due to perceived or anticipated higher costs than some other options. But as hydrogen technology is developed and deployed the cost projections and other performance indicators have become more favourable.
Modelling of Lean Uniform and Non-Uniform Hydrogen-Air Mixture Explosions in a Closed Vessel
Sep 2009
Publication
Simulation of hydrogen-air mixture explosions in a closed large-scale vessel with uniform and nonuniform mixture compositions was performed by the group of partners within the EC funded project “Hydrogen Safety as an Energy Carrier” (HySafe). Several experiments were conducted previously by Whitehouse et al. in a 10.7 m3 vertically oriented (5.7-m high) cylindrical facility with different hydrogen-air mixture compositions. Two particular experiments were selected for simulation and comparison as a Standard Benchmark Exercise (SBEP) problem: combustion of uniform 12.8% (vol.) hydrogen-air mixture and combustion of non-uniform hydrogen-air mixture with average 12.6% (vol.) hydrogen concentration across the vessel (vertical stratification 27% vol. hydrogen at the top of the vessel 2.5% vol. hydrogen at the bottom of the vessel); both mixtures were ignited at the top of the vessel. The paper presents modelling approaches used by the partners comparison of simulation results against the experiment data and conclusions regarding the non-uniform mixture combustion modelling in real-life applications.
Towards Hydrogen Safety Education and Training
Sep 2005
Publication
The onset and further development of the hydrogen economy are known to be constrained by safety barriers as well as by the level of public acceptance of new applications. Educational and training programmes in hydrogen safety which are currently absent in Europe are considered to be a key instrument in lifting these limitations and to ensure the safe introduction of hydrogen as an energy carrier. Therefore the European Network of Excellence ‘Safety of Hydrogen as an Energy Carrier’ (NoE HySafe) embarked on the establishment of the e-Academy of Hydrogen Safety. This work is led by the University of Ulster and carried out in cooperation with international partners from five other universities (Universidad Politecnica de Madrid Spain; University of Pisa Italy; Warsaw University of Technology Poland; Instituto Superior Technico Portugal; University of Calgary Canada) two research institutions (Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe and Forschungszentrum Juelich Germany) and one enterprise (GexCon Norway). The development of an International Curriculum on Hydrogen Safety Engineering aided by world-class experts from within and outside NoE HySafe is of central importance to the establishment of the e-Academy of Hydrogen Safety. Despite its key role in identifying the knowledge framework of the subject matter and its role in aiding educators with the development of teaching programmes on hydrogen safety no such curriculum appears to have been developed previously. The current structure of the International Curriculum on Hydrogen Safety Engineering and the motivation behind it are described in this paper. Future steps in the development of a system of hydrogen safety education and training in Europe are briefly described.
Digital Navigation of Energy–structure–function Maps for Hydrogen-bonded Porous Molecular Crystals
Feb 2021
Publication
Energy–structure–function (ESF) maps can aid the targeted discovery of porous molecular crystals by predicting the stable crystalline arrangements along with their functions of interest. Here we compute ESF maps for a series of rigid molecules that comprise either a triptycene or a spiro-biphenyl core functionalized with six different hydrogen-bonding moieties. We show that the positioning of the hydrogen-bonding sites as well as their number has a profound influence on the shape of the resulting ESF maps revealing promising structure–function spaces for future experiments. We also demonstrate a simple and general approach to representing and inspecting the high-dimensional data of an ESF map enabling an efficient navigation of the ESF data to identify ‘landmark’ structures that are energetically favourable or functionally interesting. This is a step toward the automated analysis of ESF maps an important goal for closed-loop autonomous searches for molecular crystals with useful functions.
Experimental Study on Hydrogen Explosions in a Full-scale Hydrogen Filling Station Model
Sep 2005
Publication
In order for fuel cell vehicles to develop a widespread role in society it is essential that hydrogen refuelling stations become established. For this to happen there is a need to demonstrate the safety of the refuelling stations. The work described in this paper was carried out to provide experimental information on hydrogen outflow dispersion and explosion behaviour. In the first phase homogeneous hydrogen-air-mixtures of a known concentration were introduced into an explosion chamber and the resulting flame speed and overpressures were measured. Hydrogen concentration was the dominant factor influencing the flame speed and overpressure. Secondly high-pressure hydrogen releases were initiated in a storage room to study the accumulation of hydrogen. For a steady release with a constant driving pressure the hydrogen concentration varied as the inlet airflow changed depending on the ventilation area of the room the external wind conditions and also the buoyancy induced flows generated by the accumulating hydrogen. Having obtained this basic data the realistic dispersion and explosion experiments were executed at full-scale in the hydrogen station model. High-pressure hydrogen was released from 0.8-8.0mm nozzle at the dispenser position and inside the storage room in the full-scale model of the refuelling station. Also the hydrogen releases were ignited to study the overpressures that can be generated by such releases. The results showed that overpressures that were generated following releases at the dispenser location had a clear correlation with the time of ignition distance from ignition point.
Initial Assessment of the Impact of Jet Flame Hazard from Hydrogen Cars in Road Tunnels and the Implication on Hydrogen Car Design
Sep 2007
Publication
Underground or partial underground tunnels form a very important part of modern road transportation systems. As the development of hydrogen cars advancing into the markets it is unavoidable in the near future that hydrogen cars would become the users of ordinary road tunnels. This paper discusses potential fire scenarios and fire hazards of hydrogen cars in road tunnels and implications on the fire safety measures and ventilation systems in existing tunnels. The information needed for carry out risk assessment of hydrogen cars in road tunnels are discussed. hydrogen has a low ignition energy and wide flammable range suggesting that leaks have a high probability of ignition and result hydrogen flame. CFD simulations of hydrogen fires in a full scale 5m by 5m square cross-section tunnel were carried out. The effect of the ventilation on controlling the back-layering and the downstream flame are discussed.
Molecular Transport Effects of Hydrocarbon Addition on Turbulent Hydrogen Flame Propagation
Sep 2007
Publication
We analytically investigated the influence of light hydrocarbons on turbulent premixed H2/air atmospheric flames under lean conditions in view of safe handling of H2 systems applications in H2 powered IC engines and gas turbines and also with an orientation towards modelling of H2 combustion. For this purpose an algebraic flame surface wrinkling model included with pressure and fuel type effects is used. The model predictions of turbulent premixed flames are compared with the set of corresponding experimental data of Kido et al. (Kido Nakahara et al. 2002). These expanding spherical flame data include H2–air mixtures doped with CH4 and C3H8 while the overall equivalence ratio of all the fuel/air mixtures is fixed at 0.8 for constant unstretched laminar flame speed of 25 cm/s by varying N2 composition. The model predictions show that there is little variation in turbulent flame speed ST for C3H8 additions up to 20-vol%. However for 50 vol% doping flame speed decreases by as much as 30 % from 250 cm/s that of pure H2–air mixtures for turbulence intensity of 200 cm/s. With respect to CH4 for 50 vol% doping ST reduces by only 6 % cf. pure H2/air mixture. In the first instance the substantial decrease of ST with C3H8 addition may be attributed to the increase in the Lewis number of the dual-fuel mixture and proportional restriction of molecular mobility of H2. That is this decrease in flame speed can be explained using the concept of leading edges of the turbulent flame brush (Lipatnikov and Chomiak 2005). As these leading edges have mostly positive curvature (convex to the unburned side) preferential-diffusive-thermal instabilities cause recognizable impact on flame speed at higher levels of turbulence with the effect being very strong for lean H2 mixtures. The lighter hydrocarbon substitutions tend to suppress the leading flame edges and possibly transition to detonation in confined structures and promote flame front stability of lean turbulent premixed flames. Thus there is a necessity to develop a predictive reaction model to quantitatively show the strong influence of molecular transport coefficients on ST.
Impact Assessment of Hydrogen Transmission on TD1 Parallel Pipeline Separation Distances
Mar 2021
Publication
The recommended minimum separation distances in IGEM/TD/1 were based on a research programme that studied the different ways in which a failure of one buried natural gas transmission pipeline can affect another similar pipeline installed adjacent to the first taking account of the initial pressure wave propagating through the ground the size of the ground crater produced and the threat of escalation from fire if the second pipeline is exposed. The methodology developed from the research was first published in 2010 and is implemented in a software program (“PROPHET”). The distances in IGEM/TD/1 are generally cautious and are essentially determined by the size of the ground crater produced by pipeline ruptures as predicted by the methodology.
To assess the impact of hydrogen transmission on the recommended separation distances the possibility of one pipeline transporting natural gas and the other transporting hydrogen was considered as well as both pipelines transporting hydrogen. The following steps were carried out to assess the impact of hydrogen transmission on parallel pipeline separation distances drawing on existing knowledge only:
To assess the impact of hydrogen transmission on the recommended separation distances the possibility of one pipeline transporting natural gas and the other transporting hydrogen was considered as well as both pipelines transporting hydrogen. The following steps were carried out to assess the impact of hydrogen transmission on parallel pipeline separation distances drawing on existing knowledge only:
- Estimate the ground pressure loading predicted from a hydrogen pipeline rupture.
- Consider the ground pressure effect on a parallel natural gas or hydrogen pipeline.
- Evaluate available ground crater formation models and assess if existing natural gas model is cautious for hydrogen.
- Consider effects of thermal loading due to hydrogen fires where recommended natural gas separation distances are not met.
- Ground pressure loading: The current natural gas methodology is cautious.
- Ground pressure effects: The current natural gas methodology is applicable (no change for hydrogen).
- Ground crater formation: The current natural gas methodology is cautious for ruptures and applicable for punctures (almost no change for hydrogen).
- Thermal loading: The current natural gas methodology is cautious for the thermal loading from ruptures but not necessarily cautious for punctures. Calculations of the minimum flow velocity required to prevent failure of a natural gas pipeline are not cautious for hydrogen.
Intelligent Hydrogen Fuel Cell Range Extender for Battery Electric Vehicles
May 2019
Publication
Road transport is recognized as having a negative impact on the environment. Policy has focused on replacement of the internal combustion engine (ICE) with less polluting forms of technology including battery electric and fuel cell electric powertrains. However progress is slow and both battery and fuel cell based vehicles face considerable commercialization challenges. To understand these challenges a review of current electric battery and fuel cell electric technologies is presented. Based on this review this paper proposes a battery electric vehicle (BEV) where components are sized to take into account the majority of user requirements with the remainder catered for by a trailer-based demountable intelligent fuel cell range extender. The proposed design can extend the range by more than 50% for small BEVs and 25% for large BEVs (the extended range of vehicles over 250 miles) reducing cost and increasing efficiency for the BEV. It enables BEV manufacturers to design their vehicle battery for the most common journeys decreases charging time to provide convenience and flexibility to the drivers. Adopting a rent and drop business model reduces the demand on the raw materials bridging the gap in the amount of charging (refueling) stations and extending the lifespan for the battery pack.
Can the Current EU Regulatory Framework Deliver Decarbonisation of Gas?
Jun 2020
Publication
This Energy Insight examines the current regulatory framework and challenges facing the natural gas industry (producers transporters suppliers and consumers) during the transition to a zero-carbon economy. The EU has declared its intention to be climate neutral by 2050 which means that the current level of natural gas usage will no longer be possible. However natural gas is a crucial component of energy supply representing 24 per cent of primary energy supply for the EU27+UK and 36 per cent of residential energy consumption. In some countries the use of natural gas is much higher – around 40 per cent of primary energy supply in Netherlands UK and Italy. The current framework impacting gas addresses two different market failures – natural monopolies for gas transportation and the externalities of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The framework will not deliver decarbonisation of gas as it does not stimulate either supply or demand for alternatives such as hydrogen nor create the conditions to enable gas networks to transition to a decarbonised future. Policy makers need to prioritise their objectives to take account of the trade-offs involved in designing a new framework. Exclusion of certain low carbon technologies risks driving away investors and reduces the chances of targets being met whilst “picking winners” involves risks because of the many uncertainties involved such as future costs and time required to build new value chains.
Link to Document on Oxford Institute for Energy Studies website
Link to Document on Oxford Institute for Energy Studies website
China Progress on Renewable Energy Vehicles: Fuel Cells, Hydrogen and Battery Hybrid Vehicles
Dec 2018
Publication
Clean renewable energy for Chinese cities is a priority in air quality improvement. This paper describes the recent Chinese advances in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) hydrogen-fuel-cell-battery vehicles including buses and trucks. Following the 2016 Chinese government plan for new energy vehicles bus production in Foshan has now overtaken that in the EU USA and Japan combined. Hydrogen infrastructure requires much advance to catch up but numbers of filling stations are now increasing rapidly in the large cities. A particular benefit in China is the large number of battery manufacturing companies which fit well into the energy storage plan for hybrid fuel cell buses. The first city to manufacture thousands of PEM-battery hybrid buses is Foshan where the Feichi (Allenbus) company has built a new factory next to a novel fuel cell production line capable of producing 500 MW of fuel cell units per year. Hundreds of these buses are running on local Foshan routes this year while production of city delivery trucks has also been substantial. Results for energy consumption of these vehicles are presented and fitted to the Coulomb theory previously delineated.
Role of batteries and fuel cells in achieving Net Zero- Session 3
Mar 2021
Publication
The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee will hear from officials research funders and leading research consortia about the UK’s strategy for research and development of batteries and fuel cells to help meet the net-zero target.
The Committee will question officials from government departments and research councils about the UK’s increased support for battery development and how the initiatives and funding will evolve. The Committee will compare the support given to fuel cell research and ask how this technology will be developed for applications such as heavy transport. For both technologies it will ask how training will be delivered to provide a skilled workforce.
The Committee will also hear from leaders of research consortia asking them about support for their research sectors and how this compares with countries leading the development of the technologies. The Committee will explore coordination between research into batteries fuel cells and wider strategies such as for hydrogen and whether research for transport can be transferred to applications in other sectors such as power grids and heating.
At 10.00am: Oral evidence
Mr Tony Harper Industrial Strategy Challenge Director Faraday Battery Challenge at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) at University of Central Lancashire
Dr Lucy Martin Deputy Director of Cross-Council Programmes and lead for Net Zero at University of Central Lancashire
Dr Bob Moran Deputy Director Head of Environment Strategy at University of Central Lancashire
Professor Paul Monks Chief Scientific Adviser at University of Central Lancashire
At 11.00am: Oral evidence
Professor Philip Taylor Director at EPSRC Supergen Energy Networks Hub and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at University of Bristol
Professor David Greenwood CEO High Value Manufacturing Catapult at University of Central Lancashire Director Industrial Engagement at University of Central Lancashire and Professor of Advanced Propulsion Systems at University of Warwick
Professor Paul Dodds Professor of Energy Systems at University of Central Lancashire
Possible questions
Parliament TV video of the meeting
This is part three of a three part enquiry.
Part one can be found here and part two can be found here.
The Committee will question officials from government departments and research councils about the UK’s increased support for battery development and how the initiatives and funding will evolve. The Committee will compare the support given to fuel cell research and ask how this technology will be developed for applications such as heavy transport. For both technologies it will ask how training will be delivered to provide a skilled workforce.
The Committee will also hear from leaders of research consortia asking them about support for their research sectors and how this compares with countries leading the development of the technologies. The Committee will explore coordination between research into batteries fuel cells and wider strategies such as for hydrogen and whether research for transport can be transferred to applications in other sectors such as power grids and heating.
At 10.00am: Oral evidence
Mr Tony Harper Industrial Strategy Challenge Director Faraday Battery Challenge at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) at University of Central Lancashire
Dr Lucy Martin Deputy Director of Cross-Council Programmes and lead for Net Zero at University of Central Lancashire
Dr Bob Moran Deputy Director Head of Environment Strategy at University of Central Lancashire
Professor Paul Monks Chief Scientific Adviser at University of Central Lancashire
At 11.00am: Oral evidence
Professor Philip Taylor Director at EPSRC Supergen Energy Networks Hub and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at University of Bristol
Professor David Greenwood CEO High Value Manufacturing Catapult at University of Central Lancashire Director Industrial Engagement at University of Central Lancashire and Professor of Advanced Propulsion Systems at University of Warwick
Professor Paul Dodds Professor of Energy Systems at University of Central Lancashire
Possible questions
- On which aspects of battery and fuel cell research and development is the UK focusing and why?
- How successful have the UK’s new research initiatives been in advancing battery science and application?
- Does battery research receive greater public funding than fuel cell research? If so why?
- What technologies are seen as the most likely options for heavy transport i.e. HGVs buses and trains?
- What is the Government’s strategy for supporting the growth of skilled workers for battery and fuel cell research and development?
- To what extent is battery and fuel cell research and development coordinated in the UK? If so who is responsible for this coordination?
Parliament TV video of the meeting
This is part three of a three part enquiry.
Part one can be found here and part two can be found here.
Optimal Energy Management System Using Biogeography Based Optimization for Grid-connected MVDC Microgrid with Photovoltaic, Hydrogen System, Electric Vehicles and Z-source Converters
Oct 2021
Publication
Currently the technology associated with charging stations for electric vehicles (EV) needs to be studied and improved to further encourage its implementation. This paper presents a new energy management system (EMS) based on a Biogeography-Based Optimization (BBO) algorithm for a hybrid EV charging station with a configuration that integrates Z-source converters (ZSC) into medium voltage direct current (MVDC) grids. The EMS uses the evolutionary BBO algorithm to optimize a fitness function defining the equivalent hydrogen consumption/generation. The charging station consists of a photovoltaic (PV) system a local grid connection two fast charging units and two energy storage systems (ESS) a battery energy storage (BES) and a complete hydrogen system with fuel cell (FC) electrolyzer (LZ) and hydrogen tank. Through the use of the BBO algorithm the EMS manages the energy flow among the components to keep the power balance in the system reducing the equivalent hydrogen consumption and optimizing the equivalent hydrogen generation. The EMS and the configuration of the charging station based on ZSCs are the main contributions of the paper. The behaviour of the EMS is demonstrated with three EV connected to the charging station under different conditions of sun irradiance. In addition the proposed EMS is compared with a simpler EMS for the optimal management of ESS in hybrid configurations. The simulation results show that the proposed EMS achieves a notable improvement in the equivalent hydrogen consumption/generation with respect to the simpler EMS. Thanks to the proposed configuration the output voltage of the components can be upgraded to MVDC while reducing the number of power converters compared with other configurations without ZSC.
HyDeploy2: Quantitative Risk Assessment
Jul 2021
Publication
A consortiumcomprising Cadent Gas Health and Safety Executive – Science Division ITMPower Keele University Northern Gas Networks and Progressive Energy is undertaking the second phase of the research project HyDeploy. The project the first two phase ofwhich are funded under the UK Network Innovation Competition scheme aims to demonstrate that natural gas containing levels of hydrogen beyond the upper limit set out in Schedule 3 of in the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations (GSMR) can be distributed and utilised safely and efficiently in the UK gas distribution networks.<br/>The first phase of the HyDeploy project concludes with a 10-month field trial in which hydrogen will be injected into part of a private gas distribution system owned and operated by Keele University.<br/>The second phase of the HyDeploy project (HyDeploy2) continues on from the work of the first phase and is scheduled to conclude with two 12-month field trials in which hydrogen will be injected into public gas networks owned and operated by Northern Gas Networks and Cadent Gas.<br/>Dave Lander Consulting Limited is providing technical support to the HyDeploy project and this report presents the results of Quantified Risk Assessment (QRA) for the proposed field trial of hydrogen injection into part of a gas distribution system owned and operated by Northern Gas Networks (NGN) near the town of Winlaton in Gateshead Tyne and Wear. The QRA is intended to support an application by NGN for exemption from the legal requirement to only convey gas that is compliant with the requirements of Schedule 3 of the GSMR. The QRA estimates the risk to persons within the trial area affected by the proposed injection. A similar QRA1 was developed for the original HyDeploy field trial at Keele University.<br/>Click on the supplement tab to see the other documents from this report
Contrasting European Hydrogen Pathways: An Analysis of Differing Approaches in Key Markets
Mar 2021
Publication
European countries approach the market ramp-up of hydrogen very differently. In some cases the economic and political starting points differ significantly. While the probability is high that some countries such as Germany or Italy will import hydrogen in the long term other countries such as United Kingdom France or Spain could become hydrogen exporters. The reasons for this are the higher potential for renewable energies but also a technology-neutral approach on the supply side.
Role of Batteries and Fuel Cells in Achieving Net Zero- Session 1
Mar 2021
Publication
The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee will question experts on the role of batteries and fuel cells for decarbonisation and how much they can contribute to meeting the net-zero target.
Tuesday’s evidence session will be the first of the committee’s new decarbonisation inquiry which was launched on Wednesday 3 March and is currently accepting written evidence submissions.
The session will give an overview of battery and fuel cell technologies and their applications in transport and other sectors. The Committee will ask how battery manufacture can be scaled up to meet wide-scale deployment of electric vehicles and whether technical challenges can be overcome to allow batteries and fuel cells to be used in HGVs and trains. The Committee will also investigate the wider use of batteries and fuel cells in various sectors including integration into power grids and heating systems.
Inquiry Role of batteries and fuel cells in achieving Net Zero
Professor Nigel Brandon Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Imperial College London
Professor Mauro Pasta Associate Professor of Materials at University of Oxford
Professor Pam Thomas CEO at Faraday Institution and Pro Vice Chancellor for Research at University of Warwick
Mr Amer Gaffar Director of Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre at Manchester Metropolitan University
Possible questions
What contribution are battery and fuel cell technologies currently making towards decarbonization in the UK?
What advances do we expect to see in battery and fuel cell technologies and over what timeframes?
How quickly can UK battery and fuel cell manufacture be scaled up to meet electrification demands?
What are the challenges facing technological innovation and deployment in heavy transport?
Are there any sectors where battery and fuel cell technologies are not currently used but could contribute to decarbonisation?
What are the life cycle environmental impacts of batteries and fuel cells?
Parliament TV video of the meeting
This is part one of a three part enquiry.
Part two can be found here and part three can be found here.
Tuesday’s evidence session will be the first of the committee’s new decarbonisation inquiry which was launched on Wednesday 3 March and is currently accepting written evidence submissions.
The session will give an overview of battery and fuel cell technologies and their applications in transport and other sectors. The Committee will ask how battery manufacture can be scaled up to meet wide-scale deployment of electric vehicles and whether technical challenges can be overcome to allow batteries and fuel cells to be used in HGVs and trains. The Committee will also investigate the wider use of batteries and fuel cells in various sectors including integration into power grids and heating systems.
Inquiry Role of batteries and fuel cells in achieving Net Zero
Professor Nigel Brandon Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Imperial College London
Professor Mauro Pasta Associate Professor of Materials at University of Oxford
Professor Pam Thomas CEO at Faraday Institution and Pro Vice Chancellor for Research at University of Warwick
Mr Amer Gaffar Director of Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre at Manchester Metropolitan University
Possible questions
What contribution are battery and fuel cell technologies currently making towards decarbonization in the UK?
What advances do we expect to see in battery and fuel cell technologies and over what timeframes?
How quickly can UK battery and fuel cell manufacture be scaled up to meet electrification demands?
What are the challenges facing technological innovation and deployment in heavy transport?
Are there any sectors where battery and fuel cell technologies are not currently used but could contribute to decarbonisation?
What are the life cycle environmental impacts of batteries and fuel cells?
Parliament TV video of the meeting
This is part one of a three part enquiry.
Part two can be found here and part three can be found here.
Delivering Net-zero Carbon Heat: Technoeconomic and Whole-system Comparisons of Domestic Electricity- and Hydrogen-driven Technologies in the UK
Apr 2022
Publication
Proposed sustainable transition pathways for moving away from natural gas in domestic heating focus on two main energy vectors: electricity and hydrogen. Electrification would be implemented by using vapourcompression heat pumps which are currently experiencing market growth in many countries. On the other hand hydrogen could substitute natural gas in boilers or be used in thermally–driven absorption heat pumps. In this paper a consistent thermodynamic and economic methodology is developed to assess the competitiveness of these options. The three technologies along with the option of district heating are for the first time compared for different weather/ambient conditions and fuel-price scenarios first from a homeowner’s and then from a wholeenergy system perspective. For the former two-dimensional decision maps are generated to identify the most cost-effective technologies for different combinations of fuel prices. It is shown that in the UK hydrogen technologies are economically favourable if hydrogen is supplied to domestic end-users at a price below half of the electricity price. Otherwise electrification and the use of conventional electric heat pumps will be preferred. From a whole-energy system perspective the total system cost per household (which accounts for upstream generation and storage as well as technology investment installation and maintenance) associated with electric heat pumps varies between 790 and 880 £/year for different scenarios making it the least-cost decarbonisation pathway. If hydrogen is produced by electrolysis the total system cost associated with hydrogen technologies is notably higher varying between 1410 and 1880 £/year. However this total system cost drops to 1150 £/year with hydrogen produced cost-effectively by methane reforming and carbon capture and storage thus reducing the gap between electricity- and hydrogen-driven technologies.
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