United Kingdom
Hydrogen Fuel Quality for Transport - First Sampling and Analysis Comparison in Europe on Hydrogen Refuelling Station (70 Mpa) According to ISO 14687 and EN 17124
Jan 2021
Publication
Fuel cell electric vehicles are getting deployed exponentially in Europe. Hydrogen fuel quality regulations are getting into place in order to protect customers and ensure end-users satisfactory experiences. It became critical to have the capability to sample and analyse accurately hydrogen fuel delivered by hydrogen refuelling stations in Europe. This study presents two separate comparisons: the first bilateral comparison between two sampling systems (H2 Qualitizer) and (“H2 Sampling System” of Air Liquide) and the interlaboratory comparison between NPL and Air Liquide on hydrogen fuel quality testing according to EN 17124. The two sampling systems showed equivalent results for all contaminants for sampling at 70 MPa hydrogen refuelling stations. The two laboratories showed good agreement at 95% confidence level. Even if the study is limited due to the low number of samples it demonstrates the equivalence of two sampling strategies and the ability of two laboratories to perform accurate measurement of hydrogen fuel quality.
CFD Model of Refuelling through the Entire Equipment of a Hydrogen Refuelling Station
Dec 2023
Publication
This paper aims at the development and validation of a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model for simulations of the refuelling process through the entire equipment of the hydrogen refuelling station (HRS). The absence of such models hinders the design of inherently safer refuelling protocols for an arbitrary combination of HRS equipment hydrogen storage parameters and environmental conditions. The CFD model is validated against the complete process of refuelling lasting 195s in Test No.1 performed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The test equipment includes high-pressure tanks of HRS pressure control valve (PCV) valves pipes breakaway hose and nozzle all the way up to three onboard tanks. The model accurately reproduced hydrogen temperature and pressure through the entire line of HRS equipment. A standout feature of the CFD model distinguishing it from simplified models is the capability to predict temperature non-uniformity in onboard tanks a crucial factor with significant safety implications.
European Hydrogen Train the Trainer Programme for Responders: The Impact of HyResponder on Training Across Europe
Jan 2025
Publication
Síle Brennan,
Christian Brauner,
Dennis Davis,
Natalie DeBacker,
Alexander Dyck,
César García Hernández,
André Vagner Gaathaug,
Petr Kupka,
Laurence Grand-Clement,
Etienne Havret,
Deborah Houssin-Agbomson,
Laurent Lecomte,
Eric Maranne,
Pippa Steele,
Paola Russo,
Adolfo Pinilla,
Gerhard Schoepf,
Tom Van Esbroeck and
Vladimir V. Molkov
The impact of the HyResponder project on the training of responders in 10 European countries is described. An overview is presented of training activities undertaken within the project in Austria Belgium Czech Republic France Germany Italy Norway Spain Switzerland and the United Kingdom. National leads with training expertise are given and the longer-term plans in each region are mentioned. Responders from each region took part in a specially tailored “train the trainer” programme and then delivered training within their regions. A flexible approach to training within the HyResponder network has enabled fit for purpose region appropriate activities to be delivered impacting over 1250 individuals during the project and many more beyond. Teaching and learning materials in hydrogen safety for responders have been made available in 8 languages: English Czech Dutch French German Italian Norwegian Spanish. They are being used to inform training within each of the partner countries. Dedicated national working groups focused on hydrogen safety training for responders have been established in Belgium the Czech Republic Italy and Switzerland.
Green Hydrogen Production by Water Electrolysis: Current Status and Challenges
Apr 2024
Publication
The scientific and industrial communities worldwide have recently achieved impressive technical advances in developing innovative electrocatalysts and electrolysers for water and seawater splitting. The viability of water electrolysis for commercial applications however remains elusive and the key barriers are durability cost performance materials manufacturing and system simplicity especially with regard to running on practical water sources like seawater. This paper therefore primarily aims to provide a concise overview of the most recent disruptive water-splitting technologies and materials that could reshape the future of green hydrogen production. Starting from water electrolysis fundamentals the recent advances in developing durable and efficient electrocatalysts for modern types of electrolysers such as decoupled electrolysers seawater electrolysers and unconventional hybrid electrolysers have been represented and precisely annotated in this report. Outlining the most recent advances in water and seawater splitting the paper can help as a quick guide in identifying the gap in knowledge for modern water electrolysers while pointing out recent solutions for cost-effective and efficient hydrogen production to meet zero-carbon targets in the short to near term.
PyPSA-Earth Sector-coupled: A Global Open-source Multi-energy System Model Showcased for Hydrogen Applications in Countries of the Global South
Jan 2025
Publication
This study presents sector-coupled PyPSA-Earth: a novel global open-source energy system optimization model that incorporates major demand sectors and energy carriers in high spatial and temporal resolution to enable energy transition studies worldwide. The model includes a workflow that automatically downloads and processes the necessary demand supply and transmission data to co-optimize investment and operation of energy systems of countries or regions of Earth. The workflow provides the user with tools to forecast future demand scenarios and allows for custom user-defined data in several aspects. Sector-coupled PyPSA-Earth introduces novelty by offering users a comprehensive methodology to generate readily available sector-coupled data and model of any region worldwide starting from raw and open data sources. The model provides flexibility in terms of spatial and temporal detail allowing the user to tailor it to their specific needs. The capabilities of the model are demonstrated through two showcases for Egypt and Brazil. The Egypt case quantifies the relevant role of PV exceeding 35 GW and electrolysis in Suez and Damietta regions for meeting 16% of the EU hydrogen demand. Complementarily the Brazil case confirms the model’s ability in handling hydrogen planning infrastructure including repurposing of existing gas networks which results in 146 M€ lower costs than building new pipelines. The results prove the suitability of sector-coupled PyPSA-Earth to meet the needs of policymakers developers and scholars in advancing the energy transition. The authors invite the interested individuals and institutions to collaborate in the future developments of the model within PyPSA meets Earth initiative.
Modelling the Innovation-decision Process for Hydrogen Homes: An Integrated Model of Consumer Acceptance and Adoption Intention
Nov 2024
Publication
As the global energy transition progresses a range of drivers and barriers will continue to shape consumer attitudes and behavioural intentions towards emerging low-carbon technologies. The innovation-decision process for technologies composing the residential sector such as hydrogen-fuelled heating and cooking appliances is inherently governed by the complex interplay between perceptual cognitive and emotional factors. In response this study responds to the call for an integrated research perspective to advance theoretical and empirical insights on consumer engagement in the domestic hydrogen transition. Drawing on online survey data collected in the United Kingdom where a policy decision on ‘hydrogen homes’ is set for 2026 this study systematically explores whether an integrated modelling approach supports higher levels of explanatory and predictive power. Leveraging the foundations of the unified theory of domestic hydrogen acceptance the analysis suggests that production perceptions public trust perceived relative advantage safety perceptions knowledge and awareness and positive emotions will shape consumer support for hydrogen homes. Conversely perceived disruptive impacts perceived socio-economic costs financial perceptions and negative emotions may impede the domestic hydrogen transition. Consumer acceptance stands to significantly shape deployment prospects for hydrogen boilers and hobs which are perceived to be somewhat advantageous to natural gas appliances from a technological and safety perspective. The study attests to the predictive benefits of adopting an integrated theoretical perspective when modelling the early stages of the innovation-decision process while acknowledging opportunities for leveraging innovative research approaches in the future. As national hydrogen economies gain traction adopting a neuroscience-based approach may help deepen scientific understanding regarding the neural psychological and emotional signatures shaping consumer perspectives towards hydrogen homes.
A Multi-model Assessment of the Global Warming Potential of Hydrogen
Jun 2023
Publication
With increasing global interest in molecular hydrogen to replace fossil fuels more attention is being paid to potential leakages of hydrogen into the atmosphere and its environmental consequences. Hydrogen is not directly a greenhouse gas but its chemical reactions change the abundances of the greenhouse gases methane ozone and stratospheric water vapor as well as aerosols. Here we use a model ensemble of five global atmospheric chemistry models to estimate the 100-year time-horizon Global Warming Potential (GWP100) of hydrogen. We estimate a hydrogen GWP100 of 11.6 ± 2.8 (one standard deviation). The uncertainty range covers soil uptake photochemical production of hydrogen the lifetimes of hydrogen and methane and the hydroxyl radical feedback on methane and hydrogen. The hydrogeninduced changes are robust across the different models. It will be important to keep hydrogen leakages at a minimum to accomplish the benefits of switching to a hydrogen economy.
Advances in Hydrogen Storage Technologies
Jan 2025
Publication
Gaseous hydrogen storage is the most mature technology for fuel cell vehicles. The main safety concern is the catastrophic consequences of tank rupture in a fire i.e. blast waves fireballs and projectiles. This paper sum marises research on the development and validation of the breakthrough microleaks-no-burst (μLNB) safety technology of explosion-free in any fire self-venting Type IV tanks that do not require a thermally-activate pressure relief device (TPRD). The invention implies the melting of the hydrogen-tight liner of the Type IV tank before the hydrogen-leaky double-composite wall loses load-bearing ability. Hydrogen then flows through the natural microchannels in the composites and burns in microflames or together with resin. The unattainable to competitive products feature of the technology is the ability to withstand any fire from smouldering to extreme impinging hydrogen jet fires. Innovative 70 MPa tanks made of carbon-carbon carbon-glass and carbon-basalt composites were tested in characteristic for gasoline/diesel spill fires with a specific heat release rate of HRR/A = 1 MW/m2 . Standard unprotected Type III and IV tanks will explode in such intensity fire. The technology excludes hydrogen accumulation in naturally ventilated enclosures. It reduces the risk of hydrogen vehicles to an acceptable level below that of fossil fuel cars including underground parking tunnels etc. The performance of self-venting tanks is studied for fire intervention scenarios: removal from fire and fire extinction by water. It is concluded that novel tanks allow standard fire intervention strategies and tactics. Self-venting operation of the 70 MPa tank is demonstrated in extreme jet fire conditions under impinging hydrogen jet fire (70 MPa) with huge HRR/A = 19.5 MW/m2 . This technology excludes tank rupture in fires onboard trains ships and planes where hazard distances cannot be implemented i.e. provides an unprecedented level of life safety and property protection.
Electric-thermal Collaborative System and Control for Hydrogen-fuel Cell Passenger Trains in the UK's Winter
Feb 2025
Publication
This paper presents a quantitative study on electric-thermal collaborative system for hydrogen-powered train reutilising the waste heat from fuel cell system for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC). Firstly a hybrid train simulator is developed to simulate the train’s motion state. Heat generation from fuel cell is estimated using a fuel cell model while a detailed thermodynamic model for railway passenger coach is established to predict the heat demand. Furthermore an electric-thermal collaborative energy management strategy (ETCEMS) is proposed for the system to comprehensively optimise the on-train power distribution considering traction and auxiliary power. Finally comparative analysis is performed among the train with electric heater (EH) heat pump (HP) and heat pump-heat reuse (HP-HR). The results demonstrate that over a round trip the proposed HP-HR with ETC-EMS recovers over 22.88% residual heat and saves 16.17% of hydrogen consumption. For the daily operation it reduces hydrogen and energy consumption by 12.06% and 12.82 % respectively. The findings indicate that collaborative optimisation brings significant improvements on the global energy utilisation. The proposed design with ETC-EMS is potential to further enhance the economic viability of hydrail and contributes to the rail decarbonisation.
Performance and Emissions Characteristics of Hydrogen-diesel Dual-fuel Combustion for Heavy-duty Engines
Jan 2025
Publication
This study investigates hydrogen-diesel dual-fuelling specifically for a modern 4.4L 4-cylinder heavy-duty diesel engine using extensive one-dimensional combustion modelling in Ricardo WAVE. Parametric analyses from 900 to 2200 rpm speeds and 0 to 17.5% hydrogen fractions introduced via port injection are undertaken to assess the effect of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) for controlling NOx. Moreover impacts on key indicators like brake power torque thermal efficiency and emissions are also evaluated. Results revealed that the benefits of hydrogen enrichment are highly dependent on operating conditions. At speeds above 1700 rpm and hydrogen mass fraction of 17.5% remarkable gains were attained increasing brake power and torque by up to 17% and 16.5% respectively. Brake-specific diesel consumption (BSDC) improves by 29% at higher speeds due to hy drogen’s larger energy content. NOx emissions display a trade-off decreasing substantially by 96% at lower speeds but increasing by 43% at 2200 rpm with 17.5% hydrogen.
Sudden Releases of Hydrogen into a Tunnel
Sep 2023
Publication
This paper presents work undertaken by the HSE as part of the Hytunnel-CS project a consortium investigating safety considerations for fuel cell hydrogen (FCH) vehicles in tunnels and similar confined spaces. The sudden failure of a pressurised hydrogen vessel was identified as a scenario of concern due to the severity of the consequences associated with such an event. In order to investigate this scenario experimentally HSE designed a bespoke and reusable ‘sudden release’ vessel. This paper presents an overview of the vessel and the results of a series of 13 tests whereby hydrogen was released from the bespoke vessel into a tunnel at pressures up to 65 MPa. The starting pressure and the volume of hydrogen in the vessel were altered throughout the campaign. Four of the tests also included congestion in the tunnel. The tests reliably autoignited. Overpressure measurements and flame arrival times measured with exposed-tip thermocouples enabled analysis of the severity of the events. A high-pressure fast-acting pressure transducer in the body of the vessel showed the pressure decay in the vessel which shows that 90% of the hydrogen was evacuated in between 1.8 and 3.2 ms (depending on the hydrogen inventory). Schlieren flow imagery was also used at the release point of the hydrogen showing the progression of the shock front following initiation of the tests. An assessment of the footage shows an estimated initial velocity of Mach 3.9 at 0.4 m from the release point. Based on this an ignition mechanism is proposed based upon the temperature behind the initial shock front.
Assessing the Potential of Decarbonization Options for Industrial Sectors
Jan 2024
Publication
Industry emits around a quarter of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This paper presents the first comprehensive review to identify the main decarbonization options for this sector and their abatement potentials. First we identify the important GHG emitting processes and establish a global average baseline for their current emissions intensity and energy use. We then quantify the energy and emissions reduction potential of the most significant abatement options as well as their technology readiness level (TRL). We find that energy-intensive industries have a range of decarbonization technologies available with medium to high TRLs and mature options also exist for decarbonizing low-temperature heat across a wide range of industrial sectors. However electrification and novel process change options to reduce emissions from high-temperature and sector-specific processes have much lower TRLs in comparison. We conclude by highlighting important barriers to the deployment of industrial decarbonization options and identifying future research development and demonstration needs.
Clean Hydrogen Roadmap: Is Greater Realism Leading to more Credible Paths Forward?
Sep 2023
Publication
"The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies started researching the role of hydrogen in the energy transition in 2020. Since then the interest in hydrogen has continued to grow globally across the energy industry. A key research question has been the extent to which clean hydrogen can be scaled up at reasonable cost and whether it can play a significant role in the global energy system. In April 2022 OIES launched a new Hydrogen Research Programme under the overarching theme of ’building business cases for a hydrogen economy’. This overarching theme was selected based on the observation that most clean hydrogen developments to date had been relatively small-scale pilot or demonstration projects typically funded by government grants or subsidies. For clean hydrogen to play a significant role there will need to be business cases developed in order to attract the many hundreds of billions of dollars of investment required most of which will need to come from the private sector albeit ultimately underpinned by government-backed decarbonisation policies. Just over a year has passed since the start of the Hydrogen Research Programme and the intention of this paper is to pull together key themes which have emerged from the research so far and which can form a useful framework for further research both by OIES and others.<br/>The six key themes in this paper listed below are intended to create a framework to at least start to address the challenges:<br/>Hydrogen is in competition with other decarbonisation alternatives.<br/>The business case for clean hydrogen relies on government policy to drive decarbonisation.<br/>It is essential to understand emissions associated with potential hydrogen investments.<br/>Hydrogen investments need to consider the full value chain and its geopolitics.<br/>Transport of hydrogen is expensive and so should be minimised.<br/>Storage of hydrogen is an essential part of the value chain and requires more focus.
Look-ahead Scheduling of Energy-Water Nexus Integrated with Power2X Conversion Technologies under Multiple Uncertainties
Aug 2023
Publication
Co-optimizing energy and water resources in a microgrid can increase efficiency and improve economic performance. Energy-water storage (EWS) devices are crucial components of a high-efficient energy-water microgrid (EWMG). The state of charge (SoC) at the end of the first day of operation is one of the most significant variables in EWS devices since it is used as a parameter to indicate the starting SoC for the second day which influences the operating cost for the second day. Hence this paper examines the benefits and applicability of a lookahead optimization strategy for an EWMG integrated with multi-type energy conversion technologies and multienergy demand response to supply various energy-water demands related to electric/hydrogen vehicles and commercial/residential buildings with the lowest cost for two consecutive days. In addition a hybrid info-gap/robust optimization technique is applied to cover uncertainties in photovoltaic power and electricity prices as a tri-level optimization framework without generating scenarios and using the probability distribution functions. Duality theory is also used to convert the problem into a single-level MILP so that it can be solved by CPLEX. According to the findings the implemented energy-water storage systems and look-ahead strategy accounted for respectively 4.03% and 0.43% reduction in the total cost.
Hydrogen, A Less Disruptive Pathway for Domestic Heat? Exploratory Findings from Public Perception Research
Aug 2023
Publication
The disruption associated with heat decarbonisation has been identified as a key opportunity for hydrogen technologies in temperate countries and regions where established distribution infrastructure and familiarity with natural gas boilers predominate. A key element of such claims is the empirically untested belief that citizens will prefer to minimise disruption and perceive hydrogen to be less disruptive than the network upgrades and retrofit measures needed to support electric and other low carbon heating technologies. This article reports on exploratory deliberative research with residents of Cardiff Wales which examined public perceptions of heating disruptions. Our findings suggest that concerns over public responses to disruption may be overstated particularly as they relate to construction and road excavation for network upgrade. Disruptions arising from permanent changes to building fabric may be more problematic for heat pump retrofit however these may be greatly overshadowed by anxieties over the cost implications of moving to hydrogen fuel. Furthermore the biographical patterning of citizen preferences raises significant questions for hydrogen roll-out strategies relying on regionalised network conversion. We conclude by arguing that far from a non-disruptive alternative to electrification hydrogen risks being seen as posing substantial disruptions to precarious household finances and lifestyles.
A Comparative Analysis of Different Hydrogen Production Methods and Their Environmental Impact
Nov 2023
Publication
This study emphasises the growing relevance of hydrogen as a green energy source in meeting the growing need for sustainable energy solutions. It foregrounds the importance of assessing the environmental consequences of hydrogen-generating processes for their long-term viability. The article compares several hydrogen production processes in terms of scalability costeffectiveness and technical improvements. It also investigates the environmental effects of each approach considering crucial elements such as greenhouse gas emissions water use land needs and waste creation. Different industrial techniques have distinct environmental consequences. While steam methane reforming is cost-effective and has a high production capacity it is coupled with large carbon emissions. Electrolysis a technology that uses renewable resources is appealing but requires a lot of energy. Thermochemical and biomass gasification processes show promise for long-term hydrogen generation but further technological advancement is required. The research investigates techniques for improving the environmental friendliness of hydrogen generation through the use of renewable energy sources. Its ultimate purpose is to offer readers a thorough awareness of the environmental effects of various hydrogen generation strategies allowing them to make educated judgements about ecologically friendly ways. It can ease the transition to a cleaner hydrogen-powered economy by considering both technological feasibility and environmental issues enabling a more ecologically conscious and climate-friendly energy landscape.
Life Cycle Analysis of Hydrogen Powered Marine Vessels—Case Ship Comparison Study with Conventional Power System
Aug 2023
Publication
The latest International Maritime Organization strategies aim to reduce 70% of the CO2 emissions and 50% of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from maritime activities by 2050 compared to 2008 levels. The EU has set up goals to reduce GHG emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 and achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. The UK aims to achieve more than 68% GHG emission reduction by 2030 and net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. There are many solutions under development to tackle the challenge of meeting the latest decarbonization strategies from the IMO EU and UK among which are hydrogen powered marine vessels. This paper presents a life cycle analysis study for hydrogen fuelled vessels by evaluating their performance in terms of environmental friendliness and economic feasibility. The LCA study will consider the gas emissions and costs during the life stages of the ships including the construction operation maintenance and recycling phases of the selected vessels. The results of the comparisons with the conventional version of the ships (driven by diesel generators) demonstrate the benefits of using hydrogen for marine transportation: over 80% emission reduction and around 60% life cycle cost savings. A sensitivity analysis shows that the prices of fuels and carbon credits can affect the life cycle cost and recommendations for low H2 price and high carbon credit in the future are provided to attract the industry to adopt the new fuel.
A Review of Control Strategies for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells and Water Electrolysers: From Automation to Autonomy
Jul 2024
Publication
Proton exchange membrane (PEM) based electrochemical systems have the capability to operate in fuel cell (PEMFC) and water electrolyser (PEMWE) modes enabling efficient hydrogen energy utilisation and green hydrogen production. In addition to the essential cell stacks the system of PEMFC or PEMWE consists of four sub-systems for managing gas supply power thermal and water respectively. Due to the system’s complexity even a small fluctuation in a certain sub-system can result in an unexpected response leading to a reduced performance and stability. To improve the system’s robustness and responsiveness considerable efforts have been dedicated to developing advanced control strategies. This paper comprehensively reviews various control strategies proposed in literature revealing that traditional control methods are widely employed in PEMFC and PEMWE due to their simplicity yet they suffer from limitations in accuracy. Conversely advanced control methods offer high accuracy but are hindered by poor dynamic performance. This paper highlights the recent advancements in control strategies incorporating machine learning algorithms. Additionally the paper provides a perspective on the future development of control strategies suggesting that hybrid control methods should be used for future research to leverage the strength of both sides. Notably it emphasises the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing control strategies demonstrating its significant potential in facilitating the transition from automation to autonomy.
A COMSOL Framework for Predicting Hydrogen Embrittlement - Part 1: Coupled Hydrogen Transport
Mar 2025
Publication
Hydrogen threatens the structural integrity of metals and thus predicting hydrogen-material interactions is key to unlocking the role of hydrogen in the energy transition. Quantifying the interplay between material deformation and hydrogen diffusion ahead of cracks and other stress concentrators is key to the prediction and prevention of hydrogen-assisted failures. In this work a generalised theoretical and computational framework is presented that for the first time encompasses: (i) stress-assisted diffusion (ii) hydrogen trapping due to multiple trap types rigorously accounting for the rate of creation of dislocation trap sites (iii) hydrogen transport through dislocations (iv) equilibrium (Oriani) and non-equilibrium (McNabb-Foster) trapping kinetics (v) hydrogen-induced softening and (vi) hydrogen uptake considering the role of hydrostatic stresses and local electrochemistry. Particular emphasis is placed on the numerical implementation in COMSOL Multiphysics releasing the relevant models and discussing stability discretisation and solver details. Each of the elements of the framework is independently benchmarked against results from the literature and implications for the prediction of hydrogen-assisted fractures are discussed. The second part of this work (Part II) shows how these crack tip predictions can be combined with crack growth simulations.
Flame Acceleration, Detonation Limit and Heat Loss for Hydrogen-Oxygen Mixture at Cryogenic Temperature of 77 K
Sep 2023
Publication
Experiments are performed in hydrogen-oxygen mixtures at the cryogenic temperature of 77 K with the equivalence ratio of 1.5 and 2.0. The optical fibers pressure sensors and the smoked foils are used to record the flame velocity overpressure evolution curve and detonation cells respectively. The 1st and 2nd shock waves are captured and they finally merge to form a stronger precursor shock wave prior to the onset of detonation. The cryogenic temperature will cause the larger expansion ratio which results in the occurrence of strong flame acceleration. The stuttering mode the galloping mode and the deflagration mode are observed when the initial pressure decreases from 0.50 atm to 0.20 atm with the equivalence ratio of 1.5 and the detonation limit is within 0.25-0.30 atm. The heat loss effect on the detonation limit is analysed. In addition the regularity of detonation cell is investigated and the larger post-shock specific heat ratio !"" and the lower normalized activation energy # at lower initial pressure will cause the more regular detonation cell. Also the detonation cell width is predicted by a model of = ($) ⋅ Δ# and the prediction results are mainly consistent with the experimental results.
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