Poland
Why Ultrasonic Gas Leak Detection?
Sep 2021
Publication
Technologies that have traditionally been used in fixed installations to detect hydrogen gas leaks such as Catalytic and Electrochemical Point Sensors have one limitation: in order for a leak to be detected the gas itself must either be in close proximity to the detector or within a pre-defined area. Unfortunately outdoor environmental conditions such as changing wind directions and quick dispersion of the gas cloud from a leaking outdoor installation often cause that traditional gas detection systems may not alert to the presence of gas simply because the gas never reaches the detector. These traditional gas detection systems need to wait for the gas to form a vapor cloud which may or may not ignite and which may or may not allow loss prevention by enabling shutting down the gas facility in time. Ultrasonic Gas Leak Detectors (UGLD) respond at the speed of sound at gas leak initiation unaffected by changing wind directions and dilution of the gas. Ultrasonic Gas Leak Detectors are based on robust microphone technology; they detect outdoor leaks by sensing the distinct high frequency ultrasound emitted by all high pressure gas leaks. With the ultrasonic sensing technology leaking gas itself does not have to reach the sensor – just the sound of the gas leaking. By adding Ultrasonic Gas Leak Detectors for Hydrogen leak detection faster response times and lower operation costs can be obtained.
Improving Ecological Efficiency of Gas Turbine Power System by Combusting Hydrogen and Hydrogen-Natural Gas Mixtures
Apr 2023
Publication
Currently the issue of creating decarbonized energy systems in various spheres of life is acute. Therefore for gas turbine power systems including hybrid power plants with fuel cells it is relevant to transfer the existing engines to pure hydrogen or mixtures of hydrogen with natural gas. However significant problems arise associated with the possibility of the appearance of flashback zones and acoustic instability of combustion an increase in the temperature of the walls of the flame tubes and an increase in the emission of nitrogen oxides in some cases. This work is devoted to improving the efficiency of gas turbine power systems by combusting pure hydrogen and mixtures of natural gas with hydrogen. The organization of working processes in the premixed combustion chamber and the combustion chamber with a sequential injection of ecological and energy steam for the “Aquarius” type power plant is considered. The conducted studies of the basic aerodynamic and energy parameters of a gas turbine combustor working on hydrogen-containing gases are based on solving the equations of conservation and transfer in a multicomponent reacting system. A four-stage chemical scheme for the burning of a mixture of natural gas and hydrogen was used which allows for the rational parameters of environmentally friendly fuel burning devices to be calculated. The premixed combustion chamber can only be recommended for operations on mixtures of natural gas with hydrogen with a hydrogen content not exceeding 20% (by volume). An increase in the content of hydrogen leads to the appearance of flashback zones and fuel combustion inside the channels of the swirlers. For the combustion chamber of the combined-cycle power plant “Vodoley” when operating on pure hydrogen the formation of flame flashback zones does not occur.
Overview of the Hydrogen Production by Plasma-Driven Solution Electrolysis
Oct 2022
Publication
This paper reviews the progress in applying the plasma-driven solution electrolysis (PDSE) which is also referred to as the contact glow-discharge electrolysis (CGDE) or plasma electrolysis for hydrogen production. The physicochemical processes responsible for the formation of PDSE and effects occurring at the discharge electrode in the cathodic and anodic regimes of the PDSE operation are described. The influence of the PDSE process parameters especially the discharge polarity magnitude of the applied voltage type and concentration of the typical electrolytic solutions (K2CO3 Na2CO3 KOH NaOH H2SO4 ) presence of organic additives (CH3OH C2H5OH CH3COOH) temperature of the electrolytic solution the active length and immersion depth of the discharge electrode into the electrolytic solution on the energy efficiency (%) energy yield (g(H2 )/kWh) and hydrogen production rate (g(H2 )/h) is presented and discussed. This analysis showed that in the cathodic regime of PDSE the hydrogen production rate is 33.3 times higher than that in the anodic regime of PDSE whereas the Faradaic and energy efficiencies are 11 and 12.5 times greater respectively than that in the anodic one. It also revealed the energy yield of hydrogen production in the cathodic regime of PDSE in the methanol–water mixture as the electrolytic solution is 3.9 times greater compared to that of the alkaline electrolysis 4.1 times greater compared to the polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis 2.8 times greater compared to the solid oxide electrolysis 1.75 times greater than that obtained in the microwave (2.45 GHz) plasma and 5.8% greater compared to natural gas steam reforming.
Increasing Technical Efficiency of Renewable Energy Sources in Power Systems
Mar 2023
Publication
This paper presents a method for refining the forecast schedule of renewable energy sources (RES) generation by its intraday adjustment and investigates the measures for reserving RES with unstable generation in electric power systems (EPSs). Owing to the dependence of electricity generation by solar and wind power plants (PV and WPPs respectively) on natural conditions problems arise with their contribution to the process of balancing the power system. Therefore the EPS is obliged to keep a power reserve to compensate for deviations in RES from the planned generation amount. A system-wide reserve (mainly the shunting capacity of thermal and hydroelectric power plants) is used first followed by other means of power reserve: electrochemical hydrogen or biogas plants. To analyze the technical and economic efficiency of certain backup means mathematical models based on the theory of similarity and the criterion method were developed. This method is preferred because it provides the ability to compare different methods of backing up RES generation with each other assess their proportionality and determine the sensitivity of costs to the capacity of backup methods with minimal available initial information. Criterion models have been formed that allow us to build dependencies of the costs of backup means for unstable RES generation on the capacity of the backup means. It is shown that according to the results of the analysis of various methods and means of RES backup hydrogen technologies are relatively the most effective. The results of the analysis in relative units can be clarified if the current and near-term price indicators are known.
Hydrogen Stratification in Enclosures in Dependence of the Gas Release Momentum
Sep 2021
Publication
The hydrogen dispersion phenomenon in an enclosure depends on the ratio of the gas buoyancy induced momentum. Random diffusive motions of individual gas particles become dominative when the release momentum is low. Then a uniform hydrogen concentration appears in the enclosure instead of the gas stratification below the ceiling. The paper justifies this hypothesis by demonstrating fullscale experimental results of hydrogen dispersion within a confined space under six different release variations. During the experiments hydrogen was released into the test room of 60 m3 volume in two methods: through a nozzle and through 21 points evenly distributed on the emission box cover (multipoint release). Each release method was tested with three different hydrogen volume flow rates (3.17·10−3 m3/s 1.63·10−3 m3/s 3.34·10−4 m3/s). The tests confirm the increase of hydrogen convective upward flow and its stratification tendency relative to increased volume flow. A tendency of more uniform hydrogen cloud distribution when Mach Reynolds and Froud number values decreased was demonstrated. Because the hydrogen dispersion phenomena impact fire and explosive hazards the presented experimental results could help fire protection systems be in an enclosure designed allowing their effectiveness optimization.
Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles: A Review
Nov 2022
Publication
Motor vehicles are the backbone of global transport. In recent years due to the rising costs of fossil fuels and increasing concerns about their negative impact on the natural environment the development of low-emission power supply systems for vehicles has been observed. In order to create a stable and safe global transport system an important issue seems to be the diversification of propulsion systems for vehicles which can be achieved through the simultaneous development of conventional internal combustion vehicles electric vehicles (both battery and fuel cell powered) as well as combustion hydrogen-powered vehicles. This publication presents an overview of commercial vehicles (available on the market) powered by internal combustion hydrogen engines. The work focuses on presenting the development of technology from the point of view of introducing ready-made hydrogen-powered vehicles to the market or technical solutions enabling the use of hydrogen mixtures in internal combustion engines. The study covers the history of the technology dedicated hydrogen and bi-fuel vehicles and vehicles with an engine powered by a mixture of conventional fuels and hydrogen. It presents basic technology parameters and solutions introduced by leading vehicle manufacturers in the vehicle market.
Selection of Underground Hydrogen Storage Risk Assessment Techniques
Dec 2021
Publication
The article proposes the use of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method to select a risk assessment technique associated with underground hydrogen storage. The initial choosing and ranking of risk assessment techniques can be considered as a multi-criteria decision problem. The usage of a decision model based on six criteria is proposed. A ranking of methods for estimating the risks associated with underground hydrogen storage is presented. The obtained results show that the application of the AHP-based approach may be a useful tool for selecting the UHS risk assessment technique. The proposed method makes it possible to make an objective decision of the most satisfactory approach from the point of view of all the adopted decision criteria regarding the selection of the best risk assessment technique.
Recent Progress on Hydrogen Storage and Production Using Chemical Hydrogen Carriers
Jul 2022
Publication
Depleting fossil fuel resources and anthropogenic climate changes are the reasons for the intensive development of new sustainable technologies based on renewable energy sources. One of the most promising strategies is the utilization of hydrogen as an energy vector. However the limiting issue for large-scale commercialization of hydrogen technologies is a safe efficient and economical method of gas storage. In industrial practice hydrogen compression and liquefaction are currently applied; however due to the required high pressure (30–70 MPa) and low temperature (−253 ◦C) both these methods are intensively energy consuming. Chemical hydrogen storage is a promising alternative as it offers safe storage of hydrogen-rich compounds under ambient conditions. Although many compounds serving as hydrogen carriers are considered some of them do not have realistic perspectives for large-scale commercialization. In this review the three most technologically advanced hydrogen carriers—dimethyl ether methanol and dibenzyltoluene—are discussed and compared. Their potential for industrial application in relation to the energy storage transport and mobility sectors is analyzed taking into account technological and environmental aspects.
Clean Hydrogen Is a Challenge for Enterprises in the Era of Low-Emission and Zero-Emission Economy
Jan 2023
Publication
Hydrogen can be considered an innovative fuel that will revolutionize the energy sector and enable even more complete use of the potential of renewable sources. The aim of the paper is to present the challenges faced by companies and economies that will produce and use hydrogen. Thanks to the use of hydrogen in the energy transport and construction sectors it will be possible to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. By 2050 global demand for hydrogen will increase to 614 million metric tons a year and thanks to the use of hydrogen in energy transport and construction it will be possible to achieve climate neutrality. Depending on the method of hydrogen production the processes used and the final effects several groups can be distinguished marked with different colors. It is in this area of obtaining friendly hydrogen that innovative possibilities for its production open up. The costs of hydrogen production are also affected by network fees national tax systems availability and prices of carbon capture utilization and storage installations energy consumption rates by electrolyzers and transport methods. It is planned that 1 kg of hydrogen will cost USD 1. The study used the desk research method which made it possible to analyze a huge amount of descriptive data and numerical data.
Thermodynamic Analysis of the Effect of Green Hydrogen Addition to a Fuel Mixture on the Steam Methane Reforming Process
Oct 2021
Publication
Steam methane (CH4–H2O) reforming in the presence of a catalyst usually nickel is the most common technology for generating synthesis gas as a feedstock in chemical synthesis and a source of pure H2 and CO. What is essential from the perspective of further gas use is the parameter describing a ratio of equilibrium concentration of hydrogen to carbon monoxide (/ = 2/). The parameter is determined by operating temperature and the initial ratio of steam concentration to methane = 2 0 /4 0 . In this paper the author presents a thermodynamic analysis of the effect of green hydrogen addition to a fuel mixture on the steam methane reforming process of gaseous phase (CH4/H2)–H2O. The thermodynamic analysis of conversion of hydrogen-enriched methane (CH4/H2)–H2O has been performed using parametric equation formalism allowing for determining the equilibrium composition of the process in progress. A thermodynamic condition of carbon precipitation in methane reforming (CH4/H2) with the gaseous phase of H2O has been interpreted. The ranges of substrate concentrations creating carbon deposition for temperature T = 1000 K have been determined based on the technologies used. The results obtained can serve as a model basis for describing the properties of steam reforming of methane and hydrogen mixture (CH4/H2)– H2O.
Studies on the Impact of Hydrogen on the Results of THT Measurement Devices
Dec 2021
Publication
An essential prerequisite for safe transport and use of natural gas is their appropriate odorization. This enables the detection of uncontrolled gas leaks. Proper and systematic odorization inspection ensures both safe use of gas and continuity of the process itself. In practice it is conducted through among others measuring odorant concentrations in gas. Control devices for rapid gas odorization measurements that are currently used on a large scale in the gas industry are equipped with electrochemical detectors selective for sulfur compounds like tetrahydrothiophene (THT). Because the selectivity of electrochemical detector response to one compound (e.g. THT) the available declarations of manufacturers show that detector sensitivity (indirectly also the quality of the measurement result) is influenced by the presence of increased e.g. sulfur or hydrogen compound content in the gas. Because of the lack of sufficient source literature data in this field it was necessary to experimentally verify this impact. The results of studies on experimental verification of suspected influence of increased amounts of hydrogen in gas on the response of electrochemical detector was carried out at the Oil and Gas Institute—National Research Institute (INiG—PIB). They are presented in this article. The data gathered in the course of researching the dependence between THT concentration measurement result quality and hydrogen content in gas composition enabled a preliminary assessment of the threat to the safety of end users of gaseous fuels caused by the introduction of this gas into the distribution network. Noticing the scope of necessary changes in the area of odorization is necessary to guarantee this safety.
A Multiobjective Optimization of a Catalyst Distribution in a Methane/Steam Reforming Reactor Using a Genetic Algorithm
May 2020
Publication
The presented research focuses on an optimization design of a catalyst distribution inside a small-scale methane/steam reforming reactor. A genetic algorithm was used for the multiobjective optimization which included the search for an optimum of methane conversion rate and a minimum of the difference between highest and lowest temperatures in the reactor. For the sake of computational time the maximal number of the segment with different catalyst densities was set to be thirty in this study. During the entire optimization process every part of the reactor could be filled either with a catalyst material or non-catalytic metallic foam. In both cases the porosity and pore size was also specified. The impact of the porosity and pore size on the active reaction surface and permeability was incorporated using graph theory and three-dimensional digital material representation. Calculations start with the generation of a random set of possible reactors each with a different catalyst distribution. The algorithm calls reforming simulation over each of the reactors and after obtaining concentration and temperature fields the algorithms calculated fitness function. The properties of the best reactors are combined to generate a new population of solutions. The procedure is repeated and after meeting the coverage criteria the optimal catalyst distribution was proposed. The paper is summarized with the optimal catalyst distribution for the given size and working conditions of the system.
The Impact of Economic, Energy, and Environmental Factors on the Development of the Hydrogen Economy
Aug 2021
Publication
This article attempts to model interdependencies between socio-economic energy and environmental factors with selected data characterizing the development of the hydrogen economy. The study applies Spearman’s correlation and a linear regression model to estimate the influence of gross domestic product population final energy consumption renewable energy and CO2 emission on chosen hydrogen indicators—production patents energy technology research development and demonstration budgets. The study was conducted in nine countries selected for their actions towards a hydrogen economy based on analyses of national strategies policies research and development programs and roadmaps. The results confirm the statistically significant impact of the chosen indicators which are the drivers for the development of the hydrogen economy from 2008 to 2018. Moreover the empirical results show that different characteristics in each country contribute to the development of the hydrogen economy vision
Investigation on System for Renewable Electricity Storage in Small Scale Integrating Photovoltaics, Batteries, and Hydrogen Generator
Nov 2020
Publication
In this article the solution based on hydrogen generation to increase the flexibility of energy storage systems is proposed. Operating characteristics of a hydrogen generator with integrated electrical energy storage and a photovoltaic installation were determined. The key role of the electricity storage in the proposed system was to maintain the highest operating efficiency related to the nominal parameters of the hydrogen generator. The hydrogen generators achieved the highest energy efficiency for the nominal operating point at the highest power output. Lead-acid batteries were used to ensure the optimal operating conditions for the hydrogen generator supplied with renewable energy throughout the day. The proposed system reduces significantly the hydrogen generator nominal power and devices in system operate in such a way to improve their efficiency and durability. The relations between individual components and their constraints were determined. The proposed solution is fully in-line with previously investigated technologies for improving grid stability and can help incorporate renewable energy sources to increase the sustainability of the energy sector and green hydrogen production.
Magnesium-Based Materials for Hydrogen Storage—A Scope Review
Sep 2020
Publication
Magnesium hydride and selected magnesium-based ternary hydride (Mg2FeH6 Mg2NiH4 and Mg2CoH5) syntheses and modification methods as well as the properties of the obtained materials which are modified mostly by mechanical synthesis or milling are reviewed in this work. The roles of selected additives (oxides halides and intermetallics) nanostructurization polymorphic transformations and cyclic stability are described. Despite the many years of investigations related to these hydrides and the significant number of different additives used there are still many unknown factors that affect their hydrogen storage properties reaction yield and stability. The described compounds seem to be extremely interesting from a theoretical point of view. However their practical application still remains debatable.
Economic Conditions for Developing Hydrogen Production Based on Coal Gasification with Carbon Capture and Storage in Poland
Sep 2020
Publication
This study documents the results of economic assessment concerning four variants of coal gasification to hydrogen in a shell reactor. That assessment has been made using discounting methods (NPV: net present value IRR: internal rate of return) as well as indicators based on a free cash flow to firm (FCFF) approach. Additionally sensitivity analysis has been carried out along with scenario analysis in current market conditions concerning prices of hard coal lignite hydrogen and CO2 allowances as well as capital expenditures and costs related to carbon capture and storage (CCS) systems. Based on NPV results a negative economic assessment has been obtained for all the analyzed variants varying within the range of EUR −903 to −142 million although the variants based on hard coal achieved a positive IRR (5.1–5.7%) but lower than the assumed discount rates. In Polish conditions the gasification of lignite seems to be unprofitable in the assumed scale of total investment outlays and the current price of coal feedstock. The sensitivity analyses indicate that at least a 20% increase of hydrogen price would be required or a similar reduction of capital expenditures (CAPEX) and costs of operation for the best variant to make NPV positive. Analyses have also indicated that on the economic basis only the prices of CO2 allowances exceeding EUR 40/Mg (EUR 52/Mg for lignite) would generate savings due to the availability of CCS systems.
A Comprehensive Overview of Hydrogen-Fueled Internal Combustion Engines: Achievements and Future Challenges
Oct 2021
Publication
This paper provides a comprehensive review and critical analysis of the latest research results in addition to an overview of the future challenges and opportunities regarding the use of hydrogen to power internal combustion engines (ICEs). The experiences and opinions of various international research centers on the technical possibilities of using hydrogen as a fuel in ICE are summarized. The advantages and disadvantages of the use of hydrogen as a solution are described. Attention is drawn to the specific physical chemical and operational properties of hydrogen for ICEs. A critical review of hydrogen combustion concepts is provided drawing on previous research results and experiences described in a number of research papers. Much space is devoted to discussing the challenges and opportunities associated with port and direct hydrogen injection technology. A comparison of different fuel injection and ignition strategies and the benefits of using the synergies of selected solutions are presented. Pointing to the previous experiences of various research centers the hazards related to incorrect hydrogen combustion such as early pre‐ignition late pre‐ignition knocking combustion and backfire are described. Attention is focused on the fundamental importance of air ratio optimization from the point of view of combustion quality NOx emissions engine efficiency and performance. Exhaust gas scrubbing to meet future emission regulations for hydrogen powered internal combustion engines is another issue that is considered. The article also discusses the modifications required to adapt existing engines to run on hydrogen. Referring to still‐unsolved problems the reliability challenges faced by fuel injection systems in particular are presented. An analysis of more than 150 articles shows that hydrogen is a suitable alternative fuel for spark‐ignition engines. It will significantly improve their performance and greatly reduce emissions to a fraction of their current level. However its use also has some drawbacks the most significant of which are its high NOx emissions and low power output and problems in terms of the durability and reliability of hydrogen‐fueled engines.
Hydrogen Dispersion and Ventilation Effects in Enclosures under Different Release Conditions
Apr 2021
Publication
Hydrogen is an explosive gas which could create extremely hazardous conditions when released into an enclosure. Full-scale experiments of hydrogen release and dispersion in the confined space were conducted. The experiments were performed for hydrogen release outflow of 63 × 10−3 m3/s through a single nozzle and multi-point release way optionally. It was found that the hydrogen dispersion in an enclosure strongly depends on the gas release way. Significantly higher hydrogen stratification is observed in a single nozzle release than in the case of the multi-point release when the gas concentration becomes more uniform in the entire enclosure volume. The experimental results were confirmed on the basis of Froud number analysis. The CFD simulations realized with the FDS code by NIST allowed visualization of the experimental hydrogen dispersion phenomenon and confirmed that the varied distribution of hydrogen did not affect the effectiveness of the accidental mechanical ventilation system applied in the tested room.
Energy Futures and Green Hydrogen Production: Is Saudi Arabia Trend?
May 2023
Publication
This paper explores the potential for hydrogen energy to become a future trend in Saudi Arabia energy industry. With the emergence of hydrogen as a promising clean energy source there has been growing interest and investment in this area globally. This study investigated whether the country is likely to pursue this trend given its current energy mix and policies. A study was conducted to provide an overview of the global trends and best practices in hydrogen energy adoption and investment. The outcomes of the analysis show that the country current energy mix has the potential to produce green hydrogen energy. The evaluation of its readiness and potential obstacles for hydrogen energy adoption has been drowned and there are several challenges that need to be addressed. The study outcomes also conclude with policy implications and recommendations for the country energy industry.
Process of Transformation to Net Zero Steelmaking: Decarbonisation Scenarios Based on the Analysis of the Polish Steel Industry
Apr 2023
Publication
The European steel industry is experiencing new challenges related to the market situation and climate policy. Experience from the period of pandemic restrictions and the effects of Russia’s armed invasion of Ukraine has given many countries a basis for including steel along with raw materials (coke iron ore electricity) in economic security products (CRMA). Steel is needed for economic infrastructure and construction development as well as a material for other industries (without steel factories will not produce cars machinery ships washing machines etc.). In 2022 steelmakers faced a deepening energy crisis and economic slowdown. The market situation prompted steelmakers to impose restrictions on production volumes (worldwide production fell by 4% compared to the previous year). Despite the difficult economic situation of the steel industry (production in EU countries fell by 11% in 2022 compared to the previous year) the EU is strengthening its industrial decarbonisation policy (“Fit for 55”). The decarbonisation of steel production is set to accelerate by 2050. To sharply reduce carbon emissions steel mills need new steelmaking technologies. The largest global steelmakers are already investing in new technologies that will use green hydrogen (produced from renewable energy sources). Reducing iron ore with hydrogen plasma will drastically reduce CO2 emissions (steel production using hydrogen could emit up to 95% less CO2 than the current BF + BOF blast furnace + basic oxygen furnace integrated method). Investments in new technologies must be tailored to the steel industry. A net zero strategy (deep decarbonisation goal) may have different scenarios in different EU countries. The purpose of this paper was to introduce the conditions for investing in low-carbon steelmaking technologies in the Polish steel market and to develop (based on expert opinion) scenarios for the decarbonisation of the Polish steel industry.
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