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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.
Financing Efficiency Evaluation and Influencing Factors of Hydrogen Energy Listed Enterprises in China
Jan 2022
Publication
Existing studies of financing efficiency concentrate on capital structure and a single external environment or internal management characteristic. Few of the studies include the internal and external financing environments at the same time for hydrogen energy industry financing efficiency. This paper used the data envelopment analysis (DEA) model and the Malmquist index to measure the financing efficiency of 70 hydrogen energy listed enterprises in China from 2014 to 2020 from both static and dynamic perspectives. Then a tobit model was constructed to explore the influence of external environment and internal factors on the financing efficiency. The contributions of this paper are studying the internal and external financing environments and integrating financing cost efficiency and capital allocation efficiency into the financing efficiency of hydrogen energy enterprises. The results show that firstly the financing efficiency of China’s hydrogen energy listed enterprises showed an upward trend during the years 2014–2020. Secondly China’s hydrogen energy enterprises mainly gather in the eastern coastal areas and their financing efficiency is more than that in western areas. Thirdly the regional economic development level enterprise scale financing structure capital utilization efficiency and profitability have significant effects on the financing efficiency. These results can promote the achievement of “carbon neutrality” in China.
Volumetric Analysis Technique for Analyzing the Transport Properties of Hydrogen Gas in Cylindrical-shaped Rubbery Polymers
Mar 2021
Publication
We report volumetric analysis techniques to analyze the transport properties of hydrogen dissolved in cylindrical-shaped polymers. The techniques utilize the volume measurement of the released hydrogen from rubber by gas collection in a graduated cylinder after charging sample with high-pressure hydrogen and subsequent decompression. We further improve the graduated cylinder with some modifications such as reading the electrical capacitance of the water level using electrodes and changing the sample loading position. From the measurement results the uptake (C∞) diffusion coefficient (D) and solubility (S) of hydrogen are quantified with an upgraded diffusion analysis program. These methods are applied to three cylindrical rubbers. Dual adsorption behaviors with increasing pressure are observed for all the samples. C∞ follows Henry’s law up to ~15 MPa whereas Langmuir model applies up to 90 MPa. D shows Knudsen and bulk diffusion behavior below and above pressure respectively. A COMSOL simulation is compared with experimental observations.
Validation of GreenH2armony® as a Tool for the Computation of Harmonised Life-Cycle Indicators of Hydrogen
Apr 2020
Publication
The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology is often used to check the environmental suitability of hydrogen energy systems usually involving comparative studies. However these comparative studies are typically affected by inconsistent methodological choices between the case studies under comparison. In this regard protocols for the harmonisation of methodological choices in LCA of hydrogen are available. The step-by-step application of these protocols to a large number of case studies has already resulted in libraries of harmonised carbon energy and acidification footprints of hydrogen. In order to foster the applicability of these harmonisation protocols a web-based software for the calculation of harmonised life-cycle indicators of hydrogen has recently been developed. This work addresses—for the first time—the validation of such a tool by checking the deviation between the available libraries of harmonised carbon energy and acidification footprints of hydrogen and the corresponding tool-based harmonised results. A high correlation (R2 > 0.999) was found between the library- and tool-based harmonised life-cycle indicators of hydrogen thereby successfully validating the software. Hence this tool has the potential to effectively promote the use of harmonised life-cycle indicators for robust comparative LCA studies of hydrogen energy systems significantly mitigating misinterpretation.
Hydrogen Addition Influence for the Efficient and Ecological Parameters of Heavy-Duty Natural Gas Si Engine
May 2017
Publication
The paper presents the experimental research results of heavy-duty vehicle (public transport bus) fuelled with natural gas and hydrogen fuel mixtures. Spark ignition six cylinder engine tested with different hydrogen additions (from 5% up to 20% according to volume) in the natural gas fuel. The tests were performed on heavy-duty vehicle’s dyno test stand in company “SG dujos Auto” research laboratory. The tests were carried out at three load points and one engine speed. Engine had originally a port fuel injection and exhaust gas recirculation system. Experiments showed that engine fuelled with hydrogen addition was able to achieve lower fuel consumption and brake specific fuel consumption. It was also possible to achieve small increase of engine efficiency. The exhaust gas measurements showed that hydrogen addition in natural gas reduced the CO CO2 and HC emissions because of the H/C atom ratio change in fuel mixture and improved combustion process. The NOx emission level was decreasing although bigger amounts of hydrogen were used in natural gas fuel.
A Step towards the Hydrogen Economy—A Life Cycle Cost Analysis of A Hydrogen Refueling Station
May 2017
Publication
This study was aimed to define a methodology based on existing literature and evaluate the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) for a decentralized hydrogen refueling station (HRS) in Halle Belgium. The results are based on a comprehensive data collection along with real cost information. The main results indicated that a LCOH of 10.3 €/kg at the HRS can be reached over a lifetime of 20 years if an average electricity cost of 0.04 €/kWh could be achieved and if the operating hours are maximized. Furthermore if the initial capital costs can be reduced by 80% in the case of direct subsidy the LCOH could even fall to 6.7 €/k
Economic Dispatch Model of Nuclear High-Temperature Reactor with Hydrogen Cogeneration in Electricity Market
Dec 2021
Publication
Hydrogen produced without carbon emissions could be a useful fuel as nations look to decarbonize their electricity transport and industry sectors. Using the iodine–sulfur (IS) cycle coupled with a nuclear heat source is one method for producing hydrogen without the use of fossil fuels. An economic dispatch model was developed for a nuclear-driven IS system to determine hydrogen sale prices that would make such a system profitable. The system studied is the HTTR GT/H2 a design for power and hydrogen cogeneration at the Japan Atomic Energy Agency’s High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor. This study focuses on the development of the economic model and the role that input data plays in the final calculated values. Using a historical price duration curve shows that the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) or breakeven sale price of hydrogen would need to be 98.1 JPY/m3 or greater. Synthetic time histories were also used and found the LCOH to be 67.5 JPY/m3 . The price duration input was found to have a significant effect on the LCOH. As such great care should be used in these economic dispatch analyses to select reasonable input assumptions.
Mechanical Spectroscopy Investigation of Point Defect-Driven Phenomena in a Cr Martensitic Steel
Oct 2018
Publication
The paper presents and discusses results of mechanical spectroscopy (MS) tests carried out on a Cr martensitic steel. The study regards the following topics: (i) embrittlement induced by Cr segregation; (ii) interaction of hydrogen with C–Cr associates; (iii) nucleation of Cr carbides. The MS technique permitted characterising of the specific role played by point defects in the investigated phenomena: (i) Cr segregation depends on C–Cr associates distribution in as-quenched material in particular a slow cooling rate (~150 K/min) from austenitic field involves an unstable distribution which leads to Cr concentration fluctuations after tempering at 973 K; (ii) hydrogen interacts with C–Cr associates and the phenomenon hinders hydrogen attack (HA) because hydrogen atoms bound by C–Cr associates are not able to diffuse towards grain boundaries and dislocation where CH4 bubbles may nucleate grow and merge to form the typical HA cracks; (iii) C–Cr associates take part in the nucleation mechanism of Cr7C3 carbides and specifically these carbides form by the aggregation of C–Cr associates with 1 Cr atom.
Integrating Housing Stock and Energy System Models as a Strategy to Improve Heat Decarbonisation Assessments
Aug 2014
Publication
The UK government heat strategy is partially based on decarbonisation pathways from the UK MARKAL energy system model. We review how heat provision is represented in UK MARKAL identifying a number of shortcomings and areas for improvement. We present a completely revised model with improved estimations of future heat demands and a consistent representation of all heat generation technologies. This model represents all heat delivery infrastructure for the first time and uses dynamic growth constraints to improve the modelling of transitions according to innovation theory. Our revised model incorporates a simplified housing stock model which is used produce highly-refined decarbonisation pathways for residential heat provision. We compare this disaggregated model against an aggregated equivalent which is similar to the existing approach in UK MARKAL. Disaggregating does not greatly change the total residential fuel consumption in two scenarios so the benefits of disaggregation will likely be limited if the focus of a study is elsewhere. Yet for studies of residential heat disaggregation enables us to vary consumer behaviour and government policies on different house types as well as highlighting different technology trends across the stock in comparison with previous aggregated versions of the model.
Consumer Perceptions of Blended Hydrogen in the Home: Learning from HyDeploy
Apr 2022
Publication
This report presents the results of research into consumer perceptions and the subsequent degree of acceptance of blended hydrogen in domestic properties. Evidence from two trial sites of the HyDeploy programme: i) a private site trial at Keele University North Staffordshire; ii) and a public site trial at Winlaton Gateshead are discussed.
Performance of Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) Engine Using Ceiba Pentandra Biodiesel and Hydrogen Fuel Combination
Nov 2021
Publication
An existing diesel engine was fitted with a common rail direct injection (CRDi) facility to inject fuel at higher pressure in CRDi mode. In the current work rotating blades were incorporated in the piston cavity to enhance turbulence. Pilot fuels used are diesel and biodiesel of Ceiba pentandra oil (BCPO) with hydrogen supply during the suction stroke. Performance evaluation and emission tests for CRDi mode were carried out under different loading conditions. In the first part of the work maximum possible hydrogen substitution without knocking was reported at an injection timing of 15◦ before top dead center (bTDC). In the second part of the work fuel injection pressure (IP) was varied with maximum hydrogen fuel substitution. Then in the third part of the work exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) was varied to study the nitrogen oxides (NOx) generated. At 900 bar HC emissions in the CRDi engine were reduced by 18.5% and CO emissions were reduced by 17% relative to the CI mode. NOx emissions from the CRDi engine were decreased by 28% relative to the CI engine mode. At 20% EGR lowered the BTE by 14.2% and reduced hydrocarbons nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide by 6.3% 30.5% and 9% respectively compared to the CI mode of operation.
Design and Analysis of an Offshore Wind Power to Ammonia Production System in Nova Scotia
Dec 2022
Publication
Green ammonia has potential as a zero-emissions energy vector in applications such as energy storage transmission and distribution and zero-emissions transportation. Renewable energy such as offshore wind energy has been proposed to power its production. This paper designed and analyzed an on-land small-scale power-to-ammonia (P2A) production system with a target nominal output of 15 tonnes of ammonia per day which will use an 8 MW offshore turbine system off the coast of Nova Scotia Canada as the main power source. The P2A system consists of a reverse osmosis system a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser a hydrogen storage tank a nitrogen generator a set of compressors and heat exchangers an autothermal Haber-Bosch reactor and an ammonia storage tank. The system uses an electrical grid as a back-up for when the wind energy is insufficient as the process assumes a steady state. Two scenarios were analyzed with Scenario 1 producing a steady state of 15 tonnes of ammonia per day and Scenario 2 being one that switched production rates whenever wind speeds were low to 55% the nominal capacity. The results show that the grid connected P2A system has significant emissions for both scenarios which is larger than the traditional fossil-fuel based ammonia production when using the grid in provinces like Nova Scotia even if it is just a back-up during low wind power generation. The levelized cost of ammonia (LCOA) was calculated to be at least 2323 CAD tonne−1 for both scenarios which is not cost competitive in this small production scale. Scaling up the whole system reducing the reliance on the electricity grid increasing service life and decreasing windfarm costs could reduce the LCOA and make this P2A process more cost competitive.
Modelling of Ventilated Hydrogen Dispersion in Presence of Co-flow and Counter-flow
Sep 2021
Publication
In the framework of the EU-funded project HyTunnel-CS an inter-comparison among partners CFD simulations has been carried out. The simulations are based on experiments conducted within the project by Pro-Science and involve hydrogen release inside a safety vessel testing different ventilation configurations. The different ventilation configurations that were tested are co-flow counter-flow and cross-flow. In the current study co-flow and counter-flow tests along with the no ventilation test (m' = S g/s d = 4 mm ) are simulated with the aim to validate available and well-known CFD codes against such applications and to provide recommendations on modeling strategies. Special focus is given on modeling the velocity field produced by the fan during the experiments. The computational results are compared with the experimental results and a discussion follows regarding the efficiency of each ventilation configuration.
Mapping Australia's Hydrogen Future and release of the Hydrogen Economic Fairways Tool
Apr 2021
Publication
Hydrogen can be used for a variety of domestic and industrial purposes such as heating and cooking (as a replacement for natural gas) transportation (replacing petrol and diesel) and energy storage (by converting intermittent renewable energy into hydrogen). The key benefit of using hydrogen is that it is a clean fuel that emits only water vapour and heat when combusted.
To support implementation of the National Hydrogen Strategy Geoscience Australia in collaboration with Monash University are releasing the Hydrogen Economic Fairways Tool (HEFT). HEFT is a free online tool designed to support decision making by policymakers and investors on the location of new infrastructure and development of hydrogen hubs in Australia. It considers both hydrogen produced from renewable energy and from fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage.
This seminar demonstrates HEFT’s capabilities its potential to attract worldwide investment into Australia’s hydrogen industry and what’s up next for hydrogen at Geoscience Australia.
You can use the Hydrogen Economic Fairways Tool (HEFT) on the Website of the Australian government at the link here
To support implementation of the National Hydrogen Strategy Geoscience Australia in collaboration with Monash University are releasing the Hydrogen Economic Fairways Tool (HEFT). HEFT is a free online tool designed to support decision making by policymakers and investors on the location of new infrastructure and development of hydrogen hubs in Australia. It considers both hydrogen produced from renewable energy and from fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage.
This seminar demonstrates HEFT’s capabilities its potential to attract worldwide investment into Australia’s hydrogen industry and what’s up next for hydrogen at Geoscience Australia.
You can use the Hydrogen Economic Fairways Tool (HEFT) on the Website of the Australian government at the link here
Decarbonization of Australia’s Energy System: Integrated Modelling of the Transformation of Electricity, Transportation, and Industrial Sectors
Jul 2020
Publication
To achieve the Paris Agreement’s long-term temperature goal current energy systems must be transformed. Australia represents an interesting case for energy system transformation modelling: with a power system dominated by fossil fuels and specifically with a heavy coal component there is at the same time a vast potential for expansion and use of renewables. We used the multi-sectoral Australian Energy Modelling System (AUSeMOSYS) to perform an integrated analysis of implications for the electricity transport and selected industry sectors to the mid-century. The state-level resolution allows representation of regional discrepancies in renewable supply and the quantification of inter-regional grid extensions necessary for the physical integration of variable renewables. We investigated the impacts of different CO2 budgets and selected key factors on energy system transformation. Results indicate that coal-fired generation has to be phased out completely by 2030 and a fully renewable electricity supply achieved in the 2030s according to the cost-optimal pathway implied by the 1.5 °C Paris Agreement-compatible carbon budget. Wind and solar PV can play a dominant role in decarbonizing Australia’s energy system with continuous growth of demand due to the strong electrification of linked energy sectors.
On the Evaluation of ALD TiO 2 , ZrO 2 and HfO 2 Coatings on Corrosion and Cytotoxicity Performances
May 2021
Publication
Magnesium alloys have been widely studied as materials for temporary implants but their use has been limited by their corrosion rate. Recently coatings have been proven to provide an effective barrier. Though only little explored in the field Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) stands out as a coating technology due to the outstanding film conformality and density achievable. Here we provide first insights into the corrosion behavior and the induced biological response of 100 nm thick ALD TiO2 HfO2 and ZrO2 coatings on AZ31 alloy by means of potentiodynamic polarization curves electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) hydrogen evolution and MTS colorimetric assay with L929 cells. All three coatings improve the corrosion behavior and cytotoxicity of the alloy. Particularly HfO2 coatings were characterized by the highest corrosion resistance and cell viability slightly higher than those of ZrO2 coatings. TiO2 was characterized by the lowest corrosion improvements and though generally considered a biocompatible coating was found to not meet the demands for cellular applications (it was characterized by grade 3 cytotoxicity after 5 days of culture). These results reveal a strong link between biocompatibility and corrosion resistance and entail the need of taking the latter into consideration in the choice of a biocompatible coating to protect degradable Mg-based alloys.
The Hydrogen Energy Infrastructure Development in Japan
Nov 2018
Publication
The actual start of the full-scale hydrogen energy infrastructure operations is scheduled to 2020 in Japan. The scope of factors and policy for the hydrogen infrastructure development in Japan is made. The paper provides observation for the major undergoing and already done projects for each link within hydrogen infrastructure chain – from production to end-user applications. Implications for the Russian energy policy are provided.
Study of Activity and Super-Capacitance Exhibited by Bifunctional Raney 2.0 Catalyst for Alkaline Water-Splitting Electrolysis
Dec 2020
Publication
Low-cost high-performance coatings for hydrogen production via electrolytic water-splitting are of great importance for de-carbonising energy. In this study the Raney2.0 coating was analysed using various electrochemical techniques to assess its absolute performance and it was confirmed to have an extremely low overpotential for hydrogen evolution of just 28 mV at 10 mA/cm2. It was also confirmed to be an acceptable catalyst for oxygen evolution making it the highest performing simple bifunctional electrocatalyst known. The coating exhibits an extremely high capacitance of up to 1.7 F/cm2 as well as being able to store 0.61 J/cm2 in the form of temporary hydride deposits. A new technique is presented that performs a best-fit of a transient simulation of an equivalent circuit containing a constant phase element to cyclic voltammetry measurements. From this the roughness factor of the coating was calculated to be approximately 40000 which is the highest figure ever reported for this type of material. The coating is therefore an extremely useful improved bifunctional coating for the continued roll-out of alkaline electrolysis for large-scale renewable energy capture via hydrogen production.
Energy System Modelling of Carbon-Neutral Hydrogen as an Enabler of Sectoral Integration within a Decarbonization Pathway
Jul 2019
Publication
This paper explores the alternative roles hydrogen can play in the future European Union (EU) energy system within the transition towards a carbon-neutral EU economy by 2050 following the latest policy developments after the COP21 agreement in Paris in 2015. Hydrogen could serve as an end-use fuel a feedstock to produce carbon-neutral hydrocarbons and a carrier of chemical storage of electricity. We apply a model-based energy system analysis to assess the advantages and drawbacks of these three roles of hydrogen in a decarbonized energy system. To this end the paper quantifies projections of the energy system using an enhanced version of the PRIMES energy system model up to 2050 to explore the best elements of each role under various assumptions about deployment and maturity of hydrogen-related technologies. Hydrogen is an enabler of sectoral integration of supply and demand of energy and hence an important pillar in the carbon-neutral energy system. The results show that the energy system has benefits both in terms of CO2 emission reductions and total system costs if hydrogen technology reaches high technology readiness levels and economies of scale. Reaching maturity requires a significant investment which depends on the positive anticipation of market development. The choice of policy options facilitating visibility by investors is the focus of the modelling in this paper.
Drivers and Barriers to the Adoption of Fuel Cell Passenger Vehicles and Buses in Germany
Feb 2021
Publication
As policymakers and automotive stakeholders around the world seek to accelerate the electrification of road transport with hydrogen this study focuses on the experiences of Germany a world leader in fuel cell technology. Specifically it identifies and compares the drivers and barriers influencing the production and market penetration of privately-owned fuel cell electric passenger vehicles (FCEVs) and fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) in public transit fleets. Using original data collected via a survey and 17 interviews we elicited the opinions of experts to examine opportunities and obstacles in Germany from four perspectives: (i) the supply of vehicles (ii) refuelling infrastructure (iii) demand for vehicles and (iv) cross-cutting institutional issues. Findings indicate that despite multiple drivers there are significant challenges hampering the growth of the hydrogen mobility market. Several are more pronounced in the passenger FCEV market. These include the supply and cost of production the lack of German automakers producing FCEVs the profitability and availability of refuelling stations and low demand for vehicles. In light of these findings we extract implications for international policymakers and future studies. This study provides a timely update on efforts to spur the deployment of hydrogen mobility in Germany and addresses the underrepresentation of studies examining both buses and passenger vehicles in tandem.
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