- Home
- A-Z Publications
- Publications
Publications
Effect of Copper Cobalt Oxide Composition on Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts for Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis
Nov 2020
Publication
Copper cobalt oxide nanoparticles (CCO NPs) were synthesized as an oxygen evolution electrocatalyst via a simple co-precipitation method with the composition being controlled by altering the precursor ratio to 1:1 1:2 and 1:3 (Cu:Co) to investigate the effects of composition changes. The effect of the ratio of Cu2+/Co3+ and the degree of oxidation during the co-precipitation and annealing steps on the crystal structure morphology and electrocatalytic properties of the produced CCO NPs were studied. The CCO1:2 electrode exhibited an outstanding performance and high stability owing to the suitable electrochemical kinetics which was provided by the presence of sufficient Co3+ as active sites for oxygen evolution and the uniform sizes of the NPs in the half cell. Furthermore single cell tests were performed to confirm the possibility of using the synthesized electrocatalyst in a practical water splitting system. The CCO1:2 electrocatalyst was used as an anode to develop an anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE) cell. The full cell showed stable hydrogen production for 100 h with an energetic efficiency of >71%. In addition it was possible tomass produce the uniform highly active electrocatalyst for such applications through the co-precipitation method.
Controlled Biosynthesis of ZnCdS Quantum Dots with Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production Activity
May 2021
Publication
The development of visible-light-responsive photocatalysts with high efficiency stability and eco-friendly nature is beneficial to the large-scale application of solar hydrogen production. In this work the production of biosynthetic ternary ZnCdS photocatalysts (Eg = 2.35–2.72 eV) by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) under mild conditions was carried out for the first time. The huge amount of biogenic S2− and inherent extracellular proteins (EPs) secreted by SRB are important components of rapid extracellular biosynthesis. The ternary ZnCdS QDs at different molar ratios of Zn2+and Cd2+ from 15:1 to 1:1 were monodisperse spheres with good crystallinity and average crystallite size of 6.12 nm independent of the molar ratio of Cd2+ to Zn2+. All the ZnCdS QDs had remarkable photocatalytic activity and stability for hydrogen evolution under visible light without noble metal cocatalysts. Especially ZnCdS QDs at Zn/Cd = 3:1 showed the highest H2 production activity of 3.752 mmol·h−1·g−1. This excellent performance was due to the high absorption of visible light the high specific surface area and the lower recombination rate between photoexcited electrons and holes. The adhered inherent EPs on the ZnCdS QDs slowed down the photocorrosion and improved the stability in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. This study provides a new direction for solar hydrogen production.
Future Electricity Series Part 2 - Power from Renewables
Sep 2013
Publication
The independent cross-party report highlights a ‘sensible middle ground’ in the renewables debate and calls for more effort in building cross-party consensus. It finds that the UK has only just begun to harness low carbon renewable resources bigger than North Sea oil and gas and argues that the Government could do more to narrow the scope of debate about the technology mix beyond 2020. It argues that it should work with industry and academia first to establish ‘low regrets’ levels of technology deployment and second to ensure that policies are in place to incentivise investments such as supply chain investment needed to deliver these low regrets actions.
This approach would help provide the longer term clarity that could secure supply chain investments giving the UK a head-start in the global race. The report finds that these investments could be missed delayed or more expensive if there is insufficient confidence about long term demand for key technologies such as offshore wind. Work by Government to help incentivise these investments would increase the likelihood that technology cost reductions are achieved and help mitigate against high costs if new nuclear or carbon capture and storage development fail or are delayed.
On affordability the report finds that there are ‘hidden’ benefits that the UK could see from investing more in renewables through electricity bills between now and 2020. These include: avoiding bill increases driven by fossil fuels; making electricity bills more predictable; and providing an economic boost. The extra money paid to support renewables and other low carbon generation such as nuclear power could be more than offset by energy efficiency savings although Government needs to do more to show how these savings will arise.
On sustainability the report tackles myths about the carbon emitted in manufacturing renewable technologies or in backing up varying technologies such as wind solar wave and tidal. It finds that even when considering these factors renewables are still amongst the most low carbon options. The report also looks at the sustainability of electricity from biomass. Bioenergy overall could provide up to ten per cent of energy and reduce the cost of cutting carbon by £44 billion per year in 2050. The Government’s new biomass policies are a pragmatic response to concerns about the sustainability of biomass power which balances protecting the environment building public confidence and enabling the sector to grow.
On security of supply the inquiry argues that debate should focus on the whole electricity system and that individual technologies should be considered in the context of how they add to or reduce system risks. Considered like this renewables reduce some risks such as fuel supply risks which caused concern last winter and add to others such as system balancing risks. System balancing risks from varying renewables (wind solar wave and tidal technologies) are manageable using a number of existing and developing technologies.
The independent report chaired by former Energy Minister Charles Hendry MP and Shadow Energy Minister Baroness Worthington was compiled between May and September 2013 and was sponsored by Siemens and DONG Energy. It is part of a year-long independent and cross party inquiry into the UK power sector the Future Electricity Series sponsored by the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers.
Link to Launch Video
This approach would help provide the longer term clarity that could secure supply chain investments giving the UK a head-start in the global race. The report finds that these investments could be missed delayed or more expensive if there is insufficient confidence about long term demand for key technologies such as offshore wind. Work by Government to help incentivise these investments would increase the likelihood that technology cost reductions are achieved and help mitigate against high costs if new nuclear or carbon capture and storage development fail or are delayed.
On affordability the report finds that there are ‘hidden’ benefits that the UK could see from investing more in renewables through electricity bills between now and 2020. These include: avoiding bill increases driven by fossil fuels; making electricity bills more predictable; and providing an economic boost. The extra money paid to support renewables and other low carbon generation such as nuclear power could be more than offset by energy efficiency savings although Government needs to do more to show how these savings will arise.
On sustainability the report tackles myths about the carbon emitted in manufacturing renewable technologies or in backing up varying technologies such as wind solar wave and tidal. It finds that even when considering these factors renewables are still amongst the most low carbon options. The report also looks at the sustainability of electricity from biomass. Bioenergy overall could provide up to ten per cent of energy and reduce the cost of cutting carbon by £44 billion per year in 2050. The Government’s new biomass policies are a pragmatic response to concerns about the sustainability of biomass power which balances protecting the environment building public confidence and enabling the sector to grow.
On security of supply the inquiry argues that debate should focus on the whole electricity system and that individual technologies should be considered in the context of how they add to or reduce system risks. Considered like this renewables reduce some risks such as fuel supply risks which caused concern last winter and add to others such as system balancing risks. System balancing risks from varying renewables (wind solar wave and tidal technologies) are manageable using a number of existing and developing technologies.
The independent report chaired by former Energy Minister Charles Hendry MP and Shadow Energy Minister Baroness Worthington was compiled between May and September 2013 and was sponsored by Siemens and DONG Energy. It is part of a year-long independent and cross party inquiry into the UK power sector the Future Electricity Series sponsored by the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers.
Link to Launch Video
Performance Analysis of a Flexi-Fuel Turbine-Combined Free-Piston Engine Generator
Jul 2019
Publication
The turbine-combined free-piston engine generator (TCFPEG) is a hybrid machine generating both mechanical work from the gas turbine and electricity from the linear electric generator for battery charging. In the present study the system performance of the designed TCFPEG system is predicted using a validated numerical model. A parametric analysis is undertaken based on the influence of the engine load valve timing the number of linear generators adopted and different fuels on the system performance. It is found that when linear electric generators are connected with the free-piston gas turbine the bottom dead centre the peak piston velocity and engine operation frequency are all reduced. Very minimal difference on the in-cylinder pressure and the compressor pressure is observed while the peak pressure in the bounce chamber is reduced. When coupled with a linear electric generator the system efficiency can be improved to nearly 50% by optimising engine load and the number of the linear generators adopted in the TCFPEG system. The system is able to be operated with different fuels as the piston is not limited by a mechanical system; the output power and system efficiency are highest when hydrogen is used as the fuel.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles; Current Status and Future Prospect
Jun 2019
Publication
The hazardous effects of pollutants from conventional fuel vehicles have caused the scientific world to move towards environmentally friendly energy sources. Though we have various renewable energy sources the perfect one to use as an energy source for vehicles is hydrogen. Like electricity hydrogen is an energy carrier that has the ability to deliver incredible amounts of energy. Onboard hydrogen storage in vehicles is an important factor that should be considered when designing fuel cell vehicles. In this study a recent development in hydrogen fuel cell engines is reviewed to scrutinize the feasibility of using hydrogen as a major fuel in transportation systems. A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that can produce electricity by allowing chemical gases and oxidants as reactants. With anodes and electrolytes the fuel cell splits the cation and the anion in the reactant to produce electricity. Fuel cells use reactants which are not harmful to the environment and produce water as a product of the chemical reaction. As hydrogen is one of the most efficient energy carriers the fuel cell can produce direct current (DC) power to run the electric car. By integrating a hydrogen fuel cell with batteries and the control system with strategies one can produce a sustainable hybrid car
A Critique on the UK's Net Zero Strategy
Dec 2022
Publication
Before the Covid-19 pandemic UK passed net-zero emission law legislation to become the first major economy in the world to end its contribution to global warming by 2050. Following the UK’s legislation to reach net-zero emissions a long-term strategy for transition to a net-zero target was published in 2021. The strategy is a technology-led and with a top-down approach. The intention is to reach the target over the next three decades. The document targets seven sectors to reduce emissions and include a wide range of policies and innovations for decarbonization. This paper aims to accomplish a much needed review of the strategy in heat and buildings part and cover the key related areas in future buildings standard heat pumps and use of hydrogen as elaborated in the strategy. For that purpose this research reviews key themes in the policy challenges recent advancement and future possibilities. It provides an insight on the overall development toward sustainability and decarbonization of built environment in the UK by 2050. A foresight model Future Wheels is also used to visualize the findings from the review and provide a clear picture of the potential impact of the policy.
Review of the Hydrogen Permeability of the Liner Material of Type IV On-Board Hydrogen Storage Tank
Aug 2021
Publication
The hydrogen storage tank is a key parameter of the hydrogen storage system in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) as its safety determines the commercialization of HFCVs. Compared with other types the type IV hydrogen storage tank which consists of a polymer liner has the advantages of low cost lightweight and low storage energy consumption but meanwhile higher hydrogen permeability. A detailed review of the existing research on hydrogen permeability of the liner material of type IV hydrogen storage tanks can improve the understanding of the hydrogen permeation mechanism and provide references for following-up researchers and research on the safety of HFCVs. The process of hydrogen permeation and test methods are firstly discussed in detail. This paper then analyzes the factors that affect the process of hydrogen permeation and the barrier mechanism of the liner material and summarizes the prediction models of gas permeation. In addition to the above analysis and comments future research on the permeability of the liner material of the type IV hydrogen storage tank is prospected.
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.
Integrating System and Operator Perspectives for the Evaluation of Power-to-Gas Plants in the Future German Energy System
Feb 2022
Publication
In which way and in which sectors will renewable energy be integrated in the German Energy System by 2030 2040 and 2050? How can the resulting energy system be characterised following a −95% greenhouse gas emission reduction scenario? Which role will hydrogen play? To address these research questions techno-economic energy system modelling was performed. Evaluation of the resulting operation of energy technologies was carried out from a system and a business point of view. Special consideration of gas technologies such as hydrogen production transport and storage was taken as a large-scale and long-term energy storage option and key enabler for the decarbonisation of the non-electric sectors. The broad set of results gives insight into the entangled interactions of the future energy technology portfolio and its operation within a coupled energy system. Amongst other energy demands CO2 emissions hydrogen production and future power plant capacities are presented. One main conclusion is that integrating the first elements of a large-scale hydrogen infrastructure into the German energy system already by 2030 is necessary for ensuring the supply of upscaling demands across all sectors. Within the regulatory regime of 2020 it seems that this decision may come too late which jeopardises the achievement of transition targets within the horizon 2050.
A Flexible Analytical Model for Operational Investigation of Solar Hydrogen Plants
Nov 2021
Publication
Hydrogen will become a dominant energy carrier in the future and the efficiency and lifetime cost of its production through water electrolysis is a major research focus. Alongside efforts to offer optimum solutions through plant design and sizing it is also necessary to develop a flexible virtualised replica of renewable hydrogen plants that not only models compatibility with the “plug-and-play” nature of many facilities but that also identifies key elements for optimisation of system operation. This study presents a model for a renewable hydrogen production plant based on real-time historical and present-day datasets of PV connected to a virtualised grid-connected AC microgrid comprising different technologies of batteries electrolysers and fuel cells. Mathematical models for each technology were developed from chemical and physical metrics of the plant. The virtualised replica is the first step toward the implementation of a digital twin of the system and accurate validation of the system behaviour when updated with real-time data. As a case study a solar hydrogen pilot plant consisting of a 60 kW Solar PV a 40 kW PEM electrolyser a 15 kW LIB battery and a 5 kW PEM fuel cell were simulated and analysed. Two effective operational factors on the plant's performance are defined: (i) electrolyser power settings to determine appropriate hydrogen production over twilight periods and/or overnight and (ii) a user-defined minimum threshold for battery state of charge to prevent charge depletion overnight if the electrolyser load is higher than its capacity. The objective of this modelling is to maximise hydrogen yield while both loss of power supply probability (LPSP) and microgrid excess power are minimised. This analysis determined: (i) a hydrogen yield of 38e39% from solar DC energy to hydrogen energy produced (ii) an LPSP <2.6 104 and (iii) < 2% renewable energy lost to the grid as excess electricity for the case study.
Global Status of CCS 2021: CCS Accelerating to Net Zero
Oct 2021
Publication
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) continues to make significant progress around the world against a backdrop of greater climate action from countries and private companies. The Global Status of CCS 2021 demonstrates the critical role of CCS as nations and industry accelerate to net-zero.<br/>The report provides detailed analyses of the global project pipeline international policy finance and emerging trends. In addition four regional overviews highlight the rapid development of CCS across North America Asia Pacific Europe and nearby regions and the Gulf Cooperation Council states.
Hydrogen Embrittlement Susceptibility of R4 and R5 High-Strength Mooring Steels in Cold and Warm Seawater
Sep 2018
Publication
Hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility ratios calculated from slow strain rate tensile tests have been employed to study the response of three high-strength mooring steels in cold and warm synthetic seawater. The selected nominal testing temperatures have been 3 °C and 23 °C in order to resemble sea sites of offshore platform installation interest such as the North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico respectively. Three scenarios have been studied for each temperature: free corrosion cathodic protection and overprotection. An improvement on the hydrogen embrittlement tendency of the steels has been observed when working in cold conditions. This provides a new insight on the relevance of the seawater temperature as a characteristic to be taken into account for mooring line design in terms of hydrogen embrittlement assessment.
Hydrogen for Transport Prospective Australian Use Cases
Oct 2019
Publication
The Australian transport sector is under increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions whilst also managing a fuel supply chain that relies heavily on foreign import partners.
Transport in Australia equates to a significant proportion (approximately 18%) of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Due to ongoing population growth these emissions have been steadily rising with the increase of cars on our roads and freight trucks in transit. Coupled with this the transport fuel supply chain is highly reliant on overseas partners – Australia currently imports 90% of its liquid fuel. These two challenges present an interesting dichotomy for the industry incentivising research and development into new technologies that can address one or both of these issues.
Hydrogen is one technology that has the potential to provide a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as well as a more reliable domestic fuel supply. Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are an emerging zero-emission alternative for the transport sector which offer a variety of benefits.
You can read the full report on the Aurecon Australasia website at this link
Transport in Australia equates to a significant proportion (approximately 18%) of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Due to ongoing population growth these emissions have been steadily rising with the increase of cars on our roads and freight trucks in transit. Coupled with this the transport fuel supply chain is highly reliant on overseas partners – Australia currently imports 90% of its liquid fuel. These two challenges present an interesting dichotomy for the industry incentivising research and development into new technologies that can address one or both of these issues.
Hydrogen is one technology that has the potential to provide a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as well as a more reliable domestic fuel supply. Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are an emerging zero-emission alternative for the transport sector which offer a variety of benefits.
You can read the full report on the Aurecon Australasia website at this link
Integrated Energy System Powered a Building in Sharjah Emirates in the United Arab Emirates
Jan 2023
Publication
In this study a green hydrogen system was studied to provide electricity for an office building in the Sharjah emirate in the United Arab Emirates. Using a solar PV a fuel cell a diesel generator and battery energy storage; a hybrid green hydrogen energy system was compared to a standard hybrid system (Solar PV a diesel generator and battery energy storage). The results show that both systems adequately provided the power needed for the load of the office building. The cost of the energy for both the basic and green hydrogen energy systems was 0.305 USD/kWh and 0.313 USD/kWh respectively. The cost of the energy for both systems is very similar even though the capital cost of the green hydrogen energy system was the highest value; however the replacement and operational costs of the basic system were higher in comparison to the green hydrogen energy system. Moreover the impact of the basic system in terms of the carbon footprint was more significant when compared with the green hydrogen system. The reduction in carbon dioxide was a 4.6 ratio when compared with the basic system.
A Review of Decarbonization Options for the Glass Industry
May 2021
Publication
The glass industry is part of the energy-intensive industry posing a major challenge to fulfill the CO2 reduction targets of the Paris Climate Agreement. The segments of the glass industry e.g. container or flat glass are quite diverse and attribute to different glass products with different requirements to product quality and various process options. To address the challenge of decarbonizing the glass industry firstly an inventory of current glass products processes and applied technologies in terms of energy efficiency and CO2 emissions is conducted. Secondly decarbonization options are identified and structured according to fuel substitution waste heat recovery and process intensification. Due to the high share of energy-related CO2 emissions electrical melting and hydrogen combustion or a combination of both are the most promising options to decarbonize the glass industry but further research design adjustments and process improvements are necessary. Furthermore electricity and hydrogen prices have to decrease or fossil fuels must become more expensive to be cost-competitive relative to fossil fuels and respective infrastructures have to be constructed or adjusted. Various heat recovery options have great potential for CO2 savings but can be technically challenging or have not yet been considered for techno-economic reasons.
Factors Affecting Hydrogen Adsorption in Metal–Organic Frameworks: A Short Review
Jun 2021
Publication
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have significant potential for hydrogen storage. The main benefit of MOFs is their reversible and high-rate hydrogen adsorption process whereas their biggest disadvantage is related to their operation at very low temperatures. In this study we describe selected examples of MOF structures studied for hydrogen adsorption and different factors affecting hydrogen adsorption in MOFs. Approaches to improving hydrogen uptake are reviewed including surface area and pore volume in addition to the value of isosteric enthalpy of hydrogen adsorption. Nanoconfinement of metal hydrides inside MOFs is proposed as a new approach to hydrogen storage. Conclusions regarding MOFs with incorporated metal nanoparticles which may be used as nanoscaffolds and/or H2 sorbents are summarized as prospects for the near future.
HyDeploy2: Gas Characteristics Summary and Interpretation
Jun 2020
Publication
In order to inform the Quantified Risk Assessment (QRA) and procedures for the Winlaton trial the gas characteristics relating to the behaviour of the flammable gas have been reviewed for blended natural gas mixtures containing 20% mol/mol hydrogen (hereby referred to as “blend”) for normal operation and 50% mol/mol for fault conditions. This work builds on the findings of the previous HyDeploy gas characteristics report HyD-Rep04-V02-Characteristics.<br/>Click on the supplements tab to view the other documents from this report
Energetics of LOHC: Structure-Property Relationships from Network of Thermochemical Experiments and in Silico Methods
Feb 2021
Publication
The storage of hydrogen is the key technology for a sustainable future. We developed an in silico procedure which is based on the combination of experimental and quantum-chemical methods. This method was used to evaluate energetic parameters for hydrogenation/dehydrogenation reactions of various pyrazine derivatives as a seminal liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) that are involved in the hydrogen storage technologies. With this in silico tool the tempo of the reliable search for suitable LOHC candidates will accelerate dramatically leading to the design and development of efficient materials for various niche applications.
A Mini-review on Recent Trends in Prospective Use of Porous 1D Nanomaterials for Hydrogen Storage
Nov 2021
Publication
The sustainable development of hydrogen energy is a priority task for a possible solution to 26 the global energy crisis. Hydrogen is a clean and renewable energy source that today is used 27 exclusively in the form of compressed gas or in liquefied form which prevents its widespread 28 use. Storing hydrogen in solid-state systems will not only increase the bulk density and 29 gravimetric capacity but will also have a positive impact on safety issues. From this point of 30 view the current review considers the latest research in the field of application of 1D 31 nanomaterials for solid-state hydrogen storage and also discusses the mechanisms of its 32 adsorption and desorption. Despite the high publication activity the use of 1D nanomaterials for 33 hydrogen storage has not been fully studied. In the current review modern developments in the 34 field of hydrogen storage using 1D nanomaterials and composites based on them are investigated 35 in detail and their problems and future prospects are discussed.
Pulsed-Supplied Water Electrolysis via Two-Switch Converter for PV Capacity Firming
Mar 2022
Publication
Hydrogen constitutes the only carbon-free fuel that can be used for energy conversion producing water as the only by-product. With water being one of the most abundant and inexhaustible raw materials in the world and the required electricity input being provided by renewable resources the produced hydrogen via water electrolysis constitutes a green pathway towards sustainability. In this work a hybrid PV power-to-hydrogen storage and fuel cell system is proposed to satisfy the domestic load of a residential building. Identifying alkaline as a mandatory electrolysis technology the performance of alkaline electrolysis cells is assessed considering the inclusion of a two-switch buck-boost converter. Following a comprehensive formulation with respect to each distinguished system component the balance condition at DC and AC buses is determined. The proposed configuration is evaluated taking into account PV systems of different ratings namely 3 kW 5 kW and 7 kW. Based on actual data relating to both PV generation and domestic load for the year 2020 the obtained results from the annual simulations are compared with feed-in tariff and net-metering schemes. According to the results PV capacity firming is achieved creating great opportunities for autonomy enhancement not only for electricity but also in other energy sectors.
No more items...