Applications & Pathways

Model predictive control (MPC) requires high accuracy of the model. However the actual power system has complex dynamic characteristics. There must be unmodeled dynamics in the system modeling process which makes it difficult for MPC to perform the function of optimal control. ESO has the ability to observe and suppress errors combining the both can solve this problem. Thus this paper proposes a coordinated control strategy of hydrogen-energy storage system based on disturbance-rejection model predictive controller. Firstly this paper constructs the state-space model of the system and improves MPC. By connecting ESO and MPC in series this paper designs a matched disturbance-rejection model predictive controller and analyzes the robustness of the research system. Finally this paper verifies the effectiveness and feasibility of the disturbance-rejection model predictive controller under various working conditions. Compared with the method using only MPC the dynamic response time of the system frequency regulation under the proposed strategy in this paper is increased by about 29.9 % and the frequency drop rate is slowed down by 13.5 %. In addition under the AGC command and continuous load disturbance working conditions the maximum frequency deviation of the system under the proposed strategy is reduced by about 54.01 % and 48.96 %. The results clearly show that the proposed strategy in this paper significantly improves the dynamic response ability of the system and reduces the frequency fluctuation of the system after disturbance.

The spark-ignited (SI) hydrogen combustion engine has the potential to noticeably reduce greenhouse gas emissions from passenger cars. To prevent nitrogen oxide emissions and to increase fuel efficiency and power output complex air paths and operating strategies are utilized. This makes the engine control problem more complex challenging the conventional engine calibration process. This work combines and extends the state-of-the-art in real-time combustion engine modeling and optimal control presenting a novel control concept for the efficient operation of a hydrogen combustion engine. The extensive experimental validation with a 1.5 l three-cylinder hydrogen SI engine and a dynamically operated engine test bench with emission and in-cylinder pressure measurements provides a comprehensible comparison to conventional engine control. The results demonstrate that the proposed optimal control decreased the load tracking errors by a factor of up to 2.8 and increased the engine efficiency during lean operation by up to 10 percent while decreasing the calibration effort compared to conventional engine control.

The use of chemical hydrogen carriers such as ammonia (NH3) methanol (MeOH) dimethyl ether (DME) and liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) is considered as a potential option for hydrogen imports. Following import the carriers are either converted centrally into hydrogen or transported further to the point of use. This study evaluates various domestic transport options – truck rail inland waterway and pipeline – as unimodal or intermodal transport for hydrogen and chemical hydrogen carriers. Based on this the potential of transport and decentralized integration of carriers for various locations is assessed. A cost comparison is used to determine the maximum specific costs that a decentralized conversion plant can incur while remaining competitive with a centralized conversion plant in the port. The analysis shows that the specific costs of decentralized conversion plants at numerous locations can be significantly higher than those of centralized plants indicating considerable cost-saving potential.

The adoption of H2 fuel in gas turbine systems is steadily increasing as part of the transition toward cleaner energy sources. However its unique combustion characteristics pose significant challenges in managing combustion instability. This study examines the acoustic behavior of H2-CH4 mixed-fuel combustion instability using a model gas turbine combustor. To simulate instability situation of mixed fuel multi-mode acoustic excitation experiments are performed with the fixed fundamental forcing at the combustor's resonance frequency (∼160 Hz) together with additional variable forcing at 250 Hz and 1000 Hz which are the representative instability modes of CH4 and H2 flames respectively. In some cases highly risky signal amplification is observed. For example when the amplitude ratios of forcing at 160 250 and 1000 Hz are 1:9:0 the response reaches up to 106.15 kPa at the other frequency of 1750 Hz. This phenomenon is confirmed by attribution of the interaction of the overlapping mode frequencies and the node and antinode position of standing wave with no such amplification observed at other experimental conditions. Consequently the optimal sensor location is expected to vary with changes in the co-firing ratio and conditions and identifying these optimal positions is essential for reliable monitoring and successful implementation of H2 co-firing technology.

Towards low-carbon buildings with resilient energy performance renewable energy resources and flexible energy assets play key roles in managing the electrical and heat demands. Hydrogen-based systems represent a promising solution through renewable hydrogen production and long-term storage. This paper systematically reviews 35 peer-reviewed studies (1990–2024) on hydrogen integration in buildings focusing on demand-side management (DSM) optimization methods and system performance. The review covers the environmental impacts feasibility and economic viability of integrating different hydrogen systems for supplying energy. Across critical reviews case studies hydrogen supplementary systems achieved CO2 reductions between 12 % and 87 % operational cost decreases of up to 40 % and efficiency gains exceeding 80 %. Payback periods varied widely between 9 and 20 years demonstrating high investment costs. Key gaps include limited field validation economic feasibility and public acceptance of hydrogen homes. One key area for future investigation is optimizing energy flows across production storage and demand particularly in Vehicle-to-Building (V2B) applications. This review paper highlights opportunities especially the potential of hydrogen system in decarbonization of buildings by long-term energy storage barriers and policy needs for implementing hydrogen technologies in grid-connected and remote areas to enhance sustainable and resilient buildings.

Hydrogen is increasingly recognized as a key energy vector for achieving deep decarbonization across urban and industrial sectors. Supporting global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) it is essential to understand the multi-sectoral role of the hydrogen value chain spanning production storage and end-use applications with particular emphasis on smart city systems and industrial processes. Green hydrogen production technologies including alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysis and solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) are evaluated in terms of efficiency scalability and integration potential. Storage pathways are examined across physical storage (compressed gas cryo-compressed and liquid hydrogen) material-based storage (solid-state absorption in metal hydrides and chemical carriers such as LOHCs and ammonia) and geological storage (salt caverns depleted gas reservoirs and deep saline aquifers) highlighting their suitability for urban and industrial contexts. In the smart city domain hydrogen is analyzed as an enabler of zero-emission transportation low-carbon residential and commercial heating and renewable-integrated smart grids with long-duration storage capabilities. System-level studies demonstrate that coordinated integration of these applications can deliver higher overall energy efficiency deeper reductions in life-cycle GHG emissions and improved resilience of urban energy systems compared with sector-specific approaches. Policy frameworks safety standards and digitalization strategies are reviewed to illustrate how hydrogen infrastructure can be embedded into interconnected urban energy systems. Furthermore industrial applications focus on hydrogen’s potential to decarbonize energy-intensive processes and enable sector coupling between electricity heat and manufacturing. The environmental implications of hydrogen deployment are also considered including resource efficiency life-cycle emissions and ecosystem impacts. In contrast to reviews addressing isolated aspects of hydrogen technologies this study synthesizes technological infrastructural and policy dimensions integrating insights from over 400 studies to highlight the multifaceted role of hydrogen in sustainable urban development and industrial decarbonization and the added benefits achievable through coordinated cross-sector deployment strategies.

Hydrogen recirculation is essential for maintaining fuel efficiency and durability in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) systems particularly in automotive range extender applications. This study presents the design simulation and experimental validation of a dry all-metal scroll pump developed for hydrogen recirculation in a 5 kW PEMFC system. The pump operates without oil or polymer seals offering long-term compatibility with dry hydrogen. Two prototypes were fabricated: SP1 incorporating PTFE-bronze tip seals and SP2 a fully metallic seal-free design. A fully deterministic one-dimensional (1D) model was developed to predict thermodynamic performance including leakage and heat transfer effects and validated against experimental results. SP1 achieved higher flow rates due to reduced axial leakage but experienced elevated friction and temperature. In contrast SP2 provided improved thermal stability and lower friction with slightly reduced flow performance. The pump demonstrated a maximum flow rate of 50 l/min and an isentropic efficiency of 82.2 % at 2.5 bara outlet pressure. Simulated performance showed strong agreement with experimental results with deviations under 5 %. The findings highlight the critical role of thermal management and manufacturing tolerances in dry scroll pump design. The seal-free liquid-cooled scroll architecture presents a promising solution for compact oil-free hydrogen recirculation in low-power fuel cell systems.

The growing demand for low-emission urban freight has intensified efficiency challenges in lastmile delivery especially in dense city centres. This study assesses hydrogen-powered cargo bikes as a scalable zero-emission alternative to fossil fuel vans and battery-electric cargo bikes. Using real-world logistics data from Rome we apply simulation models including Monte Carlo cost analysis Artificial Intelligence driven routing K-means station placement and fleet scaling. Results show hydrogen bikes deliver 15% more parcels daily than electric counterparts reduce refuelling detours by 31.4% and lower per-trip fuel use by 32%. They can cut up to 120 metric tons of CO2 annually per 100-bike fleet. While battery-electric cargo bikes remain optimal for short trips hydrogen bikes offer superior uptime range and rapid refuelling—ideal for highfrequency mid-distance logistics. Under supportive pricing and infrastructure hydrogen cargo bikes represent a resilient and sustainable solution for decarbonizing last-mile delivery in city areas.

The escalating global demand for electricity coupled with environmental concerns and economic considerations has driven the exploration of alternative energy sources creating competition for land with other sectors. A comprehensive analysis of a 10 MW floating photovoltaic (FPV) system deployed across different Köppen climate zones along with techno-economic analysis involves evaluating technical efficiency and economic viability. Technical parameters are assessed using PVsyst simulation and HOMER Pro. While economic analysis considers return on investment net present value internal rate of return and payback period. Results indicate that temperate and dry zones exhibit significant electricity generation potential from an FPV. The study outlines the payback period with the lowest being 5.7 years emphasizing the system’s environmental benefits by reducing water loss in the form of evaporation. The system is further integrated with hydrogen generation while estimating the number of cars that can be refueled at each location with the highest amount of hydrogen production being 292817 kg/year refueling more than 100 cars per day. This leads to an LCOH of GBP 2.84/kg for 20 years. Additionally the comparison across different Koppen climate zones suggests that even with the high soiling losses dry climate has substantial potential; producing up to 18829587 kWh/year of electricity and 292817 kg/year of hydrogen. However factors such as high inflation can reduce the return on investment to as low as 13.8%. The integration of FPV with hydropower plants is suggested for enhanced power generation reaffirming its potential to contribute to a sustainable energy future while addressing the UN’s SDG7 SDG9 SDG13 and SDG15.

Infrastructure projects can act as niches for innovation development contribute to strategic goals of network owners and drive broader systemic transitions. However limited research has examined how sustainability transitions are shaped through narratives and counternarratives around infrastructure projects. Using a case study of the port of Rotterdam we analyze how three embedded projects - Maasvlakte 2 RDM Campus and the Hydrogen Pipeline - reflected and shaped evolving narratives and counter-narratives over a 20-year sustainability transition. Grounded in the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) the study demonstrates how an infrastructure owner like the Port of Rotterdam Authority (PoRA) strategically mobilized narrative framing to reshape existing regimes over time. The study contributes to the debate on project management and transition studies by highlighting how infrastructure project owners respond to transition-related tensions by shaping defending and adapting project narratives over time thereby influencing sustainability trajectories.