Applications & Pathways
Optimal Facility Combination Set of Integrated Energy System Based on Consensus Point between Independent System Operator and Independent Power Producer
Dec 2022
Publication
In recent years the frequency of power demand imbalance and negative price phenomenon has risen due to the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources (RES). Because of this a means to reduce the curtailment of RES by utilizing surplus energy is essential. This paper focuses on reducing the curtailment of wind turbines (WT) with high output intermittency and minimizing the investment cost of IES via an integrated energy system (IES). The IES operation seeks to improve the acceptability and efficiency of the RES as it supports the integration of various energies mix such as electricity heat hydrogen. This paper proposes an optimal facility combination set (FCS) of IES that satisfies the requirements of ISO and IPP using Multi-Objective Optimization Programming (MOP). The case study is based on a wind farm in South Korea set in Aewol-eup Jeju-Island. The case study results provide the best configuration of the IES energy mix with the best economic value and efficiency while satisfying ISO and IPP perspectives.
An Integrated Hydrogen Fuel Cell to Distribution Network System: Challenging and Opportunity for D-STATCOM
Oct 2021
Publication
The electric power industry sector has become increasingly aware of how counterproductive voltage sag affects distribution network systems (DNS). The voltage sag backfires disastrously at the demand load side and affects equipment in DNS. To settle the voltage sag issue this paper achieved its primary purpose to mitigate the voltage sag based on integrating a hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) with the DNS using a distribution static synchronous compensator (D-STATCOM) system. Besides this paper discusses the challenges and opportunities of D-STATCOM in DNS. In this paper using HFC is well-designed modeled and simulated to mitigate the voltage sag in DNS with a positive impact on the environment and an immediate response to the issue of the injection of voltage. Furthermore this modeling and controller are particularly suitable in terms of cost-effectiveness as well as reliability based on the adaptive network fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) fuzzy logic system (FLC) and proportional–integral (P-I). The effectiveness of the MATLAB simulation is confirmed by implementing the system and carrying out a DNS connection obtaining efficiencies over 94.5% at three-phase fault for values of injection voltage in HFC D-STATCOM using a P-I controller. Moreover the HFC D-STATCOM using FLC proved capable of supporting the network by 97.00%. The HFC D-STATCOM based ANFIS proved capable of supporting the network by 98.00% in the DNS.
A Study on the Joule-Thomson Effect of During Filling Hydrogen in High Pressure Tank
Dec 2022
Publication
With the development of the hydrogen fuel cell automobile industry higher requirements are put forward for the construction of hydrogen energy infrastructure the matching of parameters and the control strategy of hydrogen filling rate in the hydrogenation process of hydrogenation station. Fuel for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles comes from hydrogen refueling stations. At present the technological difficulty of hydrogenation is mainly reflected in the balanced treatment of reducing the temperature rise of hydrogen and shortening the filling time during the fast filling process. The Joule-Thomson (JT) effect occurs when high-pressure hydrogen gas passes through the valve assembly which may lead to an increase in hydrogen temperature. The JT effect is generally reflected by the JT coefficient. According to the high pressure hydrogen in the pressure reducing valve the corresponding JT coefficients were calculated by using the VDW equation RK equation SRK equation and PR equation and the expression of JT effect temperature rise was deduced which revealed the hydrogen temperature variation law in the process of reducing pressure. Make clear the relationship between charging parameters and temperature rise in the process of decompression; the flow and thermal characteristics of hydrogen in the process of decompression are revealed. This study provides basic support for experts to achieve throttling optimization of related pressure control system in hydrogen industry
Impact of Hydrogen Fuel for CO2 Emission Reduction in Power Generation Sector in Japan
Jun 2017
Publication
Japan’s energy consumption derives mostly from fossil fuels which are un-secure and release a much greenhouse gas emissions. To meet goals of reducing GHG hydrogen gas can be utilized in power generation in hydrogen fired and firing / co-combustion power plants. This paper analyses the impact of hydrogen in the power generation sector using the MARKAL-TIMES Japan optimization model framework. Two models are used: a base scenario without hydrogen and hydrogen scenario in which hydrogen is supplied from 2020 onwards. In the hydrogen scenario other processes which are normally supplied by natural gas are reduced because the gas is instead used to generate power. Adding hydrogen to the energy supply leads to a decrease in projected use of fossil fuels. The hydrogen scenario produces fewer emissions than the base scenario; by 2050 the hydrogen scenario’s estimated 388 metric tons of CO2 emissions is over 250 tons less than the base scenario’s emissions of 588 metric tons.
Power-to-liquid via Synthesis of Methanol, DME or Fischer–Tropsch-fuels: A Review
Jul 2020
Publication
The conversion of H2 and CO2 to liquid fuels via Power-to-Liquid (PtL) processes is gaining attention. With their higher energy densities compared to gases the use of synthetic liquid fuels is particularly interesting in hard-to-abate sectors for which decarbonisation is difficult. However PtL poses new challenges for the synthesis: away from syngas-based continuously run large-scale plants towards more flexible small-scale concepts with direct CO2-utilisation. This review provides an overview of state of the art synthesis technologies as well as current developments and pilot plants for the most prominent PtL routes for methanol DME and Fischer–Tropsch-fuels. It should serve as a benchmark for future concepts guide researchers in their process development and allow a technological evaluation of alternative reactor designs. In the case of power-to-methanol and power-to-FT-fuels several pilot plants have been realised and the first commercial scale plants are planned or already in operation. In comparison power-to-DME is much less investigated and in an earlier stage of development. For methanol the direct CO2 hydrogenation offers advantages through less by-product formation and lower heat development. However increased water formation and lower equilibrium conversion necessitate new catalysts and reactor designs. While DME synthesis offers benefits with regards to energy efficiency operational experience from laboratory tests and pilot plants is still missing. Furthermore four major process routes for power-to-DME are possible requiring additional research to determine the optimal concept. In the case of Fischer–Tropsch synthesis catalysts for direct CO2 utilisation are still in an early stage. Consequently today’s Fischer–Tropsch-based PtL requires a shift to syngas benefiting from advances in co-electrolysis and reverse water-gas shift reactor design.
Optimal Synergy between Photovoltaic Panels and Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Green Power Supply of a Green Building—A Case Study
Jun 2021
Publication
Alternative energy resources have a significant function in the performance and decarbonization of power engendering schemes in the building application domain. Additionally “green buildings” play a special role in reducing energy consumption and minimizing CO2 emissions in the building sector. This research article analyzes the performance of alternative primary energy sources (sun and hydrogen) integrated into a hybrid photovoltaic panel/fuel cell system and their optimal synergy to provide green energy for a green building. The study addresses the future hydrogen-based economy which involves the supply of hydrogen as the fuel needed to provide fuel cell energy through a power distribution infrastructure. The objective of this research is to use fuel cells in this field and to investigate their use as a green building energy supply through a hybrid electricity generation system which also uses photovoltaic panels to convert solar energy. The fuel cell hydrogen is supplied through a distribution network in which hydrogen production is outsourced and independent of the power generation system. The case study creates virtual operating conditions for this type of hybrid energy system and simulates its operation over a one-year period. The goal is to demonstrate the role and utility of fuel cells in virtual conditions by analyzing energy and economic performance indicators as well as carbon dioxide emissions. The case study analyzes the optimal synergy between photovoltaic panels and fuel cells for the power supply of a green building. In the simulation an optimally configured hybrid system supplies 100% of the energy to the green building while generating carbon dioxide emissions equal to 11.72% of the average value calculated for a conventional energy system providing similar energy to a standard residential building. Photovoltaic panels account for 32% of the required annual electricity production and the fuel cells generate 68% of the total annual energy output of the system.
Prospects for the Use of Hydrogen in the Armed Forces
Oct 2021
Publication
The energy security landscape that we envisage in 2050 will be different from that of today. Meeting the future energy needs of the armed forces will be a key challenge not least for military security. The World Energy Council’s World Energy Scenarios forecast that the world’s population will rise to 10 billion by 2050 which will also necessitate an increase in the size of the armed forces. In this context energy extraction distribution and storage become essential to stabilizing the imbalance between production and demand. Among the available solutions Power to Hydrogen (P2H) is one of the most appealing options. However despite the potential many obstacles currently hinder the development of the P2H market. This article aims to identify and analyse existing barriers to the introduction of P2H technologies that use hydrogen. The holistic approach used which was based on a literature survey identified obstacles and possible strategies for overcoming them. The research conducted presents an original research contribution at the level of hydrogen strategies considered in leading countries around the world. The research findings identified unresolved regulatory issues and sources of uncertainty in the armed forces. There is a lack of knowledge in the armed forces of some countries about the process of producing hydrogen energy and its benefits which raises concerns about the consistency of its exploitation. Negative attitudes towards hydrogen fuel energy can be a significant barrier to its deployment in the armed forces. Possible approaches and solutions have also been proposed to eliminate obstacles and to support decision makers in defining and implementing a strategy for hydrogen as a clean energy carrier. There are decisive and unresolved obstacles to its deployment not only in the armed forces
A Review of Cleaner Alternative Fuels for Maritime Transportation
Apr 2021
Publication
Environmental regulations have always been an essential component in the natural gas supply chain with recent and greater emphasis on shipping operations. Recently more stringent regulations have been imposed by the International Maritime Organization on global maritime shipping operations. This review explores the challenges and opportunities associated with substituting heavy fuel oils used for maritime transportation with relatively cleaner fuels. First the review considers the feasibility and environmental dimensions of different bunker fuels including liquefied natural gas hydrogen and ammonia. Also the operational viability and optimal conditions for these fuels are examined. Secondly the review considers the entire supply chain with an emphasis on how liquefied natural gas exporters can establish synergies across the supply chain to also deliver the end-product required by customers instead of delivering only liquefied natural gas. Finally measures that can support ship operators to comply with environmental regulations are suggested. The outcomes of this review supports the notion that the demand for alternative fuels will continue to increase as the transportation sector moves towards integrating cleaner fuels to comply with increasing environmental regulations.
Mechanisms of Hydrogen Embrittlement in Steels: Discussion
Jun 2017
Publication
This discussion session interrogated the current understanding of hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms in steels. This article is a transcription of the recorded discussion of ‘Hydrogen in steels’ at the Royal Society Scientific Discussion Meeting ‘The challenges of hydrogen and metals’ 16–18 January 2017.
The text is approved by the contributors. E.L.S. transcribed the session. M.P. assisted in the preparation of the manuscript
Link to document download on Royal Society Website
The text is approved by the contributors. E.L.S. transcribed the session. M.P. assisted in the preparation of the manuscript
Link to document download on Royal Society Website
Review of the Current Status of Ammonia-Blended Hydrogen Fuel Engine Development
Jan 2022
Publication
As fossil fuels continue to be extracted and used issues such as environmental pollution and energy scarcity are surfacing. For the transportation industry the best way to achieve the goal of “carbon neutrality” is to research efficient power systems and develop new alternative fuels. As the world’s largest product of chemicals ammonia is a new renewable fuel with good combustion energy. It can be used as an alternative fuel to reduce carbon emissions because of its proven production process low production and transportation costs safe storage the absence of carbon-containing compounds in its emissions and its future recyclability. This paper firstly introduces the characteristics of ammonia fuel engine and its problems; then it summarizes the effects of various ammonia-blended fuels on the combustion and emission characteristics of the engine from the combustion problem of ammonia-blended engine; then the fuel storage of ammonia-blended hydrogen is discussed the feasibility of hydrogen production instead of hydrogen storage is introduced.
Modelling and Designing Cryogenic Hydrogen Tanks for Future Aircraft Applications
Jan 2018
Publication
In the near future the challenges to reduce the economic and social dependency on fossil fuels must be faced increasingly. A sustainable and efficient energy supply based on renewable energies enables large-scale applications of electro-fuels for e.g. the transport sector. The high gravimetric energy density makes liquefied hydrogen a reasonable candidate for energy storage in a light-weight application such as aviation. Current aircraft structures are designed to accommodate jet fuel and gas turbines allowing a limited retrofitting only. New designs such as the blended-wing-body enable a more flexible integration of new storage technologies and energy converters e.g. cryogenic hydrogen tanks and fuel cells. Against this background a tank-design model is formulated which considers geometrical mechanical and thermal aspects as well as specific mission profiles while considering a power supply by a fuel cell. This design approach enables the determination of required tank mass and storage density respectively. A new evaluation value is defined including the vented hydrogen mass throughout the flight enabling more transparent insights on mass shares. Subsequently a systematic approach in tank partitioning leads to associated compromises regarding the tank weight. The analysis shows that cryogenic hydrogen tanks are highly competitive with kerosene tanks in terms of overall mass which is further improved by the use of a fuel cell.
Clean Growth- Transforming Heating Overview of Current Evidence
Dec 2018
Publication
Government has reviewed the evidence base on options for achieving long term heat decarbonisation. This report provides an overview of the key issues arising from our review and seeks to:
- highlight the different characteristics of the main alternative sources of low carbon heat and the approaches to achieving transformational change
- set out strategically important issues ‘strategic inferences’ which we have drawn from the evidence available to help focus the development of our long term policy framework
- identify areas that require further exploration to inform the development of a new long term policy framework for heat
- better understanding of the different options available for decarbonising heating
- a clearer common agenda across industry academia and the public sector to ensure effort and resources are effectively and efficiently applied to long term heat decarbonisation issues
- the strategic inferences identified
- the priority areas requiring further development
- any important omissions
- the parties best placed to deliver in these areas
- opportunities for enhancing co-ordination
The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions
May 2021
Publication
Minerals are essential components in many of today’s rapidly growing clean energy technologies – from wind turbines and electricity networks to electric vehicles. Demand for these minerals will grow quickly as clean energy transitions gather pace. This new World Energy Outlook Special Report provides the most comprehensive analysis to date of the complex links between these minerals and the prospects for a secure rapid transformation of the energy sector.
Alongside a wealth of detail on mineral demand prospects under different technology and policy assumptions it examines whether today’s mineral investments can meet the needs of a swiftly changing energy sector. It considers the task ahead to promote responsible and sustainable development of mineral resources and offers vital insights for policy makers including six key IEA recommendations for a new comprehensive approach to mineral security."
Link to International Energy Agency website
Alongside a wealth of detail on mineral demand prospects under different technology and policy assumptions it examines whether today’s mineral investments can meet the needs of a swiftly changing energy sector. It considers the task ahead to promote responsible and sustainable development of mineral resources and offers vital insights for policy makers including six key IEA recommendations for a new comprehensive approach to mineral security."
Link to International Energy Agency website
Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Sources Integrated System for Greenhouse Heating
Sep 2013
Publication
A research is under development at the Department of Agro-Environmental Sciences of the University of Bari “Aldo Moro” in order to investigate the suitable solutions of a power system based on solar energy (photovoltaic) and hydrogen integrated with a geothermal heat pump for powering a self sustained heated greenhouse. The electrical energy for heat pump operation is provided by a purpose-built array of solar photovoltaic modules which supplies also a water electrolyser system controlled by embedded pc; the generated dry hydrogen gas is conserved in suitable pressured storage tank. The hydrogen is used to produce electricity in a fuel cell in order to meet the above mentioned heat pump power demand when the photovoltaic system is inactive during winter night-time or the solar radiation level is insufficient to meet the electrical demand. The present work reports some theoretical and observed data about the electrolyzer operation. Indeed the electrolyzer has required particular attention because during the experimental tests it did not show a stable operation and it was registered a performance not properly consistent with the predicted performance by means of the theoretical study.
Standalone Renewable Energy and Hydrogen in an Agricultural Context: A Demonstrative Case
Feb 2019
Publication
Standalone renewable energy is widely used to power irrigation systems. However in agricultural facilities electricity from the grid and diesel are also consumed. The design and sizing of renewable generation involves difficulties derived from the different seasonal profiles of production and demand. If the generation is 100% renewable a considerable energy surplus is usually included. This paper is focused on a renewable energy system which has been installed in a vineyard located in the northeast of Spain. With energy from the photovoltaic fields the wastewater treatment plant of the winery a drip irrigation system and other ancillary consumptions are fed. The favourable effect of combining consumptions with different seasonal profiles is shown. The existence of some deferrable loads and the energy management strategy result in an aggregate consumption curve that is well suited to production. Besides the required energy storage is relatively small. The surplus energy is used for the on-site production of hydrogen by the electrolysis of water. The hydrogen refuels a hybrid fuel cell electric vehicle used for the mobility of workers in the vineyard. In summary electricity and hydrogen are produced on-site (to meet the energy needs) from 100% renewable sources and without operating emissions.
Production of Advanced Fuels Through Integration of Biological, Thermo-Chemical and Power to Gas Technologies in a Circular Cascading Bio-Based System
Sep 2020
Publication
In the transition to a climate neutral future the transportation sector needs to be sustainably decarbonized. Producing advanced fuels (such as biomethane) and bio-based valorised products (such as pyrochar) may offer a solution to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with energy and agricultural circular economy systems. Biological and thermochemical bioenergy technologies together with power to gas (P2G) systems can generate green renewable gas which is essential to reduce the GHG footprint of industry. However each technology faces challenges with respect to sustainability and conversion efficiency. Here this study identifies an optimal pathway leading to a sustainable bioenergy system where the carbon released in the fuel is offset by the GHG savings of the circular bio-based system. It provides a state-of-the-art review of individual technologies and proposes a bespoke circular cascading bio-based system with anaerobic digestion as the key platform integrating electro-fuels via P2G systems and value-added pyrochar via pyrolysis of solid digestate. The mass and energy analysis suggests that a reduction of 11% in digestate mass flow with the production of pyrochar bio-oil and syngas and an increase of 70% in biomethane production with the utilization of curtailed or constrained electricity can be achieved in the proposed bio-based system enabling a 70% increase in net energy output as compared with a conventional biomethane system. However the carbon footprint of the electricity from which the hydrogen is sourced is shown to be a critical parameter in assessing the GHG balance of the bespoke system.
World Energy Issues Monitor 2018: Perspectives on the Grand Energy Transition
May 2018
Publication
The World Energy Issues Monitor provides the views of energy leaders from across the globe to highlight the key issues of uncertainty importance and developing signals for the future.
The World Energy Issues Monitor Tool presents in one place dynamic map views of the nine years of Issues Monitor data that has been collated by the World Energy Council. The maps convey a narrative of the key energy issues regional and local variances and how these have changed over time. The tool allows the preparation of different maps for comparison and allows the manipulation of data by geography over time or by highlighting of specific energy issues.
The World Energy Issues Monitor Tool presents in one place dynamic map views of the nine years of Issues Monitor data that has been collated by the World Energy Council. The maps convey a narrative of the key energy issues regional and local variances and how these have changed over time. The tool allows the preparation of different maps for comparison and allows the manipulation of data by geography over time or by highlighting of specific energy issues.
- The geographical views can now be broken out into a country level.
- The time view allows you to see how specific issues have developed whether globally at a regional or country level
- Issues can also be viewed according to certain categories such as OECD non-OECD G20 countries innovators
A Review of the Latest Trends in the Use of Green Ammonia as an Energy Carrier in Maritime Industry
Feb 2022
Publication
This review paper examines the key barriers to using green ammonia as an alternative fuel in maritime industry. A literature survey is performed based on research articles and grey literature with the aim of discussing the technoeconomic problems with and benefits of ammonia and the relevant technologies. The limitations of ammonia as a maritime fuel and its supply chain the expected percentage demand by 2030 and 2050 its economic performance compared to other shipping fuels such as hydrogen and the current regulations that may impact ammonia as a maritime fuel are discussed. There are several key barriers to ammonia’s wide adoption: (1) High production costs due to the high capital costs associated with ammonia’s supply chain; (2) availability specifically the limited geographical locations available for ammonia bunkering; (3) the challenge of ramping up current ammonia production; and (4) the development of ammonia-specific regulations addressing issues such as toxicity safety and storage. The general challenges involved with blue ammonia are the large energy penalty and associated operational costs and a lack of technical expertise on its use. Regardless of the origin for ammonia to be truly zero-carbon its whole lifecycle must be considered—a key challenge that will aid in the debate about whether ammonia holds promise as a zero-carbon maritime fuel.
Advanced Sizing Methodology for a Multi-Mode eVTOL UAV Powered by a Hydrogen Fuel Cell and Battery
Jan 2022
Publication
A critical drawback of battery-powered eVTOL UAVs is their limited range and endurance and this drawback could be solved by using a combination of hydrogen fuel cells and batteries. The objective of this paper is to develop a sizing methodology for the lift+cruise-type eVTOL UAV powered by a hydrogen fuel cell and battery. This paper presents the constraints analysis method for forward flight/VTOL multi-mode UAV the regression model for electric propulsion system sizing a sizing method for an electric propulsion system and hydrogen fuel cell system and a transition analysis method. The total mass of the UAV is iteratively calculated until convergence and the optimization method is used to ensure that the sizing results satisfy the design requirements. The sizing results are the UAV’s geometry mass and power data. To verify the accuracy of the proposed sizing methodology the sizing and the conceptual design phase results of a 25 kg hydrogen fuel-cell-powered UAV are compared. All parameters had an error within 10% and satisfied the design requirements.
Decarbonising UK Transport: Implications for Electricity Generation, Land Use and Policy
Dec 2022
Publication
To ensure the UK’s net zero targets are met the transition from conventionally fueled transport to low emission alternatives is necessary. The impact from increased decarbonised electricity generation on ecosystem services (ES) and natural capital (NC) are not currently quantified with decarbonisation required to minimise impacts from climate change. This study aims to project the future electric and hydrogen energy demand between 2020 and 2050 for car bus and train to better understand the land/sea area that would be required to support energy generation. In this work predictions of the geospatial impact of renewable energy (onshore/offshore wind and solar) nuclear and fossil fuels on ES and NC were made considering generation mix number of generation installations and energy density. Results show that electric transport will require ~136599 GWh for all vehicle types analysed in 2050 much less than hydrogen transport at ~425532 GWh. We estimate that to power electric transport at least 1515 km2 will be required for solar 1672 km2 for wind and 5 km2 for nuclear. Hydrogen approximately doubles this requirement. Results provide an approximation of the future demands from the transport sector on land and sea area use indicating that a combined electric and hydrogen network will be needed to accommodate a range of socio-economic requirements. While robust assessments of ES and NC impacts are critical in future policies and planning significant reductions in energy demands through a modal shift to (low emission) public transport will be most effective in ensuring a sustainable transport future.
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