Applications & Pathways
Living Carbon Free – Exploring What a Net-zero Target Means for Households
Jun 2019
Publication
The Energy Systems Catapult (ESC) explored the role of households in a net-zero emissions society to accompany the CCC’s Net Zero report looking at opportunities and challenges for households to reduce emissions from today’s levels and to support the stretch from an 80% emissions reduction to a net-zero greenhouse gas target. As well as describing a net-zero emissions world for households of different types the ESC looked at average household emissions under different decarbonisation scenarios and the options households can take to contribute to the decarbonisation effort.
This supported the Net Zero Technical report.
This supported the Net Zero Technical report.
How Far Away is Hydrogen? Its Role in the Medium and Long-term Decarbonisation of the European Energy System
Nov 2015
Publication
Hydrogen is a promising avenue for decarbonising energy systems and providing flexibility. In this paper the JRC-EU-TIMES model – a bottom-up technology-rich model of the EU28 energy system – is used to assess the role of hydrogen in a future decarbonised Europe under two climate scenarios current policy initiative (CPI) and long-term decarbonisation (CAP). Our results indicate that hydrogen could become a viable option already in 2030 – however a long-term CO2 cap is needed to sustain the transition. In the CAP scenario the share of hydrogen in the final energy consumption of the transport and industry sectors reaches 5% and 6% by 2050. Low-carbon hydrogen production technologies dominate and electrolysers provide flexibility by absorbing electricity at times of high availability of intermittent sources. Hydrogen could also play a significant role in the industrial and transport sectors while the emergence of stationary hydrogen fuel cells for hydrogen-to-power would require significant cost improvements over and above those projected by the experts.
Opportunities and Challenges of Low-Carbon Hydrogen via Metallic Membranes
Jun 2020
Publication
Today electricity & heat generation transportation and industrial sectors together produce more than 80% of energy-related CO2 emissions. Hydrogen may be used as an energy carrier and an alternative fuel in the industrial residential and transportation sectors for either heating energy production from fuel cells or direct fueling of vehicles. In particular the use of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) has the potential to virtually eliminate CO2 emissions from tailpipes and considerably reduce overall emissions from the transportation sector. Although steam methane reforming (SMR) is the dominant industrial process for hydrogen production environmental concerns associated with CO2 emissions along with the process intensification and energy optimization are areas that still require improvement. Metallic membrane reactors (MRs) have the potential to address both challenges. MRs operate at significantly lower pressures and temperatures compared with the conventional reactors. Hence the capital and operating expenses could be considerably lower compared with the conventional reactors. Moreover metallic membranes specifically Pd and its alloys inherently allow for only hydrogen permeation making it possible to produce a stream of up to 99.999+% purity.
For smaller and emerging hydrogen markets such as the semiconductor and fuel cell industries Pd-based membranes may be an appropriate technology based on the scales and purity requirements. In particular at lower hydrogen production rates in small-scale plants MRs with CCUS could be competitive compared to centralized H2 production. On-site hydrogen production would also provide a self-sufficient supply and further circumvent delivery delays as well as issues with storage safety. In addition hydrogen-producing MRs are a potential avenue to alleviate carbon emissions. However material availability Pd cost and scale-up potential on the order of 1.5 million m3/day may be limiting factors preventing wider application of Pd-based membranes.
Regarding the economic production of hydrogen the benchmark by the year 2020 has been determined and set in place by the U.S. DOE at less than $2.00 per kg of produced hydrogen. While the established SMR process can easily meet the set limit by DOE other carbon-free processes such as water electrolysis electron beam radiolysis and gliding arc technologies do not presently meet this requirement. In particular it is expected that the cost of hydrogen produced from natural gas without CCUS will remain the lowest among all of the technologies while the hydrogen cost produced from an SMR plant with solvent-based carbon capture could be twice as expensive as the conventional SMR without carbon capture. Pd-based MRs have the potential to produce hydrogen at competitive prices with SMR plants equipped with carbon capture.
Despite the significant improvements in the electrolysis technologies the cost of hydrogen produced by electrolysis may remain significantly higher in most geographical locations compared with the hydrogen produced from fossil fuels. The cost of hydrogen via electrolysis may vary up to a factor of ten depending on the location and the electricity source. Nevertheless due to its modular nature the electrolysis process will likely play a significant role in the hydrogen economy when implemented in suitable geographical locations and powered by renewable electricity.
This review provides a critical overview of the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of the MRs to produce high-purity hydrogen with low carbon emissions. Moreover a technoeconomic review of the potential methods for hydrogen production is provided and the drawbacks and advantages of each method are presented and discussed.
For smaller and emerging hydrogen markets such as the semiconductor and fuel cell industries Pd-based membranes may be an appropriate technology based on the scales and purity requirements. In particular at lower hydrogen production rates in small-scale plants MRs with CCUS could be competitive compared to centralized H2 production. On-site hydrogen production would also provide a self-sufficient supply and further circumvent delivery delays as well as issues with storage safety. In addition hydrogen-producing MRs are a potential avenue to alleviate carbon emissions. However material availability Pd cost and scale-up potential on the order of 1.5 million m3/day may be limiting factors preventing wider application of Pd-based membranes.
Regarding the economic production of hydrogen the benchmark by the year 2020 has been determined and set in place by the U.S. DOE at less than $2.00 per kg of produced hydrogen. While the established SMR process can easily meet the set limit by DOE other carbon-free processes such as water electrolysis electron beam radiolysis and gliding arc technologies do not presently meet this requirement. In particular it is expected that the cost of hydrogen produced from natural gas without CCUS will remain the lowest among all of the technologies while the hydrogen cost produced from an SMR plant with solvent-based carbon capture could be twice as expensive as the conventional SMR without carbon capture. Pd-based MRs have the potential to produce hydrogen at competitive prices with SMR plants equipped with carbon capture.
Despite the significant improvements in the electrolysis technologies the cost of hydrogen produced by electrolysis may remain significantly higher in most geographical locations compared with the hydrogen produced from fossil fuels. The cost of hydrogen via electrolysis may vary up to a factor of ten depending on the location and the electricity source. Nevertheless due to its modular nature the electrolysis process will likely play a significant role in the hydrogen economy when implemented in suitable geographical locations and powered by renewable electricity.
This review provides a critical overview of the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of the MRs to produce high-purity hydrogen with low carbon emissions. Moreover a technoeconomic review of the potential methods for hydrogen production is provided and the drawbacks and advantages of each method are presented and discussed.
A Review of Techno-economic Data for Road Transportation Fuels
May 2019
Publication
Worldwide the road transport sector typically arises as one of the main sources of air pollutants due to its high energy intensity and the use of fossil fuels. Thus governments and social agents work on the development and prospective planning of decarbonisation strategies oriented towards sustainable transport. In this regard the increase in the use of alternative fuels is the recurrent approach to energy planning e.g. through the promotion of electric vehicles biofuels natural gas liquefied petroleum gas etc. However there is a lack of comprehensive information on the techno-economic performance of production pathways for alternative fuels. The acquisition of robust techno-economic data is still a challenge for energy planners modellers analysts and policy-makers when building their prospective models to support decision-making processes. Hence this article aims to fill this gap through a deep literature review including the most representative production routes for a wide range of road transportation fuels. This led to the development of datasets including investment costs operating and maintenance costs and transformation efficiencies for more than 40 production pathways. The techno-economic data presented in this work are expected to be especially useful to those energy actors interested in performing long-term studies on the transition to a sustainable transport system.
Sustainability Assessment of Fuel Cell Buses in Public Transport
May 2018
Publication
Hydrogen fuel cell (H2FC) buses operating in every day public transport services around Europe are assessed for their sustainability against environmental economic and social criteria. As part of this assessment the buses are evaluated against diesel buses both in terms of sustainability and in terms of meeting real world requirements with respect to operational performance. The study concludes that H2FC buses meet operability and performance criteria and are sustainable environmentally when ‘green’ hydrogen is used. The economic sustainability of the buses in terms of affordability achieves parity with their fossil fuel equivalent by 2030 when the indirect costs to human health and climate change are included. Societal acceptance by those who worked with and used the buses supports the positive findings of earlier studies although satisfactory operability and performance are shown to be essential to positive attitudes. Influential policy makers expressed positive sentiments only if ‘green’ hydrogen is used and the affordability issues can be addressed. No “show-stopper” is identified that would prevent future generations from using H2FC buses in public transport on a broad scale due to damage to the environment or to other factors that impinge on quality of life.
The Effect of the Temperature and Moisture to the Permeation Properties of PEO-Based Membranes for Carbon-Dioxide Separation
Jun 2021
Publication
An increased demand for energy in recent decades has caused an increase in the emissions of combustion products among which carbon-dioxide is the most harmful. As carbon-dioxide induces negative environmental effects like global warming and the greenhouse effect a decrease of the carbon-dioxide emission has emerged as one of the most urgent tasks in engineering. In this work the possibility for the application of the polymer-based dense mixed matrix membranes for flue gas treatment was tested. The task was to test a potential decrease in the permeability and selectivity of a mixed-matrix membrane in the presence of moisture and at elevated temperature. Membranes are based on two different poly(ethylene oxide)-based polymers filled with two different zeolite powders (ITR and IWS). An additive of detergent type was added to improve the contact properties between the zeolite and polymer matrix. The measurements were performed at three different temperatures (30 60 and 90 °C) under wet conditions with partial pressure of the water equal to the vapor pressure of the water at the given temperature. The permeability of carbon-dioxide hydrogen nitrogen and oxygen was measured and the selectivity of the carbon-dioxide versus other gases was determined. Obtained results have shown that an increase of temperature and partial pressure of the vapor slightly increase both the selectivity and permeability of the synthesized membranes. It was also shown that the addition of the zeolite powder increases the permeability of carbon-dioxide while maintaining the selectivity compared to hydrogen oxygen and nitrogen.
New Integrated Process for the Efficient Production of Methanol, Electrical Power, and Heating
Jan 2022
Publication
In this paper a novel process is developed to cogenerate 4741 kg/h of methanol 297.7 kW of electricity and 35.73 ton/h of hot water including a hydrogen purification system an absorption– compression refrigeration cycle (ACRC) a regenerative Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) and parabolic solar troughs. The heat produced in the methanol reactor is recovered in the ORC and ACRC. Parabolic solar troughs provide thermal power to the methanol distillation tower. Thermal efficiencies of the integrated structure and the liquid methanol production cycle are 78.14% and 60.91% respectively. The process’s total exergy efficiency and irreversibility are 89.45% and 16.89 MW. The solar thermal collectors take the largest share of exergy destruction (34%) followed by heat exchangers (30%) and mixers (19%). Based on the sensitivity analysis D17 (mixture of H2 and low-pressure fuel gas before separation) was the most influential stream affecting the performance of the process. With the temperature decline of stream D17 from −139 to −149 °C the methanol production rate and the total thermal efficiency rose to 4741.2 kg/h and 61.02% respectively. Moreover the growth in the hydrogen content from 55% to 80% molar of the feed gas the flow rate of liquid methanol and the total exergy efficiency declined to 4487 kg/h and 86.05%.
What is Needed to Deliver Carbon-neutral Heat Using Hydrogen and CCS?
Sep 2020
Publication
In comparison with the power sector large scale decarbonisation of heat has received relatively little attention at the infrastructural scale despite its importance in the global CO2 emissions landscape. In this study we focus on the regional transition of a heating sector from natural gas-based infrastructure to H2 using mathematical optimisation. A discrete spatio-temporal description of the geographical region of Great Britain was used in addition to a detailed description of all network elements for illustrating the key factors in the design of nation-wide H2 and CO2 infrastructure. We have found that the synergistic deployment of H2 production technologies such as autothermal reforming of methane and biomass gasification with CO2 abatement technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) are critical in achieving cost-effective decarbonisation. We show that both large scale underground H2 storage and water electrolysis provide resilience and flexibility to the heating system competing on cost and deployment rates. The optimal regions for siting H2 production infrastructure are characterised by proximity to: (1) underground H2 storage (2) high demands for H2 (3) geological storage for CO2. Furthermore cost-effective transitions based on a methane reforming pathway may necessitate regional expansions in the supply of natural gas with profound implications for security of supply in nations that are already highly reliant potentially creating an infrastructure lock-in during the near term. We found that the total system cost comprising both investment and operational elements is mostly influenced by the natural gas price followed by biomass price and CapEx of underground caverns. Under a hybrid Regulated Asset Base (RAB) commercial framework with private enterprises delivering production infrastructure the total cost of heat supply over the infrastructure lifetime is estimated as 5.2–8.6 pence per kW h. Due to the higher cost relative to natural gas a Contract for Difference payment between d20 per MW h and d53 per MW h will be necessary for H2-derived heat to be competitive in the market.
Materials Towards Carbon-free, Emission-free and Oil-free Mobility: Hydrogen Fuel-cell Vehicles—Now and in the Future
Jul 2010
Publication
In the past material innovation has changed society through new material-induced technologies adding a new value to society. In the present world engineers and scientists are expected to invent new materials to solve the global problem of climate change. For the transport sector the challenge for material engineers is to change the oil-based world into a sustainable world. After witnessing the recent high oil price and its adverse impact on the global economy it is time to accelerate our efforts towards this change.
Industries are tackling global energy issues such as oil and CO2 as well as local environmental problems such as NOx and particulate matter. Hydrogen is the most promising candidate to provide carbon-free emission-free and oil-free mobility. As such engineers are working very hard to bring this technology into the real society. This paper describes recent progress of vehicle technologies as well as hydrogen-storage technologies to extend the cruise range and ensure the easiness of refuelling and requesting material scientists to collaborate with industry to fight against global warming.
Link to document download on Royal Society Website
Industries are tackling global energy issues such as oil and CO2 as well as local environmental problems such as NOx and particulate matter. Hydrogen is the most promising candidate to provide carbon-free emission-free and oil-free mobility. As such engineers are working very hard to bring this technology into the real society. This paper describes recent progress of vehicle technologies as well as hydrogen-storage technologies to extend the cruise range and ensure the easiness of refuelling and requesting material scientists to collaborate with industry to fight against global warming.
Link to document download on Royal Society Website
Hydrogen: The Future Energy Carrier
Jul 2010
Publication
Since the beginning of the twenty-first century the limitations of the fossil age with regard to the continuing growth of energy demand the peaking mining rate of oil the growing impact of CO2 emissions on the environment and the dependency of the economy in the industrialized world on the availability of fossil fuels became very obvious. A major change in the energy economy from fossil energy carriers to renewable energy fluxes is necessary. The main challenge is to efficiently convert renewable energy into electricity and the storage of electricity or the production of a synthetic fuel. Hydrogen is produced from water by electricity through an electrolyser. The storage of hydrogen in its molecular or atomic form is a materials challenge. Some hydrides are known to exhibit a hydrogen density comparable to oil; however these hydrides require a sophisticated storage system. The system energy density is significantly smaller than the energy density of fossil fuels. An interesting alternative to the direct storage of hydrogen are synthetic hydrocarbons produced from hydrogen and CO2 extracted from the atmosphere. They are CO2 neutral and stored like fossil fuels. Conventional combustion engines and turbines can be used in order to convert the stored energy into work and heat.
Link to document download on Royal Society Website
Link to document download on Royal Society Website
Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Station Networks for Automobiles: Status, Technology, and Perspectives
Feb 2021
Publication
The U.S. transportation sector accounts for 37% of total energy consumption. Automobiles are a primary application of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells which operate under low temperature and high efficiency to reduce fossil fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Using hydrogen fuel PEM fuel cells can reach a practical efficiency as high as 65% with water as the only byproduct. Almost all the major automakers are involved in fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) development. Toyota and Hyundai introduced FCEVs (the Mirai and NEXO respectively) to consumers in recent years with a driving range between 312 and 402 miles and cold-start capacity from -30 °C. About 50 fuel cell electric buses (FCEB) are operating in California and most of them have achieved the durability target i.e. 25000 h in real-world driving conditions. As of September 2020 over 8573 FCEVs have been sold or leased in the U.S. More than 3521 FCEVs and 22 FCEBs have been sold or leased in Japan as of September 2019. An extensive hydrogen station network is required for the successful deployment of FCEVs and FCEBs. The U.S. currently has over 44 hydrogen fuelling stations (HFSs) nearly all located in California. Europe has over 139 HFSs with ~1500 more stations planned by 2025. This review has three primary objectives: 1) to present the current status of FCEV/FCEB commercialization and HFS development; 2) to describe the PEM fuel cell research/development in automobile applications and the significance of HFS networks; and 3) to outline major challenges and opportunities.
Sizing and Operation of a Pure Renewable Energy Based Electric System through Hydrogen
Nov 2021
Publication
Today in order to reduce the increase of the carbon dioxide emissions a large number of renewable energy resources (RES) are already implemented. Considering both the intermittency and uncertainty of the RES the energy storage system (ESS) is still needed for balancing and stabilizing the power system. Among different existing categories of ESS the hydrogen storage systems (HSS) have the highest energy density and are crucial for the RES integration. In addition RES are located in faraway regions and are often transmitted to the terminal consumption center through HVDC (high voltage direct current) due to its lower power loss. In this paper we present a power supply system that achieves low-carbon emissions through combined HSS and HVDC technology. First the combined HSS and the HVDC model are established. Secondly the rule-based strategy for operating the HSS microgrid is presented. Then an operating strategy for a typical network i.e. the pure RES generation station-HVDC transmission-microgrids is demonstrated. Finally the best sizing capacities for all components are found by the genetic algorithm. The results prove the efficiency of the presented sizing approach for a pure RES electric system.
Simulation of the Combustion Process for a CI Hydrogen Engine in an Argon-oxygen Atmosphere
May 2018
Publication
Hydrogen combustion in a noble gas atmosphere increases the combustion chamber temperature and the high specific heat ratio of the gas increases the thermal efficiency. In this study nitrogen was replaced by argon as the intake air along with pure oxygen to supply the engine. The objectives of this study are to determine the effects of different engine parameters on combustion and to analyse the emissions from hydrogen combustion in an argon-oxygen atmosphere. This research was conducted through simulations using CONVERGE 2.2.0 software and the YANMAR engine NF19SK model was used to determine the basic parameters. Changing the injector location affects the pressure and temperature in the combustion chamber. With increasing compression ratio the pressure increases more rapidly than the temperature. However combustion at high compression ratios decreases the maximum heat release rate and increases the combustion duration. Hydrogen combustion at ambient temperatures below 1200 K follows the Arrhenius equation.
The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution: Building Back Better, Supporting Green Jobs, and Accelerating Our Path to Net Zero
Nov 2020
Publication
As the world looks to recover from the impact of coronavirus on our lives livelihoods and economies we have the chance to build back better: to invest in making the UK a global leader in green technologies.
The plan focuses on increasing ambition in the following areas:
The plan focuses on increasing ambition in the following areas:
- advancing offshore wind
- driving the growth of low carbon hydrogen
- delivering new and advanced nuclear power
- accelerating the shift to zero emission vehicles
- green public transport cycling and walking
- ‘jet zero’ and green ships
- greener buildings
- investing in carbon capture usage and storage
- protecting our natural environment
- green finance and innovation
Global Energy Transformation: A Roadmap to 2050
Apr 2019
Publication
Dolf Gielen,
Ricardo Gorini,
Nicholas Wagner,
Rodrigo Leme,
Laura Gutierrez,
Gayathri Prakash,
Elisa Asmelash,
Luis Janeiro,
Giacomo Gallina,
Guilia Vale,
Lorenzo Sani,
Xavier Garcia Casals,
Rabia Ferroukhi,
Bishal Parajuli,
Jinlei Feng,
Eva Alexandri,
Unnada Chewpreecha,
Mary Goldman,
Sophie Heald,
Jon Stenning,
Hector Pollitt,
Celia García-Baños and
Michael Renner
Increased use of renewable energy combined with intensified electrification could prove decisive for the world to meet key climate goals by 2050. This study from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) highlights immediately deployable cost-effective options for countries to fulfil climate commitments and limit the rise of global temperatures. The envisaged energy transformation would also reduce net costs and bring significant socio-economic benefits such as increased economic growth job creation and overall welfare gains.<br/>The report – the second under the Global Energy Transformation banner – expands IRENA’s comprehensive roadmap which examines technology pathways and policy implications to ensure a sustainable energy future. Ramping up electricity to over half of the global energy mix (up from one-fifth currently) in combination with renewables would reduce the use of fossil fuels responsible for most greenhouse-gas emissions.
Role of Hydrogen in a Low-Carbon Electric Power System: A Case Study
Jan 2021
Publication
The European Union set a 2050 decarbonization target in the Paris Agreement to reduce carbon emissions by 90–95% relative to 1990 emission levels. The path toward achieving those deep decarbonization targets can take various shapes but will surely include a portfolio of economy-wide low-carbon energy technologies/options. The growth of the intermittent renewable power sources in the grid mix has helped reduce the carbon footprint of the electric power sector. Under the need for decarbonizing the electric power sector we simulated a low-carbon power system. We investigated the role of hydrogen for future electric power systems under current cost projections. The model optimizes the power generation mix economically for a given carbon constraint. The generation mix consists of intermittent renewable power sources (solar and wind) and dispatchable gas turbine and combined cycle units fuelled by natural gas with carbon capture and sequestration as well as hydrogen. We created several scenarios with battery storage options pumped hydro hydrogen storage and demand-side response (DSR). The results show that energy storage replaces power generation and pumped hydro entirely replaces battery storage under given conditions. The availability of pumped hydro storage and demand-side response reduced the total cost as well as the combination of solar photovoltaic and pumped hydro storage. Demand-side response reduces relatively costly dispatchable power generation reduces annual power generation halves the shadow carbon price and is a viable alternative to energy storage. The carbon constrain defines the generation mix and initializes the integration of hydrogen (H2). Although the model rates power to gas with hydrogen as not economically viable in this power system under the given conditions and assumptions hydrogen is important for hard-to-abate sectors and enables sector coupling in a real energy system. This study discusses the potential for hydrogen beyond this model approach and shows the differences between cost optimization models and real-world feasibility.
Transport Energy Air Pollution Model
May 2019
Publication
The transport sector remains at the centre of any debates around energy conservation exaggerated by the stubborn and overwhelming reliance on fossil fuels by its motorised forms whether passenger and freight road rail sea and air.<br/>The very slow transition to alternative fuel sources to date has resulted in this sector being increasingly and convincingly held responsible for the likely failure of individual countries including the UK to meet their obligations under consecutive international climate change agreements.<br/>Electrification of transport is largely expected to take us down the path to a ‘zero carbon future’ (CCC 2019; DfT 2018). But there are serious concerns about future technology performance availability costs and uptake by consumers and businesses. There are also concerns about the increasing gap between lab and ‘real world’ performance of energy use carbon and air pollution emissions. Recently the role of consumer ‘lifestyles’ has increased in prominence (e.g. IPCC 2018) but as yet has not been taken seriously by the DfT BEIS or even the CCC (2019).
Integration of Water Electrolysis for Fossil-free Steel Production
Sep 2020
Publication
This study investigates the integration of water electrolysis technologies in fossil-free steelmaking via the direct reduction of iron ore followed by processing in an electric arc furnace (EAF). Hydrogen (H2) production via low or high temperature electrolysis (LTE and HTE) is considered for the production of carbon-free direct reduced iron (DRI). The introduction of carbon into the DRI reduces the electricity demand of the EAF. Such carburization can be achieved by introducing carbon monoxide (CO) into the direct reduction process. Therefore the production of mixtures of H2 and CO using either a combination of LTE coupled with a reverse water-gas shift reactor (rWGS-LTE) or high-temperature co-electrolysis (HTCE) was also investigated. The results show that HTE has the potential to reduce the specific electricity consumption (SEC) of liquid steel (LS) production by 21% compared to the LTE case. Nevertheless due to the high investment cost of HTE units both routes reach similar LS production costs of approximately 400 €/tonne LS. However if future investment cost targets for HTE units are reached a production cost of 301 €/tonne LS is attainable under the conditions given in this study. For the production of DRI containing carbon a higher SEC is calculated for the LTE-rWGS system compared to HTCE (4.80 vs. 3.07 MWh/tonne LS). Although the use of HTCE or LTE-rWGS leads to similar LS production costs future cost reduction of HTCE could result in a 10% reduction in LS production cost (418 vs. 375 €/tonne LS). We show that the use of HTE either for the production of pure H2 or H2 and CO mixtures may be advantageous compared to the use of LTE in H2 -based steelmaking although results are sensitive to electrolyzer investment costs efficiencies and electricity prices.
Hydrogen Station Technology Development Review Through Patent Analysis
May 2018
Publication
This study is a review of hydrogen station patents using the Derwent Innovation system and also a secondary screening. This was undertaken by the researchers to better understand and identify hydrogen station trends. The review focuses on analyzing the developing trends of patent technologies associated with a hydrogen station. The results of the review indicated that the countries with the major distribution of patents were Japan China the USA and Europe. Japan is leading the developmental trajectory of hydrogen stations. The results of the analysis found the leading developers of these patented technologies are Kobe Steel Nippon Oil Toyota and Honda. Other active patent developers analyzed include Linde Hyundai and Texaco. The review concludes with a suggestion that using a patent analysis methodology is a good starting point to identify evaluate and measure the trend in hydrogen station commercial development.
Oxford Energy Podcast – The Role of Ammonia and Hydrogen in Meeting International Maritime Organisation Targets for Decarbonising Shipping
Jul 2021
Publication
The world’s shipping fleet is responsible for approximately 0.9 Gt of CO2 emissions annually around 2.9 per cent of the world’s man-made emissions. Under an IEA ‘business as usual’ scenario this is forecast to rise to almost 1.7 Gt per year by 2050. The industry’s principal regulatory body the International Maritime Organization (IMO) aims to reduce world shipping’s greenhouse gas emissions in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement targeting a 50 per cent reduction compared with 2008 levels by 2050. The cost of achieving these emission targets however is about $1 trillion and will require focus from regulators operators and end consumers who in the end will have to pay. In this podcast David Ledesma talks to Bruce Moore Howe Robinson Partners to discuss these issues and ask in such a fragmented industry what the immediate priorities for the marine sector must be and how can it bring about a mix of commercial incentives and regulatory change that result in tangible emissions reductions.
The podcast can be found on their website
The podcast can be found on their website
Analysis of Hydrogen Filling of 175 Liter Tank for Large-Sized Hydrogen Vehicle
May 2022
Publication
Due to the low density of hydrogen gas under ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure conditions the high-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage method is widely employed. With high-pressure characteristics of hydrogen storage rigorous safety precautions are required such as filling of compressed gas in a hydrogen tank to achieve reliable operational solutions. Especially for the large-sized tanks (above 150 L) safety operation of hydrogen storage should be considered. In the present study the compressed hydrogen gas behavior in a large hydrogen tank of 175 L is investigated for its filling. To validate the numerical approach used in this study numerical models for the adaptation of the gas and turbulence models are examined. Numerical parametric studies on hydrogen filling for the large hydrogen tank of 175 L are conducted to estimate the hydrogen gas behavior in the hydrogen tank under various conditions of state of charge of pressure and ambient temperature. From the parametric studies the relationship between the initial SOC pressure condition and the maximum temperature rise of hydrogen gas was shown. That is the maximum temperature rise increases as the ambient temperature decreases and the rise increases as the SOC decreases.
Utilization and Recycling of End of Life Plastics for Sustainable and Clean Industrial Processes Including the Iron and Steel Industry
Aug 2019
Publication
About 400 million tonnes of plastics are produced per annum worldwide. End-of-life of plastics disposal contaminates the waterways aquifers and limits the landfill areas. Options for recycling plastic wastes include feedstock recycling mechanical /material recycling industrial energy recovery municipal solid waste incineration. Incineration of plastics containing E-Wastes releases noxious odours harmful gases dioxins HBr polybrominated diphenylethers and other hydrocarbons. This study focusses on recycling options in particular feedstock recycling of plastics in high-temperature materials processing for a sustainable solution to the plastic wastes not suitable for recycling. Of the 7% CO2 emissions attributed to the iron and steel industry worldwide ∼30% of the carbon footprint is reduced using the waste plastics compared to other carbon sources in addition to energy savings. Plastics have higher H2 content than the coal. Hydrogen evolved from the plastics acts as the reductant alongside the carbon monoxide. Hydrogen reduction of iron ore in presence of plastics increases the reaction rates due to higher diffusion of H2 compared to CO. Plastic replacement reduces the process temperature by at least 100–200 °C due to the reducing gases (hydrogen) which enhance the energy efficiency of the process. Similarly plastics greatly reduce the emissions in other high carbon footprint process such as magnesia production while contributing to energy.
Five Minute Guide to Hydrogen
Feb 2016
Publication
Hydrogen is an emerging energy vector many components of which are mature technologies. Current hydrogen technology is already able to provide advantages over other energy vectors and many of its challenges are being actively addressed by research and development.<br/><br/>Hydrogen can be derived stored and converted through various processes each of which represents different levels of carbon intensity efficiency and end use functionality. Our latest five minute guide looks at this energy vector in brief including public perception transportation and storage as well as using hydrogen as a solution.
Multi-Period Planning of Hydrogen Supply Network for Refuelling Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles in Urban Areas
May 2020
Publication
The hydrogen economy refers to an economic and industrial structure that uses hydrogen as its main energy source replacing traditional fossil-fuel-based energy systems. In particular the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) is one of the key factors enabling a hydrogen economy and aggressive investment in hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is essential to make large-scale adoption of HFCVs possible. In this study we address the problem of effectively designing a hydrogen supply network for refuelling HFCVs in urban areas relatively far from a large hydrogen production site such as a petrochemical complex. In these urban areas where mass supply of hydrogen is not possible hydrogen can be supplied by reforming city gas. In this case building distributed hydrogen production bases that extract large amounts of hydrogen from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or compressed natural gas (CNG) and then supply hydrogen to nearby hydrogen stations may be a cost-effective option for establishing a hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in the early stage of the hydrogen economy. Therefore an optimization model is proposed for effectively deciding when and where to build hydrogen production bases and hydrogen refuelling stations in an urban area. Then a case study of the southeastern area of Seoul known as a commercial and residential center is discussed. A variety of scenarios for the design parameters of the hydrogen supply network are analyzed based on the target of the adoption of HFCVs in Seoul by 2030. The proposed optimization model can be effectively used for determining the time and sites for building hydrogen production bases and hydrogen refuelling stations.
Modelling and Simulation of a Zero-emission Hybrid Power Plant for a Domestic Ferry
Jan 2021
Publication
This paper presents a simulation tool for marine hybrid power-plants equipped with polymer exchange membrane fuel cells and batteries. The virtual model through the combination of operational data and dynamically modelled subsystems can simulate power-plants of different sizes and configurations in order to analyze the response of different energy management strategies. The model aims to replicate the realistic behavior of the components included in the vessel's grid to asses if the hardware selected by the user is capable of delivering the power set-point requested by the energy management system. The model can then be used to optimize key factors such as hydrogen consumption. The case study presented in the paper demonstrates how the model can be used for the evaluation of a retrofitting operation replacing a diesel electric power-plant with fuel cells and batteries. The vessel taken into consideration is a domestic ferry operating car and passenger transport in Denmark. The vessel is outfitted with a diesel electric plant and an alternative hybrid power-plant is proposed. The hybrid configuration is tested using the model in a discrete time-domain.
Hydrogen as a Maritime Fuel–Can Experiences with LNG Be Transferred to Hydrogen Systems?
Jul 2021
Publication
As the use of fossil fuels becomes more and more restricted there is a need for alternative fuels also at sea. For short sea distance travel purposes batteries may be a solution. However for longer distances when there is no possibility of recharging at sea batteries do not have sufficient capacity yet. Several projects have demonstrated the use of compressed hydrogen (CH2) as a fuel for road transport. The experience with hydrogen as a maritime fuel is very limited. In this paper the similarities and differences between liquefied hydrogen (LH2) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a maritime fuel will be discussed based on literature data of their properties and our system knowledge. The advantages and disadvantages of the two fuels will be examined with respect to use as a maritime fuel. Our objective is to discuss if and how hydrogen could replace fossil fuels on long distance sea voyages. Due to the low temperature of LH2 and wide flammability range in air these systems have more challenges related to storage and processing onboard than LNG. These factors result in higher investment costs. All this may also imply challenges for the LH2 supply chain.
Earth Abundant Spinel for Hydrogen Production in a Chemical Looping Scheme at 550°C
Jun 2020
Publication
Operating chemical looping process at mid-temperatures (550-750 oC) presents exciting potential for the stable production of hydrogen. However the reactivity of oxygen carriers is compromised by the detrimental effect of the relatively low temperatures on the redox kinetics. Although the reactivity at mid-temperature can be improved by the addition of noble metals the high cost of these noble metal containing materials significantly hindered their scalable application. In the current work we propose to incorporate earth-abundant metals into the iron-based spinel for hydrogen production in a chemical looping scheme at mid-temperatures. Mn0.2Co0.4Fe2.4O4 shows a high hydrogen production rate at the average rate of ∼0.62 mmol.g-1.min-1 and a hydrogen yield of ∼9.29 mmol.g-1 with satisfactory stability over 20 cycles at 550 oC. The mechanism studies manifest that the enhanced hydrogen production performance is a result of the improved oxygen-ion conductivity to enhance reduction reaction and high reactivity of reduced samples with steam. The performance of the oxygen carriers in this work is comparable to those noble-metal containing materials enabling their potential for industrial applications.
Mobile Phone Infrastructure Development: Lessons for the Development of a Hydrogen Infrastructure
Apr 2014
Publication
The development of new infrastructure is often a consideration in the introduction of new innovations. Currently there is some confusion around how to develop a hydrogen infrastructure to support the introduction of FCVs. Lessons can be learned from similar technology introduction in the past and therefore this paper investigates how mobile phone infrastructure was developed allowing the mass-market penetration of mobile phones. Based on this successful infrastructural development suggestions can be made on the development of a hydrogen infrastructure. It is suggested that a hydrogen infrastructure needs to be pre-developed 3–5 years before the market introduction of FCVs can successfully occur. A lack of infrastructural pre-development will cause to the market introduction of FCVs to fail.
Design and Dynamics Simulations of Small Scale Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Trigeneration System
Dec 2018
Publication
This paper presents the design of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) tri-generation system that consists of an SOFC-combined heat and power subsystem an adsorption refrigeration subsystem and coupling devices between the two subsystems. Whereas typical extant designs use absorption techniques the proposed design employs adsorption refrigeration. In this paper the dynamics of adsorption refrigeration are reported in detail to evaluate the feasibility of the tri-generation system design. The design of the coupling devices and instrumentation strategies of the overall system are discussed in detail. Simulation results indicate that the proposed SOFC trigeneration system can output 4.35 kW of electrical power 2.448 kW of exhaust heat power and 1.348 kW of cooling power. The energy efficiency is 64.9% and the coefficient of performance of the refrigeration is 0.32. Varying the electrical output power results in the variation of exhaust heat power but not the cooling power; varying the cooling power affects the exhaust heat power but not the electrical power. These favorable features can be attributed to the proposed heat exchange sequence and active temperature controls of the system.
Perspectives on Cathodes for Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cells
Jun 2021
Publication
Protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) are promising electrochemical devices for the efficient and clean conversion of hydrogen and low hydrocarbons into electrical energy. Their intermediate operation temperature (500–800 °C) proffers advantages in terms of greater component compatibility unnecessity of expensive noble metals for the electrocatalyst and no dilution of the fuel electrode due to water formation. Nevertheless the lower operating temperature in comparison to classic solid oxide fuel cells places significant demands on the cathode as the reaction kinetics are slower than those related to fuel oxidation in the anode or ion migration in the electrolyte. Cathode design and composition are therefore of crucial importance for the cell performance at low temperature. The different approaches that have been adopted for cathode materials research can be broadly classified into the categories of protonic–electronic conductors oxide-ionic–electronic conductors triple-conducting oxides and composite electrodes composed of oxides from two of the other categories. Here we review the relatively short history of PCFC cathode research discussing trends highlights and recent progress. Current understanding of reaction mechanisms is also discussed.
Thoughts on the Prospects of Renewable Hydrogen
Oct 2020
Publication
In the last two years or so there has been increasing interest in hydrogen as an energy source in Australia and around the world. Notably this is not the first time that hydrogen has caught our collective interest. Most recently the 2000s saw a substantial investment in hydrogen research development and demonstration around the world. Prior to that the oil crises of the 1970s also stimulated significant investment in hydrogen and earlier still the literature on hydrogen was not lacking. And yet the hydrogen economy is still an idea only.<br/>So what if anything might be different this time?<br/>This is an important question that we all need to ask and for which the author can only give two potential answers. First our need to make dramatic reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has become more pressing since these previous waves of interest. Second renewable energy is considerably more affordable now than it was before and it has consistently outperformed expectations in terms of cost reductions by even its strongest supporters.<br/>While this dramatic and ongoing reduction in the cost of renewables is very promising our need to achieve substantial GHG emission reductions is the crucial challenge. Moreover meeting this challenge needs to be achieved with as little adverse social and economic impact as possible.<br/>When considering what role hydrogen might play we should first think carefully about the massive scale and complexity of our global energy system and the typical prices of the major energy commodities. This provides insights into what opportunities hydrogen may have. Considering a temperate country with a small population like Australia we see that domestic natural gas and transport fuel markets are comparable to and even larger than the electricity market on an energy basis.
Technology Assessment of Hydrogen Firing of Process Heaters
Apr 2011
Publication
In conjunction with John Zink Co. LLC the Chevron Energy Technology Company conducted a three part study evaluating potential issues with switching refinery process heaters from fuel gas to hydrogen fuel for the purpose of greenhouse gas emissions reduction via CO2 capture and storage.
The focus was on the following areas:
The focus was on the following areas:
- Heater performance
- Burner performance and robustness
- Fuel gas system retrofit requirements
Comparative Technical and Economic Analyses of Hydrogen-Based Steel and Power Sectors
Mar 2024
Publication
Decarbonizing the current steel and power sectors through the development of the hydrogen direct-reduction iron ore–electric arc furnace route and the 100% hydrogen-fired gas turbine cycle is crucial. The current study focuses on three clusters of research works. The first cluster covers the investigation of the mass and energy balance of the route and the subsequent application of these values in experiments to optimize the reduction yield of iron ore. In the second cluster the existing gas turbine unit was selected for the complete replacement of natural gas with hydrogen and for finding the most optimal mass and energy balance in the cycle through an Aspen HYSYS model. In addition the chemical kinetics in the hydrogen combustion process were simulated using Ansys Chemkin Pro to research the emissions. In the last cluster a comparative economic analysis was conducted to identify the levelized cost of production of the route and the levelized cost of electricity of the cycle. The findings in the economic analysis provided good insight into the details of the capital and operational expenditures of each industrial sector in understanding the impact of each kg of hydrogen consumed in the plants. These findings provide a good basis for future research on reducing the cost of hydrogen-based steel and power sectors. Moreover the outcomes of this study can also assist ongoing large-scale hydrogen and ammonia projects in Uzbekistan in terms of designing novel hydrogen-based industries with cost-effective solutions.
Fuel Cells and Hydrogen for Green Energy in European Cities and Regions
Sep 2018
Publication
Fuel cells and hydrogen are a viable solution for European regions and cities to reduce their emissions and realise their green energy transition says new FCH JU study.
In 2017 the FCH JU launched an initiative to support regions and cities in this regard. Today 89 regions and cities participate representing about one quarter of Europe's population surface area and GDP. These regions are pursuing ambitious plans to deploy FCH technology in the coming years. FCH investments totalling about EUR 1.8 billion are planned for these regions in the next 5 years. These planned investments can contribute significantly to further developing the FCH market in Europe and driving the sector towards commercialisation.
The new study provides a detailed insight into the FCH investment plans of the participating regions and cities and points out next steps to be taken for realising a European FCH roadmap with a view to commercialising the technology. In particular the study shows that:
In 2017 the FCH JU launched an initiative to support regions and cities in this regard. Today 89 regions and cities participate representing about one quarter of Europe's population surface area and GDP. These regions are pursuing ambitious plans to deploy FCH technology in the coming years. FCH investments totalling about EUR 1.8 billion are planned for these regions in the next 5 years. These planned investments can contribute significantly to further developing the FCH market in Europe and driving the sector towards commercialisation.
The new study provides a detailed insight into the FCH investment plans of the participating regions and cities and points out next steps to be taken for realising a European FCH roadmap with a view to commercialising the technology. In particular the study shows that:
- European regions and cities need to take action now to realise their ambitious emission reduction targets and improve local air quality.
- Investing in fuel cell and hydrogen technology pays off for cities and regions as it provides a mature safe and competitive zero-emission solution for all their energy needs.
- Regions and cities can benefit from investing in hydrogen and fuel cells not only in environmental terms but also by stimulating local economic growth and creating attractive places to live work and visit.
- The Regions and Cities Initiative provides a unique opportunity to benefit from existing knowledge draw on project development support and financing assistance to realise own FCH deployment projects.
- To enable the realisation of the envisaged FCH deployment plans of the regions and cities continued support will be required for individual projects as well as the coalition at large.
Hydrogen Implications for Gas Network Operators
Jan 2021
Publication
Europe has built up one of the best gas distribution infrastructures in the world. There’s one problem though. It distributes natural gas a fuel that we will hardly be able to use if we’re to reach our net zero targets. Can we use the infrastructure instead for clean hydrogen – either blended with natural gas as a stepping stone or with pure hydrogen in the future? In this episode we put aside discussion on the extent to which we should do this – and focus on whether or not we can do this and what’s involved in doing so.
Jon Slowe is joined by Eva Hennig Head of Department for EU Energy Policy at Thüga an alliance of German municipal energy companies (as well as chair of Eurogas’s distribution committee); Keith Owen Head of Systems Development and Energy Strategy at Northern Gas Networks in the UK; and Delta-EE expert Rob Castek.
Jon Slowe is joined by Eva Hennig Head of Department for EU Energy Policy at Thüga an alliance of German municipal energy companies (as well as chair of Eurogas’s distribution committee); Keith Owen Head of Systems Development and Energy Strategy at Northern Gas Networks in the UK; and Delta-EE expert Rob Castek.
Continuous Synthesis of Few-layer MoS2 with Highly Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Apr 2020
Publication
As one of the most promising alternative fuels hydrogen is expected with high hopes. The electrolysis of water is regarded as the cleanest and most efficient method of hydrogen production. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is deemed as one of the most promising alternatives HER catalysts owing to its high catalytic activity and low cost. Its continuous production and efficient preparation become the key problems in future industrial production. In this work we first developed a continuous micro-reaction approach with high heat and mass transfer rates to synthesize few-layer MoS2 nanoplates with abundant active sites. The defective MoS2 ultrathin nanoplates exhibit excellent HER performance with an overpotential of 260 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 small Tafel slope (53.6 mV dec-1) and prominent durability which are comparable to most reported MoS2 based catalysts. Considering the existence of continuous devices it’s suitable for the synthesis of MoS2 as high-performance electrocatalysts for the industrial water electrolysis. The novel preparation method may open up a new way to synthesize all two-dimension materials toward HER.
Alternative Marine Fuels: Prospects Based on Multi-criteria Decision Analysis Involving Swedish Stakeholders
May 2019
Publication
There is a need for alternative marine fuels in order to reduce the environmental and climate impacts of shipping in the short and long term. This study assesses the prospects for seven alternative fuels for the shipping sector in 2030 including biofuels by applying a multi-criteria decision analysis approach that is based on the estimated fuel performance and on input from a panel of maritime stakeholders and by considering explicitly the influence of stakeholder preferences. Seven alternative marine fuels—liquefied natural gas (LNG) liquefied biogas (LBG) methanol from natural gas renewable methanol hydrogen for fuel cells produced from (i) natural gas or (ii) electrolysis based on renewable electricity and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO)—and heavy fuel oil (HFO) as benchmark are included and ranked by ten performance criteria and their relative importance. The criteria cover economic environmental technical and social aspects. Stakeholder group preferences (i.e. the relative importance groups assign to the criteria) influence the ranking of these options. For ship-owners fuel producers and engine manufacturers economic criteria in particular the fuel price are the most important. These groups rank LNG and HFO the highest followed by fossil methanol and then various biofuels (LBG renewable methanol and HVO). Meanwhile representatives from Swedish government authorities prioritize environmental criteria specifically GHG emissions and social criteria specifically the potential to meet regulations ranking renewable hydrogen the highest followed by renewable methanol and then HVO. Policy initiatives are needed to promote the introduction of renewable marine fuels.
Transitioning to Hydrogen
Jan 2020
Publication
The UK is investigating supplying hydrogen to homes and businesses instead of natural gas by “repurposing” the gas network. It presents a major engineering challenge which has never been done anywhere else in the world.
In a new report titled ‘Transitioning to hydrogen’ experts from a cross-professional engineering institution (PEI) working group including the IET have assessed the engineering risks and uncertainties and concluded there is no reason why repurposing the gas network to hydrogen cannot be achieved. But there are several engineering risks and uncertainties which need to be addressed.
In a new report titled ‘Transitioning to hydrogen’ experts from a cross-professional engineering institution (PEI) working group including the IET have assessed the engineering risks and uncertainties and concluded there is no reason why repurposing the gas network to hydrogen cannot be achieved. But there are several engineering risks and uncertainties which need to be addressed.
South Korea’s Big Move to Hydrogen Society
Nov 2020
Publication
Extensive energy consumption has become a major concern due to increase of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. Hence hydrogen has attracted attention as a green fuel with zero carbon emission for green transportation through production of electric vehicles with hydrogen fuel cells. South Korea has launched a hydrogen society policy with the objective of expanding production of hydrogen from renewable energy sources. The hydrogen economy will play a critical role in reducing atmospheric pollution and global arming. However new development of infrastructure for hydrogen refuelling and increasing awareness of the hydrogen economy is required together with reduced prices of hydrogen-driven vehicles that are promising options for a sustainable green hydrogen economy.
Voltammetric and Galvanostatic Methods for Measuring Hydrogen Crossover in Fuel Cell
Dec 2021
Publication
Hydrogen crossover rate is an important indicator for characterizing the membrane degradation and failure in proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Several electrochemical methods have been applied to quantify it. But most of established methods are too rough to support follow-up applications. In this paper a systematic and consistent theoretical foundation for electrochemical measurements of hydrogen crossover is established for the first time. Different electrochemical processes occurring throughout the courses of applying potentiostatic or galvanostatic excitations on fuel cell are clarified and the linear current–voltage behavior observed in the steady-state voltammogram is reinterpreted. On this basis we propose a modified galvanostatic charging method with high practicality to achieve accurate electrochemical measurement of hydrogen crossover and the validity of this method is fully verified. This research provides an explicit framework for implementation of galvanostatic charging method and offers deeper insights into the principles of electrochemical methods for measuring hydrogen crossover.
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.
Numerical Simulation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Comparing Different Electrochemical Kinetics
Mar 2021
Publication
Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) produce electricity with high electrical efficiency and fuel flexibility without pollution for example CO2 NOx SOx and particles. Still numerous issues hindered the large‐scale commercialization of fuel cell at a large scale such as fuel storage mechanical failure catalytic degradation electrode poisoning from fuel and air for example lifetime in relation to cost. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) couples various physical fields which is vital to reduce the redundant workload required for SOFC development. Modeling of SOFCs includes the coupling of charge transfer electrochemical reactions fluid flow energy transport and species transport. The Butler‐Volmer equation is frequently used to describe the coupling of electrochemical reactions with current density. The most frequently used is the activation‐ and diffusion‐controlled Butler‐Volmer equation. Three different electrode reaction models are examined in the study which is named case 1 case 2 and case 3 respectively. Case 1 is activation controlled while cases 2 and 3 are diffusion‐controlled which take the concentration of redox species into account. It is shown that case 1 gives the highest reaction rate followed by case 2 and case 3. Case 3 gives the lowest reaction rate and thus has a much lower current density and temperature. The change of activation overpotential does not follow the change of current density and temperature at the interface of the anode and electrolyte and interface of cathode and electrolyte which demonstrates the non‐linearity of the model. This study provides a reference to build electrochemical models of SOFCs and gives a deep understanding of the involved electrochemistry.
Fundamental Study on Hydrogen Low-NOx Combustion Using Exhaust Gas Self-Recirculation
Jan 2022
Publication
Hydrogen is expected to be a next-generation energy source that does not emit carbon dioxide but when used as a fuel the issue is the increase in the amount of NOx that is caused by the increase in flame temperature. In this study we experimentally investigated NOx emissions rate when hydrogen was burned in a hydrocarbon gas burner which is used in a wide temperature range. As a result of the experiments the amount of NOx when burning hydrogen in a nozzle mixed burner was twice as high as when burning city gas. However by increasing the flow velocity of the combustion air the amount of NOx could be reduced. In addition by reducing the number of combustion air nozzles rather than decreasing the diameter of the air nozzles a larger recirculation flow could be formed into the furnace and the amount of NOx could be reduced by up to 51%. Furthermore the amount of exhaust gas recirculation was estimated from the reduction rate of NOx and the validity was confirmed by the relationship between adiabatic flame temperature and NOx calculated from the equilibrium calculation by chemical kinetics simulator software.
Design of Clean Steel Production with Hydrogen: Impact of Electricity System Composition
Dec 2021
Publication
In Europe electrification is considered a key option to obtain a cleaner production of steel at the same time as the electricity system production portfolio is expected to consist of an increasing share of varying renewable electricity (VRE) generation mainly in the form of solar PV and wind power. We investigate cost-efficient designs of hydrogen-based steelmaking in electricity systems dominated by VRE. We develop and apply a linear cost-minimization model with an hourly time resolution which determines cost-optimal operation and sizing of the units in hydrogen-based steelmaking including an electrolyser direct reduction shaft electric arc furnace as well as storage for hydrogen and hot-briquetted iron pellets. We show that the electricity price following steelmaking leads to savings in running costs but to increased capital cost due to investments in the overcapacity of steel production units and storage units for hydrogen and hot-briquetted iron pellets. For two VRE-dominated regions we show that the electricity price following steel production reduces the total steel production cost by 23% and 17% respectively as compared to continuous steel production at a constant level. We also show that the cost-optimal design of the steelmaking process is dependent upon the electricity system mix.
Digital Navigation of Energy–structure–function Maps for Hydrogen-bonded Porous Molecular Crystals
Feb 2021
Publication
Energy–structure–function (ESF) maps can aid the targeted discovery of porous molecular crystals by predicting the stable crystalline arrangements along with their functions of interest. Here we compute ESF maps for a series of rigid molecules that comprise either a triptycene or a spiro-biphenyl core functionalized with six different hydrogen-bonding moieties. We show that the positioning of the hydrogen-bonding sites as well as their number has a profound influence on the shape of the resulting ESF maps revealing promising structure–function spaces for future experiments. We also demonstrate a simple and general approach to representing and inspecting the high-dimensional data of an ESF map enabling an efficient navigation of the ESF data to identify ‘landmark’ structures that are energetically favourable or functionally interesting. This is a step toward the automated analysis of ESF maps an important goal for closed-loop autonomous searches for molecular crystals with useful functions.
Intelligent Hydrogen Fuel Cell Range Extender for Battery Electric Vehicles
May 2019
Publication
Road transport is recognized as having a negative impact on the environment. Policy has focused on replacement of the internal combustion engine (ICE) with less polluting forms of technology including battery electric and fuel cell electric powertrains. However progress is slow and both battery and fuel cell based vehicles face considerable commercialization challenges. To understand these challenges a review of current electric battery and fuel cell electric technologies is presented. Based on this review this paper proposes a battery electric vehicle (BEV) where components are sized to take into account the majority of user requirements with the remainder catered for by a trailer-based demountable intelligent fuel cell range extender. The proposed design can extend the range by more than 50% for small BEVs and 25% for large BEVs (the extended range of vehicles over 250 miles) reducing cost and increasing efficiency for the BEV. It enables BEV manufacturers to design their vehicle battery for the most common journeys decreases charging time to provide convenience and flexibility to the drivers. Adopting a rent and drop business model reduces the demand on the raw materials bridging the gap in the amount of charging (refueling) stations and extending the lifespan for the battery pack.
The Role of Electrofuels under Uncertainties for the Belgian Energy Transition
Jul 2021
Publication
Wind and solar energies present a time and space disparity that generally leads to a mismatch between the demand and the supply. To harvest their maximum potentials one of the main challenges is the storage and transport of these energies. This challenge can be tackled by electrofuels such as hydrogen methane and methanol. They offer three main advantages: compatibility with existing distribution networks or technologies of conversion economical storage solution for high capacity and ability to couple sectors (i.e. electricity to transport to heat or to industry). However the level of contribution of electric-energy carriers is unknown. To assess their role in the future we used whole-energy system modelling (EnergyScope Typical Days) to study the case of Belgium in 2050. This model is multi-energy and multi-sector. It optimises the design of the overall system to minimise its costs and emissions. Such a model relies on many parameters (e.g. price of natural gas efficiency of heat pump) to represent as closely as possible the future energy system. However these parameters can be highly uncertain especially for long-term planning. Consequently this work uses the polynomial chaos expansion method to integrate a global sensitivity analysis in order to highlight the influence of the parameters on the total cost of the system. The outcome of this analysis points out that compared to the deterministic cost-optimum situation the system cost accounting for uncertainties becomes higher (+17%) and twice more uncertain at carbon neutrality and that electrofuels are a major contribution to the uncertainty (up to 53% in the variation of the costs) due to their importance in the energy system and their high uncertainties their higher price and uncertainty.
Innovating Transport Across Australia: Inquiry into Automated Mass Transit
Mar 2019
Publication
Automated and electric mass transit will play a significant role in the connectivity of our cities and regions. But automated mass transit must be placed within the wider context of the optimum transport needs of those cities and regions— transport networks based on shared and multi-modal mobility. Realising the full potential of these networks will require sustained policy development and investment.<br/>This report examines current and future developments in the use of automation and new energy sources in land-based mass transit including rail and road mass transit point-to-point transport using automated vehicles and the role and responsibilities of the Commonwealth in the development of these technologies. It will analyse the opportunities and challenges presented by automation and new energy sources and the role the Australian Government has to play in managing this transport revolution.
Success Stories: A Partnership Dedicated to Clean Energy and Transport in Europe
Dec 2018
Publication
As 2018 marks the ten-year anniversary of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) it is inspiring to look back over the many accomplishments of the past decade. The projects described in these pages illustrate the approach of continuous learning exemplified by the FCH JU’s projects from creating low-carbon and sustainable solutions enabling market entry for new products developing ‘next generation’ products based on previous research to opening new markets for European expertise in fuel cell and hydrogen (FCH) technology.<br/>The FCH JU’s achievements are due in part to its multi-stakeholder structure: a public-private partnership between industry research and the European Commission. Industry-led research has pioneered new developments in FCH technology and brought many of them to the cusp of commercialisation. Market uptake from public authorities major companies and citizens alike has boosted confidence in these clean technologies establishing hydrogen as a cornerstone of Europe’s energy transition.<br/>DEVELOPING SOLUTIONS FOR A GREENER WORLD<br/>Citizens are at the heart of Europe’s Energy Union a strategy aimed at providing clean secure and affordable energy for all. For some years now and as a signatory to the Paris Agreement in 2015 the EU has been actively targeting reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Advancing Hydrogen: Learning from 19 Plans to Advance Hydrogen from Across the Globe
Jul 2019
Publication
Hydrogen as the International Energy Agency (IEA 2019) notes has experienced a number of ‘false dawns’ - in the 1970s 1990s and early 2000s - which subsequently faded. However this time there is reason to think that hydrogen will play a substantial role in the global energy system. The most important factor driving this renewed focus is the ability of hydrogen to support deep carbon abatement by assisting in those sectors where abatement with non-carbon electricity has so far proven difficult. Hydrogen can also address poor urban air quality energy security and provides a good means of shifting energy supply between regions and between seasons.
In response to these changed conditions many countries states and even cities have developed hydrogen strategies while various interest groups have developed industry roadmaps which fulfil a similar role.
This report summarises 19 hydrogen strategies and aims to help readers understand how nations regions and industries are thinking about opportunities to become involved in this emerging industry. Its prime purpose is to act as a resource to assist those involved in long-term energy policy planning in Australia including those involved in the development of Australia’s hydrogen strategy
The full report can be read on the Energy Network website at this link here
In response to these changed conditions many countries states and even cities have developed hydrogen strategies while various interest groups have developed industry roadmaps which fulfil a similar role.
This report summarises 19 hydrogen strategies and aims to help readers understand how nations regions and industries are thinking about opportunities to become involved in this emerging industry. Its prime purpose is to act as a resource to assist those involved in long-term energy policy planning in Australia including those involved in the development of Australia’s hydrogen strategy
The full report can be read on the Energy Network website at this link here
China Progress on Renewable Energy Vehicles: Fuel Cells, Hydrogen and Battery Hybrid Vehicles
Dec 2018
Publication
Clean renewable energy for Chinese cities is a priority in air quality improvement. This paper describes the recent Chinese advances in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) hydrogen-fuel-cell-battery vehicles including buses and trucks. Following the 2016 Chinese government plan for new energy vehicles bus production in Foshan has now overtaken that in the EU USA and Japan combined. Hydrogen infrastructure requires much advance to catch up but numbers of filling stations are now increasing rapidly in the large cities. A particular benefit in China is the large number of battery manufacturing companies which fit well into the energy storage plan for hybrid fuel cell buses. The first city to manufacture thousands of PEM-battery hybrid buses is Foshan where the Feichi (Allenbus) company has built a new factory next to a novel fuel cell production line capable of producing 500 MW of fuel cell units per year. Hundreds of these buses are running on local Foshan routes this year while production of city delivery trucks has also been substantial. Results for energy consumption of these vehicles are presented and fitted to the Coulomb theory previously delineated.
Development and Operation Modes of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Generation System for Remote Consumers’ Power Supply
Aug 2021
Publication
At the present stage of electric power industry development special attention is being paid to the development and research of new efficient energy sources. The use of hydrogen fuel cells is promising for remote autonomous power supply systems. The authors of the paper have developed the structure and determined the optimal composition of a hybrid generation system based on hydrogen fuel cells and battery storage and have conducted studies of its operating modes and for remote consumers’ power supply efficiency. A simulation of the electromagnetic processes was carried out to check the operability of the proposed hybrid generation system structure. The simulation results confirmed the operability of the structure under consideration the calculation of its parameters reliability and the high quality of the output voltage. The electricity cost of a hybrid generation system was estimated according to the LCOE (levelized cost of energy) indicator its value being 1.17 USD/kWh. The factors influencing the electricity cost of a hydrogen generation system have been determined and ways for reducing its cost identified.
Research on Multi-Period Hydrogen Refueling Station Location Model in Jiading District
Sep 2021
Publication
The construction of hydrogen refueling stations is an important part of the promotion of fuel cell vehicles. In this paper a multi-period hydrogen refueling station location model is presented that can be applied to the planning and construction of hydrogen infrastructures. Based on the hydrogen demand of fuel cell passenger cars and commercial vehicles the model calculates the hydrogen demand of each zone by a weighting method according to population economic level and education level. Then the hydrogen demand of each period is calculated using the generalized Bass diffusion model. Finally the set covering model is improved to determine the locations of the stations. The new model is applied to the scientific planning of hydrogen refueling stations in Jiading District Shanghai; the construction location and sequence of hydrogen refueling stations in each period are given and the growth trend of hydrogen demand and the promoting effect of hydrogen refueling stations are analyzed. The model adopted in this model is then compared with the other two kinds of node-based hydrogen refueling station location models that have previously been proposed.
Role of batteries and fuel cells in achieving Net Zero- Session 3
Mar 2021
Publication
The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee will hear from officials research funders and leading research consortia about the UK’s strategy for research and development of batteries and fuel cells to help meet the net-zero target.
The Committee will question officials from government departments and research councils about the UK’s increased support for battery development and how the initiatives and funding will evolve. The Committee will compare the support given to fuel cell research and ask how this technology will be developed for applications such as heavy transport. For both technologies it will ask how training will be delivered to provide a skilled workforce.
The Committee will also hear from leaders of research consortia asking them about support for their research sectors and how this compares with countries leading the development of the technologies. The Committee will explore coordination between research into batteries fuel cells and wider strategies such as for hydrogen and whether research for transport can be transferred to applications in other sectors such as power grids and heating.
At 10.00am: Oral evidence
Mr Tony Harper Industrial Strategy Challenge Director Faraday Battery Challenge at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) at University of Central Lancashire
Dr Lucy Martin Deputy Director of Cross-Council Programmes and lead for Net Zero at University of Central Lancashire
Dr Bob Moran Deputy Director Head of Environment Strategy at University of Central Lancashire
Professor Paul Monks Chief Scientific Adviser at University of Central Lancashire
At 11.00am: Oral evidence
Professor Philip Taylor Director at EPSRC Supergen Energy Networks Hub and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at University of Bristol
Professor David Greenwood CEO High Value Manufacturing Catapult at University of Central Lancashire Director Industrial Engagement at University of Central Lancashire and Professor of Advanced Propulsion Systems at University of Warwick
Professor Paul Dodds Professor of Energy Systems at University of Central Lancashire
Possible questions
Parliament TV video of the meeting
This is part three of a three part enquiry.
Part one can be found here and part two can be found here.
The Committee will question officials from government departments and research councils about the UK’s increased support for battery development and how the initiatives and funding will evolve. The Committee will compare the support given to fuel cell research and ask how this technology will be developed for applications such as heavy transport. For both technologies it will ask how training will be delivered to provide a skilled workforce.
The Committee will also hear from leaders of research consortia asking them about support for their research sectors and how this compares with countries leading the development of the technologies. The Committee will explore coordination between research into batteries fuel cells and wider strategies such as for hydrogen and whether research for transport can be transferred to applications in other sectors such as power grids and heating.
At 10.00am: Oral evidence
Mr Tony Harper Industrial Strategy Challenge Director Faraday Battery Challenge at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) at University of Central Lancashire
Dr Lucy Martin Deputy Director of Cross-Council Programmes and lead for Net Zero at University of Central Lancashire
Dr Bob Moran Deputy Director Head of Environment Strategy at University of Central Lancashire
Professor Paul Monks Chief Scientific Adviser at University of Central Lancashire
At 11.00am: Oral evidence
Professor Philip Taylor Director at EPSRC Supergen Energy Networks Hub and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at University of Bristol
Professor David Greenwood CEO High Value Manufacturing Catapult at University of Central Lancashire Director Industrial Engagement at University of Central Lancashire and Professor of Advanced Propulsion Systems at University of Warwick
Professor Paul Dodds Professor of Energy Systems at University of Central Lancashire
Possible questions
- On which aspects of battery and fuel cell research and development is the UK focusing and why?
- How successful have the UK’s new research initiatives been in advancing battery science and application?
- Does battery research receive greater public funding than fuel cell research? If so why?
- What technologies are seen as the most likely options for heavy transport i.e. HGVs buses and trains?
- What is the Government’s strategy for supporting the growth of skilled workers for battery and fuel cell research and development?
- To what extent is battery and fuel cell research and development coordinated in the UK? If so who is responsible for this coordination?
Parliament TV video of the meeting
This is part three of a three part enquiry.
Part one can be found here and part two can be found here.
Renewable/Fuel Cell Hybrid Power System Operation Using Two Search Controllers of the Optimal Power Needed on the DC Bus
Nov 2020
Publication
In this paper the optimal and safe operation of a hybrid power system based on a fuel cell system and renewable energy sources is analyzed. The needed DC power resulting from the power flow balance on the DC bus is ensured by the FC system via the air regulator or the fuel regulator controlled by the power-tracking control reference or both regulators using a switched mode of the above-mentioned reference. The optimal operation of a fuel cell system is ensured by a search for the maximum of multicriteria-based optimization functions focused on fuel economy under perturbation such as variable renewable energy and dynamic load on the DC bus. Two search controllers based on the global extremum seeking scheme are involved in this search via the remaining fueling regulator and the boost DC–DC converter. Thus the fuel economy strategies based on the control of the air regulator and the fuel regulator respectively on the control of both fueling regulators are analyzed in this study. The fuel savings compared to fuel consumed using the static feed-forward control are 6.63% 4.36% and 13.72% respectively under dynamic load but without renewable power. With renewable power the needed fuel cell power on the DC bus is lower so the fuel cell system operates more efficiently. These percentages are increased to 7.28% 4.94% and 14.97%.
A Review of Fuel Cell Powertrains for Long-Haul Heavy-Duty Vehicles: Technology, Hydrogen, Energy and Thermal Management Solutions
Dec 2022
Publication
Long-haul heavy-duty vehicles including trucks and coaches contribute to a substantial portion of the modern-day European carbon footprint and pose a major challenge in emissions reduction due to their energy-intensive usage. Depending on the hydrogen fuel source the use of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) for long-haul applications has shown significant potential in reducing road freight CO2 emissions until the possible maturity of future long-distance battery-electric mobility. Fuel cell heavy-duty (HD) propulsion presents some specific characteristics advantages and operating constraints along with the notable possibility of gains in powertrain efficiency and usability through improved system design and intelligent onboard energy and thermal management. This paper provides an overview of the FCEV powertrain topology suited for long-haul HD applications their operating limitations cooling requirements waste heat recovery techniques state-of-the-art in powertrain control energy and thermal management strategies and over-the-air route data based predictive powertrain management including V2X connectivity. A case study simulation analysis of an HD 40-tonne FCEV truck is also presented focusing on the comparison of powertrain losses and energy expenditures in different subsystems while running on VECTO Regional delivery and Long-haul cycles. The importance of hydrogen fuel production pathways onboard storage approaches refuelling and safety standards and fleet management is also discussed. Through a comprehensive review of the H2 fuel cell powertrain technology intelligent energy management thermal management requirements and strategies and challenges in hydrogen production storage and refuelling this article aims at helping stakeholders in the promotion and integration of H2 FCEV technology towards road freight decarbonisation.
Improved VSG Control Strategy Based on the Combined Power Generation System with Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Super Capacitors
Oct 2021
Publication
Due to their environmental protection and high power generation efficiency the control technology of hydrogen fuel cells (HFCs) connected to the microgrid has become a research hotspot. However when they encounter peak demand or transient events the lack of power cannot be compensated immediately by HFCs which results in sudden changes of the voltage and frequency. The improved virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control strategy based on HFCs and supercapacitors (SCs) combined power generation system is proposed to overcome this shortcoming in this paper. The small-signal model for designing the combined system parameters is provided which are in accordance with the system loop gain phase angle margin and adjustment time requirements. Besides the voltage and current double closed-loop based on sequence control is introduced in the VSG controller. The second-order generalized integrator (SOGI) is utilized to separate the positive and negative sequence components of the output voltage. At the same time a positive and negative sequence voltage outer loop is designed to suppress the negative sequence voltage under unbalanced conditions thereby reducing the unbalance of the output voltage. Finally simulation results in MATLAB/Simulink environment verify that the proposed method has better dynamic characteristics and higher steady-state accuracy compared with the traditional VSG control
A New Model for Constant Fuel Utilization and Constant Fuel Flow in Fuel Cells
Mar 2019
Publication
This paper presents a new model of fuel cells for two different modes of operation: constant fuel utilization control (constant stoichiometry condition) and constant fuel flow control (constant flow rate condition). The model solves the long-standing problem of mixing reversible and irreversible potentials (equilibrium and non-equilibrium states) in the Nernst voltage expression. Specifically a Nernstian gain term is introduced for the constant fuel utilization condition and it is shown that the Nernstian gain is an irreversibility in the computation of the output voltage of the fuel cell. A Nernstian loss term accounts for an irreversibility for the constant fuel flow operation. Simulation results are presented. The model has been validated against experimental data from the literature.
Optimal Energy Management System Using Biogeography Based Optimization for Grid-connected MVDC Microgrid with Photovoltaic, Hydrogen System, Electric Vehicles and Z-source Converters
Oct 2021
Publication
Currently the technology associated with charging stations for electric vehicles (EV) needs to be studied and improved to further encourage its implementation. This paper presents a new energy management system (EMS) based on a Biogeography-Based Optimization (BBO) algorithm for a hybrid EV charging station with a configuration that integrates Z-source converters (ZSC) into medium voltage direct current (MVDC) grids. The EMS uses the evolutionary BBO algorithm to optimize a fitness function defining the equivalent hydrogen consumption/generation. The charging station consists of a photovoltaic (PV) system a local grid connection two fast charging units and two energy storage systems (ESS) a battery energy storage (BES) and a complete hydrogen system with fuel cell (FC) electrolyzer (LZ) and hydrogen tank. Through the use of the BBO algorithm the EMS manages the energy flow among the components to keep the power balance in the system reducing the equivalent hydrogen consumption and optimizing the equivalent hydrogen generation. The EMS and the configuration of the charging station based on ZSCs are the main contributions of the paper. The behaviour of the EMS is demonstrated with three EV connected to the charging station under different conditions of sun irradiance. In addition the proposed EMS is compared with a simpler EMS for the optimal management of ESS in hybrid configurations. The simulation results show that the proposed EMS achieves a notable improvement in the equivalent hydrogen consumption/generation with respect to the simpler EMS. Thanks to the proposed configuration the output voltage of the components can be upgraded to MVDC while reducing the number of power converters compared with other configurations without ZSC.
Hydrogen vs. Battery-Based Propulsion Systems in Unipersonal Vehicles—Developing Solutions to Improve the Sustainability of Urban Mobility
May 2021
Publication
The percentage of the population in urban areas has increased by ten points from 2000 (46%) to 2020 (56%); it is expected to reach up to 70% by 2050. This undoubtedly will encourage society to use alternative transports. On the other hand the widespread fear of pandemics seems to be here to stay and it is causing most people to leave public transport to use private cars and a few have chosen unipersonal electric vehicles. As a consequence the decision of using private cars negatively affects the air quality and consequently urban population health. This paper aims to demonstrate a sustainable solution for urban mobility based on a hydrogen powered unipersonal electric vehicle which as shown provides great advantages over the conventional battery powered unipersonal electric vehicle. To show this the authors have developed both vehicles in comparable versions using the same platform and ensuring that the total weight of the unipersonal electric vehicle was the same in both cases. They have been subjected to experimental tests that support the features of the hydrogen-based configuration versus the battery-based one including higher specific energy more autonomy and shorter recharge time.
Comparison of Hydrogen Powertrains with the Battery Powered Electric Vehicle and Investigation of Small-Scale Local Hydrogen Production Using Renewable Energy
Jan 2021
Publication
Climate change is one of the major problems that people face in this century with fossil fuel combustion engines being huge contributors. Currently the battery powered electric vehicle is considered the predecessor while hydrogen vehicles only have an insignificant market share. To evaluate if this is justified different hydrogen power train technologies are analyzed and compared to the battery powered electric vehicle. Even though most research focuses on the hydrogen fuel cells it is shown that despite the lower efficiency the often-neglected hydrogen combustion engine could be the right solution for transitioning away from fossil fuels. This is mainly due to the lower costs and possibility of the use of existing manufacturing infrastructure. To achieve a similar level of refueling comfort as with the battery powered electric vehicle the economic and technological aspects of the local small-scale hydrogen production are being investigated. Due to the low efficiency and high prices for the required components this domestically produced hydrogen cannot compete with hydrogen produced from fossil fuels on a larger scale
Adopting Hydrogen Direct Reduction for the Swedish Steel Industry: A Technological Innovation System (TIS) Study
Sep 2019
Publication
The Swedish steel industry stands before a potential transition to drastically lower its CO2 emissions using direct hydrogen reduction instead of continuing with coke-based blast furnaces. Previous studies have identified hydrogen direct reduction as a promising option. We build upon earlier efforts by performing a technological innovation system study to systematically examine the barriers to a transition to hydrogen direct reduction and by providing deepened quantitative empirics to support the analysis. We also add extended paper and patent analysis methodology which is particularly useful for identifying actors and their interactions in a technological system. We conclude that while the innovation system is currently focused on such a transition notable barriers remain particularly in coordination of the surrounding technical infrastructure and the issue of maintaining legitimacy for such a transition in the likely event that policies to address cost pressures will be required to support this development.
Techno-economic Analysis of Hydrogen Enhanced Methanol to Gasoline Process from Biomass-derived Synthesis Gas
Mar 2021
Publication
In this paper the implications of the use of hydrogen on product yield and conversion efficiency as well as on economic performance of a hydrogen enhanced Biomass-to-Liquid (BtL) process are analyzed. A process concept for the synthesis of fuel (gasoline and LPG) from biomass-derived synthesis gas via Methanol-to-Gasoline (MtG) route with utilization of carbon dioxide from gasification by feeding additional hydrogen is developed and modeled in Aspen Plus. The modeled process produces 0.36 kg fuel per kg dry straw. Additionally 99 MW electrical power are recovered from purge and off gases from fuel synthesis in CCGT process covering the electricity consumption of fuel synthesis and synthesis gas generation. The hydrogen enhanced BtL procces reaches a combined chemical and electrical efficiency of 48.2% and overall carbon efficiency of 69.5%. The total product costs (TPC) sum up to 3.24 €/kg fuel. Raw materials (hydrogen and straw) make up the largest fraction of TPC with a total share of 75%. The hydrogen enhanced BtL process shows increased chemical energy and carbon efficiencies and thus higher product yields. However economic analysis shows that the process is unprofitable under current conditions due to high costs for hydrogen provision.
Contrasting European Hydrogen Pathways: An Analysis of Differing Approaches in Key Markets
Mar 2021
Publication
European countries approach the market ramp-up of hydrogen very differently. In some cases the economic and political starting points differ significantly. While the probability is high that some countries such as Germany or Italy will import hydrogen in the long term other countries such as United Kingdom France or Spain could become hydrogen exporters. The reasons for this are the higher potential for renewable energies but also a technology-neutral approach on the supply side.
Extremely Halophilic Biohydrogen Producing Microbial Communities from High-Salinity Soil and Salt Evaporation Pond
Jun 2021
Publication
Extreme halophiles offer the advantage to save on the costs of sterilization and water for biohydrogen production from lignocellulosic waste after the pretreatment process with their ability to withstand extreme salt concentrations. This study identifies the dominant hydrogen-producing genera and species among the acclimatized extremely halotolerant microbial communities taken from two salt-damaged soil locations in Khon Kaen and one location from the salt evaporation pond in Samut Sakhon Thailand. The microbial communities’ V3–V4 regions of 16srRNA were analyzed using high-throughput amplicon sequencing. A total of 345 operational taxonomic units were obtained and the high-throughput sequencing confirmed that Firmicutes was the dominant phyla of the three communities. Halanaerobium fermentans and Halanaerobacter lacunarum were the dominant hydrogen-producing species of the communities. Spatial proximity was not found to be a determining factor for similarities between these extremely halophilic microbial communities. Through the study of the microbial communities strategies can be developed to increase biohydrogen molar yield.
Developing New Understanding of Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Via In-situ Techniques: A Review on Recent Progress
Mar 2014
Publication
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a promising technology for solar hydrogen production to build a sustainable renewable and clean energy economy. Given the complexity of the PEC water splitting processes it is important to note that developing in-situ techniques for studying PEC water splitting presents a formidable challenge. This review is aimed at highlighting advantages and disadvantages of each technique while offering a pathway of potentially combining several techniques to address different aspects of interfacial processes in PEC water splitting. We reviewed recent progress in various techniques and approaches utilized to study PEC water splitting focusing on spectroscopic and scanning-probe methods.
Role of Batteries and Fuel Cells in Achieving Net Zero- Session 1
Mar 2021
Publication
The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee will question experts on the role of batteries and fuel cells for decarbonisation and how much they can contribute to meeting the net-zero target.
Tuesday’s evidence session will be the first of the committee’s new decarbonisation inquiry which was launched on Wednesday 3 March and is currently accepting written evidence submissions.
The session will give an overview of battery and fuel cell technologies and their applications in transport and other sectors. The Committee will ask how battery manufacture can be scaled up to meet wide-scale deployment of electric vehicles and whether technical challenges can be overcome to allow batteries and fuel cells to be used in HGVs and trains. The Committee will also investigate the wider use of batteries and fuel cells in various sectors including integration into power grids and heating systems.
Inquiry Role of batteries and fuel cells in achieving Net Zero
Professor Nigel Brandon Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Imperial College London
Professor Mauro Pasta Associate Professor of Materials at University of Oxford
Professor Pam Thomas CEO at Faraday Institution and Pro Vice Chancellor for Research at University of Warwick
Mr Amer Gaffar Director of Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre at Manchester Metropolitan University
Possible questions
What contribution are battery and fuel cell technologies currently making towards decarbonization in the UK?
What advances do we expect to see in battery and fuel cell technologies and over what timeframes?
How quickly can UK battery and fuel cell manufacture be scaled up to meet electrification demands?
What are the challenges facing technological innovation and deployment in heavy transport?
Are there any sectors where battery and fuel cell technologies are not currently used but could contribute to decarbonisation?
What are the life cycle environmental impacts of batteries and fuel cells?
Parliament TV video of the meeting
This is part one of a three part enquiry.
Part two can be found here and part three can be found here.
Tuesday’s evidence session will be the first of the committee’s new decarbonisation inquiry which was launched on Wednesday 3 March and is currently accepting written evidence submissions.
The session will give an overview of battery and fuel cell technologies and their applications in transport and other sectors. The Committee will ask how battery manufacture can be scaled up to meet wide-scale deployment of electric vehicles and whether technical challenges can be overcome to allow batteries and fuel cells to be used in HGVs and trains. The Committee will also investigate the wider use of batteries and fuel cells in various sectors including integration into power grids and heating systems.
Inquiry Role of batteries and fuel cells in achieving Net Zero
Professor Nigel Brandon Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Imperial College London
Professor Mauro Pasta Associate Professor of Materials at University of Oxford
Professor Pam Thomas CEO at Faraday Institution and Pro Vice Chancellor for Research at University of Warwick
Mr Amer Gaffar Director of Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre at Manchester Metropolitan University
Possible questions
What contribution are battery and fuel cell technologies currently making towards decarbonization in the UK?
What advances do we expect to see in battery and fuel cell technologies and over what timeframes?
How quickly can UK battery and fuel cell manufacture be scaled up to meet electrification demands?
What are the challenges facing technological innovation and deployment in heavy transport?
Are there any sectors where battery and fuel cell technologies are not currently used but could contribute to decarbonisation?
What are the life cycle environmental impacts of batteries and fuel cells?
Parliament TV video of the meeting
This is part one of a three part enquiry.
Part two can be found here and part three can be found here.
Fuel Cell Cars in a Microgrid for Synergies Between Hydrogen and Electricity Networks
Nov 2016
Publication
Fuel cell electric vehicles convert chemical energy of hydrogen into electricity to power their motor. Since cars are used for transport only during a small part of the time energy stored in the on-board hydrogen tanks of fuel cell vehicles can be used to provide power when cars are parked. In this paper we present a community microgrid with photovoltaic systems wind turbines and fuel cell electric vehicles that are used to provide vehicle-to-grid power when renewable power generation is scarce. Excess renewable power generation is used to produce hydrogen which is stored in a refilling station. A central control system is designed to operate the system in such a way that the operational costs are minimized. To this end a hybrid model for the system is derived in which both the characteristics of the fuel cell vehicles and their traveling schedules are considered. The operational costs of the system are formulated considering the presence of uncertainty in the prediction of the load and renewable energy generation. A robust minmax model predictive control scheme is developed and finally a case study illustrates the performance of the designed system.
Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Simultaneous Hydrogen and Nitrogen Addition on the Emissions and Combustion of a Diesel Engine
Jan 2014
Publication
Overcoming diesel engine emissions trade-off effects especially NOx and Bosch smoke number (BSN) requires investigation of novel systems which can potentially serve the automobile industry towards further emissions reduction. Enrichment of the intake charge with H2 þ N2 containing gas mixture obtained from diesel fuel reforming system can lead to new generation low polluting diesel engines. This paper investigates the effect of simultaneous H2 þ N2 intake charge enrichment on the emissions and combustion of a compression ignition engine. Bottled H2 þ N2 was simultaneously admitted into the intake pipe of the engine in 4% steps starting from 4% (2% H2 þ 2% N2) up to 16% (v/v). The results showed that under specific operating conditions H2 þ N2 enrichment can offer simultaneous NOx BSN and CO emissions reduction. Apart from regulated emissions nitrogen exhaust components were measured. Marginal N2O and zero NH3 emissions were obtained. NO/NO2 ratio increases when speed or load increases. Under low speed low load operation the oxidation of NO is enhanced by the addition of H2 þ N2 mixture. Finally admission of H2 þ N2 has a detrimental effect on fuel consumption
Combined Cooling and Power Management Strategy for a Standalone House Using Hydrogen and Solar Energy
May 2021
Publication
Tropical climate is characterized by hot temperatures throughout the year. In areas subject to this climate air conditioning represents an important share of total energy consumption. In some tropical islands there is no electric grid; in these cases electricity is often provided by diesel generators. In this study in order to decarbonize electricity and cooling production and to improve autonomy in a standalone application a microgrid producing combined cooling and electrical power was proposed. The presented system was composed of photovoltaic panels a battery an electrolyzer a hydrogen tank a fuel cell power converters a heat pump electrical loads and an adsorption cooling system. Electricity production and storage were provided by photovoltaic panels and a hydrogen storage system respectively while cooling production and storage were achieved using a heat pump and an adsorption cooling system respectively. The standalone application presented was a single house located in Tahiti French Polynesia. In this paper the system as a whole is presented. Then the interaction between each element is described and a model of the system is presented. Thirdly the energy and power management required in order to meet electrical and thermal needs are presented. Then the results of the control strategy are presented. The results showed that the adsorption cooling system provided 53% of the cooling demand. The use of the adsorption cooling system reduced the needed photovoltaic panel area the use of the electrolyzer and the use of the fuel cell by more than 60% and reduced energy losses by 7% (compared to a classic heat pump) for air conditioning.
Gas Transition: Renewable Hydrogen’s Future in Eastern Australia’s Energy Networks
Jul 2021
Publication
The energy transition for a net-zero future will require deep decarbonisation that hydrogen is uniquely positioned to facilitate. This technoeconomic study considers renewable hydrogen production transmission and storage for energy networks using the National Electricity Market (NEM) region of Eastern Australia as a case study. Plausible growth projections are developed to meet domestic demands for gas out to 2040 based on industry commitments and scalable technology deployment. Analysis using the discounted cash flow technique is performed to determine possible levelised cost figures for key processes out to 2050. Variables include geographic limitations growth rates and capacity factors to minimise abatement costs compared to business-as-usual natural gas forecasts. The study provides an optimistic outlook considering renewable power-to-X opportunities for blending replacement and gas-to-power to show viable pathways for the gas transition to green hydrogen. Blending is achievable with modest (3%) green premiums this decade and substitution for natural gas combustion in the long-term is likely to represent an abatement cost of AUD 18/tCO2-e including transmission and storage.
Lessons Learned from Australian Infrastructure Upgrades
Feb 2020
Publication
This report fulfils Deliverable Five for Research Project 2.1-01 of the Future Fuels CRC. The aims of this project Crystallising lessons learned from major infrastructure upgrades are to provide a report on lessons learned from earlier infrastructure upgrades and fuel transitions and identify tools that can be used to develop consistent messaging around the proposed transition to hydrogen and/or other low-carbon fuels. In both the report and the toolkit there are recommendations on how to apply lessons learned and shape messaging throughout the value chain based on prior infrastructure upgrades.
This report presents three Australian case studies that that are relevant to the development of future fuels: the transition from town gas to natural gas the use of ethanol and LPG as motor fuels and the development of coal seam gas resources. Drawing on published information each case study provides an account of the issues that arose during the upgrade or transition and of the approaches through which industry and government stakeholders managed these issues. From these accounts lessons are identified that can guide stakeholder engagement in future infrastructure upgrades and fuel transitions. The findings from the case studies and academic literature have been used to develop an accompanying draft toolkit for use by FFCRC stakeholders.
The report also distils applicable lessons and frameworks from academic literature about stakeholder analysis megaprojects and the social acceptance of industries and technologies. This report is meant to be used in conjunction with a companion toolkit that provides a framework for making coordinated decisions across the fuel value chain.
You can read the full report on the Future Fuels CRC website here
This report presents three Australian case studies that that are relevant to the development of future fuels: the transition from town gas to natural gas the use of ethanol and LPG as motor fuels and the development of coal seam gas resources. Drawing on published information each case study provides an account of the issues that arose during the upgrade or transition and of the approaches through which industry and government stakeholders managed these issues. From these accounts lessons are identified that can guide stakeholder engagement in future infrastructure upgrades and fuel transitions. The findings from the case studies and academic literature have been used to develop an accompanying draft toolkit for use by FFCRC stakeholders.
The report also distils applicable lessons and frameworks from academic literature about stakeholder analysis megaprojects and the social acceptance of industries and technologies. This report is meant to be used in conjunction with a companion toolkit that provides a framework for making coordinated decisions across the fuel value chain.
You can read the full report on the Future Fuels CRC website here
Precooling Temperature Relaxation Technology in Hydrogen Refueling for Fuel-Cell Vehicles
Aug 2021
Publication
The dissemination of fuel-cell vehicles requires cost reduction of hydrogen refueling stations. The temperature of the supplied hydrogen has currently been cooled to approximately 40 C. This has led to larger equipment and increased electric power consumption. This study achieves a relaxation of the precooling temperature to the 20 C level while maintaining the refueling time. (1) Adoption of an MC formula that can flexibly change the refueling rate according to the precooling temperature. (2) Measurement of thermal capacity of refueling system parts and re-evaluation. Selection from multiple refueling control maps according to the dispenser design (Mathison et al. 2015). (3) Calculation of the effective thermal capacity and reselection of the map in real time when the line is cooled from refueling of the previous vehicle (Mathison and Handa 2015). (4) Addition of maps in which the minimum assumed pressures are 10 and 15 MPa. The new method is named MC Multi Map
The Role of Synthetic Fuels for a Carbon Neutral Economy
Apr 2017
Publication
Fossil fuels depletion and increasing environmental impacts arising from their use call for seeking growing supplies from renewable and nuclear primary energy sources. However it is necessary to simultaneously attend to both the electrical power needs and the specificities of the transport and industrial sector requirements. A major question posed by the shift away from traditional fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources lies in matching the power demand with the daily and seasonal oscillation and the intermittency of these natural energy fluxes. Huge energy storage requirements become necessary or otherwise the decline of the power factor of both the renewable and conventional generation would mean loss of resources. On the other hand liquid and gaseous fuels for which there is vast storage and distribution capacity available appear essential to supply the transport sector for a very long time ahead besides their domestic and industrial roles. Within this context the present assessment suggests that proven technologies and sound tested principles are available to develop an integrated energy system relying on synthetic fuels. These would incorporate carbon capture and utilization in a closed carbon cycle progressively relying mostly on solar and/or nuclear primary sources providing both electric power and gaseous/liquid hydrocarbon fuels having ample storage capacity and able to timely satisfy all forms of energy demand. The principles and means are already available to develop a carbon-neutral synthetic fuel economy.
Electrification Opportunities in the Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Segment in Canada
Jun 2021
Publication
The medium- and heavy-duty (MD/HD) vehicle sector is a large emitter of greenhouse gases. It will require drastic emissions reductions to realize a net-zero carbon future. This study conducts fourteen short feasibility investigations in the Canadian context to evaluate the merits of battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell alternatives to conventional city buses inter-city buses school buses courier vehicles (step vans) refuse trucks long-haul trucks and construction vehicles. These “clean transportation alternatives” were evaluated for practicality economics and emission reductions in comparison to their conventional counterparts. Conclusions were drawn on which use cases would be best suited for accelerating the transformation of the MD/HD sector.
The NederDrone: A Hybrid Lift, Hybrid Energy Hydrogen UAV
Mar 2021
Publication
Many Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) applications require vertical take-off and landing and very long-range capabilities. Fixed-wing aircraft need long runways to land and electric energy is still a bottleneck for helicopters which are not range efficient. In this paper we introduce the NederDrone a hybrid lift hybrid energy hydrogen-powered UAV that can perform vertical take-off and landings using its 12 propellers while flying efficiently in forward flight thanks to its fixed wings. The energy is supplied from a combination of hydrogen-driven Polymer Electrolyte Membrane fuel-cells for endurance and lithium batteries for high-power situations. The hydrogen is stored in a pressurized cylinder around which the UAV is optimized. This work analyses the selection of the concept the implemented safety elements the electronics and flight control and shows flight data including a 3h38 flight at sea while starting and landing from a small moving ship.
The Dawn of Hydrogen - Fuel of the Future
Aug 2021
Publication
This is a time of enormous change for the gas industry as the UK and the world at large attempts to meet the challenges of decarbonisation in the face of climate change. Hydrogen is expected to play a vital role in achieving the government’s commitment of eliminating the UK’s contribution to climate change by 2050 with the industry creating up to 8000 jobs by 2030 and potentially unlocking up to 100000 jobs by the middle of the century. But despite the UK government’s huge ambitions hydrogen is just one piece of the puzzle and it will be necessary to seek solutions that bring the whole energy system together – including not just heat for buildings but hard-to decarbonise areas such as manufacturing road transport aviation and shipping. Here we bring you just a taste of some of the amazing work taking place across the energy sector to understand this fuel more clearly to comprehend its strengths and limitations and to integrate it into our current energy infrastructure. We hope you enjoy this special publication.
Assessment of Full Life-cycle Air Emissions of Alternative Shipping Fuels
Oct 2017
Publication
There is a need for alternative fuels in the shipping sector for two main motivations: to deliver a reduction in local pollutants and comply with existing regulation; and to mitigate climate change and cut greenhouse gas emissions. However any alternative fuel must meet a range of criteria to become a viable option. Key among them is the requirement that it can deliver emissions reductions over its full life-cycle. For a set of fuels comprising both conventional and alternative fuels together with associated production pathways this paper presents a life-cycle assessment with respect to six emissions species: local pollutants sulphur oxides nitrogen oxides and particulate matter; and greenhouse gases carbon dioxide methane and nitrous oxide. While the analysis demonstrates that no widely available fuel exists currently to deliver on both motivations some alternative fuel options have the potential if key barriers can be overcome. Hydrogen or other synthetic fuels rely on decarbonisation of both energy input to production and other feedstock materials to deliver reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly bio-derived fuels can be an abatement option but only if it can be ensured that land-use change whilst growing biomass does not impact wider potential savings and the sector is able to compete sufficiently for their use. These examples show that crucial barriers are located upstream in the respective fuel life-cycle and that the way to overcome them may reside beyond the scope of the shipping sector alone.
Zero-Emission Pathway for the Global Chemical and Petrochemical Sector
Jun 2021
Publication
The chemical and petrochemical sector relies on fossil fuels and feedstocks and is a major source of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) emissions. The techno-economic potential of 20 decarbonisation options is assessed. While previous analyses focus on the production processes this analysis covers the full product life cycle CO2 emissions. The analysis elaborates the carbon accounting complexity that results from the non-energy use of fossil fuels and highlights the importance of strategies that consider the carbon stored in synthetic organic products—an aspect that warrants more attention in long-term energy scenarios and strategies. Average mitigation costs in the sector would amount to 64 United States dollars (USD) per tonne of CO2 for full decarbonisation in 2050. The rapidly declining renewables cost is one main cause for this low-cost estimate. Renewable energy supply solutions in combination with electrification account for 40% of total emissions reductions. Annual biomass use grows to 1.3 gigatonnes; green hydrogen electrolyser capacity grows to 2435 gigawatts and recycling rates increase six-fold while product demand is reduced by a third compared to the reference case. CO2 capture storage and use equals 30% of the total decarbonisation effort (1.49 gigatonnes per year) where about one-third of the captured CO2 is of biogenic origin. Circular economy concepts including recycling account for 16% while energy efficiency accounts for 12% of the decarbonisation needed. Achieving full decarbonisation in this sector will increase energy and feedstock costs by more than 35%. The analysis shows the importance of renewables-based solutions accounting for more than half of the total emissions reduction potential which was higher than previous estimates.
Testing Programme for Hydrogen Tolerance Tests of Domestic and Commercial Natural Gas Appliances
Jan 2021
Publication
The THyGA project (‘Testing Hydrogen admixture for Gas Applications’) focusses on technical aspects and the regulatory framework concerning the potential operation of domestic and commercial end-user appliances with hydrogen / natural gas blends.<br/>The core of the project is a broad experimental campaign with the aim to conduct up to 100 hydrogen tolerance tests. In addition the technical status quo and present knowledge about hydrogen impact on domestic and commercial appliances are assessed and potential future developments of rules and standards are discussed. Also mitigation strategies for coping with high levels of hydrogen admixture will be developed. By this broad approach the project aims at investigating which levels of hydrogen blending impact the various appliance technologies and to which extent in order to identify the regime in which a safe efficient and low-polluting operation is possible.<br/>The series of public reports by the THyGA project starts with several publications from work package 2 which sets the basis for the upcoming results and discussion of the experimental campaign as well as mitigation and standardisation topics.<br/>This report D2.5 completes the series of public reports from work package 2. It explains the steps of development of the test programme for gas-fired appliance tests with hydrogen admixture and especially describes the exchange between the THyGA partners and the external stakeholders.<br/>The report also explains the process of acquisition of appliances to test and method of selecting appliances.
Decarbonization in Shipping Industry: A Review of Research, Technology Development, and Innovation Proposals
Apr 2021
Publication
This review paper examines the possible pathways and possible technologies available that will help the shipping sector achieve the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) deep decarbonization targets by 2050. There has been increased interest from important stakeholders regarding deep decarbonization evidenced by market surveys conducted by Shell and Deloitte. However deep decarbonization will require financial incentives and policies at an international and regional level given the maritime sector’s ~3% contribution to green house gas (GHG) emissions. The review paper based on research articles and grey literature discusses technoeconomic problems and/or benefits for technologies that will help the shipping sector achieve the IMO’s targets. The review presents a discussion on the recent literature regarding alternative fuels (nuclear hydrogen ammonia methanol) renewable energy sources (biofuels wind solar) the maturity of technologies (fuel cells internal combustion engines) as well as technical and operational strategies to reduce fuel consumption for new and existing ships (slow steaming cleaning and coating waste heat recovery hull and propeller design). The IMO’s 2050 targets will be achieved via radical technology shift together with the aid of social pressure financial incentives regulatory and legislative reforms at the local regional and international level.
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