Applications & Pathways
Hydrogen-based Integrated Energy and Mobility System for a Real-life Office Environment
Mar 2020
Publication
The current focus on the massive CO2 reduction highlights the need for the rapid development of technology for the production storage transportation and distribution of renewable energy. In addition to electricity we need other forms of energy carriers that are more suitable for energy storage and transportation. Hydrogen is one of the main candidates for this purpose since it can be produced from solar or wind energy and then stored; once needed it can be converted back to electricity using fuel cells. Another important aspect of future energy systems is sector coupling where different sectors e.g. mobility and energy work together to provide better services. In such an integrated system electric vehicles – both battery and hydrogen-based fuel cell – can provide when parked electricity services such as backup power and balancing; when driving they produce no emissions. In this paper we present the concept design and energy management of such an integrated energy and mobility system in a real-life environment at the Shell Technology Centre in Amsterdam. Our results show that storage using hydrogen and salt caverns is much cheaper than using large battery storage systems. We also show that the integration of electric vehicles into the electricity network is technically and economically feasible and that they can provide a flexible energy buffer. Ultimately the results of this study show that using both electricity and hydrogen as energy carriers can create a more flexible reliable and cheaper energy system at an office building.
A Preliminary Energy Analysis of a Commercial CHP Fueled with H2NG Blends Chemically Supercharged by Renewable Hydrogen and Oxygen
Dec 2016
Publication
Currently Power-to-Gas technologies are considered viable solutions to face the onset problems associated with renewable capacity firming. Indeed carbon-free hydrogen production converting renewable electricity excess and its injection into natural gas pipelines is considered a short- to medium-term solution. In this way the so-called H2NG blends can be fired within internal combustion engines and micro gas turbines operating in CHP mode offering better environmental-energy performances in machines. As regards the distributed energy generation scenario the local H2 production by means of electrolysis for methane enrichment will be more cost-effective if the oxygen is fruitfully used instead of venting it out like a by-product as usually occurs. This study focuses on the usefulness of using that oxygen to enrich the air-fuel mixture of an internal combustion engine for micro-CHP applications once it has been fuelled with H2NG blends. Thus the main aim of this paper is to provide a set of values for benchmarking in which H2NG blends ranging in 0%-15% vol. burn within an ICE in partial oxy-fuel conditions. In particular a preliminary energy analysis was carried out based on experimental data reporting the engine operating parameters gains and losses in both electrical and heat recovery efficiency. The oxygen content in the air varies up to 22% vol. A Volkswagen Blue Tender CHP commercial version (19.8 kWel. of rated electrical power output) was considered as the reference machine and its energy characterization was reported when it operated under those unconventional conditions.
Hydrogen Mobility Europe (H2ME): Vehicle and Hydrogen Refuelling Station Deployment Results
May 2018
Publication
Hydrogen Mobility Europe (H2ME 2015–2022) is the largest European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (EU FCH JU)-funded hydrogen light vehicle and infrastructure demonstration. Up until April 2017 the 40 Daimler passenger car fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and 62 Symbio Fuel Cell-Range Extended Electric Vans (FC-REEV)-vans deployed by the project drove 625300 km and consumed a total of 7900 kg of hydrogen with no safety incidents. During its first year of operation (to April 2017) the NEL Hydrogen Fueling HRS (hydrogen refuelling station) in Kolding Denmark dispensed 900 kg of hydrogen and demonstrated excellent reliability (98.2% availability) with no safety incidents. The average hydrogen refuelling time for passenger cars is comparable to that for conventional vehicles (2–3 min).
The Role of Natural Gas and its Infrastructure in Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Improving Regional Air Quality, and Renewable Resource Integration
Nov 2017
Publication
The pursuit of future energy systems that can meet electricity demands while supporting the attainment of societal environment goals including mitigating climate change and reducing pollution in the air has led to questions regarding the viability of continued use of natural gas. Natural gas use particularly for electricity generation has increased in recent years due to enhanced resource availability from non-traditional reserves and pressure to reduce greenhouse gasses (GHG) from higher-emitting sources including coal generation. While lower than coal emissions current natural gas power generation strategies primarily utilize combustion with higher emissions of GHG and criteria pollutants than other low-carbon generation options including renewable resources. Furthermore emissions from life cycle stages of natural gas production and distribution can have additional detrimental GHG and air quality (AQ) impacts. On the other hand natural gas power generation can play an important role in supporting renewable resource integration by (1) providing essential load balancing services and (2) supporting the use of gaseous renewable fuels through the existing infrastructure of the natural gas system. Additionally advanced technologies and strategies including fuel cells and combined cooling heating and power (CCHP) systems can facilitate natural gas generation with low emissions and high efficiencies. Thus the role of natural gas generation in the context of GHG mitigation and AQ improvement is complex and multi-faceted requiring consideration of more than simple quantification of total or net emissions. If appropriately constructed and managed natural gas generation could support and advance sustainable and renewable energy. In this paper a review of the literature regarding emissions from natural gas with a focus on power generation is conducted and discussed in the context of GHG and AQ impacts. In addition a pathway forward is proposed for natural gas generation and infrastructure to maximize environmental benefits and support renewable resources in the attainment of emission reductions.
Recent Advances in Carbon Dioxide Conversion: A Circular Bioeconomy Perspective
Jun 2021
Publication
Managing the concentration of atmospheric CO2 requires a multifaceted engineering strategy which remains a highly challenging task. Reducing atmospheric CO2 (CO2R) by converting it to value-added chemicals in a carbon neutral footprint manner must be the ultimate goal. The latest progress in CO2R through either abiotic (artificial catalysts) or biotic (natural enzymes) processes is reviewed herein. Abiotic CO2R can be conducted in the aqueous phase that usually leads to the formation of a mixture of CO formic acid and hydrogen. By contrast a wide spectrum of hydrocarbon species is often observed by abiotic CO2R in the gaseous phase. On the other hand biotic CO2R is often conducted in the aqueous phase and a wide spectrum of value-added chemicals are obtained. Key to the success of the abiotic process is understanding the surface chemistry of catalysts which significantly governs the reactivity and selectivity of CO2R. However in biotic CO2R operation conditions and reactor design are crucial to reaching a neutral carbon footprint. Future research needs to look toward neutral or even negative carbon footprint CO2R processes. Having a deep insight into the scientific and technological aspect of both abiotic and biotic CO2R would advance in designing efficient catalysts and microalgae farming systems. Integrating the abiotic and biotic CO2R such as microbial fuel cells further diversifies the spectrum of CO2R.
The Maritime Sector and Its Problematic Decarbonization: A Systematic Review of the Contribution of Alternative Fuels
May 2022
Publication
The present study seeks to select the most important articles and reviews from the Web of Science database that approached alternative fuels towards the decarbonization of the maritime sector. Through a systematic review methodology a combination of keywords and manual refining found a contribution of 103 works worldwide the European continent accounting for 57% of all publications. Twenty-two types of fuels were cited by the authors liquefied natural gas (LNG) hydrogen and biodiesel contributing to 49% of the mentions. Greenhouse gases sulfur oxide nitrogen oxide and particulate matter reductions are some of the main advantages of cleaner sources if used by the vessels. Nevertheless there is a lack of practical research on new standards engine performance cost and regulations from the academy to direct more stakeholders towards low carbon intensity in the shipping sector.
Emerging, Hydrogen-driven Electrochemical Water Purification
Jan 2022
Publication
Energy-efficient technologies for the remediation of water and generation of drinking water is a key towards sustainable technologies. Electrochemical desalination technologies are promising alternatives towards established methods such as reverse osmosis or ultrafiltration. In the last few years hydrogen-driven electrochemical water purification has emerged. This review article explores the concept of desalination fuel cells and capacitive-Faradaic fuel cells for ion separation.
H2 Green Hydrogen Discussion Paper: Victorian Hydrogen Investment Program
Nov 2019
Publication
This discussion paper is for stakeholders who would like to shape the development of Victoria’s emerging green hydrogen sector identifying competitive advantages and priority focus areas for industry and the Victorian Government.<br/>The Victorian Government is using this paper to focus on the economic growth and sector development opportunities emerging for a Victorian hydrogen industry powered by renewable energy also known as ‘green’ hydrogen. In addition this paper seeks input from all stakeholders on how where and when the Victorian Government can act to establish a thriving green hydrogen economy.<br/>Although green hydrogen is the only type of hydrogen production within the scope of this discussion paper the development of the VHIP aligns with the policies projects and initiatives which support these other forms of hydrogen production. The VHIP is considering the broad policy landscape and actively coordinating with related hydrogen programs policies and strategies under development including the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Energy Council’s National Hydrogen Strategy to ensure a complementary approach. In Victoria there are several programs and strategies in development and underway that have linkages with hydrogen and the VHIP.
Life Cycle Assessment of Fuel Cell Vehicles Considering the Detailed Vehicle Components: Comparison and Scenario Analysis in China Based on Different Hydrogen Production Schemes
Aug 2019
Publication
Numerous studies concerning the life cycle assessment of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) have been conducted. However little attention has been paid to the life cycle assessment of an FCV from the perspective of the detailed vehicle components. This work conducts the life cycle assessment of Toyota Mirai with all major components considered in a Chinese context. Both the vehicle cycle and the fuel cycle are included. Both comprehensive resources and energy consumption and comprehensive environmental emissions of the life cycles are investigated. Potential environmental impacts are further explored based on CML 2001 method. Then different hydrogen production schemes are compared to obtain the most favorable solution. To explore the potential of the electrolysis the scenario analysis of the power structure is conducted. The results show that the most mineral resources are consumed in the raw material acquisition stage the most fossil energy is consumed in the use stage and global warming potential (GWP) value is fairly high in all life cycle stages of Toyota Mirai using electrolyzed hydrogen. For hydrogen production schemes the scenario analysis indicates that simply by optimizing the power structure the environmental impact of the electrolysis remains higher than other schemes. When using the electricity from hydropower or wind power the best choice will be the electrolysis.
A Comprehensive Comparison of State-of-the-art Manufacturing Methods for Fuel Cell Bipolar Plates Including Anticipated Future Industry Trends
Nov 2020
Publication
This article explains and evaluates contemporary methods for manufacturing bipolar plates (BPPs) for lowtemperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (LT-PEMFC) and highlights the potential of new improved approaches. BPPs are an essential component of fuel cells responsible for distributing reaction gases to facilitate efficient conversion of gaseous electrochemical energy to electricity. BPPs must balance technical properties such as electrical and thermal conductivities structural strength and corrosion resistance. Graphitic and metallic materials can meet the required specifications with each material offering distinct advantages and disadvantages. Each materials’ performance is complimented by a comparison of its manufacturability including: the material costs production rates and required capital investment. These results are contextualised with respect to the target applications to identify the challenges and advantages of manufacturing methods of choice for BPPs. This analysis shows that the optimal choice of BPP manufacturing method depends entirely on the needs of the target application in particular the relative importance of manufacturing rate cost and the expected operational life of the bipolar plate to the fuel cell designer.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Road Vehicles: State of the Art and Perspectives
Nov 2020
Publication
Driven by a small number of niche markets and several decades of application research fuel cell systems (FCS) are gradually reaching maturity to the point where many players are questioning the interest and intensity of its deployment in the transport sector in general. This article aims to shed light on this debate from the road transport perspective. It focuses on the description of the fuel cell vehicle (FCV) in order to understand its assets limitations and current paths of progress. These vehicles are basically hybrid systems combining a fuel cell and a lithium-ion battery and different architectures are emerging among manufacturers who adopt very different levels of hybridization. The main opportunity of Fuel Cell Vehicles is clearly their design versatility based on the decoupling of the choice of the number of Fuel Cell modules and hydrogen tanks. This enables manufacturers to meet various specifications using standard products. Upcoming developments will be in line with the crucial advantage of Fuel Cell Vehicles: intensive use in terms of driving range and load capacity. Over the next few decades long-distance heavy-duty vehicles and fleets of taxis or delivery vehicles will develop based on range extender or mild hybrid architectures and enable the hydrogen sector to mature the technology from niche markets to a large-scale market.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Aircraft for the Nordic Market
Mar 2024
Publication
A model for a fuel cell propelled 50 PAX hydrogen aircraft is developed. In terms of year 2045 Nordic air travel demand this aircraft is expected to cover 97% of travel distances and 58% of daily passenger volume. Using an ATR 42 as a baseline cryogenic tanks and fuel cell stacks are sized and propulsion system masses updated. Fuselage and wing resizing are required which increases mass and wetted area. Sizing methods for the multi-stack fuel cell and the cryogenic tanks are implemented. The dynamic aircraft model is updated with models for hydrogen consumption and tank pressure control. For the Multi-layer insulation (MLI) tank a trade study is performed. A ventilation pressure of 1.76 bar and 15 MLI layers are found to be optimal for the design mission. A return-without-refuel mission is explored where for a 10-hour ground hold 38.4% of the design range is retained out of the theoretically achievable 50%.
Bridging the Maritime-Hydrogen Cost-Gap: Real Options Analysis of Policy Alternatives
May 2022
Publication
Alternative and especially renewable marine fuels are needed to reduce the environmental and climate impacts of the shipping sector. This paper investigates the business case for hydrogen as an alternative fuel in a new-built vessel utilizing fuel cells and liquefied hydrogen. A real option approach is used to model the optimal time and costs for investment as well as the value of deferring an investment as a result of uncertainty. This model is then used to assess the impact of a carbon tax on a ship owner’s investment decision. A low carbon tax results in ship owners deferring investments which then slows the uptake of the technology. We recommend that policymakers set a high carbon tax at an early stage in order to help hydrogen compete with fossil fuels. A clear and timely policy design promotes further investments and accelerates the uptake of new technologies that can fulfill decarbonization targets.
Varying Load Distribution Impacts on the Operation of a Hydrogen Generator Plant
Oct 2021
Publication
This study advances several methods to evaluate the operation of a hydrogen generator plant. The model developed helps customize plants that contain multiple generators of varying powers using a decision module which determines the most efficient plant load distribution. Evaluation indices to assess individual devices within the plant are proposed and system flexibility maximizes the amount of renewable energy stored. Three case studies examined the variable load distribution of an electrolysis system connected to a 40 MW wind farm for energy storage purposes and incorporated a “night-valley” operational strategy. These methods facilitate the selection of the proper plant configuration and provide estimates for individual device effectiveness within the system.
Modeling of Fixed Bed Reactor for Coal Tar Hydrogenation via the Kinetic Lumping Approach
Nov 2018
Publication
Hydrogenation technology is an indispensable chemical upgrading process for converting the heavy feedstock into favorable lighter products. In this work a new kinetic model containing four hydrocarbon lumps (feedstock diesel gasoline cracking gas) was developed to describe the coal tar hydrogenation process the Levenberg–Marquardt’s optimization algorithm was used to determine the kinetic parameters by minimizing the sum of square errors between experimental and calculated data the predictions from model validation showed a good agreement with experimental values. Subsequently an adiabatic reactor model based on proposed lumped kinetic model was constructed to further investigate the performance of hydrogenation fixed-bed units the mass balance and energy balance within the phases in the reactor were taken into accounts in the form of ordinary differential equation. An application of the reactor model was performed for simulating the actual bench-scale plant of coal tar hydrogenation the simulated results on the products yields and temperatures distribution along with the reactor are shown to be good consistent with the experimental data.
World Energy Issues Monitor 2020: Decoding New Signals of Change
Oct 2020
Publication
ISSUES MONITOR 2020: DECODING NEW SIGNALS OF CHANGE
The annual World Energy Issues Monitor provides unique insight into what energy policymakers CEOs and leading experts identify as Critical Uncertainties and Action Priorities. New this year the Issues Monitor also provides readers with the views of the individual customer detailing their perceptions of their role in the overall energy system. The Issues Monitor report includes a global issues map 58 country maps and six regional maps as well as perspectives from Future Energy Leaders (FEL) and energy innovators.
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES
The 2020 global map incorporates all survey responses representing the views of over 3000 energy leaders from 104 countries. In this era of transition defined by decentralisation digitalisation and decarbonisation energy leaders must pay attention to many different signals of change and distinguish key issues from the noise. The Issues Monitor identifies shifting patterns of connected issues shaping energy transitions.
A NEW PULSE
The focus for the 2010s was about trying to automate and upgrade the energy system and set targets to move the energy transition forward. Digitalisation accelerated the transition of all sectors towards a more customer-centric environment. New policies and regulations were introduced to facilitate this transition and empower consumers. As a result the 2020s may very well be about realising those targets through a transition from activism to action.
TREND TRACKING: CCS
In comparing response from the Oil & Gas sector in 2015 with 2019 we found that almost half of respondents identified Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS) as a high impact issue in 2019 up from about a third in 2015. CCS is increasingly being viewed as an essential option for continued hydrocarbon use although governmental support is needed to enable scalability and cost effectiveness.
A DIFFERENCE IN OPINION: NUCLEAR
Opinions remain polarised but in many European countries nuclear power is increasingly recognised as a carbon-free energy source and potentially an integral part of the future energy mix. In December 2019 the European Commission set a target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. There is qualified support among energy leaders to include nuclear energy to help create a carbon neutral continent and enable a just energy transition.
The annual World Energy Issues Monitor provides unique insight into what energy policymakers CEOs and leading experts identify as Critical Uncertainties and Action Priorities. New this year the Issues Monitor also provides readers with the views of the individual customer detailing their perceptions of their role in the overall energy system. The Issues Monitor report includes a global issues map 58 country maps and six regional maps as well as perspectives from Future Energy Leaders (FEL) and energy innovators.
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES
The 2020 global map incorporates all survey responses representing the views of over 3000 energy leaders from 104 countries. In this era of transition defined by decentralisation digitalisation and decarbonisation energy leaders must pay attention to many different signals of change and distinguish key issues from the noise. The Issues Monitor identifies shifting patterns of connected issues shaping energy transitions.
A NEW PULSE
The focus for the 2010s was about trying to automate and upgrade the energy system and set targets to move the energy transition forward. Digitalisation accelerated the transition of all sectors towards a more customer-centric environment. New policies and regulations were introduced to facilitate this transition and empower consumers. As a result the 2020s may very well be about realising those targets through a transition from activism to action.
TREND TRACKING: CCS
In comparing response from the Oil & Gas sector in 2015 with 2019 we found that almost half of respondents identified Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS) as a high impact issue in 2019 up from about a third in 2015. CCS is increasingly being viewed as an essential option for continued hydrocarbon use although governmental support is needed to enable scalability and cost effectiveness.
A DIFFERENCE IN OPINION: NUCLEAR
Opinions remain polarised but in many European countries nuclear power is increasingly recognised as a carbon-free energy source and potentially an integral part of the future energy mix. In December 2019 the European Commission set a target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. There is qualified support among energy leaders to include nuclear energy to help create a carbon neutral continent and enable a just energy transition.
Effect of Hydrogen Addition on the Energetic and Ecologic Parameters of an SI Engine Fueled by Biogas
Jan 2021
Publication
The global policy solution seeks to reduce the usage of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and biogas (BG) represents a solutions to these problems. The use of biogas could help cope with increased amounts of waste and reduce usage of fossil fuels. Biogas could be used in compressed natural gas (CNG) engines but the engine electronic control unit (ECU) needs to be modified. In this research a spark ignition (SI) engine was tested for mixtures of biogas and hydrogen (volumetric hydrogen concentration of 0 14 24 33 and 43%). In all experiments two cases of spark timing (ST) were used: the first for an optimal mixture and the second for CNG. The results show that hydrogen increases combustion quality and reduces incomplete combustion products. Because of BG’s lower burning speed the advanced ST increased brake thermal efficiency (BTE) by 4.3% when the engine was running on biogas. Adding 14 vol% of hydrogen (H2 ) increases the burning speed of the mixture and enhances BTE by 2.6% at spark timing optimal for CNG (CNG ST) and 0.6% at the optimal mixture ST (mixture ST). Analyses of the rate of heat release (ROHR) temperature and pressure increase in the cylinder were carried out using utility BURN in AVL BOOST software.
Process Integration of Green Hydrogen: Decarbonization of Chemical Industries
Sep 2020
Publication
Integrated water electrolysis is a core principle of new process configurations for decarbonized heavy industries. Water electrolysis generates H2 and O2 and involves an exchange of thermal energy. In this manuscript we investigate specific traditional heavy industrial processes that have previously been performed in nitrogen-rich air environments. We show that the individual process streams may be holistically integrated to establish new decarbonized industrial processes. In new process configurations CO2 capture is facilitated by avoiding inert gases in reactant streams. The primary energy required to drive electrolysis may be obtained from emerging renewable power sources (wind solar etc.) which have enjoyed substantial industrial development and cost reductions over the last decade. The new industrial designs uniquely harmonize the intermittency of renewable energy allowing chemical energy storage. We show that fully integrated electrolysis promotes the viability of decarbonized industrial processes. Specifically new process designs uniquely exploit intermittent renewable energy for CO2 conversion enabling thermal integration H2 and O2 utilization and sub-process harmonization for economic feasibility. The new designs are increasingly viable for decarbonizing ferric iron reduction municipal waste incineration biomass gasification fermentation pulp production biogas upgrading and calcination and are an essential step forward in reducing anthropogenic CO2 emissions.
Towards a CO2-neutral Steel Industry: Justice Aspects of CO2 Capture and Storage, Biomass- and Green Hydrogen-based Emission Reductions
Apr 2022
Publication
A rapid transition towards a CO2-neutral steel industry is required to limit climate change. Such a transition raises questions of justice as it entails positive and negative impacts unevenly distributed across societal stakeholders. To enable stakeholders to address such concerns this paper assesses the justice implications of three options that reduce emissions: CO2 capture and storage (CCS) on steel (up to 70%) bio-based steelmaking (up to 50%) and green hydrogen-based steel production (up to 100%). We select justice indicators from the energy climate labour and environmental justice literature and assess these indicators qualitatively for each of the technological routes based on literature and desk research. We find context-dependent differences in justness between the different technological routes. The impact on stakeholders varies across regions. There are justice concerns for local communities because of economic dependence on and environmental impact of the industry. Communities elsewhere are impacted through the siting of infrastructure and feedstock production. CCS and bio-based steelmaking routes can help retain industry and associated economic benefits on location while hydrogen-based steelmaking may deal better with environmental concerns. We conclude that besides techno-economic and environmental information transparency on sector-specific justice implications of transforming steel industries is essential for decision-making on technological routes
Hydrogen Roadmap Europe: A Sustainable Pathway for the European Energy Transition
Feb 2019
Publication
Hydrogen is an essential element in the energy transition and can account for 24% of final energy demand and 5.4m jobs by 2050 says the new study by the FCH JU “Hydrogen Roadmap Europe: A sustainable pathway for the European Energy Transition“. Developed with input from 17 leading European industrial actors the study lays out a pathway for the large-scale deployment of hydrogen and fuel cells until 2050 and quantifies the associated socio-economic impacts.<br/>The report makes the case that hydrogen is required to address the challenges ahead. At scale decarbonisation of key segments such as the gas grid transport (particularly as relates to heavy duty vehicles) industrial processes that use high-grade heat and hydrogen as chemical feedstock require the use of hydrogen in large quantities.<br/>In addition the electrification of the economy and the large scale integration of intermittent renewable energy sources require large scale energy storage enabling seasonal storage and the efficient transport of clean energy across regions at low cost. Hydrogen is the only at scale technology capable of addressing all of these challenges.<br/>Importantly there will be important socio-economic and environmental benefits associated with this deployment such as an EUR 820B per year market and a total of 560Mt CO2 abated. The report lays out a roadmap for the ramp-up of market deployment across applications setting specific milestones between now and 2050. It also calls for a coordinated approach from policy makers industry and investors in order to achieve the 2-degree scenario.
Multi-state Techno-economic Model for Optimal Dispatch of Grid Connected Hydrogen Electrolysis Systems Operating Under Dynamic Conditions
Oct 2020
Publication
The production of hydrogen through water electrolysis is a promising pathway to decarbonize the energy sector. This paper presents a techno-economic model of electrolysis plants based on multiple states of operation: production hot standby and idle. The model enables the calculation of the optimal hourly dispatch of electrolyzers to produce hydrogen for different end uses. This model has been tested with real data from an existing installation and compared with a simpler electrolyzer model that is based on two states. The results indicate that an operational strategy that considers the multi-state model leads to a decrease in final hydrogen production costs. These reduced costs will benefit businesses especially while electrolysis plants grow in size to accommodate further increases in demand.
Building an Optimal Hydrogen Transportation System for Mobility, Focus on Minimizing the Cost of Transportation via Truck
Jan 2018
Publication
The approach developed aims to identify the methodology that will be used to deliver the minimum cost for hydrogen infrastructure deployment using a mono-objective linear optimisation. It focuses on minimizing both capital and operation costs of the hydrogen transportation based on transportation via truck which represents the main focus of this paper and a cost-minimal pipeline system in the case of France and Germany. The paper explains the mathematical model describing the link between the hydrogen production via electrolysers and the distribution for mobility needs. The main parameters and the assumed scenario framework are explained. Subsequently the transportation of hydrogen via truck using different states of aggregation is analysed as well as the transformation and storage of hydrogen. This is used finally to build a linear programming aiming to minimize the sum of costs of hydrogen transportation between the different nodes and transformation/storage within the nodes.
CFD Simulations of Filling and Emptying of Hydrogen Tanks
Jun 2016
Publication
During the filling of hydrogen tanks high temperatures can be generated inside the vessel because of the gas compression while during the emptying low temperatures can be reached because of the gas expansion. The design temperature range goes from −40 °C to 85 °C. Temperatures outside that range could affect the mechanical properties of the tank materials. CFD analyses of the filling and emptying processes have been performed in the HyTransfer project. To assess the accuracy of the CFD model the simulation results have been compared with new experimental data for different filling and emptying strategies. The comparison between experiments and simulations is shown for the temperatures of the gas inside the tank for the temperatures at the interface between the liner and the composite material and for the temperatures on the external surface of the vessel.
Spatially Resolved Optimization for Studying the Role of Hydrogen for Heat Decarbonization Pathways
Apr 2018
Publication
This paper studies the economic feasibility of installing hydrogen networks for decarbonizing heat in urban areas. The study uses the Heat Infrastructure and Technology (HIT) spatially resolved optimization model to trade-off energy supply infrastructure and end-use technology costs for the most important heat-related energy vectors: gas heat electricity and hydrogen. Two model formulations are applied to a UK urban area: one with an independent hydrogen network and one that allows for retrofitting the gas network into hydrogen. Results show that for average hydrogen price projections cost-effective pathways for heat decarbonization toward 2050 include heat networks supplied by a combination of district-level heat pumps and gas boilers in the domestic and commercial sectors and hydrogen boilers in the domestic sector. For a low hydrogen price scenario when retrofitting the gas network into hydrogen a cost-effective pathway is replacing gas by hydrogen boilers in the commercial sector and a mixture of hydrogen boilers and heat networks supplied by district-level heat pumps gas and hydrogen boilers for the domestic sector. Compared to the first modelled year CO2 emission reductions of 88% are achieved by 2050. These results build on previous research on the role of hydrogen in cost-effective heat decarbonization pathways.
The Influence of the Hydrogen Supply Modes on a Hydrogen Refueling Station
Apr 2020
Publication
Setting up and operating a hydrogen refueling station is a critical part of current drive for fuel cell vehicles. In setting up a hydrogen refueling station (HRS) the investor concerns of the capacity of HRS the quality of hydrogen the capital requirement of the station and the modes of hydrogen supply; interestingly the supply modes of hydrogen further influences the safety of the station the cost of hydrogen the energy consumption of supply and the area of hydrogen supply section in a station. Hydrogen can be supplied to a HRS by the procurement of the merchant hydrogen from a central source with the central hydrogen supply mode (CHSM) or by an onsite production of hydrogen in the distributed hydrogen supply mode (DHSM). In this presentation the above factors are evaluated with respect to these two supply modes of hydrogen. It is concluded that the lower hydrogen cost and the smaller site area as well as the safer aspect of the public concern of safety can be realized with the choice of the distributed hydrogen supply mode by an onsite hydrogen production from methanol.
Direct Ammonia Low-temperature Symmetrical Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with Composite Semiconductor Electrolyte
Jan 2022
Publication
In this work a low-temperature symmetrical solid oxide fuel cell with Ni-NCAL|SDC/NCAL|Ni-NCAL (70 SDC:30 NCAL) configuration was successfully constructed by a simple dry press method. At 500 and 550 ◦C the peak power densities of the cell in ammonia were 501 and 755 mW cm− 2 and in hydrogen were 670 and 895 mW cm− 2 respectively. EIS data showed that the Rp values of the cell in ammonia and hydrogen at 550 ◦C were 0.250 and 0.246 Ω cm− 2 respectively indicating the excellent catalytic activity of the Ni-NCAL electrode toward ammonia decomposition and hydrogen oxidation. The different cell output can be ascribed to additional ammonia decomposition steps compared to hydrogen. The noticeable reaction product on the surface of the Ni foam was detrimental to ammonia decomposition. In summary a symmetrical cell with SDC/NCAL semi-conductor electrolyte and Ni-NCAL electrodes exhibited higher electrochemical performance at low temperature than the results reported to date. Therefore higher electrochemical performance can be expected from this cell configuration with more efficient ammonia decomposition catalysts.
Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Hydrogen-fuelled Passenger Cars
Feb 2021
Publication
In order to achieve gradual but timely decarbonisation of the transport sector it is essential to evaluate which types of vehicles provide a suitable environmental performance while allowing the use of hydrogen as a fuel. This work compares the environmental life-cycle performance of three different passenger cars fuelled by hydrogen: a fuel cell electric vehicle an internal combustion engine car and a hybrid electric vehicle. Besides two vehicles that use hydrogen in a mixture with natural gas or gasoline were considered. In all cases hydrogen produced by wind power electrolysis was assumed. The resultant life-cycle profiles were benchmarked against those of a compressed natural gas car and a hybrid electric vehicle fed with natural gas. Vehicle infrastructure was identified as the main source of environmental burdens. Nevertheless the three pure hydrogen vehicles were all found to be excellent decarbonisation solutions whereas vehicles that use hydrogen mixed with natural gas or gasoline represent good opportunities to encourage the use of hydrogen in the short term while reducing emissions compared to ordinary vehicles.
Efficient Hydrogen Production Through the Chemical Looping Redox Cycle of YSZ Supported Iron Oxides
Jul 2020
Publication
The chemical looping process where an oxygen carrier is reduced and oxidized in a cyclic manner offers a promising option for hydrogen production through splitting water because of the much higher water splitting efficiency than solar electrocatalytic and photocatalytic process. A typical oxygen carrier has to comprise a significant amount of inert support to maintain stability in multiple redox cycles thereby resulting in a trade-off between the reaction reactivity and stability. Herein we proposed the use of ion-conductive yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) support Fe2O3 to prepare oxygen carriers materials. The obtained Fe2O3/YSZ composites showed high reactivity and stability. Particularly Fe2O3/YSZ-20 (oxygen storage capacity 24.13%) exhibited high hydrogen yield of ∼10.30 mmol·g-1 and hydrogen production rate of ∼0.66 mmol·g-1·min-1 which was twice as high as that of Fe2O3/Al2O3. Further the transient pulse test indicated that active oxygen diffusion was the rate-limiting step during the redox process. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurement revealed that the YSZ support addition facilitated oxygen diffusion of materials which contributed to the improved hydrogen production performance. The support effect obtained in this work provides a potentially efficient route for the modification of oxygen carrier materials.
The National Hydrogen Strategy - The Federal Government Germany
Jun 2020
Publication
The energy transition – which represents the efforts undertaken and results achieved on renewable energy expansion and energy efficiency – is our basis for a clean secure and affordable energy supply which is essential for all our lives. By adopting the 2030 Climate Action Plan the Federal Government has paved the way for meeting its climate targets for 2030. Its long-term goal is to achieve carbon neutrality in line with the targets agreed under the Paris Agreement which seeks to keep global warming well below 2 degrees and if possible below 1.5 degrees. In addition Germany has committed itself together with the other European Member States to achieving greenhouse gas (GHG) neutrality by 2050. Apart from phasing out coal-fired power for which Germany has already taken the relevant decisions this means preventing emissions which are particularly hard to reduce such as process-related GHG emissions from the industrial sector.<br/>In order for the energy transition to be successful security of supply affordability and environmental compatibility need to be combined with innovative and smart climate action. This means that the fossil fuels we are currently using need to be replaced by alternative options. This applies in particular to gaseous and liquid energy sources which will continue to be an integral part of Germany’s energy supply. Against this backdrop hydrogen will play a key role in enhancing and completing the energy transition.
Decarbonising City Bus Networks in Ireland with Renewable Hydrogen
Dec 2020
Publication
This paper presents techno-economic modelling results of a nationwide hydrogen fuel supply chain (HFSC) that includes renewable hydrogen production transportation and dispensing systems for fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) in Ireland. Hydrogen is generated by electrolysers located at each existing Irish wind farm using curtailed or available wind electricity. Additional electricity is supplied by on-site photovoltaic (PV) arrays and stored using lithium-ion batteries. At each wind farm sizing of the electrolyser PV array and battery is optimised system design to obtain the minimum levelised cost of hydrogen (LCOH). Results show the average electrolyser capacity factor is 64% after the integration of wind farm-based electrolysers with PV arrays and batteries. A location-allocation algorithm in a geographic information system (GIS) environment optimises the distributed hydrogen supply chain from each wind farm to a hypothetical hydrogen refuelling station in the nearest city. Results show that hydrogen produced transported and dispensed using this system can meet the entire current bus fuel demand for all the studied cities at a potential LCOH of 5–10 €/kg by using available wind electricity. At this LCOH the future operational cost of FCEBs in Belfast Cork and Dublin can be competitive with public buses fuelled by diesel especially under carbon taxes more reflective of the environmental impact of fossil fuels.
Influence of the Gas Injector Configuration on the Temperature Evolution During Refueling of On-board Hydrogen Tanks
Jul 2016
Publication
In this article we show a refuelling strategy analysis using different injector configurations to refuel a 70 MPa composite reinforced type 4 tank. The gas has been injected through single openings of different diameters (3 mm 6 mm and 10 mm) and alternatively through multiple small holes (4 × 3 mm). For each injector configuration slow (12 min) and faster (3 min) fillings have been performed. The gas temperature has been measured at different positions inside the tank as well as the temperatures of the wall materials at various locations: on the external surface and at the interface between the liner and the fiber reinforced composite. In general the larger the injector diameter and the slower the filling the higher the chance that the gas develops vertical temperature gradients (a so-called gas temperature stratification) resulting in higher than average temperatures near the top of the tank and lower than average at its bottom. While the single 3 mm opening injector causes homogeneous gas temperatures for both filling speeds both the 6 mm and 10 mm opening injectors induce gas temperature stratification during the 12 min fillings. The injector with multiple holes has an area comparable to the 6 mm single opening injector: in general this more complex geometry tends to limit the inhomogeneity of gas temperatures during slow fillings. When gas temperature stratification develops the wall materials temperature is also locally affected. This results in a higher than average temperature at the top of the tank and higher the slower the filling.
Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda
Jul 2020
Publication
The FCH1JU and FCH2JU have proven effective in developing hydrogen technologies to a high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) allowing for large-scale deployment. Yet there is still an important work to be performed in terms of Research and Innovation in order to develop the next generation of products as well as technologies that did not reach a sufficiently high TRL to envisage a large-scale deployment.<br/><br/>Within the framework of the preparation of the foreseen Clean Hydrogen for Europe (the third public-private partnership continuation of the FCH2JU) Hydrogen Europe and Hydrogen Europe Research have prepared their Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) which is made of a set of approximately 20 roadmaps. This SRIA represents the view of the private partner and will be used as a basis to develop the Multi Annual Work Plan (MAWP) of the Clean Hydrogen for Europe partnership. The current version (July 2020) is the final draft that has been submitted to the European Commission.
Fostering a Blue Economy: Offshore Renewable Energy
Dec 2020
Publication
Offshore renewable energy – including offshore wind and solar power as well as emerging ocean energy technologies – could support sustainable long-term development and drive a vibrant blue economy. For countries and communities around the world offshore renewables can provide reliable stable electricity as well as support water desalination and aquaculture.
This report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) considers the status and prospects of offshore renewable sources and recommends key actions to accelerate their uptake.
The development of renewable sources and technologies at sea promises to spur new industries and create jobs in line with the global energy transition. Offshore wind towers with either fixed or floating foundations and floating solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays offer clear technological and logistical synergies with the existing offshore oil and gas industry.
Offshore renewables could provide clean power and ensure energy security for small island developing states (SIDS) and many of the least-developed countries (LDCs).
Among other findings:
This report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) considers the status and prospects of offshore renewable sources and recommends key actions to accelerate their uptake.
The development of renewable sources and technologies at sea promises to spur new industries and create jobs in line with the global energy transition. Offshore wind towers with either fixed or floating foundations and floating solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays offer clear technological and logistical synergies with the existing offshore oil and gas industry.
Offshore renewables could provide clean power and ensure energy security for small island developing states (SIDS) and many of the least-developed countries (LDCs).
Among other findings:
- The predictability of power generation from ocean energy technologies complements the variable character solar PV and wind.
- Desalination of seawater using renewable energy sources – including solar and wind power but also direct solar and geothermal heat – can further enhance the sustainable blue economy.
- Renewable-based shipping powered with advanced biofuels hydrogen or synthetic fuels as alternatives to oil offer further synergies with offshore renewable energy.
- Islands and coastal territories could adopt renewable-based electric propulsion for short-distance (< 100 km) sea transport.
- Two reports released concurrently examine the potential for offshore renewables:
The Decarbonisation of Heat
Mar 2020
Publication
This paper proposes that whilst the exact pathway to decarbonising heat in the UK is not yet clear there are a range of actions that could be taken in the next ten years to shift heat onto the right route to meet our 2050 net zero obligation. We already possess many of the skills and technologies required but there are a number of significant barriers preventing a spontaneous movement towards low carbon heat on the scale required – a starting impulse is needed.<br/><br/>Energy efficiency and low carbon heating have the potential to radically improve the quality of life of not just the poorest in our society but all residents of the United Kingdom. With the right approach the decarbonisation of heat can improve health outcomes for millions create new jobs in manufacturing and construction reduce air pollution in our cities and reduce the burden on our health service. This in addition to leading the world in mitigating the climate emergency.
Insights into Renewable Hydrogen Energy: Recent Advances and Prospects
Jan 2020
Publication
Presently the fulfilment of world’s energy demand highly relies on the fossil fuel i.e. coal oil and natural gas. Fossil fuels pose threat to environment and biological systems on the earth. Usage of these fuels leads to an increase in the CO2 content in the atmosphere that causes global warming and undesirable climatic changes. Additionally these are limited sources of energy those will eventually dwindle. There is huge urge of identifying and utilizing the renewable energy resources to replace these fossil fuels in the near future as it is expected to have no impact on environment and thus would enable one to provide energy security. Hydrogen is one of the most desirable fuel capable of replacing vanishing hydrocarbons. In this review we present the status of energy demands recent advances in renewable energy and the prospects of hydrogen as a future fuel are highlighted. It gives a broad overview of different energy systems and mainly focuses on different technologies and their reliability for the production of hydrogen in present and future.
Carbon Capture and Storage Could Clear a Path to the UK's Carbon Reduction Targets: An ETI Technology Programme Highlight Report
Sep 2014
Publication
Capturing and sealing away carbon dioxide released from industrial processes and electricity generation is acknowledged internationally to be potentially a winning intervention in the battle against climate change. The collected technologies that make up Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) could remove more than 90% of the carbon emissions from energy intensive industries and electricity production. In power generation CCS not only provides low-carbon output but it also preserves capacity in fossil fuel-fired plant to respond to shifts in demand. This is a near-unique combination that could mitigate the different shortcomings of harnessing the wind the sun or nuclear fission.<br/>CCS could clear a path to the UK’s carbon reduction targets; secure its energy supplies; and reduce the cost of those achievements. With CCS in play a low-carbon future with secure energy supplies becomes affordable. However without our research has found that the costs of meeting the UK’s lowcarbon targets could double to £60bn a year by 2050 at today’s prices.<br/>However CCS has to be honed technically and commercially before it can become a reality. ETI supported by its partners has made important progress and continues to do so.
An Intelligent Site Selection Model for Hydrogen Refueling Stations Based on Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation and Artificial Neural Network—A Case Study of Shanghai
Feb 2022
Publication
With the gradual popularization of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) the construction and planning of hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) are increasingly important. Taking operational HRSs in China’s coastal and major cities as examples we consider the main factors affecting the site selection of HRSs in China from the three aspects of economy technology and society to establish a site selection evaluation system for hydrogen refueling stations and determine the weight of each index through the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Then combined with fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) method and artificial neural network model (ANN) FCE method is used to evaluate HRS in operation in China's coastal areas and major cities and we used the resulting data obtained from the comprehensive evaluation as the training data to train the neural network. So an intelligent site selection model for HRSs based on fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and artificial neural network model (FCE-ANN) is proposed. The planned HRSs in Shanghai are evaluated and an optimal site selection of the HRS is obtained. The results show that the optimal HRSs site selected by the FCE-ANN model is consistent with the site selection obtained by the FCE method and the accuracy of the FCE-ANN model is verified. The findings of this study may provide some guidelines for policy makers in planning the hydrogen refueling stations
Integrated Ni-P-S Nanosheets Array as Superior Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Generation
Jan 2017
Publication
Searching for efficient and robust non-noble electrocatalysts for hydrogen generation is extremely desirable for future green energy systems. Here we present the synthesis of integrated Ni-P-S nanosheets array including Ni2P and NiS on nickel foam by a simple simultaneous phosphorization and sulfurization strategy. The resultant sample with optimal composition exhibits superior electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in a wide pH range. In alkaline media it can generate current densities of 10 20 and 100 mA cm−2 at low overpotentials of only −101.9 −142.0 and −207.8 mV with robust durability. It still exhibits high electrocatalytic activities even in acid or neutral media. Such superior electrocatalytic performances can be mainly attributed to the synergistic enhancement of the hybrid Ni-P-S nanosheets array with integration microstructure. The kind of catalyst gives a new insight on achieving efficient and robust hydrogen generation.
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles and Hydrogen Balancing 100 Percent Renewable and Integrated National Transportation and Energy Systems
Feb 2021
Publication
Future national electricity heating cooling and transport systems need to reach zero emissions. Significant numbers of back-up power plants as well as large-scale energy storage capacity are required to guarantee the reliability of energy supply in 100 percent renewable energy systems. Electricity can be partially converted into hydrogen which can be transported via pipelines stored in large quantities in underground salt caverns to overcome seasonal effects and used as electricity storage or as a clean fuel for transport. The question addressed in this paper is how parked and grid-connected hydrogen-fuelled Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles might balance 100 per cent renewable electricity heating cooling and transport systems at the national level in Denmark Germany Great Britain France and Spain? Five national electricity heating cooling and transport systems are modeled for the year 2050 for the five countries assuming only 50 percent of the passenger cars to be grid-connected Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles the remaining Battery Electric Vehicles. The grid-connected Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle fleet can always balance the energy systems and their usage is low having load factors of 2.1–5.5 percent corresponding to an average use of 190–480 h per car per year. At peak times occurring only a few hours per year 26 to 43 percent of the grid-connected Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle are required and in particular for energy systems with high shares of solar energy such as Spain balancing by grid-connected Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles is mainly required during the night which matches favorably with driving usage.
Safety Considerations of Hydrogen Application in Shipping in Comparison to LNG
Apr 2022
Publication
Shipping accounts for about 3% of global CO2 emissions. In order to achieve the target set by the Paris Agreement IMO introduced their GHG strategy. This strategy envisages 50% emission reduction from international shipping by 2050 compared with 2008. This target cannot be fulfilled if conventional fuels are used. Amongst others hydrogen is considered to be one of the strong candidates as a zero-emissions fuel. Yet concerns around the safety of its storage and usage have been formulated and need to be addressed. “Safety” in this article is defined as the control of recognized hazards to achieve an acceptable level of risk. This article aims to propose a new way of comparing two systems with regard to their safety. Since safety cannot be directly measured fuzzy set theory is used to compare linguistic terms such as “safer”. This method is proposed to be used during the alternative design approach. This approach is necessary for deviations from IMO rules for example when hydrogen should be used in shipping. Additionally the properties of hydrogen that can pose a hazard such as its wide flammability range are identified.
A Portfolio of Power-Trains for Europe- A Fact Based Analysis
Nov 2010
Publication
This report is prepared by thirty of the largest global car manufacturers oil and gas companies utilities equipment manufacturers NGOs governmental and clean energy organisations with the collaboration of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking.<br/>The analysis compares the economics sustainability and performance of the vehicles and infrastructures needed to reach the 80% decarbonisation goal set by the<br/>European Union and is an unprecedented effort from industry and other stakeholders to analyse the role of the various new car-types in meeting this objective on the basis of proprietary industrial data.
Anionic Structural Effect in Liquid–liquid Separation of Phenol from Model Oil by Choline Carboxylate Ionic Liquid
Feb 2019
Publication
The synthesis of low-cost and highly active electrodes for both oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is very important for water splitting. In this work the novel amorphous iron-nickel phosphide (FeP-Ni) nanocone arrays as efficient bifunctional electrodes for overall water splitting have been in-situ assembled on conductive three-dimensional (3D) Ni foam via a facile and mild liquid deposition process. It is found that the FeP-Ni electrode demonstrates highly efficient electrocatalytic performance toward overall water splitting. In 1 M KOH electrolyte the optimal FeP-Ni electrode drives a current density of 10 mA/cm2 at an overpotential of 218 mV for the OER and 120 mV for the HER and can attain such current density for 25 h without performance regression. Moreover a two-electrode electrolyzer comprising the FeP-Ni electrodes can afford 10 mA/cm2 electrolysis current at a low cell voltage of 1.62 V and maintain long-term stability as well as superior to that of the coupled RuO2/NF‖Pt/C/NF cell. Detailed characterizations confirm that the excellent electrocatalytic performances for water splitting are attributed to the unique 3D morphology of nanocone arrays which could expose more surface active sites facilitate electrolyte diffusion benefit charge transfer and also favorable bubble detachment behavior. Our work presents a facile and cost-effective pathway to design and develop active self-supported electrodes with novel 3D morphology for water electrolysis.
Strategies for Joint Procurement of Fuel Cell Buses: A Study for the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking
Jun 2018
Publication
The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) has supported a range of initiatives in recent years designed to develop hydrogen fuel cell buses to a point where they can fulfil their promise as a mainstream zero emission vehicle for public transport.<br/>Within this study 90 different European cities and regions have been supported in understanding the business case of fuel cell bus deployment and across these locations. The study analyses the funding and financing for fuel cell bus deployment to make them become a mainstream zero emission choice for public transport providers in cities and regions across Europe. It also outlines possible solutions for further deployment of FC buses beyond the subsidised phase.<br/>In the light of the experience of the joint tender process in the UK and in Germany the study highlights best practices for ordering fuel cell buses. Other innovative instruments explored in other countries for the orders of large quantities of fuel cells buses are presented: Special Purpose Vehicles and centralised purchase office. Finally the study deeply analyses the funding and financing for fuel cell bus deployment to make them become a mainstream zero emission choice for public transport providers in cities and regions across Europe.
World Energy Transitions Outlook: 1.5°C Pathway
Mar 2021
Publication
Dolf Gielen,
Ricardo Gorini,
Rodrigo Leme,
Gayathri Prakash,
Nicholas Wagner,
Luis Janeiro,
Sean Collins,
Maisarah Kadir,
Elisa Asmelash,
Rabia Ferroukhi,
Ulrike Lehr,
Xavier Garcia Casals,
Diala Hawila,
Bishal Parajuli,
Elizabeth Press,
Paul Durrant,
Seungwoo Kang,
Martina Lyons,
Carlos Ruiz,
Trish Mkutchwa,
Emanuele Taibi,
Herib Blanco,
Francisco Boshell,
Arina Anise,
Elena Ocenic,
Roland Roesch,
Gabriel Castellanos,
Gayathri Nair,
Barbara Jinks,
Asami Miketa,
Michael Taylor,
Costanza Strinati,
Michael Renner and
Deger Saygin
The World Energy Transitions Outlook preview outlines a pathway for the world to achieve the Paris Agreement goals and halt the pace of climate change by transforming the global energy landscape. This preview presents options to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C and bring CO2 emissions closer to net zero by mid-century offering high-level insights on technology choices investment needs and the socio-economic contexts of achieving a sustainable resilient and inclusive energy future.
Meeting CO2 reduction targets by 2050 will require a combination of: technology and innovation to advance the energy transition and improve carbon management; supportive and proactive policies; associated job creation and socio-economic improvements; and international co-operation to guarantee energy availability and access.
Among key findings:
This preview identifies opportunities to support informed policy and decision making to establish a new global energy system. Following this preview and aligned with the UN High-Level Dialogue process the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) will release the full report which will provide a comprehensive vision and accompanying policy measures for the transition.
Meeting CO2 reduction targets by 2050 will require a combination of: technology and innovation to advance the energy transition and improve carbon management; supportive and proactive policies; associated job creation and socio-economic improvements; and international co-operation to guarantee energy availability and access.
Among key findings:
- Proven technologies for a net-zero energy system already largely exist today. Renewable power green hydrogen and modern bioenergy will dominate the world of energy of the future.
- A combination of technologies is needed to keep us on a 1.5°C climate pathway. These include increasingly efficient energy production to ensure economic growth; decarbonised power systems that are dominated by renewables; increased use of electricity in buildings industry and transport to support decarbonisation; expanded production and use of green hydrogen synthetic fuels and feedstocks; and targeted use of sustainably sourced biomass.
- In anticipation of the coming energy transition financial markets and investors are already directing capital away from fossil fuels and towards other energy technologies including renewables.
- Energy transition investment will have to increase by 30% over planned investment to a total of USD 131 trillion between now and 2050 corresponding to USD 4.4 trillion on average every year.
- National social and economic policies will play fundamental roles in delivering the energy transition at the speed required to restrict global warming to 1.5°C.
This preview identifies opportunities to support informed policy and decision making to establish a new global energy system. Following this preview and aligned with the UN High-Level Dialogue process the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) will release the full report which will provide a comprehensive vision and accompanying policy measures for the transition.
Development of a Gaseous and Solid-state Hybrid System for Stationary Hydrogen Energy Storage
Jun 2020
Publication
Hydrogen can serve as a carrier to store renewable energy in large scale. However hydrogen storage still remains a challenge in the current stage. It is difficult to meet the technical requirements applying the conventional storage of compressed gaseous hydrogen in high-pressure tanks or the solid-state storage of hydrogen in suitable materials. In the present work a gaseous and solid-state (G-S) hybrid hydrogen storage system with a low working pressure below 5 MPa for a 10 kW hydrogen energy storage experiment platform is developed and validated. A Ti−Mn type hydrogen storage alloy with an effective hydrogen capacity of 1.7 wt% was prepared for the G-S hybrid hydrogen storage system. The G-S hybrid hydrogen storage tank has a high volumetric hydrogen storage density of 40.07 kg H2 m−3 and stores hydrogen under pressure below 5 MPa. It can readily release enough hydrogen at a temperature as low as −15 °C when the FC system is not fully activated and hot water is not available. The energy storage efficiency of this G-S hybrid hydrogen storage system is calculated to be 86.4%−95.9% when it is combined with a FC system. This work provides a method on how to design a G-S hydrogen storage system based on practical demands and demonstrates that the G-S hybrid hydrogen storage is a promising method for stationary hydrogen storage application.
Co-CoOx Supported onto TiO2 Coated with Carbon as a Catalyst for Efficient and Stable Hydrogen Generation from Ammonia Borane
Apr 2020
Publication
Ammonia borane (AB) can be catalytically hydrolyzed to provide hydrogen at room temperature due to its high potentaial for hydrogen storage. Non-precious metal heterogeneous catalysts have broad application in the field of energy catalysis. In this article catalysts precursor is obtained from Co-Ti-resorcinol-formaldehyde resin by sol–gel method. Co/TiO2@N-C (CTC) catalyst is prepared by calcining the precursor under high temperature conditions in nitrogen atmosphere. Co-CoOx/TiO2@N-C (COTC) is generated by the controllable oxidation reaction of CTC. The catalyst can effectively promote the release of hydrogen during the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of AB. High hydrogen generation at a specific rate of 5905 mL min−1 gCo−1 is achieved at room temperature. The catalyst retains its 85% initial catalytic activity even for its fifth time use in AB hydrolysis. The synergistic effect among Co Co3O4 and TiO2 promotes the rate limiting step with dissociation and activation of water molecules by reducing its activation energy. The applied method in this study promotes the development of non-precious metals in catalysis for utilization in clean energy sources.
Calibration of Hydrogen Coriolis Flow Meters Using Nitrogen and Air and Investigation of the Influence of Temperature on Measurement Accuracy
Feb 2021
Publication
The performance of four Coriolis flow meters designed for use in hydrogen refuelling stations was evaluated with air and nitrogen by three members of the MetroHyVe JRP consortium; NEL METAS and CESAME EXADEBIT.<br/>A wide range of conditions were tested overall with gas flow rates ranging from (0.05–2) kg/min and pressures ranging from (20–86) bar. The majority of tests were conducted at nominal pressures of either 20 bar or 40 bar in order to match the density of hydrogen at 350 bar and 20 °C or 700 bar and −40 °C. For the conditions tested pressure did not have a noticeable influence on meter performance.<br/>When the flow meters were operated at ambient temperatures and within the manufacturer's recommended flow rate ranges errors were generally within ±1%. Errors within ±0.5% were achievable for the medium to high flow rates.<br/>The influence of temperature on meter performance was also studied with testing under both stable and transient conditions and temperatures as low as −40 °C.<br/>When the tested flow meters were allowed sufficient time to reach thermal equilibrium with the incoming gas temperature effects were limited. The magnitude and spread of errors increased but errors within ±2% were achievable at moderate to high flow rates. Conversely errors as high as 15% were observed in tests where logging began before temperatures stabilised and there was a large difference in temperature between the flow meter and the incoming gas.<br/>One of the flow meters tested with nitrogen was later installed in a hydrogen refuelling station and tested against the METAS Hydrogen Field Test Standard (HFTS). Under these conditions errors ranged from 0.47% to 0.91%. Testing with nitrogen at the same flow rates yielded errors of −0.61% to −0.82%.
Patterned Membranes for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Working at Low Humidity
Jun 2021
Publication
High performing proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) that can operate at low relative humidity is a continuing technical challenge for PEMFC developers. In this work micro-patterned membranes are demonstrated at the cathode side by solution casting techniques using stainless steel moulds with laser-imposed periodic surface structures (LIPSS). Three types of patterns lotus lines and sharklet are investigated for their influence on the PEMFC power performance at varying humidity conditions. The experimental results show that the cathode electrolyte pattern in all cases enhances the fuel cell power performance at 100% relative humidity (RH). However only the sharklet pattern exhibits a significant improvement at 25% RH where a peak power density of 450 mW cm−2 is recorded compared with 150 mW cm−2 of the conventional flat membrane. The improvements are explored based on high-frequency resistance electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) and hydrogen crossover by in situ membrane electrode assembly (MEA) testing.
Initial Assessment of a Fuel Cell—Gas Turbine Hybrid Propulsion Concept
Jan 2022
Publication
A fuel cell—gas turbine hybrid propulsion concept is introduced and initially assessed. The concept uses the water mass flow produced by a hydrogen fuel cell in order to improve the efficiency and power output of the gas turbine engine through burner steam injection. Therefore the fuel cell product water is conditioned through a process of condensation pressurization and revaporization. The vaporization uses the waste heat of the gas turbine exhaust. The functional principles of the system concept are introduced and discussed and appropriate methodology for an initial concept evaluation is formulated. Essential technology fields are surveyed in brief. The impact of burner steam injection on gas turbine efficiency and sizing is parametrically modelled. Simplified parametric models of the fuel cell system and key components of the water treatment process are presented. Fuel cell stack efficiency and specific power levels are methodically derived from latest experimental studies at the laboratory scale. The overall concept is assessed for a liquid hydrogen fueled short-/medium range aircraft application. Block fuel savings of up to 7.1% are found for an optimum design case based on solid oxide fuel cell technology. The optimum design features a gas turbine water-to-air ratio of 6.1% in cruise and 62% reduced high-level NOx emissions.
Hydrogen Refuelling Stations in the Netherlands: An Intercomparison of Quantitative Risk Assessments Used for Permitting
May 2018
Publication
As of 2003 15 hydrogen refuelling stations (HRSs) have been deployed in the Netherlands. To become established the HRS has to go through a permitting procedure. An important document of the permitting dossier is the quantitative risk assessment (QRA) as it assesses the risks of the HRS associated to people and buildings in the vicinity of the HRS. In the Netherlands a generic prescribed approach exists on how to perform a QRA however specific guidelines for HRSs do not exist. An intercomparison among the QRAs of permitted HRSs has revealed significant inconsistencies on various aspects of the QRA: namely the inclusion of HRS sub-systems and components the HRS sub-system and component considerations as predefined components the application of failure scenarios the determination of failure frequencies the application of input parameters the consideration of preventive and mitigation measures as well as information provided regarding the HRS surroundings and the societal risk. It is therefore recommended to develop specific QRA guidelines for HRSs.
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