Production & Supply Chain
On the Climate Impacts of Blue Hydrogen Production
Nov 2021
Publication
Natural gas based hydrogen production with carbon capture and storage is referred to as blue hydrogen. If substantial amounts of CO2 from natural gas reforming are captured and permanently stored such hydrogen could be a low-carbon energy carrier. However recent research raises questions about the effective climate impacts of blue hydrogen from a life cycle perspective. Our analysis sheds light on the relevant issues and provides a balanced perspective on the impacts on climate change associated with blue hydrogen. We show that such impacts may indeed vary over large ranges and depend on only a few key parameters: the methane emission rate of the natural gas supply chain the CO2 removal rate at the hydrogen production plant and the global warming metric applied. State-of-the-art reforming with high CO2 capture rates combined with natural gas supply featuring low methane emissions does indeed allow for substantial reduction of greenhouse gas emissions compared to both conventional natural gas reforming and direct combustion of natural gas. Under such conditions blue hydrogen is compatible with low-carbon economies and exhibits climate change impacts at the upper end of the range of those caused by hydrogen production from renewable-based electricity. However neither current blue nor green hydrogen production pathways render fully “net-zero” hydrogen without additional CO2 removal.
Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production by Photo-Reforming of Methanol with One-pot Synthesized Pt-containing TiO2 Photocatalysts
Jul 2019
Publication
Functionalization of semiconductors by metallic nanoparticle is considered to be one of the most effective procedure to improve photocatalytic hydrogen production. Photodeposition is frequently used for functionalization but particle sizes and dispersions are still difficult to control. Here Pt functionalization is achieved in a one-pot synthesis. The as-prepared samples are compared to reference materials prepared by conventional photodeposition and our results confirm that small and well-dispersed nanoparticles with superior stability are obtained by one-pot synthesis. The enhanced stability is attributed to a limited leaching of Pt nanoparticles during illumination likely caused by the preferable interaction of small well dispersed Pt nanoparticles with the TiO2 support material. In addition our results demonstrate that Na-residues are detrimental for the photocatalytic performance and washing in acidic solution is mandatory to effectively reduce the sodium contamination.
Prediction of Gaseous Products from Refuse Derived Fuel Pyrolysis Using Chemical Modelling Software - Ansys Chemkin-Pro
Nov 2019
Publication
There can be observed global interest in waste pyrolysis technology due to low costs and availability of raw materials. At the same time there is a literature gap in forecasting environmental effects of thermal waste treatment installations. In the article was modelled the chemical composition of pyrolysis gas with main focus on the problem in terms of environmental hazards. Not only RDF fuel was analysed but also selected waste fractions included in its composition. This approach provided comprehensive knowledge about the chemical composition of gaseous pyrolysis products which is important from the point of view of the heterogeneity of RDF fuel. The main goal of this article was to focus on the utilitarian aspect of the obtained calculation results. Final results can be the basis for estimating ecological effects both for existing and newly designed installations.
Pyrolysis process was modelled using Ansys Chemkin-Pro software. The investigation of the process were carried out for five different temperatures (700 750 800 850 and 900 °C). As an output the mole fraction of H2 H2O CH4 C2H2C2H4 C3H6 C3H8 CO CO2 HCl and H2S were presented. Additionally the reaction pathways for selected material were presented.
Based on obtained results it was established that the residence time did not influenced on the concentration of products contrary to temperature. The chemical composition of pyrolytic gas is closely related to wastes origin. The application of Chemkin-Pro allowed the calculation of formation for each products at different temperatures and formulation of hypotheses on the reaction pathways involved during pyrolysis process. Further based on the obtained results confirmed the possibilities of using pyrolysis gas from RDF as a substitute for natural gas in energy consumption sectors. Optimization of the process can be conducted with low financial outlays and reliable results by using calculation tools. Moreover it can be predicted negative impact of obtained products on the future installation.
Pyrolysis process was modelled using Ansys Chemkin-Pro software. The investigation of the process were carried out for five different temperatures (700 750 800 850 and 900 °C). As an output the mole fraction of H2 H2O CH4 C2H2C2H4 C3H6 C3H8 CO CO2 HCl and H2S were presented. Additionally the reaction pathways for selected material were presented.
Based on obtained results it was established that the residence time did not influenced on the concentration of products contrary to temperature. The chemical composition of pyrolytic gas is closely related to wastes origin. The application of Chemkin-Pro allowed the calculation of formation for each products at different temperatures and formulation of hypotheses on the reaction pathways involved during pyrolysis process. Further based on the obtained results confirmed the possibilities of using pyrolysis gas from RDF as a substitute for natural gas in energy consumption sectors. Optimization of the process can be conducted with low financial outlays and reliable results by using calculation tools. Moreover it can be predicted negative impact of obtained products on the future installation.
Renewable Hydrogen Production from Butanol Steam Reforming over Nickel Catalysts Promoted by Lanthanides
Oct 2021
Publication
Hydrogen is mainly produced by steam reforming of natural gas a non-renewable resource. Alternative and renewable routes for hydrogen production play an important role in reducing dependence on oil and minimizing the emission of greenhouse gases. In this work butanol a model compound of bio-oil was employed for hydrogen production by steam reforming. The reaction was evaluated for 30 h in a tubular quartz reactor at 500 ◦C atmospheric pressure GHSV of 500000 h−1 and an aqueous solution feed of 10% v/v butanol. For this reaction catalysts with 20 wt.% NiO were prepared by wet impregnation using three supports: γ-alumina and alumina modified with 10 wt.% of cerium and lanthanum oxides. Both promoters increased the reduction degree of the catalysts and decreased catalyst acidity which is closely related to coke formation and deactivation. Ni/La2O3– Al2O3 presented a higher nickel dispersion (14.6%) which combined with other properties led to a higher stability higher mean hydrogen yield (71%) and lower coke formation per mass (56%). On the other hand the nonpromoted catalyst suffered a significant deactivation associated with coke formation favored by its highest acidity (3.1 µmol m−2 ).
Pyrolysis-gasification of Wastes Plastics for Syngas Production Using Metal Modified Zeolite Catalysts Under Different Ratio of Nitrogen/Oxygen
Jun 2020
Publication
The aim of this study was the syngas production by the gasification of plastic waste (polyethylene polypropylene and terephthalate polyethylene). Ca Ce La Mg and Mn were used to promote the Ni/ZSM-5 catalyst in order to enhance the production of higher syngas yield. The modified catalysts can enhanced the reaction rate of the pyrolysis process and resulting in high syngas in the product yields. Especially cerium lanthanum promoted catalysts can enhance the yield of syngas. The effect of the reaction temperature and nitrogen/oxygen ratio of the carrier gas was also investigated. The maximum syngas production was obtained with lanthanum catalyst (112.2 mmol/g (95%N2 and 5%O2) and 130.7 mmol/g (90%N2 and 10%O2) at 850 °C. Less carbon depositions was found at 850 °C or even by the using of catalyst and more oxygen in the carrier gas. The oxygen content of the pyrolysis-gasification atmosphere had a key role to the syngas yield and affects significantly the carbon-monoxide/carbon-dioxide ratio. Catalysts can also accelerate the methanization reactions and isomerize the main carbon frame. Increasing in both temperature and oxygen in the atmosphere led to higher n-paraffin/n-olefin ratio and more multi-ring aromatic hydrocarbons in pyrolysis oils. The concentration of hydrocarbons containing oxygen and branched compounds was also significantly affected by catalysts.
Hydrogen Production Methods Based on Solar and Wind Energy: A Review
Jan 2023
Publication
Several research works have investigated the direct supply of renewable electricity to electrolysis particularly from photovoltaic (PV) and wind generator (WG) systems. Hydrogen (H2 ) production based on solar energy is considered to be the newest solution for sustainable energy. Different technologies based on solar energy which allow hydrogen production are presented to study their benefits and inconveniences. The technology of water decomposition based on renewable energy sources to produce hydrogen can be achieved by different processes (photochemical systems; photocatalysis systems photo-electrolysis systems bio-photolysis systems thermolysis systems thermochemical cycles steam electrolysis hybrid processes and concentrated solar energy systems). A comparison of the different methods for hydrogen production based on PV and WG systems was given in this study. A comparative study of different types of electrolyzers was also presented and discussed. Finally an economic assessment of green hydrogen production is given. The hydrogen production cost depends on several factors such as renewable energy sources electrolysis type weather conditions installation cost and the productivity of hydrogen per day. PV/H2 and wind/H2 systems are both suitable in remote and arid areas. Minimum maintenance is required and a power cycle is not needed to produce electricity. The concentrated CSP/H2 system needs a power cycle. The hydrogen production cost is higher if using wind/H2 rather than PV/H2 . The green energy sources are useful for multiple applications such as hydrogen production cooling systems heating and water desalination.
Development of Water Electrolysis in the European Union
Feb 2014
Publication
In view of the recent interest in the transformation of renewable energy into a new energy vector that did not produce by combustion greenhouse gases emissions the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) commissioned this report to a consultancy to get a better understanding of the industrial perspectives of water electrolysis in Europe. and the role that public support has in that evolution.
Novel Biofuel Cell Using Hydrogen Generation of Photosynthesis
Nov 2020
Publication
Energies based on biomaterials attract a lot of interest as next-generation energy because biomaterials are environmentally friendly materials and abundant in nature. Fuel cells are also known as the clean and important next-generation source of energy. In the present study to develop the fuel cell based on biomaterials a novel biofuel cell which consists of collagen electrolyte and the hydrogen fuel generated from photochemical system II (PSII) in photosynthesis has been fabricated and its property has been investigated. It was found that the PSII solution in which PSII was extracted from the thylakoid membrane using a surfactant generates hydrogen by the irradiation of light. The typical hydrogen-generating rate is approximately 7.41 × 1014 molecules/s for the light intensity of 0.5 mW/cm2 for the PSII solution of 5 mL. The biofuel cell using the PSII solution as the fuel exhibited approximately 0.12 mW/cm2 . This result indicates that the fuel cell using the collagen electrolyte and the hydrogen fuel generated from PSII solution becomes the new type of biofuel cell and will lead to the development of the next-generation energy
Ultra-clean Hydrogen Production by Ammonia Decomposition
Jan 2016
Publication
A rigorous heterogeneous mathematical model is used to simulate a cascade of multi-stage fixed bed membrane reactors (MSFBMR) with inter-stage heating and fresh sweep gas for the decomposition of ammonia to produce high purity hydrogen suitable for the PEM fuel cells. Different reactor configurations are compared. The comparison between a single fixed bed reactor (FBR) and a single fixed bed membrane reactor (FBMR) shows that the FBMR is superior to the FBR and gives 60.48% ammonia conversion higher than the FBR. However 20.91% exit ammonia conversion obtained by the FBMR is considered to be poor. The FBMR is limited by the kinetics at low temperatures. The numerical results show that the MSFBMR of four beds achieve 100.0% ammonia conversion. It was found that the membrane plays the prime role in the displacement of the thermodynamic equilibrium. The results also show that a linear relationship exists between the number of beds and the feed temperature and a correlation has been developed. A critical point for an effective hydrogen permeation zone has been identified. It is observed that the diffusion limitation is confined to a slim region at the entrance of the reactor. It is also observed that the heat load assumes a maximum inflection point and explanations offered. The results show that the multi-stage configuration has a promising potential to be applied successfully on-site for ultra-clean hydrogen production.
Transitioning Remote Arctic Settlements to Renewable Energy Systems – A Modelling Study of Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Nov 2019
Publication
As transitioning away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources comes on the agenda for a range of energy systems energy modelling tools can provide useful insights. If large parts of the energy system turns out to be based on variable renewables an accurate representation of their short-term variability in such models is crucial. In this paper we have developed a stochastic long-term energy model and applied it to an isolated Arctic settlement as a challenging and realistic test case. Our findings suggest that the stochastic modelling approach is critical in particular for studies of remote Arctic energy systems. Furthermore the results from a case study of the Norwegian settlement of Longyearbyen suggest that transitioning to a system based on renewable energy sources is feasible. We recommend that a solution based mainly on renewable power generation but also including energy storage import of hydrogen and adequate back-up capacity is taken into consideration when planning the future of remote Arctic settlements.
Hydrogen Production Technologies Overview
Jan 2019
Publication
Hydrogen energy became the most significant energy as the current demand gradually starts to increase. Hydrogen energy is an important key solution to tackle the global temperature rise. The key important factor of hydrogen production is the hydrogen economy. Hydrogen production technologies are commercially available while some of these technologies are still under development. This paper reviews the hydrogen production technologies from both fossil and non-fossil fuels such as (steam reforming partial oxidation auto thermal pyrolysis and plasma technology). Additionally water electrolysis technology was reviewed. Water electrolysis can be combined with the renewable energy to get eco-friendly technology. Currently the maximum hydrogen fuel productions were registered from the steam reforming gasification and partial oxidation technologies using fossil fuels. These technologies have different challenges such as the total energy consumption and carbon emissions to the environment are still too high. A novel non-fossil fuel method [ammonia NH3] for hydrogen production using plasma technology was reviewed. Ammonia decomposition using plasma technology without and with a catalyst to produce pure hydrogen was considered as compared case studies. It was showed that the efficiency of ammonia decomposition using the catalyst was higher than ammonia decomposition without the catalyst. The maximum hydrogen energy efficiency obtained from the developed ammonia decomposition system was 28.3% with a hydrogen purity of 99.99%. The development of ammonia decomposition processes is continues for hydrogen production and it will likely become commercial and be used as a pure hydrogen energy source.
Everything About Hydrogen Podcast: Scaling Clean Hydrogen Production
Dec 2021
Publication
Today we are joined by our good friends from Enapter. The company is a leader in the clean hydrogen sector focused on AEM electrolyzer technology and innovative software solutions that make it possible to rapidly deploy and scale hydrogen production assets. For those who follow the hydrogen sector regularly it’s been hard not to hear Enapter-related news in 2021 and its impressive trajectory as they have gone public announced the plans for a brand new production facility in Germany (on which they have now begun construction) and most recently the announcement that Enapter was selected as the winner of the prestigious Earthshot prize. To do that we are absolutely delighted to have with us all the way from his home base in Thailand Thomas Chrometzka Chief Strategy Officer at Enapter and one of the people that we enjoy having on the show so much that we have brought him back again to fill us in on what he and Enapter are up to and what they have planned for the future of hydrogen.
The podcast can be found on their website
The podcast can be found on their website
Microalgal Hydrogen Production in Relation to Other Biomass‐Based Technologies—A Review
Sep 2021
Publication
Hydrogen is an environmentally friendly biofuel which if widely used could reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions. The main barrier to the widespread use of hydrogen for power generation is the lack of technologically feasible and—more importantly—cost‐effective methods of production and storage. So far hydrogen has been produced using thermochemical methods (such as gasification pyrolysis or water electrolysis) and biological methods (most of which involve anaerobic digestion and photofermentation) with conventional fuels waste or dedicated crop biomass used as a feedstock. Microalgae possess very high photosynthetic efficiency can rapidly build biomass and possess other beneficial properties which is why they are considered to be one of the strongest contenders among biohydrogen production technologies. This review gives an account of present knowledge on microalgal hydrogen production and compares it with the other available biofuel production technologies.
In Situ Neutron Radiography Investigations of Hydrogen Related Processes in Zirconium Alloys
Jun 2021
Publication
In situ neutron radiography experiments can provide information about diffusive processes and the kinetics of chemical reactions. The paper discusses requirements for such investigations. As examples of the zirconium alloy Zircaloy-4 the hydrogen diffusion the hydrogen uptake during high-temperature oxidation in steam and the reaction in nitrogen/steam and air/steam atmospheres results of in situ neutron radiography investigations are reviewed and their benefit is discussed.
Remarkable Visible-light Induced Hydrogen Generation with ZnIn2S4 Microspheres/CuInS2 Quantum Dots Photocatalytic System
Oct 2020
Publication
A new and active material in the form of ZnIn2S4 microspheres decorated by CuInS2 quantum dots have been obtained by hydrothermal method for the first time. The optimum amount of CuInS2 quantum dots (1.13 wt.%) introduced into rection medium during ZnIn2S4 microspheres synthesis increased the photocatalytic H2 generation rate by 2.5 times than that of bare ZnIn2S4 photocatalysis under visible light irradiation. This sample exhibited strong photoactivity in the extended visible range up to 540 nm with 30.6% apparent quantum efficiency (λ = 420 nm).
Electric Load Influence on Performances of a Composite Plant for Hydrogen Production from RES and its Conversion in Electricity
Nov 2019
Publication
The analysis here presented investigates the influence of electrical load on the operational performances of a plant for hydrogen production from solar energy and its conversion in electricity via a fuel cell. The plant is an actual one currently under construction in Reggio Calabria (Italy) at the site of the Mediterranean university campus; it is composed of a Renewable Energy Source (RES) section (photovoltaic panels) a hydrogen production section and a fuel cell power section feeding the electrical energy demand of the load. Two different load configurations have been analysed and simulations have been carried out through HomerTM simulation code. Results allow interesting conclusions regarding the plant operation to be drawn. The study could have a remarkable role in supporting further research activities aimed at the assessment of the optimal configuration of this type of pioneering plants designed for feeding electrical loads possibly in a self-sufficient way.
Gasification of Solid Fuels (Coal, Biomass and MSW): Overview, Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
Jun 2022
Publication
Currently hydrogen energy is the most promising energy vector while gasification is one of the major routes for its production. However gasification suffers from various issues including slower carbon conversion poor syngas quality lower heating value and higher emissions. Multiple factors affect gasification performance such as the selection of gasifiers feedstock’s physicochemical properties and operating conditions. In this review the status of gasification key gasifier technologies and the effect of solid-fuel (i.e. coal biomass and MSW) properties on gasification performance are reviewed critically. Based on the current review the co-gasification of coal biomass and solid waste along with a partial utilisation of CO2 as a reactant are suggested. Furthermore a technological breakthrough in carbon capture and sequestration is needed to make it industrially viable
Everything About Hydrogen Podcast: Could Electrolysers Replicate Moore's Law?
Apr 2020
Publication
On this weeks episode the team are talking all things hydrogen with Sebastian-Justus Schmidt Chairman of Enapter and Thomas Chrometzka Head of Strategy at Enapter. On the show we discuss Enapter’s Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolyser and why Enapter believe that their modular electrolyser approach will revolutionise the cost of green hydrogen. We also discuss the wide array of use cases and sectors that Enapter are already working with to provide their solution as well as their view on where the current barriers exist for the hydrogen market. All this and more on the show!
The podcast can be found on their website
The podcast can be found on their website
Dedicated Large-scale Floating Offshore Wind to Hydrogen: Assessing Design Variables in Proposed Typologies
Mar 2022
Publication
To achieve the Net-Zero Emissions goal by 2050 a major upscale in green hydrogen needs to be achieved; this will also facilitate use of renewable electricity as a source of decarbonised fuel in hard-to-abate sectors such as industry and transport. Nearly 80% of the world’s offshore wind resource is in waters deeper than 60 m where bottom-fixed wind turbines are not feasible. This creates a significant opportunity to couple the high capacity factor floating offshore wind and green hydrogen. In this paper we consider dedicated large-scale floating offshore wind farms for hydrogen production with three coupling typologies; (i) centralised onshore electrolysis (ii) decentralised offshore electrolysis and (iii) centralised offshore electrolysis. The typology design is based on variables including for: electrolyser technology; floating wind platform; and energy transmission vector (electrical power or offshore hydrogen pipelines). Offshore hydrogen pipelines are assessed as economical for large and distant farms. The decentralised offshore typology employing a semi-submersible platform could accommodate a proton exchange membrane electrolyser on deck; this would negate the need for an additional separate structure or hydrogen export compression and enhance dynamic operational ability. It is flexible; if one electrolyser (or turbine) fails hydrogen production can easily continue on the other turbines. It also facilities flexibility in further expansion as it is very much a modular system. Alternatively less complexity is associated with the centralised offshore typology which may employ the electrolysis facility on a separate offshore platform and be associated with a farm of spar-buoy platforms in significant water depth locations.
Hydrogen Production in the Swedish Power Sector: Considering Operational Volatilities and Long-term Uncertainties
Nov 2020
Publication
With more renewables on the Swedish electricity market while decommissioning nuclear power plants electricity supply increasingly fluctuates and electricity prices are more volatile. There is hence a need for securing the electricity supply before energy storage solutions become widespread. Electricity price fluctuations moreover affect operating income of nuclear power plants due to their inherent operational inflexibility. Since the anticipated new applications of hydrogen in fuel cell vehicles and steel production producing hydrogen has become a potential source of income particularly when there is a surplus supply of electricity at low prices. The feasibility of investing in hydrogen production was investigated in a nuclear power plant applying Swedish energy policy as background. The analysis applies a system dynamics approach incorporating the stochastic feature of electricity supply and prices. The study revealed that hydrogen production brings alternative opportunities for large-scale electricity production facilities in Sweden. Factors such as hydrogen price will be influential and require in-depth investigation. This study provides guidelines for power sector policymakers and managers who plan to engage in hydrogen production for industrial applications. Although this study was focused upon nuclear power sources it can be extended to hydrogen production from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
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