China, People’s Republic
Paths to Low-cost Hydrogen Energy at a Scale for Transportation Applications in the USA and China via Liquid-hydrogen Distribution Networks
Dec 2019
Publication
The cost of delivered H2 using the liquid-distribution pathway will approach $4.3–8.0/kg in the USA and 26–52 RMB/kg in China by around 2030 assuming large-scale adoption. Historically hydrogen as an industrial gas and a chemical feedstock has enjoyed a long and successful history. However it has been slow to take off as an energy carrier for transportation despite its benefits in energy diversity security and environmental stewardship. A key reason for this lack of progress is that the cost is currently too high to displace petroleum-based fuels. This paper reviews the prospects for hydrogen as an energy carrier for transportation clarifies the current drivers for cost in the USA and China and shows the potential for a liquid-hydrogen supply chain to reduce the costs of delivered H2. Technical and economic trade-offs between individual steps in the supply chain (viz. production transportation refuelling) are examined and used to show that liquid-H2 (LH2) distribution approaches offer a path to reducing the delivery cost of H2 to the point at which it could be competitive with gasoline and diesel fuel.
Two-Stage Energy Management Strategies of Sustainable Wind-PV-Hydrogen-Storage Microgrid Based on Receding Horizon Optimization
Apr 2022
Publication
Hydrogen and renewable electricity-based microgrid is considered to be a promising way to reduce carbon emissions promote the consumption of renewable energies and improve the sustainability of the energy system. In view of the fact that the existing day-ahead optimal operation model ignores the uncertainties and fluctuations of renewable energies and loads a two-stage energy management model is proposed for the sustainable wind-PV-hydrogen-storage microgrid based on receding horizon optimization to eliminate the adverse effects of their uncertainties and fluctuations. In the first stage the day-ahead optimization is performed based on the predicted outpower of WT and PV the predicted demands of power and hydrogen loads. In the second stage the intra-day optimization is performed based on the actual data to trace the day-ahead operation schemes. Since the intra-day optimization can update the operation scheme based on the latest data of renewable energies and loads the proposed two-stage management model is effective in eliminating the uncertain factors and maintaining the stability of the whole system. Simulations show that the proposed two-stage energy management model is robust and effective in coordinating the operation of the wind-PV-hydrogen-storage microgrid and eliminating the uncertainties and fluctuations of WT PV and loads. In addition the battery storage can reduce the operation cost alleviate the fluctuations of the exchanged power with the power grid and improve the performance of the energy management model.
Optimized Operation Plan for Hydrogen Refueling Station with On-Site Electrolytic Production
Dec 2022
Publication
The cost reduction of hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) is very important for the popularization of hydrogen vehicles. This paper proposes an optimized operation algorithm based on hydrogen energy demand estimation for on-site hydrogen refueling stations. Firstly the user’s hydrogen demand was estimated based on the simulation of their hydrogenation behavior. Secondly mixed integer linear programming method was used to optimize the operation of the hydrogen refueling station to minimize the unit hydrogen energy cost by using the peak–valley difference of the electricity price. We then used three typical scenario cases to evaluate the optimized operation method. The results show that the optimized operation method proposed in this paper can effectively reduce the rated configuration of electrolyzer and storage tank for HRS and can significantly reduce the unit hydrogen energy cost considering the construction cost compared with the traditional method. Therefore the optimization operation method of a local hydrogen production and hydrogen refueling station proposed in this paper can reduce the cost of a hydrogen refueling station and accelerate the popularization of hydrogen energy vehicles. Finally the scope of application of the proposed optimization method and the influence of the variation of the electricity price curve and the unit cost of the electrolyzer are discussed.
Digital Navigation of Energy–structure–function Maps for Hydrogen-bonded Porous Molecular Crystals
Feb 2021
Publication
Energy–structure–function (ESF) maps can aid the targeted discovery of porous molecular crystals by predicting the stable crystalline arrangements along with their functions of interest. Here we compute ESF maps for a series of rigid molecules that comprise either a triptycene or a spiro-biphenyl core functionalized with six different hydrogen-bonding moieties. We show that the positioning of the hydrogen-bonding sites as well as their number has a profound influence on the shape of the resulting ESF maps revealing promising structure–function spaces for future experiments. We also demonstrate a simple and general approach to representing and inspecting the high-dimensional data of an ESF map enabling an efficient navigation of the ESF data to identify ‘landmark’ structures that are energetically favourable or functionally interesting. This is a step toward the automated analysis of ESF maps an important goal for closed-loop autonomous searches for molecular crystals with useful functions.
Safety System Design for Mitigating Risks of Intended Hydrogen Releases from Thermally Activated Pressure Relief Device of Onboard Storage
Sep 2019
Publication
All vehicular high-pressure hydrogen tanks are equipped with thermally-activated pressure relief devices (TPRDs) required by Global Technical Regulation. This safety device significantly reduces the risk of tank catastrophic rupture by venting the hydrogen pressure outside. However the released flammable hydrogen raises additional safety problems. Japan Automobile Research Institute has demonstrated that in the vehicle fire event once the TPRD opens the hydrogen fires will engulf the whole vehicle making it difficult for the drivers and passenger to evacuate from the vehicle. This paper designs a new safety system to solve the evacuation problem. The safety system includes a rotatable pressure relief device with a motor a sensory system that consists of infrared sensors ultrasonic radar and temperature sensors a central control unit and an alarm device. The new design of the pressure relief device allows the system actively adjusting the release direction towards void open space outside the vehicle to minimize the risks of hydrogen fires. The infrared sensors located at the roof of the vehicles collect info inside the vehicle and the ultrasonic radar detect the region outside the vehicle. Temperature sensors tell when to trigger the alarm and set the motor in standby mode and the central control unit determines where to rotate based on the info from the infrared sensors and ultrasonic radars. A control strategy is also proposed to operate the safety system in an appropriate way. The cost-benefit analysis show that the new safety system can significantly reduce the risks of intended hydrogen releases from onboard pressure relief devices with total cost increases by less than 1% of the vehicle cost making it a good cost-effective engineering solution.
Catalytic Effect of MoS2 on Hydrogen Storage Thermodynamics and Kinetics of an As-milled YMg11Ni Alloy
Jul 2017
Publication
In this study YMg11Ni and YMg11Ni + 5 wt% MoS2 (named YMg11Ni–MoS2) alloys were prepared by mechanical milling to examine the effect of adding MoS2 on the hydrogen storage performance of a Y–Mg–Ni-based alloy. The as-cast and milled alloys were tested to identify their structures by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The isothermal hydrogen storage thermodynamics and dynamics were identified through an automatic Sieverts apparatus and the non-isothermal dehydrogenation performance was investigated by thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. The dehydrogenation activation energy was calculated by both Arrhenius and Kissinger methods. Results revealed that adding MoS2produces a very slight effect on hydrogen storage thermodynamics but causes an obvious reduction in the hydrogen sorption and desorption capacities because of the deadweight of MoS2. The addition of MoS2significantly enhances the dehydrogenation performance of the alloy such as lowering dehydrogenation temperature and enhancing dehydrogenation rate. Specifically the initial desorption temperature of the alloy hydride lowers from 549.8 K to 525.8 K. The time required to desorb hydrogen at 3 wt% H2 is 1106 456 363 and 180 s corresponding to hydrogen desorption temperatures at 593 613 633 and 653 K for the YMg11Ni alloy and 507 208 125 and 86 s at identical conditions for the YMg11Ni–5MoS2 alloy. The dehydrogenation activation energy (Ea) values with and without added MoS2are 85.32 and 98.01 kJ mol−1. Thus a decrease in Ea value by 12.69 kJ mol−1 occurs and is responsible for the amelioration of the hydrogen desorption dynamics by adding a MoS2 catalyst.
Hydrolysis Hydrogen Production Mechanism of Mg10Ni10Ce Alloy Surface Modified by SnO2 Nanotubes in Different Aqueous Systems
May 2020
Publication
(Mg-10wt.%Ni)-10wt.%Ce (Mg10Ni10Ce) was ball-milled with SnO2 nanotubes and Mg10Ni10Ce-xSnO2 (x=0 5 10 and 15wt.%) composites have been prepared. The phase compositions microstructures morphologies and hydrolysis H2 generation performance in different aqueous systems (distilled water tap water and simulated seawater) have been investigated and the corresponding hydrolysis mechanism of Mg10Ni10Ce and Mg10Ni10Ce-SnO2 has been proposed. Adding a small amount of SnO2 nanotubes can significantly enhance the hydrolysis reaction of Mg10Ni10Ce especially the initial hydrolysis kinetics and the final H2 generation yield. Unfortunately the Mg10Ni10Ce-xSnO2 hardly react with distilled water at room temperature. The hydrolysis reaction rate of Mg10Ni10Ce-5SnO2 composite in tap water is still very slow with only 17.3% generation yield after 1 hour at 303 K. Fortunately in simulated seawater (3.5wt.% NaCl solution) the hydrolytic H2 generation behavior of the Mg10Ni10Ce-5SnO2 composite has been greatly improved which can release as high as 468.6 mL/g H2 with about 60.9% generation yield within 30 s at 303 K. The Cl- destroys the passivation layer on Mg-Ni-Ce alloy surface and the added SnO2 nanotubes accelerate the hydrolysis reaction rate and enhance the H2 generation yield. The Mg10Ni10Ce-5SnO2 composite can rapidly generate a large amount of H2 in simulate seawater in a short time which is expected to be applied on portable H2 generators in the future.
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.
Numerical Simulation of The Laminar Hydrogen Flame In The Presence of a Quenching Mesh
Sep 2009
Publication
Recent studies of J.H. Song et al. and S.Y. Yang et al. have been concentrated on mitigation measures against hydrogen risk. The authors have proposed installation of quenching meshes between compartments or around the essential equipment in order to contain hydrogen flames. Preliminary tests were conducted which demonstrated the possibility of flame extinction using metallic meshes of specific size.<br/>Considerable amount of numerical and theoretical work on flame quenching phenomenon has been performed in the second half of the last century and several techniques and models have been proposed to predict the quenching phenomenon of the laminar flame system. Most of these models appreciated the importance of heat loss to the surroundings as a primary cause of extinguishment in particular the heat transfer by conduction to the containing wall. The supporting simulations predict flame-quenching structure either between parallel plates (quenching distance) or inside a tube of a certain diameter (quenching diameter).<br/>In the present study the flame quenching is investigated assuming the laminar hydrogen flame propagating towards a quenching mesh using two-dimensional configuration and the earlier developed models. It is shown that due to a heat loss to a metallic grid the flame can be quenched numerically.
Review of the Current Status of Ammonia-Blended Hydrogen Fuel Engine Development
Jan 2022
Publication
As fossil fuels continue to be extracted and used issues such as environmental pollution and energy scarcity are surfacing. For the transportation industry the best way to achieve the goal of “carbon neutrality” is to research efficient power systems and develop new alternative fuels. As the world’s largest product of chemicals ammonia is a new renewable fuel with good combustion energy. It can be used as an alternative fuel to reduce carbon emissions because of its proven production process low production and transportation costs safe storage the absence of carbon-containing compounds in its emissions and its future recyclability. This paper firstly introduces the characteristics of ammonia fuel engine and its problems; then it summarizes the effects of various ammonia-blended fuels on the combustion and emission characteristics of the engine from the combustion problem of ammonia-blended engine; then the fuel storage of ammonia-blended hydrogen is discussed the feasibility of hydrogen production instead of hydrogen storage is introduced.
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.
Hydrolysis-Based Hydrogen Generation Investigation of Aluminium System Adding Low-Melting Metals
Mar 2021
Publication
In this age of human civilization there is a need for more efficient cleaner and renewable energy as opposed to that provided by nonrenewable sources such as coal and oil. In this sense hydrogen energy has been proven to be a better choice. In this paper a portable graphite crucible metal smelting furnace was used to prepare ten multi-element aluminum alloy ingots with different components. The microstructure and phase composition of the ingots and reaction products were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The reaction was carried out in a constant temperature water bath furnace at 60°C and the hydrogen production performance of the multi-element aluminum alloys in different proportions was compared by the drainage gas collection method. The experimental results show that the as-cast microstructure of Al–Ga–In–Sn aluminum alloy is composed of a solid solution of Al and part of Ga and a second phase of In3Sn. After the hydrolysis reaction the products were dried at 150°C and then analyzed by XRD. The products were mainly composed of AlOOH and In3Sn. Alloys with different compositions react at the same hydrolysis temperature and the hydrogen production performance is related to the ratio of low-melting-point metal elements. By comparing two different ratios of Ga–In–Sn (GIS) the hydrogen production capacity and production rate when the ratio is 6:3:1 are generally higher than those when the ratio is 7:2:1. The second phase content affects the hydrogen production performance.
Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Hydrogen on Fracture Toughness of 2.25Cr-1Mo-0.25V Steel and Welds after Annealing
Mar 2018
Publication
Hydrogen embrittlement (HE) is a critical issue that hinders the reliability of hydrogenation reactors. Hence it is of great significance to investigate the effect of hydrogen on fracture toughness of 2.25Cr-1Mo-0.25V steel and weld. In this work the fracture behavior of 2.25Cr-1Mo-0.25V steel and welds was studied by three-point bending tests under hydrogen-free and hydrogen-charged conditions. The immersion charging method was employed to pre-charge hydrogen inside specimen and the fracture toughness of these joints was evaluated quantitatively. The microstructure and grain size of the specimens were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by metallurgical microscopy to investigate the HE mechanisms. It was found that fracture toughness for both the base metal (BM) and the weld zone (WZ) significantly decreased under hydrogen-charged conditions due to the coexistence of the hydrogen-enhanced decohesion (HEDE) and hydrogen-enhanced localized plasticity (HELP) mechanisms. Moreover the formation and growth of primary voids were observed in the BM leading to a superior fracture toughness. In addition the BM compared to the WZ shows superior resistance to HE because the finer grain size in the BM leads to a larger grain boundary area thus distributing more of the diffusive hydrogen trapped in the grain boundary and reducing the hydrogen content.
Progress in Biofuel Production from Gasification
May 2017
Publication
Biofuels from biomass gasification are reviewed here and demonstrated to be an attractive option. Recent progress in gasification techniques and key generation pathways for biofuels production process design and integration and socio-environmental impacts of biofuel generation are discussed with the goal of investigating gasification-to-biofuels’ credentials as a sustainable and eco-friendly technology. The synthesis of important biofuels such as bio-methanol bio-ethanol and higher alcohols bio-dimethyl ether Fischer Tropsch fuels bio-methane bio-hydrogen and algae-based fuels is reviewed together with recent technologies catalysts and reactors. Significant thermodynamic studies for each biofuel are also examined. Syngas cleaning is demonstrated to be a critical issue for biofuel production and innovative pathways such as those employed by Choren Industrietechnik Germany and BioMCN the Netherlands are shown to allow efficient methanol generation. The conversion of syngas to FT transportation fuels such as gasoline and diesel over Co or Fe catalysts is reviewed and demonstrated to be a promising option for the future of biofuels. Bio-methane has emerged as a lucrative alternative for conventional transportation fuel with all the advantages of natural gas including a dense distribution trade and supply network. Routes to produce H2 are discussed though critical issues such as storage expensive production routes with low efficiencies remain. Algae-based fuels are in the research and development stage but are shown to have immense potential to become commercially important because of their capability to fix large amounts of CO2 to rapidly grow in many environments and versatile end uses. However suitable process configurations resulting in optimal plant designs are crucial so detailed process integration is a powerful tool to optimize current and develop new processes. LCA and ethical issues are also discussed in brief. It is clear that the use of food crops as opposed to food wastes represents an area fraught with challenges which must be resolved on a case by case basis.
Microbial Fuel Cells: Technologically Advanced Devices and Approach for Sustainable/renewable Energy Development
Dec 2021
Publication
There is a huge quantity of energy needs/demands for multiple developmental and domestic activities in the modern era. And in this context consumption of more non-renewable energy is reported and created many problems or issues (availability of fossil fuel stocks in the future period causes a huge quantity of toxic gases or particles or climatic change effects) at the global level. And only sustainable or renewable fuel development can provide alternate fuel and we report from various biological agents processes including microbial biofuel cell applications for future energy needs only. These will not cause any interference in natural resources or services. Microbial biofuel cells utilize the living cell to produce bioelectricity via bioelectrochemical system. It can drive electricity or other energy generation currents via lived cell interaction. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and enzymatic biofuel cells with their advancement in design can improve sustainable bio-energy production by proving an efficient conversion system compared to chemical fuels into electric power. Different types of MFCs operation are reported in wastewater treatment with biogas biohydrogen and other biofuel/energy generation. Later biogas can convert into electric power. Hybrid microbial biofuel cell utility with photochemical reaction is found for electricity generation. Recent research and development in microbial biofuel design and its application will emphasize bioenergy for the future.
Research on Carbide Characteristics and Their Influence on the Properties of Welding Joints for 2.25Cr1Mo0.25V Steel
Feb 2021
Publication
The carbide characteristics of 2.25Cr1Mo0.25V steel have an extremely important influence on the mechanical properties of welding joints. In addition hydrogen resistance behavior is crucial for steel applied in hydrogenation reactors. The carbide morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the carbide microstructure was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Tensile and impact tests were carried out and the influence of carbides on properties was studied. A hydrogen diffusion test was carried out and the hydrogen brittleness resistance of welding metal and base metal was studied by tensile testing of hydrogenated samples to evaluate the influence of hydrogen on the mechanical properties. The research results show that the strength of the welding metal was slightly higher and the Charpy impact value was significantly lower compared to the base metal. The hydrogen embrittlement resistance of the welding metal was stronger than that of the base metal. The presence of more carbides and inclusions was the main cause of the decreased impact property and hydrogen brittleness resistance of the welding metal. These conclusions have certain reference value for designing and manufacturing hydrogenation reactors. View Full-Text
Hydrogen-Assisted Crack Growth in the Heat-Affected Zone of X80 Steels during in Situ Hydrogen Charging
Aug 2019
Publication
Herein the hydrogen embrittlement of a heat-affected zone (HAZ) was examined using slow strain rate tension in situ hydrogen charging. The influence of hydrogen on the crack path of the HAZ sample surfaces was determined using electron back scatter diffraction analysis. The hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of the base metal and the HAZ samples increased with increasing current density. The HAZ samples have lower resistance to hydrogen embrittlement than the base metal samples in the same current density. Brittle circumferential cracks located at the HAZ sample surfaces were perpendicular to the loading direction and the crack propagation path indicated that five or more cracks may join together to form a longer crack. The fracture morphologies were found to be a mixture of intergranular and transgranular fractures. Hydrogen blisters were observed on the HAZ sample surfaces after conducting tensile tests at a current density of 40 mA/cm2 leading to a fracture in the elastic deformation stage.
A Fracture Analysis of Ti-10Mo-8V-1Fe-3.5Al Alloy Screws during Assembly
Oct 2016
Publication
Titanium screws have properties that make them ideal for applications that require both a high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance such as fastener applications for aviation and aerospace. The fracture behavior of Ti-10Mo-8V-1Fe-3.5Al (TB3) alloy screws during assembly was explored. Besides visual examination other experimental techniques used for the investigation are as follows: (1) fracture characteristics and damage morphology via scanning electron microscopy (SEM); (2) chemical constituents via energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and hydrogen concentration testing; (3) metallographic observation; (4) stress durability embrittlement testing; and (5) torsion simulation testing. Results show that the fracture mode of the screws is brittle. There is no obvious relation to hydrogen-induced brittle. The main reason for the fracture of titanium alloy screws is internal defects around which oxygen content is high increasing brittleness. The internal defects of screws result from grain boundary cracking caused by hot forging.
Influence of Synthesis Gas Components on Hydrogen Storage Properties of Sodium Aluminium Hexahydride
Feb 2021
Publication
A systematic study of different ratios of CO CO2 N2 gas components on the hydrogen storage properties of the Na3AlH6 complex hydride with 4 mol% TiCl3 8 mol% aluminum and 8 mol% activated carbon is presented in this paper. The different concentrations of CO and CO2in H2 and CO CO2 N2 in H2 mixture were investigated. Both CO and CO2gas react with the complex hydride forming Al oxy-compounds NaOH and Na2CO3 that consequently cause serious decline in hydrogen storage capacity. These reactions lead to irreversible damage of complex hydride under the current experimental condition. Thus after 10 cycles with 0.1 vol % CO + 99.9 vol %H2 and 1 vol % CO + 99 vol %H2 the dehydrogenation storage capacity of the composite material decreased by 17.2% and 57.3% respectively. In the case of investigation of 10 cycles with 1 vol % CO2 + 99 vol % H2 gas mixture the capacity degradation was 53.5%. After 2 cycles with 10 vol % CO +90 vol % H2 full degradation was observed whereas after 6 cycles with 10 vol % CO2+ 90 vol % H2 degradation of 86.8% was measured. While testing with the gas mixture of 1.5 vol % CO + 10 vol % CO2+ 27 vol % H2 + 61.5 vol % N2 the degradation of 94% after 6 cycles was shown. According to these results it must be concluded that complex aluminum hydrides cannot be used for the absorption of hydrogen from syngas mixtures without thorough purification.
Hydrogen Station Technology Development Review Through Patent Analysis
May 2018
Publication
This study is a review of hydrogen station patents using the Derwent Innovation system and also a secondary screening. This was undertaken by the researchers to better understand and identify hydrogen station trends. The review focuses on analyzing the developing trends of patent technologies associated with a hydrogen station. The results of the review indicated that the countries with the major distribution of patents were Japan China the USA and Europe. Japan is leading the developmental trajectory of hydrogen stations. The results of the analysis found the leading developers of these patented technologies are Kobe Steel Nippon Oil Toyota and Honda. Other active patent developers analyzed include Linde Hyundai and Texaco. The review concludes with a suggestion that using a patent analysis methodology is a good starting point to identify evaluate and measure the trend in hydrogen station commercial development.
Hydrogen Trapping Behavior in Vanadium Microalloyed TRIP-Assisted Annealed Martensitic Steel
Jun 2019
Publication
Transformation induced plasticity (TRIP)-assisted annealed martensitic (TAM) steel combines higher tensile strength and elogangtion and has been increasingly used but appears to bemore prone to hydrogen embrittlement (HE). In this paper the hydrogen trapping behavior and HE of TRIP-assisted annealed martensitic steels with different vanadium additions had been investigated by means of hydrogen charging and slow strain rate tensile tests (SSRT) microstructral observartion and thermal desorption mass spectroscope (TDS). Hydrogen charging test results indicates that apparent hydrogen diffusive index Da is 1.94 × 10−7/cm2·s−1 for 0.21 wt.% vanadium steel while the value is 8.05 × 10−7/cm2·s−1 for V-free steel. SSRT results show that the hydrogen induced ductility loss ID is 76.2% for 0.21 wt.%V steel compared with 86.5% for V-free steel. The trapping mechanism of the steel containing different V contents is analyzed by means of TDS and Transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations. It is found out that the steel containing 0.21 wt.%V can create much more traps for hydrogen trapping compared with lower V steel which is due to vanadium carbide (VC) precipitates acting as traps capturing hydrogen atoms.The relationship between hydrogen diffusion and hydrogentrapping mechanism is discussed in details.
Numerical Solution for Thermodynamic Model of Charge-discharge Cycle in Compressed Hydrogen Tank
Mar 2019
Publication
The safety and convenience of hydrogen storage are significant for fuel cell vehicles. Based on mass conservation equation and energy conservation equation two thermodynamic models (single zone model and dual zone model) have been established to study the hydrogen gas temperature and tank wall temperature for compressed hydrogen storage tank. With two models analytical solution and Euler solution for single zone (gas zone) charge-discharge cycle have been compared Matlab/Simulink solution and Euler solution for dual zone (gas zone wall zone) charge-discharge cycle have been compared. Three charge-discharge cycle cases (Case 1 constant inflow temperature; Case 2 variable inflow temperature; Case 3 constant inflow temperature variable outflow temperature) and two compressed hydrogen tanks (Type III 25L Type IV 99L) charge-discharge cycle are studied by Euler method. Results show Euler method can well predict hydrogen temperature and tank wall temperature.
A Numerical Simulation on the Leakage Event of a High-Pressure Hydrogen Dispenser
Dec 2021
Publication
For the sake of the increasing demand of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles there are more concerns on the safety of hydrogen refueling stations. As one of the key pieces of equipment the hydrogen dispenser has drawn attention on this aspect since it involves massive manual operations and may be bothered by a high probability of failure. In this paper a numerical study is conducted to simulate the possible leakage events of the hydrogen dispenser based on a prototype in China whose working pressure is 70 MPa. The leakage accident is analyzed with respect to leakage sizes leak directions and the time to stop the leakage. It is found that due to the large mass flow rate under such high pressure the leak direction and the layout of the components inside the dispenser become insignificant and the ignitable clouds will form inside the dispenser in less than 1 s if there is a leakage of 1% size of the main tube. The ignitable clouds will form near the vent holes outside the dispenser which may dissipate quickly if the leakage is stopped. On the other hand the gas inside the dispenser will remain ignitable for a long time which asks for a design with no possible ignition source inside. The results can be useful in optimizing the design of the dispenser regarding the reaction time and sensitivity requirements of the leakage detector the size and amount of vent holes etc.
Recent Progress in the Steam Reforming of Bio-Oil for Hydrogen Production: A Review of Operating Parameters, Catalytic Systems and Technological Innovations
Dec 2021
Publication
The present review focuses on the production of renewable hydrogen through the catalytic steam reforming of bio-oil the liquid product of the fast pyrolysis of biomass. Although in theory the process is capable of producing high yields of hydrogen in practice certain technological issues require radical improvements before its commercialization. Herein we illustrate the fundamental knowledge behind the technology of the steam reforming of bio-oil and critically discuss the major factors influencing the reforming process such as the feedstock composition the reactor design the reaction temperature and pressure the steam to carbon ratio and the hour space velocity. We also emphasize the latest research for the best suited reforming catalysts among the specific groups of noble metal transition metal bimetallic and perovskite type catalysts. The effect of the catalyst preparation method and the technological obstacle of catalytic deactivation due to coke deposition metal sintering metal oxidation and sulfur poisoning are addressed. Finally various novel modified steam reforming techniques which are under development are discussed such as the in-line two-stage pyrolysis and steam reforming the sorption enhanced steam reforming (SESR) and the chemical looping steam reforming (CLSR). Moreover we argue that while the majority of research studies examine hydrogen generation using different model compounds much work must be done to optimally treat the raw or aqueous bio-oil mixtures for efficient practical use. Moreover further research is also required on the reaction mechanisms and kinetics of the process as these have not yet been fully understood.
Experimental Study on Hydrogen/Air Premixed Flame Propagation in Closed Rectangular Channels
Sep 2019
Publication
An experimental study of hydrogen/air premixed flame propagation in a closed rectangular channel with the inhibitions (N2 or CO2) was conducted to investigate the inhibiting effect of N2 and CO2 on the flame properties during its propagation. Both Schlieren system and the pressure sensor were used to capture the evolution of flame shape and pressure changes in the channel. It was found that both N2 and CO2 have considerable inhibiting effect on hydrogen/air premixed flames. Compared with N2 CO2 has more prominent inhibition which has been interpreted from thermal and kinetic standpoints. In all the flames the classic tulip shape was observed. With different inhibitor concentration the flame demonstrated three types of deformation after the classic tulip inversion. A simple theoretical analysis has also been conducted to indicate that the pressure wave generated upon the first flame-wall contact can affect the flame deformation depending on its meeting moment with the flame front. Most importantly the meeting moment is always behind the start of tulip inversion which suggests the non-dominant role of pressure wave on this featured phenomenon.
Numerical Simulation of Homogenous/Inhomogeneous Hydrogen-air Explosion in a Rectangular Channel
Sep 2019
Publication
Hydrogen is one of the promising energy sources in the future because it has the advantages of clean combustion products high efficiency and renewable energy. However hydrogen has the characteristics of low ignition energy wide flammable range (4% -75%) and fast burning flame speed which can cause explosion hazards. Typically the accidental release of hydrogen into confined or semi confined enclosures can often lead to a flammable hydrogen-air mixture with concentration gradients and possible flame acceleration and deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT). The present study aims to test the capability of our in-house density-based solver ExplosionEngFoam for flame acceleration (FA) and deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) in homogenous/inhomogeneous hydrogen-air mixtures. The solver is based on the open source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) platform OpenFOAM and uses the modified Weller et al.’s combustion model taking into account LD and RT instabilities turbulence and non-unity Lewis number etc. Numerical simulations were conducted for both homogeneous and inhomogeneous mixtures in a long enclosed channel with 5.4 m in length and 0.06 m in height. The predictions demonstrate good quantitative agreement with the experimental measurements in flame tip position speed and pressure profiles by Boeck et al. The flow characteristics such as flame fine structure wave evolution etc. were also discussed.
Voltammetric and Galvanostatic Methods for Measuring Hydrogen Crossover in Fuel Cell
Dec 2021
Publication
Hydrogen crossover rate is an important indicator for characterizing the membrane degradation and failure in proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Several electrochemical methods have been applied to quantify it. But most of established methods are too rough to support follow-up applications. In this paper a systematic and consistent theoretical foundation for electrochemical measurements of hydrogen crossover is established for the first time. Different electrochemical processes occurring throughout the courses of applying potentiostatic or galvanostatic excitations on fuel cell are clarified and the linear current–voltage behavior observed in the steady-state voltammogram is reinterpreted. On this basis we propose a modified galvanostatic charging method with high practicality to achieve accurate electrochemical measurement of hydrogen crossover and the validity of this method is fully verified. This research provides an explicit framework for implementation of galvanostatic charging method and offers deeper insights into the principles of electrochemical methods for measuring hydrogen crossover.
An Ammonia-Hydrogen Energy Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality: Opportunity and Challenges in China
Nov 2021
Publication
China has promised to reach the peak carbon dioxide emission (ca. 10 billion tons) by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. To realize these goals it is necessary to develop hydrogen energy and fuel cell techniques. However the high cost and low intrinsic safety of high-pressure hydrogen storage limit their commercialization. NH3 is high in hydrogen content easily liquefied at low pressure and free of carbon and the technology of NH3 synthesis has been commercialized nationwide. It is worth noting that the production of NH3 in China is about 56 million tons per year accounting for 35% of worldwide production. Hence with the well established infrastructure for NH3 synthesis and transportation and the demand for clean energy in China it is feasible to develop a green and economical energy roadmap viz. “Clean low-pressure NH3 synthesis → Safe and economical NH3 storage and transportation → Carbon-free efficient NH3-H2 utilization” for low-carbon or even carbon-free energy production.<br/>Currently the academic and industrial communities in China are striving to make technological breakthroughs in areas such as photocatalytic water splitting electrocatalytic water splitting mild-condition NH3 synthesis low-temperature NH3 catalytic decomposition and indirect or direct NH3 fuel cells with significant progress.<br/>Taking full advantage of the NH3 synthesis industry and readjusting the industrial structure it is viable to achieve energy saving and emission reduction in NH3 synthesis industry (440 million tons CO2 per year) as well as promote a new energy industry and ensure national energy security. Therefore relevant academic and industrial communities should put effort on mastering the key technologies of “Ammonia-Hydrogen” energy conversion and utilization with complete self-dependent intellectual property. It is envisioned that through the establishment of “Renewable Energy-Ammonia-Hydrogen” circular economy a green technology chain for hydrogen energy industry would pose as a promising pathway to achieve the 2030 and 2060 goals.
Formation and Dissociation Behaviour Studies of Hydrogen Hydrate in the Presence of Tetrahydrofuran by using High Pressure DSC
Mar 2019
Publication
Significant challenges still remain in the development of suitable materials for storing hydrogen for practical applications. Clathrate hydrates as a special inclusion compounds could be tailored by changing the storage pressure and temperature to adapt ambient conditions. In this work the hydrates were adopted to encage hydrogen in tetrahydrofuran (THF) aqueous solution with concentration of 3.0 mol%. The formation and dissociation behaviours were investigated by a high pressure micro-differential scanning calorimeter at the operating pressure of 18 MPa 25 MPa and 34 MPa. Experimental results show that the memory water only affects the hydrate formation behaviour instead of the hydrate dissociation behaviour. The dissociation temperature of the THF-H2 hydrate increases with the increase of the operating pressure and its dissociation equilibrium data can be obtained. The dissociation temperatures of the THF-H2 hydrate are 9.26 ℃ 10.94 ℃ and 12.67 ℃ at the operating pressure of 18 MPa 25 MPa and 34 MPa respectively. It is fundamental for performing the kinetics and microscopic experiments.
Investigating the Hydrogen Storage Capacity of Surfactant Modified Graphene
Mar 2019
Publication
As the depletion of traditional fossil fuels and environmental pollution become a serious problem of human society researchers are actively finding renewable green energy sources. Considered as a clean efficient and renewable alternative Hydrogen energy is considered the most promising energy source. However the safe and efficient storage of hydrogen has become the major problem that hinders its application. To solve this gap this paper proposes to utilize surfactant modified graphene for hydrogen storage. With Hummers method and ultrasonic stripping method this study prepared graphene from graphene oxide with NaBH4. Surfactant sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) was used as a dispersant during the reduction process to produce the dispersion-stabilized graphene suspensions. The characteristics of the graphene suspensions then were examined by XRD SEM TEM FT-IR Raman XPS TG and N2 adsorption-desorption tests. The hydrogen adsorption properties of the samples were investigated with Langmuir and Freundlich fitting. The results show that the adsorption behavior is consistent with the Freundlich adsorption model and the process is a physical adsorption.
Predicting Radiative Characteristics of Hydrogen and Hythane Jet Fires Using Firefoam
Sep 2013
Publication
A possible consequence of pressurized hydrogen release is an under-expanded jet fire. Knowledge of the flame length radiative heat flux and fraction as well as the effects of variations in ground reflectance is important for safety assessment. The present study applies an open source CFD code FireFOAM to study the radiation characteristics of hydrogen and hydrogen/methane jet fires. For combustion the eddy dissipation concept for multi-component fuels recently developed by the authors in the large eddy simulation (LES) framework is used. The radiative heat is computed with the finite volume discrete ordinates model in conjunction with the weighted-sum-of-gray-gases model for the absorption/emission coefficient. The pseudo-diameter approach is used in which the corresponding parameters are calculated using the correlations of Birch et al. [22]. The predicted flame length and radiant fraction are in good agreement with the measurements of Schefer et al. [2] Studer et al. [3] and Ekoto et al. [6]. In order to account for the effects of variation in ground surface reflectance the emissivity of hydrogen flames was modified following Ekoto et al. [6]. Four cases with different ground reflectance are computed. The predictions show that the ground surface reflectance only has minor effect on the surface emissive power of the hydrogen jet fire. The radiant fractions fluctuate from 0.168 to 0.176 close to the suggested value of 0.16 by Ekoto et al.[6] based on the analysis of their measurements.
The Dependence of Fatigue Crack Growth on Hydrogen in Warm-rolled 316 Austenitic Stainless Steel
Sep 2019
Publication
The fatigue crack growth rate of warm-rolled AISI 316 austenitic stainless steel was investigated by controlling rolling strain and temperature in argon and hydrogen gas atmospheres. The fatigue crack growth rates of warm-rolled 316 specimens tested in hydrogen decreased with increasing rolling temperature especially 400 °C. By controlling the deformation temperature and strain the influences of microstructure (including dislocation structure deformation twins and α′ martensite) and its evolution on hydrogen-induced degradation of mechanical properties were separately discussed. Deformation twins deceased and dislocations became more uniform with the increase in rolling temperature inhibiting the formation of dynamic α′ martensite during the crack propagation. In the cold-rolled 316 specimens deformation twins accelerated hydrogen-induced crack growth due to the α′ martensitic transformation at the crack tip. In the warm-rolled specimens the formation of α′ martensite around the crack tip was completely inhibited which greatly reduced the fatigue crack growth rate in hydrogen atmosphere.
Heat Transfer Analysis for Fast Filling of On-board Hydrogen Tank
Mar 2019
Publication
The heat transfer analysis in the filling process of compressed on-board hydrogen storage tank has been the focus of hydrogen storage research. The initial conditions mass flow rate and heat transfer coefficient have certain influence on the hydrogen filling performance. In this paper the effects of mass flow rate and heat transfer coefficient on hydrogen filling performance are mainly studied. A thermodynamic model of the compressed hydrogen storage tank was established by Matlab/Simulink. This 0D model is utilized to predict the hydrogen temperature hydrogen pressure tank wall temperature and SOC (State of Charge) during filling process. Comparing the simulated results with the experimental data the practicability of the model can be verified. The simulated results have certain meaning for improving the hydrogenation parameters in real filling process. And the model has a great significance to the study of hydrogen filling and purification.
Evaluation of Performance Characteristics of a Novel Hydrogen-fuelled Free-piston Engine Generator
Mar 2020
Publication
In this work we present the experimental results obtained from hydrogen fuelled spark-ignited dual piston free-piston engine generator (FPEG) prototype operated in two-stroke and four-stroke mode. The FPEG testing was successfully conducted at 3.7 compression ratio engine speed between 5 Hz and 11 Hz and with different equivalence ratios. The FPEG technical details experimental set-up and operational control are explained in detail. Performance indicators show that both equivalence ratio and engine speed affect the engine operation characteristics. For every set of specified FPEG parameters appropriate range of equivalence ratio is recommended to prevent unwanted disturbance to electric generator operation. Both two-stroke and four-stroke cycle mode were tested and the results showed different combustion characteristics with the two thermodynamic cycles. Four-stroke cycle mode could operate with indicated thermal efficiency gain up to 13.2% compared with the two-stroke cycle.
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.
Hydrogen Diffusion Mechanism around a Crack Tip in Type 304L Austenite Stainless Steel Considering the Influence of the Volume Expansion of Strain-Induced Martensite Transformation
Sep 2019
Publication
Strain-induced martensite transformation (SIMT) commonly exists around a crack tip of metastable austenite stainless steels. The influence of the volume expansion of the SIMT on the hydrogen diffusion was investigated by hydrogen diffusion modelling around a crack tip in type 304L austenite stainless steel. The volume expansion changed the tensile stress state into pressure stress state at the crack tip resulting in a large stress gradient along the crack propagation direction. Compared to the analysis without considering the volume expansion effect this volume expansion further accelerated the hydrogen transport from the inner surface to a critical region ahead of the crack tip and further increased the maximum value of the hydrogen concentration at the critical position where the strain-induced martensite fraction approximates to 0.1 indicating that the volume expansion of the SIMT further increased the hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility.
A Host-guest Approach to Fabricate Metallic Cobalt Nanoparticles Embedded in Silk-derived N-doped Carbon Fibers for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Feb 2017
Publication
Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) plays a key role in generating clean and renewable energy. As the most effective HER electrocatalysts Pt group catalysts suffer from severe problems such as high price and scarcity. It is highly desirable to design and synthesize sustainable HER electrocatalysts to replace the Pt group catalysts. Due to their low cost high abundance and high activities cobalt-incorporated N-doped nanocarbon hybrids are promising candidate electrocatalysts for HER. In this report we demonstrated a robust and eco-friendly host-guest approach to fabricate metallic cobalt nanoparticles embedded in N-doped carbon fibers derived from natural silk fibers. Benefiting from the one-dimensional nanostructure the well-dispersed metallic cobalt nanoparticles and the N-doped thin graphitized carbon layer coating the best Co-based electrocatalyst manifests low overpotential (61 mV@10 mA/cm2) HER activity that is comparable with commercial 20% Pt/C and good stability in acid. Our findings provide a novel and unique route to explore high-performance noble-metal-free HER electrocatalysts.
Self-ignition and Flame Propagation of Pressurized Hydrogen Released Through Tubes
Sep 2019
Publication
The spontaneous ignition of hydrogen released from the high pressure tank into the downstream pipes with different lengths varied from 0.3m to 2.2m has been investigated experimentally. In this study the development of shock wave was recorded by pressure sensors and photoelectric sensors were used to confirm the presence of a flame in the pipe. In addition the development of jet flame was recorded by high-speed camera and IR camera. The results show that the minimal release pressure in different tube when self-ignition of hydrogen occurred could decrease first and then increase with the increase of the aspect of pipe. And the minimum release pressure of hydrogen self-ignition was 3.87MPa. When the flame of self-ignition hydrogen spouted out of the tube Mach disk was observed. The method of CFD was adopted. The development of shock wave at the tube exit was reproduced and structures as barrel shock the reflected shock and the Mach disk are presented. Because of these special structures the flame at the nozzle is briefly extinguished and re-ignited. At the same time the complete development process of the jet flame was recorded including the formation and separation of the spherical flame. The flame structure exhibits three typical levels before the hemispherical flame separation.
A Study on the Influential Factors of Stress Corrosion Cracking in C110 Casing Pipe
Jan 2022
Publication
In this paper we analyze the potential factors affecting the hydrogen sulfide type of stress corrosion cracking in C110 casing pipes. In order to further study these cracking factors the methods of material property testing scanning electron microscopy XRD TEM and 3D ultra-depth-of-field were applied in the experiments. Besides that an HTHP autoclave was independently designed by the laboratory to simulate the actual corrosion environment and the potential factors affecting the stress corrosion cracking of C110 casing pipes were determined. The test results showed that the chemical composition metallographic structure hardness and non-metallic inclusions of the two types of C110 casing pipes were all qualified. In fact there remains a risk of stress corrosion cracking when the two kinds of C110 casing pipes serve under long-term field-working conditions. It is considered in this paper that the precipitates on the material surface stress damage and pitting corrosion are all critical factors affecting the stress corrosion cracking of casing pipes.
Inhibition of Confined Hydrogen Explosion by Inert Gases
Sep 2019
Publication
"This paper is aimed at revealing the inhibiting effects of He Ar N2 and CO2 on confined hydrogen explosion. The flame characteristics under thermo diffusive instability and hydrodynamic instability are analyzed using Lewis number and ratio of density ratio to flame thickness. The inhibiting effects of inert gas on confined hydrogen explosion are evaluated using maximum explosion pressure and maximum pressure rise rate. The inhibiting mechanism is obtained by revealing thermal diffusivity maximum mole fraction and net reaction rate of active radicals. The results demonstrated that the strongest destabilization effect of hydrodynamic instability and thermodiffusive instability occurs when the inert gas is Ar and CO2 respectively. Taking maximum explosion pressure and maximum rate of pressure rise as an indicator the effects of confined hydrogen explosion inhibition from strong to weak are CO2 N2 Ar and He. Laminar burning velocity thermal diffusivity maximum mole fraction and net reaction rate of active radicals continues to decrease in the order of He Ar N2 and CO2. The elementary reactions of generating and consuming active radicals at the highest net reaction rate are mainly consisted of R1 (H+O2=OH+O) R2 (H2+O=OH+H) R3 (H2+OH=H2O+H) and R10 (HO2+H=2OH).
Magnesium Based Materials for Hydrogen Based Energy Storage: Past, Present and Future
Jan 2019
Publication
Volodymyr A. Yartys,
Mykhaylo V. Lototskyy,
Etsuo Akiba,
Rene Albert,
V. E. Antonov,
Jose-Ramón Ares,
Marcello Baricco,
Natacha Bourgeois,
Craig Buckley,
José Bellosta von Colbe,
Jean-Claude Crivello,
Fermin Cuevas,
Roman V. Denys,
Martin Dornheim,
Michael Felderhoff,
David M. Grant,
Bjørn Christian Hauback,
Terry D. Humphries,
Isaac Jacob,
Petra E. de Jongh,
Jean-Marc Joubert,
Mikhail A. Kuzovnikov,
Michel Latroche,
Mark Paskevicius,
Luca Pasquini,
L. Popilevsky,
Vladimir M. Skripnyuk,
Eugene I. Rabkin,
M. Veronica Sofianos,
Alastair D. Stuart,
Gavin Walker,
Hui Wang,
Colin Webb,
Min Zhu and
Torben R. Jensen
Magnesium hydride owns the largest share of publications on solid materials for hydrogen storage. The “Magnesium group” of international experts contributing to IEA Task 32 “Hydrogen Based Energy Storage” recently published two review papers presenting the activities of the group focused on magnesium hydride based materials and on Mg based compounds for hydrogen and energy storage. This review article not only overviews the latest activities on both fundamental aspects of Mg-based hydrides and their applications but also presents a historic overview on the topic and outlines projected future developments. Particular attention is paid to the theoretical and experimental studies of Mg-H system at extreme pressures kinetics and thermodynamics of the systems based on MgH2 nanostructuring new Mg-based compounds and novel composites and catalysis in the Mg based H storage systems. Finally thermal energy storage and upscaled H storage systems accommodating MgH2 are presented.
Ammonia for Power
Sep 2018
Publication
A potential enabler of a low carbon economy is the energy vector hydrogen. However issues associated with hydrogen storage and distribution are currently a barrier for its implementation. Hence other indirect storage media such as ammonia and methanol are currently being considered. Of these ammonia is a carbon free carrier which offers high energy density; higher than compressed air. Hence it is proposed that ammonia with its established transportation network and high flexibility could provide a practical next generation system for energy transportation storage and use for power generation. Therefore this review highlights previous influential studies and ongoing research to use this chemical as a viable energy vector for power applications emphasizing the challenges that each of the reviewed technologies faces before implementation and commercial deployment is achieved at a larger scale. The review covers technologies such as ammonia in cycles either for power or CO2 removal fuel cells reciprocating engines gas turbines and propulsion technologies with emphasis on the challenges of using the molecule and current understanding of the fundamental combustion patterns of ammonia blends.
Numerical Study on Combustion and Emission Characteristics of a PFI Gasoline Engine with Hydrogen Direct-Injection
Mar 2019
Publication
In this paper the effects of hydrogen blending radio and EGR rate on combustion and emission characteristics of a PFI gasoline engine with hydrogen direct-injection have been investigated by numerical modelling methods using a new generation of CFD simulation software CONVERGE. Results showed that compared with original engine hydrogen direct-injection PFI gasoline engine had a better performance on combustion characteristics but it also had a disadvantage of increasing NOx emissions. With the increase of hydrogen blending radio combustion duration shortened and CA50 advanced and was closer to TDC. And CO and THC emissions decreased however NOx emission increased. The variations of the combustion and emission characteristics followed by the increase of the EGR rate were exactly the opposite to the change of hydrogen blending radio. Considering both the combustion and emission characteristics using moderate EGR rate (15%~20%) under high hydrogen blending radio (15%~20%) condition can realize the simultaneous improvement of combustion and emission performance.
A Microstructure Informed and Mixed-mode Cohesive Zone Approach to Simulating Hydrogen Embrittlement
Mar 2022
Publication
Hydrogen induced failure under uniaxial tension is simulated in a duplex stainless steel considering microstructural feature of the material. There are three key ingredients in the modelling approach: image processing and finite element representation of the experimentally observed microstructure stress driven hydrogen diffusion and diffusion coupled cohesive zone modelling of fracture considering mixed failure mode. The microstructure used as basis for the modelling work is obtained from specimens cut in the transverse and longitudinal directions. It is found that the microstructure significantly influences hydrogen diffusion and fracture. The austenite phase is polygonal and randomly distributed in the transverse direction where a larger effective hydrogen diffusion coefficient and a lower hydrogen fracture resistance is found compared to the specimen in the longitudinal direction where the austenite phase is slender and laminated. This indicates that the proper design and control of the austenite phase help improve hydrogen resistance of duplex stainless steel. The strength of the interface in the shear direction is found to dominate the fracture mode and initiation site which reveals the importance of considering mixed failure mode and calibrating the hydrogen induced strength reduction in shear.
Optimal Operation of a Microgrid with Hydrogen Storage Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Jan 2022
Publication
Microgrid with hydrogen storage is an effective way to integrate renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions. This paper proposes an optimal operation method for a microgrid with hydrogen storage. The electrolyzer efficiency characteristic model is established based on the linear interpolation method. The optimal operation model of microgrid is incorporated with the electrolyzer efficiency characteristic model. The sequential decision-making problem of the optimal operation of microgrid is solved by a deep deterministic policy gradient algorithm. Simulation results show that the proposed method can reduce about 5% of the operation cost of the microgrid compared with traditional algorithms and has a certain generalization capability.
Hydrogen Effects on X80 Pipeline Steel Under High-pressure Natural Gas & Hydrogen Mixtures
Oct 2015
Publication
Blending hydrogen into existing natural gas pipelines has been proposed as a means of increasing the output of renewable energy systems such as large wind farms. X80 pipeline steel is commonly used for transporting natural gas and such steel is subjected to concurrent hydrogen invasion with mechanical loading while being exposed to hydrogen containing environments directly resulting in hydrogen embrittlement (HE). In accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards the mechanical properties of X80 pipeline steel have been tested in natural gas/hydrogen mixtures with 0 5.0 10.0 20.0 and 50.0vol% hydrogen at the pressure of 12 MPa. Results indicate that X80 pipeline steel is susceptible to hydrogen-induced embrittlement in natural gas/hydrogen mixtures and the HE susceptibility increases with the hydrogen partial pressure. Additionally the HE susceptibility depends on the textured microstructure caused by hot rolling especially for the notch specimen. The design calculation by the measured fatigue data reveals that the fatigue life of the X80 steel pipeline is dramatically degraded by the added hydrogen.
Catalysis of Oxides in Hydrogen Generation by the Reaction of Al with Water
Sep 2013
Publication
Hydrogen generation by the reaction of pure Al powder in water with the addition of Al(OH)3 γ- Al2O3 α-Al2O3 or TiO2 at mild temperatures was investigated. It was found that the reaction of Al with water is promoted and the reaction induction time decreases greatly by the above hydroxide and oxides. X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that the hydroxide and oxide phases have no any change during the Al-water reaction indicating that they are just as catalysts to assist the reaction of Al with water. A possible mechanism was proposed which shows that hydroxide and oxides could dissociate water molecules and promote the hydration of the passive oxide film on Al particle surfaces.
New China National Standard on Safety of Hydrogen Systems- Keys for Understanding and Use
Sep 2011
Publication
Development of regulations codes and standards on hydrogen safety is a primary ingredient in overcoming barriers to widespread use of hydrogen energy. Key points of the new China National Standard Essential safety requirements for hydrogen systems metal hydrogen compatibility and risk control of flammability and explosion are discussed. Features of the new standard such as safety requirements for slush hydrogen systems and solid state hydrogen storage systems and introductions for hydrogen production by renewable energy are analyzed in this paper.
Risk Analysis on Mobile Hydrogen Refueling Stations in the World Expo Shanghai
Sep 2013
Publication
During the World Expo Shanghai there were one hundred fuel-cell sight-seeing cars in operation at the Expo Site. The sight-seeing cars were not allowed to drive out of the Expo Site and the stationary hydrogen refuelling station was not permitted to build at the Expo Site for the sake of safety. A flexible solution to refuel the cars was the application of mobile hydrogen refuelling stations. To better understand the hazards and risks associated with the mobile hydrogen refueling stations a risk analysis was preformed to improve the safety of the operations. The risks to the station personnel and to the public were discussed separately. Results show that the stationary risks of the mobile stations to the personnel and refueling customers are lower than the risk acceptance criteria over an order of magnitude so occupational risks and risks to customers are completely acceptable. The third party risks can be acceptable as long as the appropriate mitigation measures are implemented especially well designed parking area and operation time. Leak from boosters is the main risk contributor to the stationary risks because of its highest failure rates according to the generic data and its worst harm effects based on the consequence evaluations. As for the road risks of the mobile stations they can be acceptable as long as the appropriate mitigation measures are implemented especially well-designed moving path and transportation time.
Effect of the Position and the Area of the Vent on the Hydrogen Dispersion in a Naturally Ventilated Cubiod Space with One Vent on the Side Wall
Dec 2021
Publication
The design of ventilation system has implications for the safety of life and property and the development of regulations and standards in the space with the hydrogen storage equipment. The impact of both the position and the area of a single vent on the dispersion of hydrogen in a cuboid space (with dimensions L x W x H ¼ 2.90 0.74 1.22 m) is investigated with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in this study. Nine positions of the vent were compared for the leakage taking place at the floor to understand the gas dispersion. It was shown a cloud of 1% mole fraction has been formed near the ceiling of the space in less than 40 s for different positions of the vent which can activate hydrogen sensors. The models show that the hydrogen is removed more effectively when the vent is closer to the leakage position in the horizontal direction. The study demonstrates that the vent height of 1.00 m is safer for the particular scenario considered. The area of the vent has little effect on the hydrogen concentration for all vent positions when the area of the vent is less than 0.045 m2 and the height of the vent is less than 0.61 m.
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