India
Numerical Simulation of Hydrogen Deflagration Using CFD
Sep 2021
Publication
Hydrogen is seen as an important future energy carrier as part of the move away from traditional hydrocarbon sources. Delayed ignition of a hydrogen-air mixture formed from an accidental release of hydrogen in either a confined or congested environment can lead to the generation of overpressure impacting both people and assets. An understanding of the possible overpressures generated is critical in designing facilities and effective mitigation systems against hydrogen explosion hazards. This paper describes the numerical modelling of hydrogen deflagrations using a new application PDRFOAM-R that is part of the wider OpenFOAM open-source CFD package of routines for the solution of systems of partial differential equations. The PDRFOAM-R code solves momentum and continuity equations the combustion model is based on flame area transport and the turbulent burning velocity correlation is based on Markstein and Karlovitz numbers. PDRFOAM-R is derived from publicly available PDRFOAM tool and it resolves small and large obstacles unlike PDRFOAM which is based on the Porosity Distributed Resistance approach. The PDRFOAM-R code is validated against various unconfined-uncongested and semi-confined congested explosion experiments. The flame dynamics and pressure history predicted from the simulation show a reasonable comparison with the experiments.
Thermocatalytic Hydrogen Production Through Decomposition of Methane-A Review
Oct 2021
Publication
Consumption of fossil fuels especially in transport and energy-dependent sectors has led to large greenhouse gas production. Hydrogen is an exciting energy source that can serve our energy purposes and decrease toxic waste production. Decomposition of methane yields hydrogen devoid of COx components thereby aiding as an eco-friendly approach towards large-scale hydrogen production. This review article is focused on hydrogen production through thermocatalytic methane decomposition (TMD) for hydrogen production. The thermodynamics of this approach has been highlighted. Various methods of hydrogen production from fossil fuels and renewable resources were discussed. Methods including steam methane reforming partial oxidation of methane auto thermal reforming direct biomass gasification thermal water splitting methane pyrolysis aqueous reforming and coal gasification have been reported in this article. A detailed overview of the different types of catalysts available the reasons behind their deactivation and their possible regeneration methods were discussed. Finally we presented the challenges and future perspectives for hydrogen production via TMD. This review concluded that among all catalysts nickel ruthenium and platinum-based catalysts show the highest activity and catalytic efficiency and gave carbon-free hydrogen products during the TMD process. However their rapid deactivation at high temperatures still needs the attention of the scientific community.
Challenges and Outlines of Steelmaking toward the Year 2030 and Beyond—Indian Perspective
Oct 2021
Publication
In FY-20 India’s steel production was 109 MT and it is the second-largest steel producer on the planet after China. India’s per capita consumption of steel was around 75 kg which has risen from 59 kg in FY-14. Despite the increase in consumption it is much lower than the average global consumption of 230 kg. The per capita consumption of steel is one of the strongest indicators of economic development across the nation. Thus India has an ambitious plan of increasing steel production to around 250 MT and per capita consumption to around 160 kg by the year 2030. Steel manufacturers in India can be classified based on production routes as (a) oxygen route (BF/BOF route) and (b) electric route (electric arc furnace and induction furnace). One of the major issues for manufacturers of both routes is the availability of raw materials such as iron ore direct reduced iron (DRI) and scrap. To achieve the level of 250 MT steel manufacturers have to focus on improving the current process and product scenario as well as on research and development activities. The challenge to stop global warming has forced the global steel industry to strongly cut its CO2 emissions. In the case of India this target will be extremely difficult by ruling in the production duplication planned by the year 2030. This work focuses on the recent developments of various processes and challenges associated with them. Possibilities and opportunities for improving the current processes such as top gas recycling increasing pulverized coal injection and hydrogenation as well as the implementation of new processes such as HIsarna and other CO2 -lean iron production technologies are discussed. In addition the eventual transition to hydrogen ironmaking and “green” electricity in smelting are considered. By fast-acting improvements in current facilities and brave investments in new carbon-lean technologies the CO2 emissions of the Indian steel industry can peak and turn downward toward carbon-neutral production.
Actual Quality Changes in Natural Resource and Gas Grid Use in Prospective Hydrogen Technology Roll-Out in the World and Russia
Oct 2023
Publication
About 95% of current hydrogen production uses technologies involving primary fossil resources. A minor part is synthesized by low-carbon and close-to-zero-carbon-footprint methods using RESs. The significant expansion of low-carbon hydrogen energy is considered to be a part of the “green transition” policies taking over in technologically leading countries. Projects of hydrogen synthesis from natural gas with carbon capture for subsequent export to European and Asian regions poor in natural resources are considered promising by fossil-rich countries. Quality changes in natural resource use and gas grids will include (1) previously developed scientific groundwork and production facilities for hydrogen energy to stimulate the use of existing natural gas grids for hydrogen energy transport projects; (2) existing infrastructure for gas filling stations in China and Russia to allow the expansion of hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicles (HFCVs) using typical “mini-plant” projects of hydrogen synthesis using methane conversion technology; (3) feasibility testing for different hydrogen synthesis plants at medium and large scales using fossil resources (primarily natural gas) water and atomic energy. The results of this study will help focus on the primary tasks for quality changes in natural resource and gas grid use. Investments made and planned in hydrogen energy are assessed.
Green Hydrogen as a Clean Energy Resource and Its Applications as an Engine Fuel
Jan 2024
Publication
The world’s economy heavily depends on the energy resources used by various countries. India is one of the promising developing nations with very low crude reserves actively looking for new renewable energy resources to power its economy. Higher energy consumption and environmental pollution are two big global challenges for our sustainable development. The world is currently facing a dual problem of an energy crisis as well as environmental degradation. So there is a strong need to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions. This can be achieved to a great extent by universally adopting clean fuels for all daily life uses like ethanol or liquified natural gas (LNG) as these burn very clean and do not emit many pollutants. Nowadays green hydrogen has emerged as a new clean energy source which is abundantly available and does not pollute much. This article explores the various benefits of green hydrogen with respect to fossil fuels various techniques of producing it and its possible use in different sectors such as industry transport and aviation as well as in day-to-day life. Finally it explores the use of green hydrogen as fuel in automobile engines its blending with CNG gas and its benefits in reducing emissions compared to fossil fuels. On combustion green hydrogen produces only water vapours and is thus a highly clean fuel. Thus it can potentially help humanity preserve the environment due to its ultra-low emissions and can be a consistent and reliable source of energy for generations to come thereby ending the clean energy security debate forever.
A Review on Biohydrogen Sources, Production Routes, and Its Application as a Fuel Cell
Aug 2023
Publication
More than 80% of the energy from fossil fuels is utilized in homes and industries. Increased use of fossil fuels not only depletes them but also contributes to global warming. By 2050 the usage of fossil fuels will be approximately lower than 80% than it is today. There is no yearly variation in the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere due to soil and land plants. Therefore an alternative source of energy is required to overcome these problems. Biohydrogen is considered to be a renewable source of energy which is useful for electricity generation rather than relying on harmful fossil fuels. Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of sources and technologies and has numerous applications including electricity generation being a clean energy carrier and as an alternative fuel. In this review a detailed elaboration about different kinds of sources involved in biohydrogen production various biohydrogen production routes and their applications in electricity generation is provided.
A Brief Review of Hydrogen Production Methods and Their Challenges
Jan 2023
Publication
Hydrogen is emerging as a new energy vector outside of its traditional role and gaining more recognition internationally as a viable fuel route. This review paper offers a crisp analysis of the most recent developments in hydrogen production techniques using conventional and renewable energy sources in addition to key challenges in the production of Hydrogen. Among the most potential renewable energy sources for hydrogen production are solar and wind. The production of H2 from renewable sources derived from agricultural or other waste streams increases the flexibility and improves the economics of distributed and semi-centralized reforming with little or no net greenhouse gas emissions. Water electrolysis equipment driven by off-grid solar or wind energy can also be employed in remote areas that are away from the grid. Each H2 manufacturing technique has technological challenges. These challenges include feedstock type conversion efficiency and the need for the safe integration of H2 production systems with H2 purification and storage technologies.
Advanced Hydrogen Production through Methane Cracking: A Review
Jul 2015
Publication
Hydrogen is widely produced and used for our day-to-day needs. It has also the potential to be used as fuel for industry or can be used as an energy carrier for stationary power. Hydrogen can be produced by different processes like from fossil fuels (Steam methane reforming coal gasification cracking of natural gas); renewable resources (electrolysis wind etc.); nuclear energy (thermochemical water splitting). In this paper few processes have been discussed briefly. Cracking of methane has been given special emphasis in this review for production of hydrogen. There are mainly two types of cracking non-catalytic and catalytic. Catalytic cracking of methane is governed mainly by finding a suitable catalyst; its generation deactivation activation and filament formation for the adsorption of carbon particles (deposited on metal surface); study of metallic support which helps in finding active sites of the catalyst for the reaction to proceed easily. Non-catalytic cracking of methane is mainly based on thermal cracking. Moreover several thermal cracking processes with their reactor configurations have been discussed.
Hydrogen Fuel for Future Mobility: Challenges and Future Aspects
Jul 2022
Publication
Nowadays the combustion of fossil fuels for transportation has a major negative impact on the environment. All nations are concerned with environmental safety and the regulation of pollution motivating researchers across the world to find an alternate transportation fuel. The transition of the transportation sector towards sustainability for environmental safety can be achieved by the manifestation and commercialization of clean hydrogen fuel. Hydrogen fuel for sustainable mobility has its own effectiveness in terms of its generation and refueling processes. As the fuel requirement of vehicles cannot be anticipated because it depends on its utilization choosing hydrogen refueling and onboard generation can be a point of major concern. This review article describes the present status of hydrogen fuel utilization with a particular focus on the transportation industry. The advantages of onboard hydrogen generation and refueling hydrogen for internal combustion are discussed. In terms of performance affordability and lifetime onboard hydrogen-generating subsystems must compete with what automobile manufacturers and consumers have seen in modern vehicles to date. In internal combustion engines hydrogen has various benefits in terms of combustive properties but it needs a careful engine design to avoid anomalous combustion which is a major difficulty with hydrogen engines. Automobile makers and buyers will not invest in fuel cell technology until the technologies that make up the various components of a fuel cell automobile have advanced to acceptable levels of cost performance reliability durability and safety. Above all a substantial advancement in the fuel cell stack is required.
Numerical 1-D Simulations on Single-Cylinder Stationary Spark Ignition Engine using Micro-Emulsions, Gasoline, and Hydrogen in Dual Fuel Mode
Mar 2022
Publication
This work is contributing towards reducing the emissions from stationary spark ignition engine single cylinder by adopting the state of the Art Technology Hydrogen fuel and H2O based Emulsion fuel in dual fuel mode. In addition comparing its combustion emissions and performance with conventional 100% Gasoline fuel. This research work has been done on 1-D AVL Boost Simulation Software by using the single cylinder engine model setup. The main objectives of this research work is to comply with the strict emission rules Euro VII. This work predicted the overall combustion parameters NOx CO and HC emissions as well as several performance measures like power torque BSFC and BMEP of stationary spark ignition engine test rig. Since Hydrogen is zero carbon emission based fuel so it is not creating any carbon-based emissions and has shown to be the most efficient source of energy. Although Hydrogen fuel showed no carbon emissions but NOx emissions were slightly higher than micro-emulsion fuel. Since Hydrogen fuel burns at very high temperature so it produced slightly more NOx emissions. The NOx emissions were 20% higher than emulsion fuel and 10% higher than Gasoline 100% fuel. The H2O based emulsion fuel is also investigated which helped in reducing the emissions and improved the performance of single-cylinder stationary spark Gasoline+ Micro-Emulsion +Hydrogen fuel Lower CO HC and NOx Emissions Improved Power Torque Bsfc & Pressure Constant Speed & variable Load ignition test rig. The Brake power BSFC BMEP & Torque were also investigated power and showed greater improvement for emulsion fuel. At 60% load the Hydrogen fuel showed 50% increase in power as compared to emulsion fuel and 38% more power than Gasoline fuel. Exhaust emissions CO HC were compared for gasoline and emulsion fuel. The CO emissions are 18% lower for micro-emulsion as compared to Gasoline 100% and HC emissions are 12.5% lower than gasoline 100% fuel at 20% load.
Alternative Vehicular Fuels for Environmental Decarbonization: A Critical Review of Challenges in Using Electricity, Hydrogen, and Biofuels as a Sustainable Vehicular Fuel
Jan 2023
Publication
Using vehicles powered by alternative fuels such as electricity hydrogen and biofuels have been envisioned as the ideal way to curb noxious vehicular emissions. However the availability of resources for the sustainable use of these alternative fuels the possible risks and their fate at the end of their life are frequently questioned necessitating a detailed assessment of factors influencing the use of all three alternative fuels for vehicular use. Though the vehicles powered by batteries and fuel cells are “locally” zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) they have resource scarcity infrastructure limitations and are relatively expensive thus restricting their market penetration and consumer acceptance. Biofuels though can be used in the existing vehicles procuring the required amounts of feedstock and mitigating food-versus-fuel issues is still a challenge. Overcoming these challenges is a crucial and critical step for the sustained use of these alternative fuels as primary vehicular fuels. To accomplish this all these challenges need to be categorized and a comparative analysis among them is necessary to address them. This work can therefore serve as a ready reference for researchers and policy makers to take appropriate and informed decisions for long-term action to achieve the goals of the Paris agreement to reduce global temperature.
Modelling and Simulation of a Hydrogen-Based Hybrid Energy Storage System with a Switching Algorithm
Oct 2022
Publication
Currently transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy is needed considering the impact of climate change on the globe. From this point of view there is a need for development in several stages such as storage transmission and conversion of power. In this paper we demonstrate a simulation of a hybrid energy storage system consisting of a battery and fuel cell in parallel operation. The novelty in the proposed system is the inclusion of an electrolyser along with a switching algorithm. The electrolyser consumes electricity to intrinsically produce hydrogen and store it in a tank. This implies that the system consumes electricity as input energy as opposed to hydrogen being the input fuel. The hydrogen produced by the electrolyser and stored in the tank is later utilised by the fuel cell to produce electricity to power the load when needed. Energy is therefore stored in the form of hydrogen. A battery of lower capacity is coupled with the fuel cell to handle transient loads. A parallel control algorithm is developed to switch on/off the charging and discharging cycle of the fuel cell and battery depending upon the connected load. Electrically equivalent circuits of a polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyser polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell necessary hydrogen oxygen water tanks and switching controller for the parallel operation were modelled with their respective mathematical equations in MATLAB® Simulink®. In this paper we mainly focus on the modelling and simulation of the proposed system. The results showcase the simulated system’s mentioned advantages and compare its ability to handle loads to a battery-only system.
Hybrid Power Management Strategy with Fuel Cell, Battery, and Supercapacitor for Fuel Economy in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Application
Jun 2022
Publication
The power management strategy (PMS) is intimately linked to the fuel economy in the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). In this paper a hybrid power management scheme is proposed; it consists of an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference method (ANFIS) and the equivalent consumption minimization technique (ECMS). Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key development for managing power among various energy sources. The hybrid power supply is an eco-acceptable system that includes a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) as a primary source and a battery bank and ultracapacitor as electric storage systems. The Haar wavelet transform method is used to calculate the stress (σ) on each energy source. The proposed model is developed in MATLAB/Simulink software. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme meets the power demand of a typical driving cycle i.e. Highway Fuel Economy Test Cycle (HWFET) and Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedures (WLTP—Class 3) for testing the vehicle performance and assessment has been carried out for various PMS based on the consumption of hydrogen overall efficiency state of charge of ultracapacitors and batteries stress on hybrid sources and stability of the DC bus. By combining ANFIS and ECMS the consumption of hydrogen is minimized by 8.7% compared to the proportional integral (PI) state machine control (SMC) frequency decoupling fuzzy logic control (FDFLC) equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) and external energy minimization strategy (EEMS).
Recent Developments in State-of-the-art Hydrogen Energy Technologies – Review of Hydrogen Storage Materials
Jan 2023
Publication
Hydrogen energy has been assessed as a clean and renewable energy source for future energy demand. For harnessing hydrogen energy to its fullest potential storage is a key parameter. It is well known that important hydrogen storage characteristics are operating pressure-temperature of hydrogen hydrogen storage capacity hydrogen absorption-desorption kinetics and heat transfer in the hydride bed. Each application needs specific properties. Every class of hydrogen storage materials has a different set of hydrogenation characteristics. Hence it is required to understand the properties of all hydrogen storage materials. The present review is focused on the state-of– the–art hydrogen storage materials including metal hydrides magnesium-based materials complex hydride systems carbonaceous materials metal organic frameworks perovskites and materials and processes based on artificial intelligence. In each category of materials‘ discovery hydrogen storage mechanism and reaction crystal structure and recent progress have been discussed in detail. Together with the fundamental synthesis process latest techniques of material tailoring like nanostructuring nanoconfinement catalyzing alloying and functionalization have also been discussed. Hydrogen energy research has a promising potential to replace fossil fuels from energy uses especially from automobile sector. In this context efforts initiated worldwide for clean hydrogen production and its use via fuel cell in vehicles is much awaiting steps towards sustainable energy demand.
A Review on Hydrogen-Based Hybrid Microgrid System: Topologies for Hydrogen Energy Storage, Integration, and Energy Management with Solar and Wind Energy
Oct 2022
Publication
Hydrogen is acknowledged as a potential and appealing energy carrier for decarbonizing the sectors that contribute to global warming such as power generation industries and transportation. Many people are interested in employing low-carbon sources of energy to produce hydrogen by using water electrolysis. Additionally the intermittency of renewable energy supplies such as wind and solar makes electricity generation less predictable potentially leading to power network incompatibilities. Hence hydrogen generation and storage can offer a solution by enhancing system flexibility. Hydrogen saved as compressed gas could be turned back into energy or utilized as a feedstock for manufacturing building heating and automobile fuel. This work identified many hydrogen production strategies storage methods and energy management strategies in the hybrid microgrid (HMG). This paper discusses a case study of a HMG system that uses hydrogen as one of the main energy sources together with a solar panel and wind turbine (WT). The bidirectional AC-DC converter (BAC) is designed for HMGs to maintain power and voltage balance between the DC and AC grids. This study offers a control approach based on an analysis of the BAC’s main circuit that not only accomplishes the function of bidirectional power conversion but also facilitates smooth renewable energy integration. While implementing the hydrogen-based HMG the developed control technique reduces the reactive power in linear and non-linear (NL) loads by 90.3% and 89.4%.
Performance of Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) Engine Using Ceiba Pentandra Biodiesel and Hydrogen Fuel Combination
Nov 2021
Publication
An existing diesel engine was fitted with a common rail direct injection (CRDi) facility to inject fuel at higher pressure in CRDi mode. In the current work rotating blades were incorporated in the piston cavity to enhance turbulence. Pilot fuels used are diesel and biodiesel of Ceiba pentandra oil (BCPO) with hydrogen supply during the suction stroke. Performance evaluation and emission tests for CRDi mode were carried out under different loading conditions. In the first part of the work maximum possible hydrogen substitution without knocking was reported at an injection timing of 15◦ before top dead center (bTDC). In the second part of the work fuel injection pressure (IP) was varied with maximum hydrogen fuel substitution. Then in the third part of the work exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) was varied to study the nitrogen oxides (NOx) generated. At 900 bar HC emissions in the CRDi engine were reduced by 18.5% and CO emissions were reduced by 17% relative to the CI mode. NOx emissions from the CRDi engine were decreased by 28% relative to the CI engine mode. At 20% EGR lowered the BTE by 14.2% and reduced hydrocarbons nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide by 6.3% 30.5% and 9% respectively compared to the CI mode of operation.
Fuel Cell Products for Sustainable Transportation and Stationary Power Generation: Review on Market Perspective
Mar 2023
Publication
The present day energy supply scenario is unsustainable and the transition towards a more environmentally friendly energy supply system of the future is inevitable. Hydrogen is a potential fuel that is capable of assisting with this transition. Certain technological advancements and design challenges associated with hydrogen generation and fuel cell technologies are discussed in this review. The commercialization of hydrogen-based technologies is closely associated with the development of the fuel cell industry. The evolution of fuel cell electric vehicles and fuel cell-based stationary power generation products in the market are discussed. Furthermore the opportunities and threats associated with the market diffusion of these products certain policy implications and roadmaps of major economies associated with this hydrogen transition are discussed in this review.
Energy Storage Systems: A Review
Jul 2022
Publication
The world is rapidly adopting renewable energy alternatives at a remarkable rate to address the ever-increasing environmental crisis of CO2 emissions. Renewable Energy Systems (RES) offers enormous potential to decarbonize the environment because they produce no greenhouse gases or other polluting emissions. However the RES relies on natural resources for energy generation such as sunlight wind water geothermal which are generally unpredictable and reliant on weather season and year. To account for these intermittencies renewable energy can be stored using various techniques and then used in a consistent and controlled manner as needed. Several researchers from around the world have made substantial contributions over the last century to developing novel methods of energy storage that are efficient enough to meet increasing energy demand and technological break-throughs. This review attempts to provide a critical review of the advancements in the Energy Storage System (ESS) from 1850–2022 including its evolution classification operating principles and comparison
Climate Action for the Shipping Industry: Some Perspectives on the Role of Nuclear Power in Maritime Decarbonization
Feb 2023
Publication
The shipping industry is a major enabler of globalization trade commerce and human welfare. But it is still heavily served by fossil fuels which make it one of the foremost greenhouse gas emitting sectors operational today. It is also one of the hardest to abate segments of the transport industry. As part of the economy-wide climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts it is necessary to consider a low carbon energy transition for this segment as well. This study examines the potential role of nuclear power and cogeneration towards greening this sector and identifies the associated techno-commercial and policy challenges associated with the transition. Quantitative estimates of the economics and investments associated with some of the possible routes are also presented. Alternatives such as nuclear-powered ships along commercial maritime trading routes ships working on nuclear derived green hydrogen ammonia or other sustainable power fuels will enable not only decarbonization of the shipping industry but also allow further diversification of the nuclear industry through non-electric applications of nuclear power and new sector coupling opportunities. In the run-up to the UNFCCC-COP28 meeting in 2023 in UAE nuclear equipped nations heavily engaged in and dependent on maritime trade and commerce should definitely consider nuclear driven decarbonization of shipping and some of the options presented here as part of their climate action strategies.
A Review of Renewable Hydrogen Generation and Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Technology for Sustainable Energy Development
Mar 2023
Publication
Beyond its typical usage as an economical fuel for creating ammonia methanol and petroleum refineries hydrogen has become a modern form of energy. Energy-scarce advanced countries like Japan and Korea are concerned about energy privacy and environmental responsibility. Many wealthy countries have been fervently building hydrogen networks and renewable energy sources to fulfil their main goals or the growing requirement for energy. In this study we concentrate on proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) generally viewed as financially viable for vehicle industries especially for automobiles demanding less hydrogen infrastructure facilities like fleets of cabs buses and logistical automobiles. This overview includes all of the significant PEMFC components focusing on the reaction gas diffusion and polymer. Without question the equipment necessary for a consistent supply of ultra-pure hydrogen is essential for the effectiveness of PEMFC in extensive requests.
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