Italy
Ammonia as a Carbon-Free Energy Carrier: NH3 Cracking to H2
Jul 2024
Publication
In the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables hydrogen is a realistic alternative to achieving the decarbonization target. However its chemical and physical properties make its storage and transport expensive. To ensure the cost-effective H2 usage as an energy vector other chemicals are getting attention as H2 carriers. Among them ammonia is the most promising candidate. The value chain of NH3 as a H2 carrier considering the long-dist Read More
Hydrogen Intensified Synthesis Processes to Valorise Process Off-gases in Integrated Steelworks
Jul 2023
Publication
Ismael Matino,
Stefano Dettori,
Amaia Sasiain Conde,
Valentina Colla,
Alice Petrucciani,
Antonella Zaccara,
Vincenzo Iannino,
Claudio Mocci,
Alexander Hauser,
Sebastian Kolb,
Jürgen Karl,
Philipp Wolf-Zoellner,
Stephane Haag,
Michael Bampaou,
Kyriakos Panopoulos,
Eleni Heracleousa,
Nina Kieberger,
Katharina Rechberger,
Leokadia Rog and
Przemyslaw Rompalski
Integrated steelworks off-gases are generally exploited to produce heat and electricity. However further valorization can be achieved by using them as feedstock for the synthesis of valuable products such as methane and methanol with the addition of renewable hydrogen. This was the aim of the recently concluded project entitled “Intelligent and integrated upgrade of carbon sources in steel industries through hydrogen intensified synthesis process Read More
Integration of Battery and Hydrogen Energy Storage Systems with Small-scale Hydropower Plants in Off-grid Local Energy Communities
Apr 2024
Publication
The energy transition is pushing towards a considerable diffusion of local energy communities based on renewable energy systems and coupled with energy storage systems or energy vectors to provide independence from fossil fuels and limit carbon emissions. Indeed the variable and intermittent nature of renewables make them inadequate to satisfy the end-users’ electricity demand throughout the whole day; thus the study of energy storage syste Read More
Highly Efficient Solar Hydrogen Production through the Use of Bifacial Photovoltaics and Membrane Electrolysis
Jul 2020
Publication
T The large-scale implementation of solar hydrogen production requires an optimal combination of photovoltaic systems with suitably-designed electrochemical cells possibly avoiding power electronics for DC-DC conversion to decrease costs. Here a stable solar-driven water splitting system is presented obtained through the direct connection of a state-of-the-art proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer to a bifacial silicon hetero j Read More
Thermodynamic Modelling, Testing and Sensitive Analysis of a Directly Pressurized Hydrogen Refuelling Process with a Compressor
Mar 2024
Publication
This paper presents the development of a thermodynamic model for the hydrogen refuelling station (HRS) to simulate the process of refuelling which involves the transfer of hydrogen gas from a high-pressure storage tank to the onboard tank of a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). This model encompasses the fundamental elements of an HRS which consists of a storage tank compressor piping system heat exchanger and an on-board vehicle tank. The m Read More
Modeling the Long-term Evolution of the Italian Power Sector: The Role of Renewable Resources and Energy Storage Facilities
Feb 2024
Publication
The aim of this study is to investigate the long-term planning of the Italian power sector from 2021 to 2050. The key role of photovoltaic and wind technologies in combination with power-to-power systems based on hydrogen and batteries is investigated. An updated version of the OSeMOSYS tool is used which employs a clustering method for the representation of time-varying input data. First the potential of variable renewable energy sources (VR Read More
Exploring Hydrogen–Diesel Dual Fuel Combustion in a Light-Duty Engine: A Numerical Investigation
Nov 2024
Publication
Dual fuel combustion has gained attention as a cost-effective solution for reducing the pollutant emissions of internal combustion engines. The typical approach is combining a conventional high-reactivity fossil fuel (diesel fuel) with a sustainable low-reactivity fuel such as bio-methane ethanol or green hydrogen. The last one is particularly interesting as in theory it produces only water and NOx when it burns. However integrating hydrogen into sto Read More
Preliminary Analysis of Refilling Cold-adsorbed Hydrogen Tanks
Sep 2023
Publication
The effective storage of hydrogen is a critical challenge that needs to be overcome for it to become a widely used and clean energy source. Various methods exist for storing hydrogen including compression at high pressures liquefaction through extreme cooling (i.e. -253 °C) and storage with chemical compounds. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. MAST3RBoost (Maturing the Production Standards of Ultraporous Structures for High De Read More
Optimization of Baseload Electricity and Hydrogen Services by Renewables for a Nuclear-sized District in South Italy
Nov 2024
Publication
We present an optimization model of an energy district in South Italy that supplies baseload electricity and hydrogen services. The district is sized such that a nuclear reactor could provide these services. We define scenarios for 2050 to explore the system effects of discount rate sensitivity vetoes on technologies and cost uncertainties. We address the following issues relevant to decarbonization in South Italy: land-based wind and solar vs. exclusive solar roo Read More
A Complete Assessment of the Emission Performance of an SI Engine Fueled with Methanol, Methane and Hydrogen
Feb 2024
Publication
This study explores the potentiality of low/zero carbon fuels such as methanol methane and hydrogen for motor applications to pursue the goal of energy security and environmental sustainability. An experimental investigation was performed on a spark ignition engine equipped with both a port fuel and a direct injection system. Liquid fuels were injected into the intake manifold to benefit from a homogeneous charge formation. Gaseous fuels were injecte Read More
Hydrogen in Burners: Economic and Environmental Implications
Nov 2024
Publication
For centuries fossil fuels have been the primary energy source but their unchecked use has led to significant environmental and economic challenges that now shape the global energy landscape. The combustion of these fuels releases greenhouse gases which are critical contributors to the acceleration of climate change resulting in severe consequences for both the environment and human health. Therefore this article examines the potential of hyd Read More
The Role of Hydrogen as Enabler of Industrial Port Area Decarbonoization
Nov 2023
Publication
To meet environmental goals while maintaining economic competitiveness worldwide ports have increased the amount of renewable energy production and have focused in optimizing performances and energy efficiency. However carbon-neutral operation of industrial port areas (IPA) is challenging and requires the decarbonization of industrial processes and heavy transport systems. This study proposes a comprehensive review of decarbon ization strateg Read More
The Green Hydrogen Revolution
Jul 2023
Publication
Green hydrogen is considered the most suitable choice for the future energy market both as energy storage media energy vector and fuel for transportation industry and other applications. In the last twenty years increasing efforts have been dedicated to green hydrogen technologies development but still today a number of issues are claimed in justifying the delay in its large scale application and the star vation of its market. Moreover some new questions s Read More
Numerical Modeling for Analysis and Improvement of Hydrogen Refueling Process for Heavy-duty Vehicles
Dec 2024
Publication
This paper presents the development validation and application of a numerical model to simulate the process of refueling hydrogen-powerd heavy-duty vehicles with a cascade hydrohen refueling station design. The model is implemented and validated using experimental data from SAE J2601. The link between the average pressure ramp (APRR) and flow rate which is responsible for the dynamic evolution of the refueling process was analyzed. V Read More
Harnessing Enhanced Solar Efficiency for Green Hydrogen Production: A Comparative Analysis of PV and PV-T Systems
Dec 2024
Publication
Green hydrogen a critical element in the shift towards sustainable energy is traditionally produced by electrolysis powered by solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. This research explores the potential of underexploited photovoltaic thermal (PV-T) systems for efficient green hydrogen generation. This paper compares this advanced technology performance and economic viability against conventional PV setups. This paper uses TRNSYS simulation software to analyze Read More
Estimating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Hydrogen-Blended Natural Gas Networks
Dec 2024
Publication
Methane is a significant contributor to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Blending hydrogen with natural gas in existing networks presents a promising strategy to reduce these emissions and support the transition to a carbon-neutral energy system. However hydrogen’s potential for atmospheric release raises safety and environmental concerns necessitating an assessment of its impact on methane emissions and leakage behavior. This stu Read More
A General Criterion for the Design and Operation of Flexible Hydrogen Storage in Power-to-X Processed
Dec 2024
Publication
This paper introduces a general criterion for the optimal design and operation of hydrogen storage tanks. Specifically the proposed procedure identifies the optimal delivery schedule that minimizes the capacity of material storage systems. Indeed many manufacturing processes need some buffer storage to administer mass flows appropriately according to the operating needs (one class above all: Power-to-X processes) and have one of their highest e Read More
Techno-economic Analysis of Wind-powered Green Hydrogen Production to Facilitate the Decarbonization of Hard-to-abate Sectors: A Case Study on Steelmaking
Apr 2023
Publication
Green hydrogen is among the most promising energy vectors that may enable the decarbonization of our society. The present study addresses the decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors via the deployment of sustainable alternatives to current technologies and processes where the complete replacement of fossil fuels is deemed not nearly immediate. In particular the investigated case study tackles the emission reduction potential of st Read More
Reversible Solid Oxide Cell Coupled to an Offshore Wind Turbine as a Poly-generation Energy System for Auxiliary Backup Generaiton and Hydrogen Production
Nov 2022
Publication
The coupling of a reversible Solid Oxide Cell (rSOC) with an offshore wind turbine is investigated to evaluate the mutual benefits in terms of local energy management. This integrated system has been simulated with a dynamic model under a control algorithm which manages the rSOC operation in relation to the wind resource implementing a local hydrogen storage with a double function: (i) assure power supply to the wind turbine auxiliary systems dur Read More
Development of a Reliable Simulation Framework for Techno-economic Analyses on Green Hydrogen Production from Wind Farms using Alkaline Electrolyzers
Mar 2024
Publication
The present study investigates the feasibility of coupling the intermittent electric power generation from a wind farm with alkaline electrolyzers to produce green hydrogen. A physically accurate model of commercial elec trolytic modules has been first developed accounting for conversion efficiency drop due to modules’ cool down effects of shutdowns due to the intermittence of wind power and voltage degradation over the working time frame. The mod Read More
Environmental Implications and Levelized Cost Analysis of E-fuel Production under Photovoltaic Energy, Direct Air Capture, and Hydrogen
Jan 2024
Publication
The ecological transition in the transport sector is a major challenge to tackle environmental pollution and European legislation will mandate zero-emission new cars from 2035. To reduce the impact of petrol and diesel vehicles much emphasis is being placed on the potential use of synthetic fuels including electrofuels (e-fuels). This research aims to examine a levelised cost (LCO) analysis of e-fuel production where the energy source is renewable. Th Read More
Energy Consumption and Saved Emissions of a Hydrogen Power System for Ultralight Aviation: A Case Study
Jul 2024
Publication
The growing concern about climate change and the contemporary increase in mobility requirements call for faster cheaper safer and cleaner means of transportation. The retrofitting of fossil-fueled piston engine ultralight aerial vehicles to hydrogen power systems is an option recently proposed in this direction. The goal of this investigation is a comparative analysis of the environmental impact of conventional and hydrogen-based propulsive syst Read More
Techno-Economic Analysis of Clean Hydrogen Production Plants in Sicily: Comparison of Distributed and Centralized Production
Jul 2024
Publication
This paper presents an assessment of the levelized cost of clean hydrogen produced in Sicily a region in Southern Italy particularly rich in renewable energy and where nearly 50% of Italy’s refineries are located making a comparison between on-site production that is near the end users who will use the hydrogen and centralized production comparing the costs obtained by employing the two types of electrolyzers already commercially available. In the study Read More
Optimal Design of Hydrogen Delivery Infrastructure for Multi-sector End Uses at Regional Scale
Jul 2024
Publication
Hydrogen is a promising solution for the decarbonisation of several hard-to-abate end uses which are mainly in the industrial and transport sectors. The development of an extensive hydrogen delivery infrastructure is essential to effectively activate and deploy a hydrogen economy connecting production storage and demand. This work adopts a mixed-integer linear programming model to study the cost-optimal design of a future hydrogen infrastru Read More
Merging the Green-H2 Production with Carbon Recycling for Stepping Towards the Carbon Cyclic Economy
Jan 2024
Publication
Hydrogen Economy and Cyclic Economy are advocated together with the use of perennial (solar wind hydro geo-power SWHG) and renewable (biomass) energy sources for defossilizing anthropic activities and mitigating climate change. Each option has intrinsic limits that prevent a stand-alone success in reaching the target. Humans have recycled goods (metals water paper and now plastics) to a different extent since very long time. Recycling carb Read More
Energy Storage in Urban Areas: The Role of Energy Storage Facilities, a Review
Feb 2024
Publication
Positive Energy Districts can be defined as connected urban areas or energy-efficient and flexible buildings which emit zero greenhouse gases and manage surpluses of renewable energy production. Energy storage is crucial for providing flexibility and supporting renewable energy integration into the energy system. It can balance centralized and distributed energy generation while contributing to energy security. Energy storage can respond to supple Read More
Towards Sustainable Hydrogen Production: An Integrated Approach for Sustainability, Complexity, and Systems Thinking in the Energy Sector
Mar 2024
Publication
The energy sector constitutes a dynamic and complex system indicating that its actions are influenced not just by its individual components but also by the emergent behavior resulting from interactions among them. Moreover there are crucial limitations of previous approaches for addressing the sustainability challenge of the energy sector. Changing transforming and integrating paradigms are the most relevant leverage points for transforming a given Read More
Renewable Electricity and Green Hydrogen Integration for Decarbonization of “Hard-to-Abate” Industrial Sectors
Jul 2024
Publication
This paper investigates hydrogen’s potential to accelerate the energy transition in hardto-abate sectors such as steel petrochemicals glass cement and paper. The goal is to assess how hydrogen produced from renewable sources can foster both industrial decarbonization and the expansion of renewable energy installations especially solar and wind. Hydrogen’s dual role as a fuel and a chemical agent for process innovation is explored with a focus Read More
Numerical Investigations of Hydrogen Release and Dispersion Due to Silane Decomposition in a Ventilated Container
Sep 2023
Publication
In recent years new chemical release agents based on silane are being used in the tire industry. Silane is an inorganic chemical compound consisting of a silicon backbone and hydrogen. Silanes can be thermally decomposed into high-purity silicon and hydrogen. If silane is stored and transported in Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) equipped with safety valves in vented semi-confined spaces such as ISO-Containers hydrogen can be accumul Read More
Functional Resonance Analysis for Emerging Risks in Hydrogen Handling: An Analysis of an Experimental Test
Oct 2024
Publication
Hydrogen is on the rise as a substitute for fossil fuel in the energy sector. While this substitution does not happen dramatically the steady increase in hydrogen related research might be a good indicator of such desire. As it stands there are issues regarding its safe handling and use; consequently the health and safety subsectors observe the situation conspicuously. As we yet to know the behavior of hydrogen in critical situations uncertainties make the Read More
Computational Predictions of Hydrogen-assisted Fatigue Crack Growth
May 2024
Publication
A new model is presented to predict hydrogen-assisted fatigue. The model combines a phase field description of fracture and fatigue stress-assisted hydrogen diffusion and a toughness degradation formulation with cyclic and hydrogen contributions. Hydrogen-assisted fatigue crack growth predictions exhibit an excellent agreement with experiments over all the scenarios considered spanning multiple load ratios H2 pressures and loading frequen Read More
Exploiting the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Technology for Green Hydrogen Production and Storage: Exergo-economic Analysis
Nov 2024
Publication
This study presents and analyses three plant configurations of the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) technology. All the solutions are based on using the OTEC system to obtain hydrogen through an electrolyzer. The hydrogen is then compressed and stored. In the first and second layouts a Rankine cycle with ammonia and a mixture of water and ethanol is utilised respectively; in the third layout a Kalina cycle is considered. In each configuration the Read More
Simulation of DDT in Obstructed Channels: Wavy Channels vs. Fence-type Obstacles
Sep 2023
Publication
The capabilities of an OpenFOAM solver to reproduce the transition of stoichiometric H2-air mixtures to detonation in obstructed 2-D channels were tested. The process is challenging numerically as it involves the ignition of a flame kernel its subsequent propagation and acceleration interaction with obstacles formation of shock waves ahead and detonation onset (DO). Two different obstacle configurations were considered in 10-mm high × 1-m long cha Read More
Italian Offshore Platform and Depleted Reservoir Conversion in the Energy Transition Perspective
Aug 2023
Publication
New hypotheses for reusing platforms reaching their end-of-life have been investigated in several works discussing the potential conversions of these infrastructures from recreational tourism to fish farming. In this perspective paper we discuss the conversion options that could be of interest in the context of the current energy transition with reference to the off-shore Italian scenario. The study was developed in support of the development of a natio Read More
The Use of Hydrogen as Alternative Fuel for Ship Propulsion: A Case Study of Full and Partial Retrofitting of Roll-on/Roll-off Vessels for Short Distance Routes
Oct 2023
Publication
Roll-on/Roll-Off (Ro-Ro) vessels including those without and with passenger accommodation Roll-on/roll-off passenger (Ro-Pax) can be totally or partially retrofitted to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in maritime transport not only during hoteling operation at the dock but also during service. This study is based on data of the vessel routes connecting the Port of Piombino to the Elba Island in Italy. Three retrofitting scenarios have been consi Read More
Multi-objective Optimization of a Hydrogen Supply Chain Network: Wind and Solid Biomass as Primary Energy Sources for the Public Transport in Sicily
Jun 2024
Publication
Europe’s heavy reliance on diesel power for nearly half of its railway lines for both goods and passengers has significant implications for carbon emissions. To address this challenge the European Union advocates for a shift towards hydrogen-based mobility necessitating the development of robust and cost-effective hydrogen supply chains at regional and national levels. Leveraging renewable energy sources such as wind farms and solid biomass could foster t Read More
Review of Reforming Processes for the Production of Green Hydrogen from Landfill Gas
Dec 2024
Publication
The growing challenges of climate change the depletion of fossil fuel reserves and the urgent need for carbon-neutral energy solutions have intensified the focus on renewable energy. In this perspective the generation of green hydrogen from renewable sources like biogas/landfill gas (LFG) offers an intriguing option providing the dual benefits of a sustainable hydrogen supply and enhanced waste management through energy innovation and valorization Read More
Assessing the Potential of Hybrid Systems with Batteries, Fuel Cells and E-Fuels for Onboard Generation and Propulsion in Pleasure Vessels
Dec 2024
Publication
Electro-fuels (E-fuels) represent a potential solution for decarbonizing the maritime sector including pleasure vessels. Due to their large energy requirements direct electrification is not currently feasible. E-fuels such as synthetic diesel methanol ammonia methane and hydrogen can be used in existing internal combustion engines or fuel cells in hybrid configurations with lithium batteries to provide propulsion and onboard electricity. This study confirms th Read More
Evaluation of CNG Engine Conversion to Hydrogen Fuel for Stationary and Transient Operations
Dec 2024
Publication
This study investigates the use of hydrogen (H2 ) as a substitute for compressed natural gas (CNG) in a heavyduty (HD) six-cylinder engine focusing on both port fuel injection (PFI) and direct injection (DI) systems. Numerical modeling in a 0D/1D environment was employed simulating engine operation under stationary conditions and during the worldwide harmonized transient cycle (WHTC) and worldwide harmonized vehicle cycle (WHVC) homologation Read More
Enhancing Heavy Duty Vehicle Hydrogen Refuelling by Alternative Approach to SAE J2601/2 Protocol and Flow Dynamics
Dec 2024
Publication
This paper analyzes the hydrogen refueling process for heavy-duty vehicles according to the SAE J2601/2 protocol. Attention is paid to two key aspects of the protocol that affect the refueling process: treatment of the storage system from a thermodynamic and geometric point of view and the maximum deliverable flow rate of the station in the refueling process. The effect of the ratio of the inner diameter to the inner length of the total volume on the refuelin Read More
Experimental Investigation on the Optimal Injection and Combustion Phasing for a Direct Injection Hydrogen-fuelled Internal Combustion Engine for Heavy-duty Applications
Dec 2024
Publication
In the current context of increasing demand for clean transportation hydrogen usage in internal combustion engines (ICEs) represents a viable solution to abate all engine-out criteria pollutants and almost zeroing CO2 tailpipe emissions. Indeed the wider flammability limits thanks to the higher flame propagation speed and the lower minimum ignition energy compared with conventional fuels extend the stable combustion regime to leaner mixtures thus allo Read More
A Pan-Asian Energy Transition? The New Rationale for Decarbonization Policies in the World’s Largest Energy Exporting Countries: A Case Study of Qatar and Other GCC Countries
Jul 2024
Publication
Climate change has become a major agenda item in international relations and in national energy policy-making circles around the world. This review studies the surprising evolution of the energy policy and more particularly the energy transition currently happening in the Arabian Gulf region which features some of the world’s largest exporters of oil and gas. Qatar Saudi Arabia and other neighboring energy exporters plan to export blue and green hydroge Read More
Regional Disparities and Strategic Implications of Hydrogen Production in 27 European Countries
Aug 2024
Publication
This study examines hydrogen production across 27 European countries highlighting disparities due to varying energy policies and industrial capacities. Germany leads with 109 plants followed by Poland France Italy and the UK. Mid-range contributors like the Netherlands Spain Sweden and Belgium also show substantial investments. Countries like Finland Norway Austria and Denmark known for their renewable energy policies have fewer plants while Est Read More
Assessment of the Role of the Green Hydrogen as the Commodity Enabling a New Green Dialogue Among the Mediterranean Shores
Apr 2024
Publication
The Mediterranean basin has been characterized by a net flow of fossil commodities from the North African shore to Southern Europe and the Middle East for decades; however decarbonizing the energy system implies to substantially modify this situation turning the current “black dialogue” into a “green dialogue” (i.e. based on the exchange of renewable electricity and green hydrogen). This paper presents a feasibility study conducted to estimate the potent Read More
Hydrogen in Natural Gas Grids: Prospects and Recommendations About Gas Flow Meters
Aug 2024
Publication
To inject green hydrogen (H2) into the existing natural gas (NG) infrastructure is one way to decarbonize the European energy system. However asset readiness is necessary to be successful. Preliminary analysis and experimental results about the compatibility of hydrogen and natural gas mixtures (H2NG) with the actual gas grids make the scientific community confident about the feasibility. Nevertheless specific technical questions need more resear Read More
Review of the Hydrogen Supply Chain and Use in Africa
Oct 2024
Publication
The high potential in renewable energy sources (RES) and the availability of strategic minerals for green hydrogen technologies place Africa in a promising position for the development of a climate-compatible economy leveraging on hydrogen. This study reviews the potential hydrogen value chain in Africa considering production and final uses while addressing perspectives on policies possible infrastructures and facilities for hydrogen logistics. Throug Read More
Hydrogen Refueling Station Cost Model Applied to Five Real Case Studies for Fuel Cell buses
Oct 2021
Publication
Hydrogen Refueling Stations (HRS) are a key infrastructure to the successful deployment of hydrogen mobility. Their cost-effectiveness will represent an increasingly crucial issue considering the foreseen growth of vehicle fleets from few captive fleets to large-scale penetration of hydrogen vehicles. In this context a detailed component-oriented cost model is important to assess HRS costs for different design concepts layout schemes and possible cus Read More
China and Italy’s Energy Development Trajectories: Current Landscapes and Future Cooperation Potential
Feb 2024
Publication
In order to achieve the ambitious goal of “carbon neutrality” countries around the world are striving to develop clean energy. Against this background this paper takes China and Italy as representatives of developing and developed countries to summarize the energy structure composition and development overview of the two countries. The paper analyzes the serious challenges facing the future energy development of both countries and investigates Read More
Power Converters for Green Hydrogen: State of the Art and Perspectives
Nov 2024
Publication
This paper provides a comprehensive review and outlook on power converters devised for supplying polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzers from photovoltaic sources. The produced hydrogen known as green hydrogen is a promising solution to mitigate the dependence on fossil fuels. The main topologies of power conversion systems are discussed and classified; a loss analysis emphasizes the issues concerning the electrolyzer supply. The Read More
Techno-economic Feasibility of Integrating Hybrid-battery Hydrogen Energy Storage in Academic Buildings
Apr 2024
Publication
Green hydrogen production and storage are vital in mitigating carbon emissions and sustainable transition. However the high investment cost and management requirements are the bottleneck of utilizing hybrid hydrogen-based systems in microgrids. Given the necessity of cost-effective and optimal design of these systems the present study examines techno-economic feasibility of integrating hybrid hydrogen-based systems into an outdoor tes Read More
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