Applications & Pathways
Efficiency, Economic and Environmental Impact Assessment of a Newly Developed Rail Engine using Hydrogen and Other Sustainable Fuel Blends
Jan 2023
Publication
Locomotives still use antiqued engines such as internal combustion engines operated by fossil fuels which cause global warming due to their significant emissions. This paper continues investigating the newly hybridized locomotive engine containing a gas turbine system solid oxide fuel cell system energy saving system and on-board hydrogen production system. This new engine is operated using five fuel blends composed of five alternative fuels such as hydrogen methane methanol ethanol and dimethyl ether. The current investigation involves exergy analysis exergo-economic analysis and exergo-environmental analysis to assess the engine from three perspectives: efficiency/irreversibility cost and environmental impact. The study results show that the net power of this new engine is 4948.6 kW and it has an exergetic efficiency of 62.7% according to the fuel and product principle. This engine weighs about 9 tons and costs about $10.2M with a levelized cost rate of 147 $/h and 14.06 mPt/h of overall component-related environmental rate. The average overall specific fuel and product exergy costs are about 37 $/GJ and 60 $/GJ and the minimum values are 13.3 $/GJ and 21.8 $/GJ using methane and hydrogen blend respectively. Also the average overall specific fuel and product exergo-environmental impact are about 15 and 23 mPt/MJ respectively. The on-board hydrogen production has an average exergy cost of 274 $/GJ and an environmental impact of 52 mPt/MJ. Hydrogen blended with methane or methanol is found to be more economic and has less environmental impact.
A Review of the Role of Hydrogen in the Heat Decarbonization of Future Energy Systems: Insights and Perspectives
Apr 2024
Publication
Hydrogen is an emerging technology changing the context of heating with cleaner combustion than traditional fossil fuels. Studies indicate the potential to repurpose the existing natural gas infrastructure offering consumers a sustainable economically viable option in the future. The integration of hydrogen in combined heat and power systems could provide residential energy demand and reduce environmental emissions. However the widespread adoption of hydrogen will face several challenges such as carbon dioxide emissions from the current production methods and the need for infrastructure modification for transport and safety. Researchers indicated the viability of hydrogen in decarbonizing heat while some studies also challenged its long-term role in the future of heating. In this paper a comprehensive literature review is carried out by identifying the following key aspects which could impact the conclusion on the overall role of hydrogen in heat decarbonization: (i) a holistic view of the energy system considering factors such as renewable integration and system balancing; (ii) consumer-oriented approaches often overlook the broader benefits of hydrogen in emission reduction and grid stability; (iii) carbon capture and storage scalability is a key factor for large-scale production of low-emission blue hydrogen; (iv) technological improvements could increase the cost-effectiveness of hydrogen; (v) the role of hydrogen in enhancing resilience especially during extreme weather conditions raises the potential of hydrogen as a flexible asset in the energy infrastructure for future energy supply; and finally when considering the UK as a basis case (vi) incorporating factors such as the extensive gas network and unique climate conditions necessitates specific strategies.
Prospects of Fuel Cell Combined Heat and Power Systems
Aug 2020
Publication
Combined heat and power (CHP) in a single and integrated device is concurrent or synchronized production of many sources of usable power typically electric as well as thermal. Integrating combined heat and power systems in today’s energy market will address energy scarcity global warming as well as energy-saving problems. This review highlights the system design for fuel cell CHP technologies. Key among the components discussed was the type of fuel cell stack capable of generating the maximum performance of the entire system. The type of fuel processor used was also noted to influence the systemic performance coupled with its longevity. Other components equally discussed was the power electronics. The thermal and water management was also noted to have an effect on the overall efficiency of the system. Carbon dioxide emission reduction reduction of electricity cost and grid independence were some notable advantages associated with fueling cell combined heat and power systems. Despite these merits the high initial capital cost is a key factor impeding its commercialization. It is therefore imperative that future research activities are geared towards the development of novel and cheap materials for the development of the fuel cell which will transcend into a total reduction of the entire system. Similarly robust systemic designs should equally be an active research direction. Other types of fuel aside hydrogen should equally be explored. Proper risk assessment strategies and documentation will similarly expand and accelerate the commercialization of this novel technology. Finally public sensitization of the technology will also make its acceptance and possible competition with existing forms of energy generation feasible. The work in summary showed that proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEM fuel cell) operated at a lower temperature-oriented cogeneration has good efficiency and is very reliable. The critical issue pertaining to these systems has to do with the complication associated with water treatment. This implies that the balance of the plant would be significantly affected; likewise the purity of the gas is crucial in the performance of the system. An alternative to these systems is the PEM fuel cell systems operated at higher temperatures.
Green Steel: Synergies between the Australian Iron Ore Industry and the Production of Green Industry
May 2023
Publication
Green steel produced using renewable energy and hydrogen presents a promising avenue to decarbonize steel manufacturing and expand the hydrogen industry. Australia endowed with abundant renewable resources and iron ore deposits is ideally placed to support this global effort. This paper's two-step analytical approach offers the first comprehensive assessment of Australia's potential to develop green steel as a value-added export commodity. The Economic Fairways modelling reveals a strong alignment between prospective hydrogen hubs and current and future iron ore operations enabling shared infrastructure development and first-mover advantages. By employing a site-based system optimization that integrates both wind and solar power sources the cost of producing green steel could decrease significantly to around AU$900 per tonne by 2030 and AU$750 per tonne by 2050. Moreover replacing 1% of global steel production would require 35 GW of well-optimized wind and solar photovoltaics 11 GW of hydrogen electrolysers and 1000 square kilometres of land. Sensitivity analysis further indicates that iron ore prices would exert a long-term influence on green steel prices. Overall this study highlights the opportunities and challenges facing the Australian iron ore industry in contributing to the decarbonization of the global steel sector underscoring the crucial role of government support in driving the growth and development of the green steel industry.
Study on Hydrogen in Ports and Industrial Coastal Areas - Report 1
Jan 2023
Publication
The study feeds into the work of the Global Hydrogen Ports Coalition launched at the latest Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM12). This important international initiative brings together ports from around the world to work together on hydrogen technologies. The planned study will be a comprehensive assessment of the hydrogen demand in ports and industrial coastal areas enabling the creation of a 'European Hydrogen Ports Roadmap'. It will also feature clear economic forecasts based on a variety of business models for the transition to renewable hydrogen in ports while presenting new case studies and project concepts. “The objective is to provide new directions for research and innovation guidance for regulation codes and standards and proposals on policy and regulation. The forthcoming study will also help create impetus for stakeholders to come together and take a long term perspective on the hydrogen transition in ports. Finally the study will be a centralized resource It will form a Europe wide hydrogen ports ' when combined with roadmaps and other materials created by individual ports.
Assessment of the Co-combustion Process of Ammonia with Hydrogen in a Research VCR Piston Engine
Oct 2022
Publication
The presented work concerns experimental research of a spark-ignition engine with variable compression ratio (VCR) adapted to dual-fuel operation in which co-combustion of ammonia with hydrogen was conducted and the energy share of hydrogen varied from 0% to 70%. The research was aimed at assessing the impact of the energy share of hydrogen co-combusted with ammonia on the performance stability and emissions of an engine operating at a compression ratio of 8 (CR 8) and 10 (CR 10). The operation of the engine powered by ammonia alone for both CR 8 and CR 10 is associated with either a complete lack of ignition in a significant number of cycles or with significantly delayed ignition and the related low value of the maximum pressure pmax. Increasing the energy share of hydrogen in the fuel to 12% allows to completely eliminate the instability of the ignition process in the combustible mixture which is confirmed by a decrease in the IMEP uniqueness and a much lower pmax dispersion. For 12% of the energy share of hydrogen co-combusted with ammonia the most favorable course of the combustion process was obtained the highest engine efficiency and the highest IMEP value were recorded. The conducted research shows that increasing the H2 share causes an increase in NO emissions for both analyzed compression ratios
Optimized Design and Control of an Off Grid solar PV/hydrogen Fuel Cell Power System for Green Buildings
Sep 2017
Publication
Modelling simulation optimization and control strategies are used in this study to design a stand-alone solar PV/Fuel Cell/Battery/Generator hybrid power system to serve the electrical load of a commercial building. The main objective is to design an off grid energy system to meet the desired electric load of the commercial building with high renewable fraction low emissions and low cost of energy. The goal is to manage the energy consumption of the building reduce the associate cost and to switch from grid-tied fossil fuel power system to an off grid renewable and cleaner power system. Energy audit was performed in this study to determine the energy consumption of the building. Hourly simulations modelling and optimization were performed to determine the performance and cost of the hybrid power configurations using different control strategies. The results show that the hybrid off grid solar PV/Fuel Cell/Generator/Battery/Inverter power system offers the best performance for the tested system architectures. From the total energy generated from the off grid hybrid power system 73% is produced from the solar PV 24% from the fuel cell and 3% from the backup Diesel generator. The produced power is used to meet all the AC load of the building without power shortage (<0.1%). The hybrid power system produces 18.2% excess power that can be used to serve the thermal load of the building. The proposed hybrid power system is sustainable economically viable and environmentally friendly: High renewable fraction (66.1%) low levelized cost of energy (92 $/MWh) and low carbon dioxide emissions (24 kg CO2/MWh) are achieved.
Techno-Economic Evaluation of Hydrogen-Based Cooking Solutions in Remote African Communities—The Case of Kenya
Apr 2023
Publication
Hydrogen has recently been proposed as a versatile energy carrier to contribute to archiving universal access to clean cooking. In hard-to-reach rural settings decentralized produced hydrogen may be utilized (i) as a clean fuel via direct combustion in pure gaseous form or blended with Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) or (ii) via power-to-hydrogen-to-power (P2H2P) to serve electric cooking (e-cooking) appliances. Here we present the first techno-economic evaluation of hydrogen-based cooking solutions. We apply mathematical optimization via energy system modeling to assess the minimal cost configuration of each respective energy system on technical and economic measures under present and future parameters. We further compare the potential costs of cooking for the end user with the costs of cooking with traditional fuels. Today P2H2P-based e-cooking and production of hydrogen for utilization via combustion integrated into the electricity supply system have almost equal energy system costs to simultaneously satisfy the cooking and electricity needs of the isolated rural Kenyan village studied. P2H2P-based e-cooking might become advantageous in the near future when improving the energy efficiency of e-cooking appliances. The economic efficiency of producing hydrogen for utilization by end users via combustion benefits from integrating the water electrolysis into the electricity supply system. More efficient and cheaper hydrogen technologies expected by 2050 may improve the economic performance of integrated hydrogen production and utilization via combustion to be competitive with P2H2P-based e-cooking. The monthly costs of cooking per household may be lower than the traditional use of firewood and charcoal even today when applying the current life-line tariff for the electricity consumed or utilizing hydrogen via combustion. Driven by likely future technological improvements and the expected increase in traditional and fossil fuel prices any hydrogen-based cooking pathway may be cheaper for end users than using charcoal and firewood by 2030 and LPG by 2040. The results suggest that providing clean cooking in rural villages could economically and environmentally benefit from utilizing hydrogen. However facing the complexity of clean cooking projects we emphasize the importance of embedding the results of our techno-economic analysis in holistic energy delivery models. We propose useful starting points for future aspects to be investigated in the discussion section including business and financing models.
Power Balance Control and Dimensioning of a Hybrid Off-grid Energy system for a Nordic Climate Townhouse
Mar 2023
Publication
This paper investigates conversion of a Nordic oil-heated townhouse into carbon-neutral by different energy efficiency (EE) improvements and an off-grid system including solar photovoltaics (PV) wind power and battery and hydrogen energy storage systems (BESS and HESS). A heat-pump-based heating system including waste heat recovery (WHR) from the HESS and an off-grid electrical system are dimensioned for the building by applying models developed in MATLAB and Microsoft Excel to study the life cycle costs (LCC). The work uses a measured electrical load profile and the heat generation of the new heating system and the power generation are simulated by commercial software. It is shown that the EE improvements and WHR from the HESS have a positive effect on the dimensioning of the off-grid system and the LCC can be reduced by up to €2 million. With the EE improvements and WHR the component dimensioning can be reduced by 22%–41% and 13%–51% on average respectively. WHR can cover up to 57% of the building's annual heat demand and full-power dimensioning of the heat pump is not reasonable when WHR is applied. Wind power was found to be very relevant in the Nordic conditions reducing the LCC by 32%.
Configuration Optimization of Hydrogen-Based Multi-Microgrid Systems under Electricity Market Trading and Different Hydrogen Production Strategies
Apr 2023
Publication
Hydrogen-based multi-microgrid systems (HBMMSs) are beneficial for energy saving and emission reductions. However the optimal sizing of HBMMSs lacks a practical configuration optimization model and a reasonable solution method. To address these problems we designed a novel structure of HBMMSs that combines conventional energy renewable energy and a hydrogen energy subsystem. Then we established a bi-level multi-objective capacity optimization model while considering electricity market trading and different hydrogen production strategies. The objective of the inner model which is the minimum annual operation cost and the three objectives of the outer model which are the minimum total annual cost (TAC); the annual carbon emission (ACE); and the maximum self-sufficiency rate (SSR) are researched simultaneously. To solve the above optimization model a two-stage solution method which considers the conflicts between objectives and the objectivity of objective weights is proposed. Finally a case study is performed. The results show that when green hydrogen production strategies are adopted the three objectives of the best configuration optimization scheme are USD 404.987 million 1.106 million tons and 0.486 respectively.
The Potential Role of Flying Vehicles in Progressing the Energy Transition
Oct 2022
Publication
An energy transition is in progress around the globe notably led by an increase in the deployment of renewable energy and a shift toward less emissions-intense options notably in the transportation sector. This research investigates the potential role that new transportation options namely flying vehicles may play toward progressing the energy transition. As flying vehicles are a relatively new technology yet to penetrate the market it is also prudent to consider the ethical legal and social issues (ELSI) associated with their implementation alongside the potential energy and environmental impacts. Through a review of ELSI and energy and environmental literature we identify research gaps and identify how flying vehicles may impact upon the energy transition over time. Our research identifies several critical aspects of both ELSI and energy and environmental academia relevant to the future deployment of flying vehicles and describes a deployment timeline and the resultant societal outcomes. We find that flying vehicles could drive the energy transition and the hydrogen economy and that their widespread adoption could engender shared socio-environmental benefits. Our findings are relevant to transportation and environmental policymakers and identify critical considerations for the planned introduction of new shared transportation options to the market conducive to a sustainable energy transition.
Development and Testing of a 100 kW Fuel-flexible Micro Gas Turbine Running on 100% Hydrogen
Jun 2023
Publication
Hydrogen as a carbon-free energy carrier has emerged as a crucial component in the decarbonization of the energy system serving as both an energy storage option and fuel for dispatchable power generation to mitigate the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. However the unique physical and combustion characteristics of hydrogen which differ from conventional gaseous fuels such as biogas and natural gas present new challenges that must be addressed. To fully integrate hydrogen as an energy carrier in the energy system the development of low-emission and highly reliable technologies capable of handling hydrogen combustion is imperative. This study presents a ground-breaking achievement - the first successful test of a micro gas turbine running on 100% hydrogen with NOx emissions below the standard limits. Furthermore the combustor of the micro gas turbine demonstrates exceptional fuel flexibility allowing for the use of various blends of hydrogen biogas and natural gas covering a wide range of heating values. In addition to a comprehensive presentation of the test rig and its instrumentation this paper illuminates the challenges of hydrogen combustion and offers real-world operational data from engine operation with 100% hydrogen and its blends with methane.
Hydrogen Combustion, Production, and Applications: A Review
May 2024
Publication
The demand for fossil fuels is rising rapidly leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen has emerged as a promising clean energy alternative that could help meet future demands way sustainably especially if produced using renewable methods. For hydrogen to meaningfully contribute to energy transitions it needs more integration into sectors like transportation buildings and power that currently have minimal hydrogen usage. This requires developing extensive cross-sector hydrogen infrastructure. This review examines hydrogen combustion as a fuel by exploring and comparing production techniques enriching ammonia with hydrogen as a CO2-free option and hydrogen applications in engines. Additionally a techno-economic environmental risk analysis is discussed. Results showed steam methane reforming is the most established and cost-effective production method at $1.3–1.5/kg H2 and 70–85% efficiency but generates CO2. Biomass gasification costs $1.25–2.20/kg H2 and pyrolysis $1.77–2.05/kg H2 offering renewable options. However bio-photolysis currently has high costs of $1.42–2.13/kg H2 due to low conversion rates requiring large reactors. Blending H2/NH3 could enable carbon-free combustion aiding carbon neutrality pursuits but minimizing resultant NOx is crucial. Hydrogen’s wide uses from transportation to power underline its potential as a transformational energy carrier.
A Review of Hydrogen-based Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems: Simulation and Optimization with Artificial Intelligence
Nov 2021
Publication
With the massive use of traditional fossil fuels greenhouse gas emissions are increasing and environmental pollution is becoming an increasingly serious problem which led to an imminent energy transition. Therefore the development and application of renewable energy are particularly important. This paper reviews a wide range of issues associated with hybrid renewable energy systems (HRESs). The issues concerning system configurations energy storage options simulation and optimization with artificial intelligence are discussed in detail. Storage technology options are introduced for stand-alone (off-grid) and grid-connected (on-grid) HRESs. Different optimization methodologies including classical techniques intelligent techniques hybrid techniques and software tools for sizing system components are presented. Besides the artificial intelligence methods for optimizing the solar/wind HRESs are discussed in detail.
A Study on the Viability of Fuel Cells as an Alternative to Diesel Fuel Generators on Ships
Jul 2023
Publication
This study investigates methods for reducing air pollution in the shipping sector particularly in port areas. The study examines the use of fuel cells as an alternative to diesel generators. Environmental pollution at ports remains a critical issue so using fuel cells as an alternative to conventional energy systems warrants further research. This study compares commercial fuel cell types that can be used on a case study very large crude carrier (VLCC) vessel specifically although the technology is applicable to other vessels and requirements. Seven different fuel cell types were ranked based on five criteria to accomplish this. The proton-exchange membrane cell type was found to be the most suitable fuel cell type for the case study vessel. Based on the input fuel ammonia-based hydrogen storage has been identified as the most promising option along with using an ammonia reforming unit to produce pure hydrogen. Furthermore this study provides an integrated fuel cell module and highlights the economic environmental and maintenance aspects of implementing the proton-exchange membrane fuel cell module for this case study. It also calculates the required space as a crucial constraint of implementing fuel cell technology at sea.
Technology Transfer from Fuel Processing for Fuel Cells to Fuel Synthesis from Hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide
Aug 2023
Publication
Improving the energy efficiency of existing technologies such as the on-board power supply of trucks ships and aircraft is an important endeavor for reducing primary energy consumption. The approach consists of using fuel cell technology in conjunction with hydrogen production from liquid fuels. However the energy transition with the goal of complete climate-neutrality requires technological changes in the use of hydrogen produced from renewable energy via electrolysis. Synthetic fuels are an important building block for drive systems that will continue to require liquid energy carriers in the future due to their range. This study addresses the question of whether technical devices that were developed for the generation of hydrogen from liquid fuels for fuel cells to generate electricity are now suitable for the reverse process chain or can play an important role in it. The new process chain produces hydrogen from sustainable electricity combining it with carbon dioxide to create a synthetic liquid fuel.
Evaluating Hydrogen-based Electricity Generation using the Concept of Total Efficiency
Aug 2023
Publication
The popularity of hydrogen has been increasing globally as a promising sustainable energy source. However hydrogen needs to be produced and processed before it can be used in the energy sector. This paper uses total efficiency to evaluate the lifecycle of hydrogen-driven power generation. Total efficiency introduces the energy requirement of fuel preparation in conventional efficiency and is a reliable method to fairly compare different energy sources. Two case studies in Spain and Germany with nine scenarios each are defined to study different hydrogen-preparation routes. The scenarios include the main colors of hydrogen production (grey turquoise yellow and green) and different combinations of processing and transportation choices. In most cases the highest energy penalty in the overall preparation process of the fuel is linked to the production step. A large difference is found between fossil fuel-based hydrogen and green hydrogen derived from excess renewable energy with fossil fuel-based hydrogen resulting in significantly lower total efficiencies compared to green hydrogen. The use of natural gas as the primary source to generate hydrogen is found to be a critical factor affecting total efficiency particularly in cases where the gas must be transported from far away. This shows the value of using excess renewable energy in the production of hydrogen instead of grid power. Even in the most efficient scenario of green hydrogen studied total efficiency was found to be 7 % lower than the respective conventional efficiency that does not account for hydrogen generation. These results emphasize the importance of considering the impact of fuel preparation stages in comparative thermodynamic analyses and evaluations.
LCA of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Considering Different Power System Architectures
Sep 2023
Publication
Fuel cell electric vehicles are a promising solution for reducing the environmental impacts of the automotive sector; however there are still some key points to address in finding the most efficient and less impactful implementation of this technology. In this work three electrical architectures of fuel cell electric vehicles were modeled and compared in terms of the environmental impacts of their manufacturing and use phases. The three architectures differ in terms of the number and position of the DC/DC converters connecting the battery and the fuel cell to the electric motor. The life cycle assessment methodology was employed to compute and compare the impacts of the three vehicles. A model of the production of the main components of vehicles and fuel cell stacks as well as of the production of hydrogen fuel was constructed and the impacts were calculated using the program SimaPro. Eleven impact categories were considered when adopting the ReCiPe 2016 midpoint method and the EF (adapted) method was exploited for a final comparison. The results highlighted the importance of the converters and their influence on fuel consumption which was identified as the main factor in the comparison of the environmental impacts of the vehicle.
Integration of Air-cooled Multi-stack Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Systems into Renewable Microgrids
May 2022
Publication
Currently there is a growing interest in increasing the power range of air-cooled fuel cells (ACFCs) as they are cheaper easier to use and maintain than water-cooled fuel cells (WCFCs). However air-cooled stacks are only available up to medium power (<10 kW). Therefore a good solution may be the development of ACFCs consisting of several stacks until the required power output is reached. This is the concept of air-cooled multi-stack fuel cell (AC-MSFC). The objective of this work is to develop a turnkey solution for the integration of AC-MSFCs in renewable microgrids specifically those with high-voltage DC (HVDC) bus. This is challenging because the AC-MSFCs must operate in the microgrid as a single ACFC with adjustable power depending on the number of stacks in operation. To achieve this the necessary power converter (ACFCs operate at low voltages so high conversion rates are required) and control loops must be developed. Unlike most designs in the literature the proposed solution is compact forming a system (AC-MSFCS) with a single input (hydrogen) and a single output (high voltage regulated power or voltage) that can be easily integrated into any microgrid and easily scalable depending on the power required. The developed AC-MSFCS integrates stacks balance of plant data acquisition and instrumentation power converters and local controllers. In addition a virtual instrument (VI)has been developed which connected to the energy management system (EMS) of the microgrid allows monitoring of the entire AC-MSFCS (operating temperature purging cell voltage monitoring for degradation evaluation stacks operating point control and alarm and event management) as well as serving as a user interface. This allows the EMS to know the degradation of each stack and to carry out energy distribution strategies or specific maintenance actions which improves efficiency lifespan and of course saves costs. The experimental results have been excellent in terms of the correct operation of the developed AC-MSFCS. Likewise the accumulated degradation of the stacks was quantified showing cells with a degradation of >80%. The excellent electrical and thermal performance of the developed power converter was also validated which allowed the correct and efficient supply of regulated power (average efficiency above 90%) to the HVDC bus according to the power setpoint defined by the EMS of the microgrid.
Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cells: A Vision of our Future
Jan 2003
Publication
This report of the High Level Group for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies sets out a vision for these technologies in future sustainable energy systems - improving energy security of supply and air quality whilst mitigating climate change. The report recommends actions for developing world-class European hydrogen technologies and fostering their commercial exploitation.
Performance, Emissions, and Combustion Characteristics of a Hydrogen-Fueled Spark-Ignited Engine at Different Compression Ratios: Experimental and Numerical Investigation
Jul 2023
Publication
This paper investigates the performance of hydrogen-fueled spark-ignited single-cylinder Cooperative Fuel Research using experimental and numerical approaches. This study examines the effect of the air–fuel ratio on engine performance emissions and knock behaviour across different compression ratios. The results indicate that λ significantly affects both engine performance and emissions with a λ value of 2 yielding the highest efficiency and lowest emissions for all the tested compression ratios. Combustion analysis reveals normal combustion at λ ≥ 2 while knocking combustion occurs at λ < 2 irrespective of the tested compression ratios. The Livenwood–Wu integral approach was evaluated to assess the likelihood of end-gas autoignition based on fuel reactivity demonstrating that both normal and knocking combustion possibilities are consistent with experimental investigations. Combustion analysis at the ignition timing for maximum brake torque conditions demonstrates knock-free stable combustion up to λ = 3 with increased end-gas autoignition at lower λ values. To achieve knock-free combustion at those low λs the spark timings are significantly retarded to after top dead center crank angle position. Engine-out NOx emissions consistently increase in trend with a decrease in the air–fuel ratio of up to λ = 3 after which a distinct variation in NOx is observed with an increase in the compression ratio.
A Control Strategy Study of a Renewable CCHP Energy System Integrated Hydrogen Production Unit - A Case Study of an Industrial Park in Jiangsu Province
Aug 2023
Publication
This paper describes a renewable energy system incorporating a hydrogen production unit to address the imbalance between energy supply and demand. The system utilizes renewable energy and hydrogen production energy to release energy to fill the power gap during peak demand power supply for demand peaking and valley filling. The system is optimized by analyzing marine predator behavioral logic and optimizing the system for maximum operational efficiency and best economic value. The results of the study show that after the optimized scheduling of the hydrogen production coupled renewable energy integrated energy system using the improved marine predator optimization algorithm the energy distribution of the whole energy system is good with the primary energy saving rate maintained at 24.75% the CO2 emission reduction rate maintained at 42.32% and the cost saving rate maintained at 0.78%. In addition this paper uses the Adaboost-BP prediction model to predictively analyze the system. The results show that as the price of natural gas increases the advantages of the combined hydrogen production renewable integrated energy system proposed in this paper become more obvious and the cumulative cost over three years is better than other related systems. These research results provide an important reference for the application and development of the system.
Study on Hydrogen Substitution in a Compressed Natural Gas Spark-ignition Passenger Car Engine
Jun 2023
Publication
Hydrogen substitution in applications fueled by compressed natural gas arises as a potential alternative to fossil fuels and it may be the key to an effective hydrogen economy transition. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions especially carbon dioxide and unburned methane as hydrogen is used in transport and industry applications makes its use an attractive option for a sustainable future. The purpose of this research is to examine the gradual adoption of hydrogen as a fuel for light-duty transportation. Particularly the study focuses on evaluating the performance and emissions of a single-cylinder port fuel injection spark-ignition engine as hydrogen is progressively increased in the natural gas-based fuel blend. Results identify the optimal conditions for air dilution and engine operation parameters to achieve the best performance. They corroborate that the dilution rate has to be adjusted to control pollutant emissions as the percentage of hydrogen is increased. Moreover the study identifies the threshold for hydrogen substitution below which the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions due to efficiency gains is negligible compared to the reduction of the carbon content in the fuel blend. These findings will help reduce the environmental footprint of light-duty transportation not only in the long term but also in the short and medium terms.
A Web-based Decision Support System (DSS) for Hydrogen Refueling Station Location and Supply Chain Optimisation
Jun 2023
Publication
This study presents a novel web-based decision support system (DSS) that optimizes the locations of hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) and hydrogen supply chains (HSCs). The system is developed with a design science approach that identifies key design requirements and features through interviews and literature reviews. Based on the findings a system architecture and data model were designed incorporating scenario management optimization model visualization and data management components. The DSS provides a two-stage solution model that links demand to HRSs and production facilities to HRSs. A prototype is demonstrated with a plan for 2025 and 2030 in the Republic of Korea where 450 to 660 stations were deployed nationwide and linked to production facilities. User evaluation confirmed the effectiveness of the DSS in solving optimization problems and its potential to assist the government and municipalities in planning hydrogen infrastructure.
The Use of Hydrogen for Traction in Freight Transport: Estimating the Reduction in Fuel Consumption and Emissions in a Regional Context
Jan 2023
Publication
The Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) includes among other measures investments in hydrogen vehicle refuelling stations intending to promote the use of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) for long-haul freight transport. This paper evaluates the impact that this action could have on CO2 emissions and fuel consumption focusing on a case study of the Campania region. The proposed approach which can also be transferred to other geographical contexts requires the implementation of a freight road transport simulation model; this model is based on the construction of a supply model the estimation of road freight demand and an assignment procedure for computing traffic flows. This study covers the period from 2025 to 2040 according to the forecasts of the NRRP and some assumptions on the action effects; moreover it is assumed that hydrogen is entirely produced from renewable sources (green hydrogen). The key findings from three different scenarios show that savings between 423832 and 778538 tonnes of CO2 and between 144 and 264 million litres of diesel could be obtained.
On-site Hydrogen Refuelling Station Techno-economic Model for a Fleet of Fuel Cell Buses
May 2024
Publication
Fuel cell electric buses (FCBs) have proven to be a technically viable solution for transportation owing to various advantages such as reliability simplicity better energy efficiency and quietness of operation. However largescale adoption of FCBs is hindered by the lack of extensive and structured infrastructure and the high cost of clean hydrogen. Many studies agree that one of the significant contributors to the lack of competitiveness of green hydrogen is the cost of electricity for its production followed by transportation costs. On the one hand to reduce the investment cost of the electrolyzer high operating hours should be achieved; on the other as the number of operating hours decreases the impact of the electricity costs declines. This paper presents an innovative algorithm for a scalable hydrogen refuelling station (HRS) capable of successfully matching and identifying the most cost-efficient levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) produced via electrolysis and connected to the grid based on the HRS components’ cost curves and the hourly average electricity price profile. The objective is to identify the least-cost range of LCOH by considering both the electric energy and the investment costs associated with a hydrogen demand given by different FCB sizes and electrolyzer rated powers. In addition sensitivity analyses have been conducted to quantify the technology cost margins and a cost comparison between the refuelling of an FCB fleet and the recharging infrastructure required for an equivalent fleet of Battery Electric Buse (BEB) has been performed. An LCOH of around 10.5 €/kg varying from 12 €/kg (2 FCB) to 10.2 €/kg (30 FCB) has been found for the best-optimized configurations. The final major conclusion of this paper is that FCB technology is currently not economically competitive. Still a cost contraction of the electric energy price and the electrolyzer capital investment would lead to a 50% decrease in the LCOH. Furthermore increasing renewable energies into the grid may shift the electricity cost curve resulting in higher prices when the BEB recharging demand is more significant. This impact in addition to the peak power load and longer recharging times might contribute to bridging the gap with FCBs.
Optimal Scheduling of Power Systems with High Proportions of Renewable Energy Accounting for Operational Flexibility
Jul 2023
Publication
Yi Lin,
Wei Lin,
Wei Wu and
Zhenshan Zhu
The volatility and uncertainty of high-penetration renewable energy pose significant challenges to the stability of the power system. Current research often fails to consider the insufficient system flexibility during real-time scheduling. To address this issue this paper proposes a flexibility scheduling method for high-penetration renewable energy power systems that considers flexibility index constraints. Firstly a quantification method for flexibility resources and demands is introduced. Then considering the constraint of the flexibility margin index optimization scheduling strategies for different time scales including day-ahead scheduling and intra-day scheduling are developed with the objective of minimizing total operational costs. The intra-day optimization is divided into 15 min and 1 min time scales to meet the flexibility requirements of different time scales in the power system. Finally through simulation studies the proposed strategy is validated to enhance the system’s flexibility and economic performance. The daily operating costs are reduced by 3.1% and the wind curtailment rate is reduced by 4.7%. The proposed strategy not only considers the economic efficiency of day-ahead scheduling but also ensures a sufficient margin to cope with the uncertainty of intra-day renewable energy fluctuations.
An Economic and Greenhouse Gas Footprint Assessment of International Maritime Transportation of Hydrogen Using Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers
Apr 2023
Publication
The supply storage and (international) transport of green hydrogen (H2) are essential for the decarbonization of the energy sector. The goal of this study was to assess the final cost-price and carbon footprint of imported green H2 in the market via maritime shipping of liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) including dibenzyl toluene-perhydro-dibenzyltoluene (DBTPDBT) and toluene-methylcyclohexane (TOL-MCH) systems. The study focused on logistic steps in intra-European supply chains in different scenarios of future production in Portugal and demand in the Netherlands and carbon tariffs between 2030 and 2050. The case study is based on a formally accepted agreement between Portugal and the Netherlands within the Strategic Forum on Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI). Under the following assumptions the results show that LOHCs are a viable technical-economic solution with logistics costs from 2030 to 2050 varying between 0.30-0.37 €/kg-H2 for DBT-PDBT and 0.28-0.34 €/kg-H2 for TOL-MCH. The associated CO2 emissions of these international H2 supply chains are between 0.46 and 2.46 kg-CO2/GJ (LHV) and 0.55-2.95 kg-CO2/GJ (LHV) for DBT-PDBT and TOL-MCH respectively.
Energy and Environmental Costs in Transitioning to Zero and Low Emission Trucks for the Australian Truck Fleet: An Industry Perspective
May 2024
Publication
Modernising Australia’s old truck fleet and adopting a more stringent standard to reduce emissions and air pollutants is a primary objective for the Australian truck sector. Various strategies worldwide have been introduced to cut emissions and pollutants in the truck sector such as a low-emission strategy supported by strict diesel standards and a zero-emission strategy to shift to battery-electric or hydrogen trucks. The paper focuses on emissions and local air pollutants of trucks under various transition scenarios at both the tailpipe and the wider supply chain including domestic power generation and hydrogen production. In contrast for diesel we focus on tailpipe outputs following fuel standards in Australia given diesel is imported other than in some limited refineries. We compare and recommend actions that government and truck operators may take in the near to longer term in transitioning to cleaner energy. We tested a number of scenarios using a decision support system incorporating all the latest information on costs and emissions for all truck classes using diesel electric or hydrogen. A key finding from our scenario tests is that the current electricity mix has high carbon emissions and air pollutants due to fossil fuel-fired sources for power generation. Without improvement in using renewable energy sources in the future transitioning to electric trucks implies more carbon emissions and air pollutants in the atmosphere from power plants even though electric trucks generate zero tailpipe emissions. The main motivation for switching to zero-emission trucks is energy cost savings. We urge the government to decide on a clear roadmap for the truck sector before the sector is in a position to take action to shift to low or zero-emission trucks without totally relying on the likely reduction of emission intensity in electricity and renewable energy production.
Sustainable Propulsion Alternatives in Regional Aviation: The Case of the Canary Islands
May 2023
Publication
Sustainability is one of the main challenges the aviation industry is currently facing. In a global context of energy transition towards cleaner and renewable sources the sector is developing technologies to fly more efficiently and mitigate its environmental impact. Innovative propulsion alternatives such as biofuels electric aircraft and hydrogen engines are already a reality or are close to becoming so. To assess their feasibility a study is conducted on specific routes and aircraft across different flight ranges. The analysis focuses on the Canary Islands an outermost region of the EU with high mobility and no comparable alternative means of transport. For three routes flight profiles are analyzed obtaining the fuel consumption and emissions generated by the conventional propulsion and later applying the sustainable alternatives. The results indicate optimistic perspectives with reductions in environmental impact ranging between 40% and 75% compared to the present.
Investment Timing Analysis of Hydrogen-Refueling Stations and the Case of China: Independent or Co-Operative Investment?
Jun 2023
Publication
The investment in hydrogen-refueling stations (HRS) is key to the development of a hydrogen economy. This paper focuses on the decision-making for potential investors faced with the thought-provoking question of when the optimal timing to invest in HRS is. To fill the gap that exists due to the fact that few studies explain why HRS investment timing is critical we expound that earlier investment in HRS could induce the first mover advantages of the technology diffusion theory. Additionally differently from the previous research that only considered that HRS investment is just made by one individual firm we innovatively examine the HRS co-investment made by two different firms. Accordingly we compare these two optional investment modes and determine which is better considering either independent investment or co-operative investment. We then explore how the optimal HRS investment timing could be figured out under conditions of uncertainty with the real options approach. Given the Chinese HRS case under the condition of demand uncertainty the hydrogen demand required for triggering investment is viewed as the proxy for investment timing. Based on analytical and numerical results we conclude that one-firm independent investment is better than two-firm cooperative investment to develop HRS not only in terms of the earlier investment timing but also in terms of the attribute for dealing with the uncertainty. Finally we offer recommendations including stabilizing the hydrogen demand for decreasing uncertainty and accelerating firms’ innovation from both technological and strategic perspectives in order to ensure firms can make HRS investments on their own.
Resilience-oriented Operation of Microgrids in the Presence of Power-to-hydrogen Systems
Jul 2023
Publication
This study presents a novel framework for improving the resilience of microgrids based on the power-to-hydrogen concept and the ability of microgrids to operate independently (i.e. islanded mode). For this purpose a model is being developed for the resilient operation of microgrids in which the compressed hydrogen produced by power-to-hydrogen systems can either be used to generate electricity through fuel cells or sold to other industries. The model is a bi-objective optimization problem which minimizes the cost of operation and resilience by (i) reducing the active power exchange with the main grid (ii) reducing the ohmic power losses and (iii) increasing the amount of hydrogen stored in the tanks. A solution approach is also developed to deal with the complexity of the bi-objective model combining a goal programming approach and Generalized Benders Decomposition due to the mixed-integer nonlinear nature of the optimization problem. The results indicate that the resilience approach although increasing the operation cost does not lead to load shedding in the event of main grid failures. The study concludes that integrating distributed power-to-hydrogen systems results in significant benefits including emission reductions of up to 20 % and cost savings of up to 30 %. Additionally the integration of the decomposition method improves computational performance by 54 % compared to using commercial solvers within the GAMS software.
Renewable Marine Fuel Production for Decarbonised Maritime Shipping: Pathways, Policy Measures and Transition Dynamics
Jun 2023
Publication
This article investigates the potential of renewable and low-carbon fuel production for the maritime shipping sector using Sweden as a case in focus. Techno-economic modelling and socio-technical transition studies are combined to explore the conditions opportunities and barriers to decarbonising the maritime shipping industry. A set of scenarios have been developed considering demand assumptions and potential instruments such as carbon price energy tax and blending mandate. The study finds that there are opportunities for decarbonising the maritime shipping industry by using renewable marine fuels such as advanced biofuels (e.g. biomethanol) electrofuels (e.g. e-methanol) and hydrogen. Sweden has tremendous resource potential for bio-based and hydrogen-based renewable liquid fuel production. In the evaluated system boundary biomethanol presents the cheapest technology option while e-ammonia is the most expensive one. Green electricity plays an important role in the decarbonisation of the maritime sector. The results of the supply chain optimisation identify the location sites and technology in Sweden as well as the trade flows to bring the fuels to where the bunker facilities are potentially located. Biomethanol and hydrogen-based marine fuels are cost-effective at a carbon price beyond 100 €/tCO2 and 200 €/tCO2 respectively. Linking back to the socio-technical transition pathways the study finds that some shipping companies are in the process of transitioning towards using renewable marine fuels thereby enabling niche innovations to break through the carbon lock-in and eventually alter the socio-technical regime while other shipping companies are more resistant. Overall there is increasing pressure from (inter)national energy and climate policy-making to decarbonise the maritime shipping industry.
Analyzing the Future Potential of Defossilizing Industrial Specialty Glass Production with Hydrogen by LCA
Mar 2022
Publication
The glass industry is part of the energy-intensive industry with most of the energy needed to melt the raw materials. To produce glass temperatures between 1000 and 1600 °C are necessary. Presently mostly fossil natural gas is the dominant energy source. As direct electrification is not always possible in this paper a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for specialty glass production is conducted where the conventional fossil-based reference process is compared to a hydrogen-fired furnace. This hydrogen can be produced on-site in an water electrolyzer using not only the hydrogen for the combustion but also the produced oxygen. Hydrogen can be produced alternatively off-site in a large scale electrolyzer to facilitate economy of scale. For the transport and distribution of this hydrogen different options are available. A rather new option are liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) which bind the hydrogen in a chemical substance. However temperatures around 300 °C are necessary to separate the hydrogen from the LOHC after transport. At the glass trough waste heat is available at the required temperature level to facilitate the dehydrogenation. The comparison is completed by the production of off-site hydrogen transported to the glass trough as conventional liquefied hydrogen in cooling tanks by truck or in hydrogen pipelines. In this assessment to power the electrolyzers the national grid mix of Germany is used. A time frame from 2020 till 2050 and its changing energy system towards defossilisation is analyzed. Regarding climate change on-site hydrogen production causes the least impact for specialty glass production in 2050. However negative trade-offs for other environmental impact categories e.g. Metal depletion are recorded.
Characterization of the Hydrogen Combustion Process in a Scramjet Engine
May 2024
Publication
In this paper by using a large eddy simulation we study the combustion process in the HyShot II scramjet combustor. By conducting a detailed analysis of the mass-fraction distributions of the main species such as H2 H2O and the radicals OH and HO2 of the mass source terms of these main species and of the chemical source term of the energy equation we detect the regions where chemical reactions occur through a diffusion process and the regions where auto-ignition and premixed combustion may develop. The analysis indicates that the combustion process is mainly of diffusive type along a thin shear layer enveloping the hydrogen plume whereas there could be some auto-ignition and/or premixed combustion cores inside the plume.
Technology Pathways, Efficiency Gains and Price Implications of Decarbonising Residential Heat in the UK
Jun 2023
Publication
The UK government’s plans to decarbonise residential heating will mean major changes to the energy system whatever the specific technology pathway chosen driving a range of impacts on users and suppliers. We use an energy system model (UK TIMES) to identify the potential energy system impacts of alternative pathways to low or zero carbon heating. We find that the speed of transitioning can affect the network investment requirements the overall energy use and emissions generated while the primary heating fuel shift will determine which sectors and networks require most investment. Crucially we identify that retail price differences between heating fuels in the UK particularly gas and electricity could erode or eliminate bill savings from switching to more efficient heating systems.
Experimental Comparison of Hydrogen Refueling with Directly Pressurized vs. Cascade Method
Aug 2023
Publication
This paper presents a comparative analysis of two hydrogen station configurations during the refueling process: the conventional “directly pressurized refueling process” and the innovative “cascade refueling process.” The objective of the cascade process is to refuel vehicles without the need for booster compressors. The experiments were conducted at the Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility located at California State University Los Angeles. In the cascade refueling process the facility buffer tanks were utilized as high-pressure storage enabling the refueling operation. Three different scenarios were tested: one involving the cascade refueling process and two involving compressor-driven refueling processes. On average each refueling event delivered 1.6 kg of hydrogen. Although the cascade refueling process using the high-pressure buffer tanks did not achieve the pressure target it resulted in a notable improvement in the nozzle outlet temperature trend reducing it by approximately 8 ◦C. Moreover the overall hydrogen chiller load for the two directly pressurized refuelings was 66 Wh/kg and 62 Wh/kg respectively whereas the cascading process only required 55 Wh/kg. This represents a 20% and 12% reduction in energy consumption compared to the scenarios involving booster compressors during fueling. The observed refueling range of 150–350 bar showed that the cascade process consistently required 12–20% less energy for hydrogen chilling. Additionally the nozzle outlet temperature demonstrated an approximate 8 ◦C improvement within this pressure range. These findings indicate that further improvements can be expected in the high-pressure region specifically above 350 bar. This research suggests the potential for significant improvements in the high-pressure range emphasizing the viability of the cascade refueling process as a promising alternative to the direct compression approach.
Research of Energy Efficiency and Environmental Performance of Vehicle Power Plant Converted to Work on Alternative Fuels
Apr 2024
Publication
The use of alternative fuels remains an important factor in solving the problem of reducing harmful substances caused by vehicles and decarbonising transport. It is also important to ensure the energy efficiency of vehicle power plants when using different fuels at a sufficient level. The article presents the results of theoretical and experimental studies of the conversion of diesel engine to alternative fuels with hydrogen admixtures. Methanol is considered as an alternative fuel which is a cheaper alternative to commercial diesel fuel. The chemical essence of improving the calorific value of alternative methanol fuel was investigated. Studies showed that the energy effect of burning an alternative mixture with hydrogen additives exceeds the effect of burning the same amount of methanol fuel. The increase in combustion energy and engine power is achieved as a result of heat from efficient use of the engine exhaust gases and chemical conversion of methanol. An experimental installation was created to study the work of a converted diesel engine on hydrogen–methanol mixtures and thermochemical regeneration processes. Experimental studies of the energy and environmental parameters of diesel engine converted to work on an alternative fuel with hydrogen admixtures have shown that engine power increases by 10–14% and emissions of harmful substances decrease.
A Theoretical Study on the Hydrogen Filling Process of the On-board Storage Cylinder in Hydrogen Refueling Station
May 2023
Publication
With the development of the hydrogen fuel automobile industry higher requirements are put forward for the construction of hydrogen energy infrastructure the matching of parameters and the control strategy of hydrogen filling rate in the hydrogen charging process of hydrogen refueling stations. At present the technological difficulty of hydrogen fueling is mainly reflected in the balanced treatment of reducing the temperature rise of hydrogen and shortening the filling time during the fast filling process. Vehicle hydrogen storage cylinder (VHSC) is one of the important components of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. This study proposed a theoretical model for calculating the temperature rise in the VHSC during the high pressure refueling process and revealed the hydrogen temperature rise during refueling. A hydrogen temperature rise prediction model was constructed to elucidate the relationship between filling parameters and temperature rise. The filling process of VHSC was analyzed from the theoretical method. The theoretical analysis results were consistent with the simulation and experimental analysis results which provided a theoretical basis for the current hydrogen temperature control algorithm of the gas source in the hydrogen refueling station and then reduced the energy consumption required for hydrogen cooling in the hydrogen refueling station.
The Effect of Explosions on the Protective Wall of a Containerized Hydrogen Fuel Cell System
Jun 2023
Publication
With the development of hydrogen energy containerized hydrogen fuel cell systems are being used in distributed energy-supply systems. Hydrogen pipelines and electronic equipment of fuel cell containers can trigger hydrogen-explosion accidents. In the present study Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software was used to calculate the affected areas of hydrogen fuel cell container-explosion accidents with and without protective walls. The protective effects were studied for protective walls at various distances and heights. The results show that strategically placing protective walls can effectively block the propagation of shock waves and flames. However the protective wall has a limited effect on the reduction of overpressure and temperature behind the wall when the protective wall is insufficiently high. Reflected explosion shock waves and flames will cause damage to the area inside the wall when the protective wall is too close to the container. In this study a protective wall that is 5 m away from the container and 3 m high can effectively protect the area behind the wall and prevent damage to the container due to the reflection of shock waves and flame. This paper presents a suitable protective wall setting scheme for hydrogen fuel cell containers.
The Role of Liquid Hydrogen in Integrated Energy Systems - A Case Study for Germany
May 2023
Publication
Hydrogen (H2) is expected to be a key building block in future greenhouse gas neutral energy systems. This study investigates the role of liquid hydrogen (LH2) in a national greenhouse gas-neutral energy supply system for Germany in 2045. The integrated energy system model suite ETHOS is extended by LH2 demand profiles in the sectors aviation mobility and chemical industry and means of LH2 transportation via inland vessel rail and truck. This case study demonstrates that the type of hydrogen demand (liquid or gaseous) can strongly affect the cost-optimal design of the future energy system. When LH2 demand is introduced to the energy system LH2 import transportation and production grow in importance. This decreases the need for gaseous hydrogen (GH2) pipelines and affects the location of H2 production plants. When identifying no-regret measures it must be considered that the largest H2 consumers are the ones with the highest readiness to use LH2.
Green Hydrogen Based Power Generation Prospect for Sustainable Development of Bangladesh using PEMFC and Hydrogen Gas Turbine
Feb 2023
Publication
Bangladesh focuses on green energy sources to be a lesser dependent on imported fossil fuels and to reduce the GHG emission to decarbonize the energy sector. The integration of renewable energy technologies for green hydrogen production is promising for Bangladesh. Hybrid renewable plants at the coastline along the Bay of Bengal Kuakata Sandwip St. Martin Cox’sbazer and Chattogram for green hydrogen production is very promising to solve the power demand scarcity of Bangladesh. Hydrogen gas turbine and hydrogen fuel cell configured power plant performances are studied to observe the feasibility/prospect to the green energy transition. The Plant’s performances investigated based on specification of the plant’s units and verified by MATLAB SIMULINK software. Fuels blending (different percent of hydrogen with fossil fuel/NG) technique makes the hydrogen more feasible as turbine fuel. The net efficiency of the fuel cell-based combined cycle configuration (74%) is higher than that of the hydrogen gas turbine-based configuration (51.9%). Moreover analyses show that the increment of combined cycle gas turbine efficiency (+18.5%) is more than the combined cycle PEMFC configuration (+14%). Long-term storage of renewable energy in the salt cavern as green hydrogen can be a source of energy for emergency. A significant share of power can be generated by a numbers of green power plants at specified places in Bangladesh.
Uncertainty Quantification in Hydrogen Tank Exchange: Estimating Maintenance Costs for New Aircraft Concepts
Apr 2024
Publication
The increasing demand for sustainable air mobility has led to the development of innovative aircraft designs necessitating a balance between environmental responsibility and profitability. However despite technological advancements there is still limited understanding of the maintenance implications for hydrogen systems in aviation. The aim of this study is to estimate the maintenance costs of replacing the hydrogen storage system in an aircraft as part of its life cycle costs. To achieve this we compared conventional and hydrogenpowered aircraft. As there is insufficient data for new aircraft concepts typical probabilistic methods are not applicable. However by combining global sensitivity analysis with Dempster–Shafer Theory of Evidence and discrete event simulation it is possible to identify key uncertainties that impact maintenance costs and economic efficiency. This innovative framework offers an early estimate of maintenance costs under uncertainty enhancing understanding and assisting in decision-making when integrating hydrogen storage systems and new aviation technologies.
Life Cycle Assessment of Electric Vehicles and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles Using the GREET Model—A Comparative Study
Apr 2021
Publication
Facing global warming and recent bans on the use of diesel in vehicles there is a growing need to develop vehicles powered by renewable energy sources to mitigate greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions. Among the various forms of non-fossil energy for vehicles hydrogen fuel is emerging as a promising way to combat global warming. To date most studies on vehicle carbon emissions have focused on diesel and electric vehicles (EVs). Emission assessment methodologies are usually developed for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) which are non-durable household goods such as packaged foods beverages and toiletries instead of vehicle products. There is an increase in the number of articles addressing the product carbon footprint (PCF) of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the recent years while relatively little research focuses on both vehicle PCF and fuel cycle. Zero-emission vehicles initiative has also brought the importance of investigating the emission throughout the fuel cycle of hydrogen fuel cell and its environmental impact. To address these gaps this study uses the life-cycle assessment (LCA) process of GREET (greenhouse gases regulated emissions and energy use in transportation) to compare the PCF of an EV (Tesla Model 3) and a hydrogen fuel cell car (Toyota MIRAI). According to the GREET results the fuel cycle contributes significantly to the PCF of both vehicles. The findings also reveal the need for greater transparency in the disclosure of relevant information on the PCF methodology adopted by vehicle manufacturers to enable comparison of their vehicles’ emissions. Future work will include examining the best practices of PCF reporting for vehicles powered by renewable energy sources as well as examining the carbon footprints of hydrogen production technologies based on different methodologies.
Process Path for Reducing Carbon Emissions from Steel Industry—Combined Electrification and Hydrogen Reduction
Jan 2024
Publication
This review focuses on the energy structure of iron and steel production and a feasible development path for carbon reduction. The process path and feasible development direction of carbon emission reduction in the iron and steel industry have been analyzed from the perspective of the carbon–electricity–hydrogen ternary relationship. Frontier technologies such as “hydrogen replacing carbon” are being developed worldwide. Combining the high efficiency of microwave electric-thermal conversion with the high efficiency and pollution-free advantages of hydrogen-reducing agents may drive future developments. In this review a process path for “microwave + hydrogen” synergistic metallurgy is proposed. The reduction of magnetite powder by H2 (CO) in a microwave field versus in a conventional field is compared. The driving effect of the microwave field is found to be significant and the synergistic reduction effect of microwaves with H2 is far greater than that of CO.
Can Hydrogen Production Be Economically Viable on the Existing Gas-Fired Power Plant Location? New Empirical Evidence
Apr 2023
Publication
The paper provides an economic model for the assessment of hydrogen production at the site of an existing thermal power plant which is then integrated into the existing gas grid. The model uses projections of electricity prices natural gas prices and CO2 prices as well as estimates of the cost of building a power-to-gas system for a 25-year period. The objective of this research is to calculate the yellow hydrogen production price for each lifetime year of the Power-to-gas system to evaluate yellow hydrogen competitiveness compared to the fossil alternatives. We test if an incentive scheme is needed to make this technology economically viable. The research also provides several sensitivity scenarios of electricity natural gas and CO2 price changes. Our research results clearly prove that yellow hydrogen is not yet competitive with fossil alternatives and needs incentive mechanisms for the time being. At given natural gas and CO2 prices the incentive for hydrogen production needs to be 52.90 EUR/MWh in 2025 and 36.18 EUR/MWh in 2050. However the role of hydrogen in the green transition could be very important as it provides ancillary services and balances energy sources in the power system.
Energy Efficiency Analysis of a Fuel Cell Bus Model Using Real Scenarios Generated by Data Collection
Feb 2024
Publication
Modernizing public transportation is crucial given the ongoing call for sustainable mobility. Growing concerns about climate change and the increasingly stringent emissions standards have compelled public transport operators to embrace alternative propulsion vehicles on a broader scale. For the past years the Battery Electric Buses (BEBs) have been the vehicle of choice for public transportation. However an emerging contender in this sector is the Fuel Cell Electric Bus (FCEB). This paper aims to evaluate the way one such vehicle would perform in terms of energy efficiency while being exploited in an urban scenario generated from collected data.
Optimal Energy Management of an Integrated Energy System with Multiple Hydrogen Sources
Sep 2023
Publication
Hydrogen is considered a promising alternative to fossil fuels in an integrated energy system (IES). In order to reduce the cost of hydrogen energy utilization and the carbon emissions of the IES this paper proposes a low-carbon dispatching strategy for a coordinated integrated energy system using green hydrogen and blue hydrogen. The strategy takes into account the economic and low-carbon complementarity between hydrogen production by water electrolysis and hydrogen production from natural gas. It introduces the green hydrogen production–storage–use module (GH-PSUM) and the blue hydrogen production–storage–use module (BH-PSUM) to facilitate the refined utilization of different types of hydrogen energy. Additionally the flexibility in hydrogen load supply is analyzed and the dynamic response mechanism of the hydrogen load supply structure (DRM-HLSS) is proposed to further reduce operating costs and carbon emissions. Furthermore a carbon trading mechanism (CTM) is introduced to constrain the carbon emissions of the integrated energy system. By comprehensively considering the constraints of each equipment the proposed model aims to minimize the total economic cost which includes wind power operation and curtailment penalty costs energy purchase costs blue hydrogen purification costs and carbon transaction costs. The rationality of the established scheduling model is verified through a comparative analysis of the scheduling results across multiple operating scenarios.
Literature Review on Life Cycle Assessment of Transportation Alternative Fuels
Aug 2023
Publication
Environmental concerns such as global warming and human health damage are intensifying and the transportation sector significantly contributes to carbon and harmful emissions. This review examines the life cycle assessment (LCA) of alternative fuels (AF) evaluating current research on fuel types LCA framework development life cycle inventory (LCI) and impact selection. The objectives of this paper are: (1) to compare various AF LCA frameworks and develop a comprehensive framework for the transportation sector; (2) to identify emission hotspots of different AFs through simulations and real-world cases; (3) to review AF LCA research; (4) to extract valuable information for potential future research directions. The analysis reveals that all stages except for hydrogen use have an environmental impact. LCA boundaries and LCIs vary considerably depending on the raw materials production processes and products involved leading to different emission hotspots. Due to knowledge or data limitations some stages remain uncalculated in the current study emphasizing the need for further refinement of the AF LCI. Future research should also explore the various impacts of widespread adoption of alternative fuels in transportation encompassing social economic and environmental aspects. Lastly the review provides structured recommendations for future research directions.
Methanol, a Plugin Marine Fuel for Green House Gas Reduction—A Review
Jan 2024
Publication
The escalating global demand for goods transport via shipping has heightened energy consumption impacting worldwide health and the environment. To mitigate this international organizations aim to achieve complete fuel desulphurization and decarbonization by 50% by 2050. Investigating eco-friendly fuels is crucial particularly those with a reduced carbon and zero sulfur content. Methanol derived mainly from renewable sources and produced by carbon dioxide’s hydrogenation method stands out as an effective solution for GHG reduction. Leveraging its favorable properties global scalability and compatibility with the existing infrastructure especially LNGs methanol proves to be a cost-efficient and minimally disruptive alternative. This review explores methanol’s role as a hybrid maritime fuel emphasizing its ecological production methods advantages and challenges in the shipping industry’s green transition. It discusses the environmental impacts of methanol use and analyzes economic factors positioning methanol not only as an ecofriendly option but also as a financially prudent choice for global shipping. Methanol is efficient and cost-effective and excels over MGO especially in new ships. It is economically advantageous with decreasing investment costs compared to LNG while providing flexibility without specialized pressure tanks. Global marine fuel trends prioritize fuel traits accessibility and environmental considerations incorporating factors like policies emissions bunkering and engine adaptability during transitions.
Total Cost of Ownership Analysis of Fuel Cell Electric Bus with Different Hydrogen Supply Alternatives
Dec 2023
Publication
In the transition to sustainable public transportation with zero-emission buses hydrogen fuel cell electric buses have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional diesel buses. However assessing their economic viability is crucial for widespread adoption. This study carries out a comprehensive examination encompassing both sensitivity and probabilistic analyses to assess the total cost of ownership (TCO) for the bus fleet and its corresponding infrastructure. It considers various hydrogen supply options encompassing on-site electrolysis on-site steam methane reforming and off-site hydrogen procurement with both gaseous and liquid delivery methods. The analysis covers critical cost elements encompassing bus acquisition costs infrastructure capital expenses and operational and maintenance costs for both buses and infrastructure. This paper conducted two distinct case studies: one involving a current small bus fleet of five buses and another focusing on a larger fleet set to launch in 2028. For the current small fleet the off-site gray hydrogen purchase with a gaseous delivery option is the most cost-effective among hydrogen alternatives but it still incurs a 26.97% higher TCO compared to diesel buses. However in the case of the expanded 2028 fleet the steam methane-reforming method without carbon capture emerges as the most likely option to attain the lowest TCO with a high probability of 99.5%. Additionally carbon emission costs were incorporated in response to the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability. The findings indicate that although diesel buses currently represent the most economical option in terms of TCO for the existing small fleet steam methane reforming with carbon capture presents a 69.2% likelihood of being the most cost-effective solution suggesting it is a strong candidate for cost efficiency for the expanded 2028 fleet. Notably substantial investments are required to increase renewable energy integration in the power grid and to enhance electrolyzer efficiency. These improvements are essential to make the electrolyzer a more competitive alternative to steam methane reforming. Overall the findings in this paper underscore the substantial impact of the hydrogen supply chain and carbon emission costs on the TCO of zero-emission buses.
Hydrogen in Aviation: A Simulation of Demand, Price Dynamics, and CO2 Emission Reduction Potentials
Mar 2024
Publication
Aviation contributes to anthropogenic climate change by emitting both carbon dioxide (CO2) and non-CO2 emissions through the combustion of fossil fuels. One approach to reduce the climate impact of aviation is the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel. Two distinct technological options are presently under consideration for the implementation of hydrogen in aviation: hydrogen fuel cell architectures and the direct combustion of hydrogen. In this study a hydrogen demand model is developed that considers anticipated advancements in liquid hydrogen aircraft technologies forecasted aviation demand and aircraft startup and retirement cycles. The analysis indicates that global demand for liquid hydrogen in aviation could potentially reach 17 million tons by 2050 leading to a 9% reduction in CO2 emissions from global aviation. Thus the total potential of hydrogen in aviation extends beyond this considering that the total market share of hydrogen aircraft on suitable routes in the model is projected to be only 27% in 2050 due to aircraft retirement cycles. Additionally it is shown that achieving the potential demand for hydrogen in aviation depends on specific market prices. With anticipated declines in current production costs hydrogen fuel costs would need to reach about 70 EUR/MWh by 2050 to fulfill full demand in aviation assuming biofuels provide the cheapest option for decarbonization alongside hydrogen. If e-fuels are the sole option for decarbonization alongside hydrogen which is the more probable scenario the entire hydrogen demand potential in aviation would be satisfied according to this study’s estimates at significantly higher hydrogen prices approximately 180 EUR/MWh.
Conceptual Design of a Hydrogen-Hybrid Dual-Fuel Regional Aircraft Retrofit
Jan 2024
Publication
A wide range of aircraft propulsion technologies is being investigated in current research to reduce the environmental impact of commercial aviation. As the implementation of purely hydrogenpowered aircraft may encounter various challenges on the airport and vehicle side combined hydrogen and kerosene energy sources may act as an enabler for the first operations with liquid hydrogen propulsion technologies. The presented studies describe the conceptual design of such a dual-fuel regional aircraft featuring a retrofit derived from the D328eco under development by Deutsche Aircraft. By electrically assisting the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) burning conventional turboprop engines with the power of high-temperature polymer-electrolyte fuel cells the powertrain architecture enables a reduction of SAF consumption. All aircraft were modeled and investigated using the Bauhaus Luftfahrt Aircraft Design Environment. A description of this design platform and the incorporated methods to model the hydrogen-hybrid powertrain is given. Special emphasis was laid on the implications of the hydrogen and SAF dual-fuel system design to be able to assess the potential benefits and drawbacks of various configurations with the required level of detail. Retrofit assumptions were applied particularly retaining the maximum takeoff mass while reducing payload to account for the propulsion system mass increase. A fuel cell power allocation of 20% led to a substantial 12.9% SAF consumption decrease. Nonetheless this enhancement necessitated an 18.1% payload reduction accompanied by a 34.5% increment in propulsion system mass. Various additional studies were performed to assess the influence of the power split. Under the given assumptions the design of such a retrofit was deemed viable.
3E Analysis of a Virtual Hydrogen Valley Supported by Railway-based H2 Delivery for Multi-transportation Service
Nov 2023
Publication
In Southern Italy near the Mediterranean Sea mobility services like cars bicycles scooters and materialhandling forklifts are frequently required in addition to multimodal local transportation services such as trains ferry boats and airplanes. This research proposes an innovative concept of hydrogen valley virtually simulated in Matlab/Simulink environment located in Calabria. As a novelty hydrogen is produced centrally and delivered via fuel cell hybrid trains to seven hydrogen refueling stations serving various mobility hubs. The centralized production facility operates with a nominal capacity of about 4 tons/day producing hydrogen via PEM electrolysis and storing hydrogen at 200 bar with a hydrogen compressor. As the size of vehicle fleets and the cost of acquiring renewable energy through power purchase agreements vary the hydrogen valley is examined from both a technical and an economic perspective analyzing: the values of the levelized cost of hydrogen the energy consumption and the energy efficiency of the energy systems. Specifically the levelized cost of hydrogen reached competitive values close to 5 €/kg of hydrogen under the most optimistic scenarios with fleet conversions of more than 60 % and a power purchase agreement price lower than 150 €/MWh. Then the benefits of hydrogen rail transport in terms of emissions reduction and health from an economic standpoint are compared to conventional diesel trains and fully electric trains saving respectively 3.2 ktons/year and 0.4 ktons/year of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions and corresponding economic benefits of respectively 51 and 0.548 million euros.
Efficient Use of Low-Emission Power Supply for Means of Transport
Apr 2023
Publication
The paper presents the possibilities of low-emission-powered vehicles based mainly on compressed hydrogen. It shows currently used forms of powering vehicles based on their genesis process of obtention and popularity. They are also compared to each other presenting the advantages and disadvantages of a given solution. The share of electricity in transport its forecasts for the future and the possibilities of combination with conventional energy sources are also described. Based on current technological capabilities hydrogen plays a crucial role as presented in the above work constituting a fundamental basis for future transport solutions.
Energy Management of Hydrogen Hybrid Electric Vehicles - A Potential Analysis
Jan 2024
Publication
The hydrogen combustion engine (H2 ICE) is known to be able to burn H2 producing no CO2 emissions and extremely low engine-out NOeo emissions. In this work the potential to reduce the NOeo emissions through the implementation of electric hybridization of an H2 ICE-equipped passenger car (H2 -HEV) combined with a dedicated energy management system (EMS) is discussed. Achieving a low H2 consumption and low NOeo emissions are conflicting objectives the trade-off of which depends on the EMS and can be represented as a Pareto front. The dynamic programming algorithm is used to calculate the Pareto-optimal EMS calibrations for various driving missions. Through the utilization of a dedicated energy management calibration H2 -HEVs exhibit the potential to decrease the NOeo x emissions by more than 90% while decreasing the H2 consumption by over 16% compared to a comparable non-hybridized H2 -vehicle. The present paper represents the initial potential analysis suggesting that H2 -HEVs are a viable option towards a CO2 -free mobility with extremely low NOeo emissions.
Experimental Investigations of the Hydrogen Injectors on the Combustion Characteristics and Performance of a Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine
Feb 2024
Publication
Hydrogen is regarded as an ideal zero-carbon fuel for an internal combustion engine. However the low mass flow rate of the hydrogen injector and the low volume heat value of the hydrogen strongly restrict the enhancement of the hydrogen engine performance. This experimental study compared the effects of single-injectors and double-injectors on the engine performance combustion pressure heat release rate and the coefficient of variation (CoVIMEP) based on a singlecylinder 0.5 L port fuel injection hydrogen engine. The results indicated that the number of hydrogen injectors significantly influences the engine performance. The maximum brake power is improved from 4.3 kW to 6.12 kW when adding the injector. The test demonstrates that the utilization of the double-injector leads to a reduction in hydrogen obstruction in the intake manifold consequently minimizing the pumping losses. The pump mean effective pressure decreased from −0.049 MPa in the single-injector condition to −0.029 MPa in the double-injector condition with the medium loads. Furthermore the double-injector exhibits excellent performance in reducing the coefficient of variation. The maximum CoVIMEP decreased from 2.18% in the single-injector configuration to 1.92% in the double-injector configuration. This result provides new insights for optimizing hydrogen engine injector design and optimizing the combustion process.
Prospects of Hydrogen Application as a Fuel for Large-Scale Compressed-Air Energy Storages
Jan 2024
Publication
A promising method of energy storage is the combination of hydrogen and compressed-air energy storage (CAES) systems. CAES systems are divided into diabatic adiabatic and isothermal cycles. In the diabatic cycle thermal energy after air compression is discharged into the environment and the scheme implies the use of organic fuel. Taking into account the prospects of the decarbonization of the energy industry it is advisable to replace natural gas in the diabatic CAES scheme with hydrogen obtained by electrolysis using power-to-gas technology. In this article the SENECA-1A project is considered as a high-power hybrid unit using hydrogen instead of natural gas. The results show that while keeping the 214 MW turbines powered the transition to hydrogen reduces carbon dioxide emissions from 8.8 to 0.0 kg/s while the formation of water vapor will increase from 17.6 to 27.4 kg/s. It is shown that the adiabatic CAES SENECA-1A mode compared to the diabatic has 0.0 carbon dioxide and water vapor emission with relatively higher efficiency (71.5 vs. 62.1%). At the same time the main advantage of the diabatic CAES is the possibility to produce more power in the turbine block (214 vs. 131.6 MW) having fewer capital costs. Thus choosing the technology is a subject of complex technical economic and ecological study.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Performance of Electric, Hydrogen and Fossil-Fuelled Freight Trucks with Uncertainty Estimates Using a Probabilistic Life-Cycle Assessment (pLCA)
Jan 2024
Publication
This research conducted a probabilistic life-cycle assessment (pLCA) into the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions performance of nine combinations of truck size and powertrain technology for a recent past and a future (largely decarbonised) situation in Australia. This study finds that the relative and absolute life-cycle GHG emissions performance strongly depends on the vehicle class powertrain and year of assessment. Life-cycle emission factor distributions vary substantially in their magnitude range and shape. Diesel trucks had lower life-cycle GHG emissions in 2019 than electric trucks (battery hydrogen fuel cell) mainly due to the high carbon-emission intensity of the Australian electricity grid (mainly coal) and hydrogen production (mainly through steam–methane reforming). The picture is however very different for a more decarbonised situation where battery electric trucks in particular provide deep reductions (about 75–85%) in life-cycle GHG emissions. Fuel-cell electric (hydrogen) trucks also provide substantial reductions (about 50–70%) but not as deep as those for battery electric trucks. Moreover hydrogen trucks exhibit the largest uncertainty in emissions performance which reflects the uncertainty and general lack of information for this technology. They therefore carry an elevated risk of not achieving the expected emission reductions. Battery electric trucks show the smallest (absolute) uncertainty which suggests that these trucks are expected to deliver the deepest and most robust emission reductions. Operational emissions (on-road driving and vehicle maintenance combined) dominate life-cycle emissions for all vehicle classes. Vehicle manufacturing and upstream emissions make a relatively small contribution to life-cycle emissions from diesel trucks (
Experimental Study of Cycle-by-cycle Variations in a Spark Ignition Internal Combustion Engine Fueled with Hydrogen
Feb 2024
Publication
High fluctuations in the combustion process from one cycle to another referred to as cycle-by-cycle variations can have adverse effects on internal combustion engine performances particularly in spark ignition (SI) engines. These effects encompass incomplete combustion the potential for misfires and adverse impacts on fuel economy. Furthermore the cycle-by-cycle variations can also affect a vehicle’s drivability and overall comfort especially when operating under lean-burn conditions. Although many cycle-by-cycle analyses have been investigated extensively in the past there is limited in-depth knowledge available regarding the causes of cycle-by-cycle (CbC) variations in hydrogen lean-burn SI engines. Trying to contribute to this topic the current study presents a comprehensive analysis of the CbC variations based on the cylinder pressure data. The study was carried out employing a hydrogen single-cylinder research SI engine. The experiments were performed by varying more than fifty operating conditions including the variations in lambda spark advance boost pressure and exhaust gas recirculation however the load and speed were kept constant throughout the experimental campaign. The results indicate that pressure exhibits significant variations during the combustion process and minor variations during non-combustion processes. In the period from the inlet valve close till the start of combustion pressure exhibits the least variations. The coefficient of variation of pressure (COVP) curve depicts three important points in H2-ICE as well: global minima global maxima and second local minima. The magnitude of the COVP curve changes across all the operating conditions however the shape of the COVP curve remains unchanged across all the operating conditions indicating its independence from the operating condition in an H2-ICE. This study presents an alternative approach for a quick combustion analysis of hydrogen engines. Without the need for more complex methodologies like heat release rate analysis the presented cylinder pressure cycle-by-cycle analysis enables a quick and precise identification of primary combustion features (start of combustion center of combustion end of combustion and operation condition stability). Additionally the engine control unit could implement these procedures to automatically adjust cycle-by-cycle variations therefore increasing engine efficiency.
Split Injection Strategies for a High-pressure Hydrogen Direct Injection in a Small-bore Dual-fuel Diesel Engine
Jan 2024
Publication
Hydrogen-diesel dual direct-injection (H2DDI) engines present a promising pathway towards cleaner and more efficient transportation. In this study hydrogen split injection strategies were explored in an automotive-size single-cylinder compression ignition (CI) engine with a focus on varying the injection timings and energy fractions. The engine was operated at an intermediate load with fixed combustion phasing through adjustments of pilot diesel injection timing. An energy substitution principle guided the variation in energy fraction between the two hydrogen injections and then diesel injection while keeping the total energy input constant. The findings demonstrate that early first hydrogen injection timings lead to characteristics indicative of premixed combustion reflecting a high homogeneity of the hydrogen-air mixture. In contrast hydrogen stratification levels were predominantly influenced by later second injection timings with mixing-controlled combustion behaviour apparent for very late injections near top dead centre or when the second hydrogen injection held high energy fractions which led to decreased nitrogen oxides (NOx: NO and NO2) emissions. The carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions did not show high sensitivity to the hydrogen split injection strategies exhibiting about 77 % reduction compared to the diesel baseline due primarily to increased hydrogen energy fraction of up to 90 %
Effects of Hydrogen, Methane, and Their Blends on Rapid-Filling Process of High-Pressure Composite Tank
Feb 2024
Publication
Alternative fuels such as hydrogen compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas are considered as feasible energy carriers. Selected positive factors from the EU climate and energy policy on achieving climate neutrality by 2050 highlighted the need for the gradual expansion of the infrastructure for alternative fuel. In this research continuity equations and the first and second laws of thermodynamics were used to develop a theoretical model to explore the impact of hydrogen and natural gas on both the filling process and the ultimate in-cylinder conditions of a type IV composite cylinder (20 MPa for CNG 35 MPa and 70 MPa for hydrogen). A composite tank was considered an adiabatic system. Within this study based on the GERG-2008 equation of state a thermodynamic model was developed to compare and determine the influence of (i) hydrogen and (ii) natural gas on the selected thermodynamic parameters during the fast-filling process. The obtained results show that the cylinder-filling time depending on the cylinder capacity is approximately 36–37% shorter for pure hydrogen compared to pure methane and the maximum energy stored in the storage tank for pure hydrogen is approximately 28% lower compared to methane whereas the total entropy generation for pure hydrogen is approximately 52% higher compared to pure methane.
Research of the Impact of Hydrogen Metallurgy Technology on the Reduction of the Chinese Steel Industry’s Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Feb 2024
Publication
The steel industry which relies heavily on primary energy is one of the industries with the highest CO2 emissions in China. It is urgent for the industry to identify ways to embark on the path to “green steel”. Hydrogen metallurgy technology uses hydrogen as a reducing agent and its use is an important way to reduce CO2 emissions from long-term steelmaking and ensure the green and sustainable development of the steel industry. Previous research has demonstrated the feasibility and emission reduction effects of hydrogen metallurgy technology; however further research is needed to dynamically analyze the overall impact of the large-scale development of hydrogen metallurgy technology on future CO2 emissions from the steel industry. This article selects the integrated MARKAL-EFOM system (TIMES) model as its analysis model constructs a China steel industry hydrogen metallurgy model (TIMES-CSHM) and analyzes the resulting impact of hydrogen metallurgy technology on CO2 emissions. The results indicate that in the business-as-usual scenario (BAU scenario) applying hydrogen metallurgy technology in the period from 2020 to 2050 is expected to reduce emissions by 203 million tons and make an average 39.85% contribution to reducing the steel industry’s CO2 emissions. In the carbon emission reduction scenario applying hydrogen metallurgy technology in the period from 2020 to 2050 is expected to reduce emissions by 353 million tons contributing an average of 41.32% to steel industry CO2 reduction. This study provides an assessment of how hydrogen metallurgy can reduce CO2 emissions in the steel industry and also provides a reference for the development of hydrogen metallurgy technology.
An Overview of Application-orientated Multifunctional Large-scale Stationary Battery and Hydrogen Hybrid Energy Storage System
Dec 2023
Publication
The imperative to address traditional energy crises and environmental concerns has accelerated the need for energy structure transformation. However the variable nature of renewable energy poses challenges in meeting complex practical energy requirements. To address this issue the construction of a multifunctional large-scale stationary energy storage system is considered an effective solution. This paper critically examines the battery and hydrogen hybrid energy storage systems. Both technologies face limitations hindering them from fully meeting future energy storage needs such as large storage capacity in limited space frequent storage with rapid response and continuous storage without loss. Batteries with their rapid response (90%) excel in frequent short-duration energy storage. However limitations such as a selfdischarge rate (>1%) and capacity loss (~20%) restrict their use for long-duration energy storage. Hydrogen as a potential energy carrier is suitable for large-scale long-duration energy storage due to its high energy density steady state and low loss. Nevertheless it is less efficient for frequent energy storage due to its low storage efficiency (~50%). Ongoing research suggests that a battery and hydrogen hybrid energy storage system could combine the strengths of both technologies to meet the growing demand for large-scale long-duration energy storage. To assess their applied potentials this paper provides a detailed analysis of the research status of both energy storage technologies using proposed key performance indices. Additionally application-oriented future directions and challenges of the battery and hydrogen hybrid energy storage system are outlined from multiple perspectives offering guidance for the development of advanced energy storage systems.
Research on Energy Management of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning Considering Velocity Control
Aug 2023
Publication
In the vehicle-to-everything scenario the fuel cell bus can accurately obtain the surrounding traffic information and quickly optimize the energy management problem while controlling its own safe and efficient driving. This paper proposes an energy management strategy (EMS) that considers speed control based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL) in complex traffic scenarios. Using SUMO simulation software (Version 1.15.0) a two-lane urban expressway is designed as a traffic scenario and a hydrogen fuel cell bus speed control and energy management system is designed through the soft actor–critic (SAC) algorithm to effectively reduce the equivalent hydrogen consumption and fuel cell output power fluctuation while ensuring the safe efficient and smooth driving of the vehicle. Compared with the SUMO–IDM car-following model the average speed of vehicles is kept the same and the average acceleration and acceleration change value decrease by 10.22% and 11.57% respectively. Compared with deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) the average speed is increased by 1.18% and the average acceleration and acceleration change value are decreased by 4.82% and 5.31% respectively. In terms of energy management the hydrogen consumption of SAC–OPT-based energy management strategy reaches 95.52% of that of the DP algorithm and the fluctuation range is reduced by 32.65%. Compared with SAC strategy the fluctuation amplitude is reduced by 15.29% which effectively improves the durability of fuel cells.
Potential-risk and No-regret Options for Urban Energy System Design - A Sensitivity Analysis
Jan 2024
Publication
This study identifies supply options for sustainable urban energy systems which are robust to external system changes. A multi-criteria optimization model is used to minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and financial costs of a reference system. Sensitivity analyses examine the impact of changing boundary conditions related to GHG emissions energy prices energy demands and population density. Options that align with both financial and emission reduction and are robust to system changes are called “no-regret” options. Options sensitive to system changes are labeled as “potential-risk” options.<br/>There is a conflict between minimizing GHG emissions and financial costs. In the reference case the emission-optimized scenario enables a reduction of GHG emissions (-93%) but involves higher costs (+160%) compared to the financially-optimized scenario.<br/>No-regret options include photovoltaic systems decentralized heat pumps thermal storages electricity exchange between sub-systems and with higher-level systems and reducing energy demands through building insulation behavioral changes or the decrease of living space per inhabitant. Potential-risk options include solar thermal systems natural gas technologies high-capacity battery storages and hydrogen for buildiing energy supply.<br/>When energy prices rise financially-optimized systems approach the least-emission system design. The maximum profitability of natural gas technologies was already reached before the 2022 European energy crisis.
Two-Layer Optimization Planning Model for Integrated Energy Systems in Hydrogen Refueling Original Station
May 2023
Publication
With the aggravation of global environmental pollution problems and the need for energy restructuring hydrogen energy as a highly clean resource has gradually become a hot spot for research in countries around the world. Facing the requirement of distributed hydrogen in refueling the original station for hydrogen transportation and other usage this paper proposes a comprehensive energy system planning model for hydrogen refueling stations to obtain the necessary devices construction the devices’ capacity decisions and the optimal operation behaviors of each device. Comparing to traditional single hydrogen producing technics in the traditional planning model the proposed model in this paper integrates both water-electrolysis-based and methanol-based manufacturing technics. A two-level optimization model is designed for this comprehensive system. The result of the numerical study shows that the proposed model can achieve a better optimal solution for distributed hydrogen production. Also it considers the single producing situation when price of one primary resource is sufficient higher than the other.
Toward Sustainability: An Overview of the Use of Green Hydrogen in the Agriculture and Livestock Sector
Aug 2023
Publication
The agro-livestock sector produces about one third of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Since more energy is needed to meet the growing demand for food and the industrial revolution in agriculture renewable energy sources could improve access to energy resources and energy security reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce GHG emissions. Hydrogen production is a promising energy technology but its deployment in the global energy system is lagging. Here we analyzed the theoretical and practical application of green hydrogen generated by electrolysis of water powered by renewable energy sources in the agro-livestock sector. Green hydrogen is at an early stage of development in most applications and barriers to its large-scale deployment remain. Appropriate policies and financial incentives could make it a profitable technology for the future.
Electrochemical Devices to Power a Sustainable Energy Transition—An Overview of Green Hydrogen Contribution
Mar 2024
Publication
This work discusses the current scenario and future growth of electrochemical energy devices such as water electrolyzers and fuel cells. It is based on the pivotal role that hydrogen can play as an energy carrier to replace fossil fuels. Moreover it is envisaged that the scaled-up and broader deployment of the technologies can hold the potential to address the challenges associated with intermittent renewable energy generation. From a sustainability perspective this synergy between hydrogen and electricity from renewable sources is particularly attractive: electrolyzers convert the excess energy from renewables into green hydrogen and fuel cells use this hydrogen to convert it back into electricity when it is needed. Although this transition endorses the ambitious goal to supply greener energy for all it also entails increased demand for the materials that are essential for developing such cleaner energy technologies. Herein several economic and environmental issues are highlighted besides a critical overview regarding each technology. The aim is to raise awareness and provide the reader (a non-specialist in the field) with useful resources regarding the challenges that need to be overcome so that a green hydrogen energy transition and a better life can be fully achieved.
Look-ahead Scheduling of Energy-Water Nexus Integrated with Power2X Conversion Technologies under Multiple Uncertainties
Aug 2023
Publication
Co-optimizing energy and water resources in a microgrid can increase efficiency and improve economic performance. Energy-water storage (EWS) devices are crucial components of a high-efficient energy-water microgrid (EWMG). The state of charge (SoC) at the end of the first day of operation is one of the most significant variables in EWS devices since it is used as a parameter to indicate the starting SoC for the second day which influences the operating cost for the second day. Hence this paper examines the benefits and applicability of a lookahead optimization strategy for an EWMG integrated with multi-type energy conversion technologies and multienergy demand response to supply various energy-water demands related to electric/hydrogen vehicles and commercial/residential buildings with the lowest cost for two consecutive days. In addition a hybrid info-gap/robust optimization technique is applied to cover uncertainties in photovoltaic power and electricity prices as a tri-level optimization framework without generating scenarios and using the probability distribution functions. Duality theory is also used to convert the problem into a single-level MILP so that it can be solved by CPLEX. According to the findings the implemented energy-water storage systems and look-ahead strategy accounted for respectively 4.03% and 0.43% reduction in the total cost.
A Novel Layout for Combined Heat and Power Production for a Hospital Based on a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Feb 2024
Publication
This paper addresses the problem of the reduction in the huge energy demand of hospitals and health care facilities. The sharp increase in the natural gas price due to the Ukrainian–Russian war has significantly reduced economic savings achieved by combined heat and power (CHP) units especially for hospitals. In this framework this research proposes a novel system based on the integration of a reversible CHP solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and a photovoltaic field (PV). The PV power is mainly used for balancing the hospital load. The excess power production is exploited to produce renewable hydrogen. The SOFC operates in electrical tracking mode. The cogenerative heat produced by the SOFC is exploited to partially meet the thermal load of the hospital. The SOFC is driven by the renewable hydrogen produced by the plant. When this hydrogen is not available the SOFC is driven by natural gas. In fact the SOFC is coupled with an external reformer. The simulation model of the whole plant including the reversible SOFC PV and hospital is developed in the TRNSYS18 environment and MATLAB. The model of the hospital is calibrated by means of measured data. The proposed system achieves very interesting results with a primary energy-saving index of 33% and a payback period of 6.7 years. Therefore this energy measure results in a promising solution for reducing the environmental impact of hospital and health care facilities.
Climate Change Mitigation Potentials of on Grid-connected Power-to-X Fuels and Advanced Biofuels for the European Maritime Transport
Jul 2023
Publication
This study proposes a country-based life-cycle assessment (LCA) of several conversion pathways related 10 to both on grid-connected Power-to-X (PtX) fuels and advanced biofuel production for maritime transport 11 in Europe. We estimate the biomass resource availability (both agricultural and forest residues and 12 second-generation energy crops from abandoned cropland) electricity mix and a future-oriented 13 prospective LCA to assess how future climate change mitigation policies influence the results. Our results 14 indicate that the potential of PtX fuels to achieve well-to-wake greenhouse gas intensities lower than 15 those of fossil fuels is limited to countries with a carbon intensity of the electricity mix below 100 gCO2eq kWh-1 16 . The more ambitious FuelEU Maritime goal could be achieved with PtX only if connected to electricity sources below ca. 17 gCO2eq kWh-1 17 which can become possible for most of the national 18 electricity mix in Europe by 2050 if renewable energy sources will become deployed at large scales. For 19 drop-in and hydrogen-based biofuels biomass residues have a higher potential to reduce emissions than 20 dedicated energy crops. In Europe the potentials of energy supply from all renewable and low-carbon 21 fuels (RLFs) range from 32-149% of the current annual fuel consumption in European maritime transport. 22 The full deployment of RLFs with carbon capture and storage technologies could mitigate up to 184% of 23 the current well-to-wake shipping emissions in Europe. Overall our study highlights how the strategic use 24 of both hydrogen-based biofuels and PtX fuels can contribute to the climate mitigation targetsfor present 25 and future scenarios of European maritime transport.
Review of Fuel Cell Technologies and Applications for Sustainable Microgrid Systems
Aug 2020
Publication
The shift from centralized to distributed generation and the need to address energy shortage and achieve the sustainability goals are among the important factors that drive increasing interests of governments planners and other relevant stakeholders in microgrid systems. Apart from the distributed renewable energy resources fuel cells (FCs) are a clean pollution-free highly efficient flexible and promising energy resource for microgrid applications that need more attention in research and development terms. Furthermore they can offer continuous operation and do not require recharging. This paper examines the exciting potential of FCs and their utilization in microgrid systems. It presents a comprehensive review of FCs with emphasis on the developmental status of the different technologies comparison of operational characteristics and the prevailing techno-economic barriers to their progress and the future outlook. Furthermore particular attention is paid to the applications of the FC technologies in microgrid systems such as grid-integrated grid-parallel stand-alone backup or emergency power and direct current systems including the FC control mechanisms and hybrid designs and the technical challenges faced when employing FCs in microgrids based on recent developments. Microgrids can help to strengthen the existing power grid and are also suitable for mitigating the problem of energy poverty in remote locations. The paper is expected to provide useful insights into advancing research and developments in clean energy generation through microgrid systems based on FCs.
Caveats of Green Hydrogen for Decarbonisation of Heating in Buildings
Oct 2023
Publication
Hydrogen (H2) has rapidly become a topic of great attention when discussing routes to net-zero carbon emissions. About 14% of CO2 emissions globally are directly associated with domestic heating in buildings. Replacing natural gas (NG) with H2 for heating has been highlighted as a rapid alternative for mitigating these emissions. To realise this not only the production challenges but also potential obstacles in the transmission/distribution and combustion of H2 must be technically identified and discussed. This review in addition to delineating the challenges of H2 in NG grid pipelines and H2 combustion also collates the results of the state-of-the-art technologies in H2-based heating systems. We conclude that the sustainability of water and renewable electricity resources strongly depends on sizing siting service life of electrolysis plants and post-electrolysis water disposal plans. 100% H2 in pipelines requires major infrastructure upgrades including production transmission pressurereduction stations distribution and boiler rooms. H2 leakage instigates more environmental risks than economic ones. With optimised boilers burning H2 could reduce GHG emissions and obtain an appropriate heating efficiency; more data from boiler manufacturers must be provided. Overall green H2 is not the only solution to decarbonise heating in buildings and it should be pursued abreast of other heating technologies.
Can an Energy Only Market Enable Resource Adequacy in a Decarbonized Power System? A Co-simulation with Two Agent-based-models
Feb 2024
Publication
Future power systems in which generation will come almost entirely from variable Renewable Energy Sources (vRES) will be characterized by weather-driven supply and flexible demand. In a simulation of the future Dutch power system we analyze whether there are sufficient incentives for market-driven investors to provide a sufficient level of security of supply considering the profit-seeking and myopic behavior of investors. We cosimulate two agent-based models (ABM) one for generation expansion and one for the operational time scale. The results suggest that in a system with a high share of vRES and flexibility prices will be set predominantly by the demand’s willingness to pay particularly by the opportunity cost of flexible hydrogen electrolyzers. The demand for electric heating could double the price of electricity in winter compared to summer and in years with low vRES could cause shortages. Simulations with stochastic weather profiles increase the year-to-year variability of cost recovery by more than threefold and the year-to-year price variability by more than tenfold compared to a scenario with no weather uncertainty. Dispatchable technologies have the most volatile annual returns due to high scarcity rents during years of low vRES production and diminished returns during years with high vRES production. We conclude that in a highly renewable EOM investors would not have sufficient incentives to ensure the reliability of the system. If they invested in such a way to ensure that demand could be met in a year with the lowest vRES yield they would not recover their fixed costs in the majority of years.
Routes for Hydrogen Introduction in the Industrial Hard-to-Abate Sectors for Promoting Energy Transition
Aug 2023
Publication
This paper offers a set of comprehensive guidelines aimed at facilitating the widespread adoption of hydrogen in the industrial hard-to-abate sectors. The authors begin by conducting a detailed analysis of these sectors providing an overview of their unique characteristics and challenges. This paper delves into specific elements related to hydrogen technologies shedding light on their potential applications and discussing feasible implementation strategies. By exploring the strengths and limitations of each technology this paper offers valuable insights into its suitability for specific applications. Finally through a specific analysis focused on the steel sector the authors provide in-depth information on the potential benefits and challenges associated with hydrogen adoption in this context. By emphasizing the steel sector as a focal point the authors contribute to a more nuanced understanding of hydrogen’s role in decarbonizing industrial processes and inspire further exploration of its applications in other challenging sectors.
A Review on the Research Progress and Application of Compressed Hydrogen in the Marine Hydrogen Fuel Cell Power System
Jan 2024
Publication
The urgency to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from maritime vessels has intensified due to the increasingly stringent directives set forth by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These directives specifically address energy efficiency enhancements and emissions reduction within the shipping industry. In this context hydrogen is the much sought after fuel for all the global economies and its applications for transportation and propulsion in particular is crucial for cutting down carbon emissions. Nevertheless the realization of hydrogen-powered vessels is confronted by substantial technical hurdles that necessitate thorough examination. This study undertakes a comprehensive analysis encompassing diverse facets including distinct variations of hydrogen fuel cells hydrogen internal combustion engines safety protocols associated with energy storage as well as the array of policies and commercialization endeavors undertaken globally for the advancement of hydrogen-propelled ships. By amalgamating insights from these multifaceted dimensions this paper adeptly encapsulates the myriad challenges intrinsic to the evolution of hydrogen-fueled maritime vessels while concurrently casting a forward-looking gaze on their prospective trajectory.
A Technology Review of Decarbonization: Efficient Techniques for Producing Hydrogen as Fuel
Aug 2023
Publication
Climate change is obvious in many ways. The weather changes rapidly from day to day reaching high temperatures such as 28 ◦C one day and heavy rain the next with temperatures below 18 ◦C. There are also very strong storms caused by this phenomenon. The way the environment acts is different than the current epoch would predict indicating a long-term shift in weather and temperature patterns. The mean temperature of earth is rising due to the greenhouse effect that is caused by human activity and mostly by the burning of fossil fuel emitting CO2 and other pollutant gasses. Nowadays every country is trying to lower CO2 emissions from everyday human activities a movement called “decarbonization”. Since the 18th century there has been a great deal of research carried out on possible alternatives to fossil fuels. Some of the work was just to discover ways to power heaters or automotive vehicle but there is a great deal of work remaining to complete regarding this issue after discovering the greenhouse effect and its impact on the planet’s climate in order to eliminate it by using fuel whose combustion emissions are more environmentally friendly. In the present work many discoveries will be presented that use hydrogen (H2 ) or hydroxy (H-OH) as fuel. The main reason for this is the emission of pure water after combustion but the most interesting part is the approach every scientist uses to create the fuel gas from water.
Enhancing Safety through Optimal Placement of Components in Hydrogen Tractor: Rollover Angle Analysis
Feb 2024
Publication
Hydrogen tractors are being developed necessitating consideration of the variation in the center of gravity depending on the arrangement of components such as power packs and cooling modules that replace traditional engines. This study analyzes the effects of component arrangement on stability and rollover angle in hydrogen tractors through simulations and proposes an optimal configuration. Stability is evaluated by analyzing rollover angles in various directions with rotations around the tractor’s midpoint. Based on the analysis of rollover angles for Type 1 Type 2 and Type 3 hydrogen tractors Type 2 demonstrates superior stability compared to the other types. Specifically when comparing lateral rollover angles at 0◦ rotation Type 2 exhibits a 2% increase over Type 3. Upon rotations at 90◦ and 180◦ Type 2 consistently displays the highest rollover angles with differences ranging from approximately 6% to 12% compared to the other types. These results indicate that Type 2 with its specific component arrangement offers the most stable configuration among the three types of tractors. It is confirmed that the rollover angle changes based on component arrangement with a lower center of gravity resulting in greater stability. These findings serve as a crucial foundation for enhancing stability in the future design and manufacturing phases of hydrogen tractors.
Evaluation of Significant Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Using Hydrogen Fuel in a LFG/Diesel RCCI Engine
Jan 2024
Publication
The production of solid waste in human societies and the related environmental and global warming concerns are increasing. Extensive use of existing conventional diesel and dual-fuel engines also causes the production of high levels of greenhouse gases and aggravating the aforementioned concerns. Therefore the aim of this study is to reduce the greenhouse emissions in existing natural gas/diesel dual-fuel heavy-duty diesel engine. For this purpose changing the type of combustion to reactivity-controlled compression-ignition combustion and using landfill gas instead of natural gas in a dual-fuel engine were simultaneously implemented. Moreover a traditional method was used to evaluate the effect of variations in three important parameters on the engine's performance in order to determine the appropriate engine operating ranges. The simulation results indicate that although the consumption of 102000 cubic meters per year of natural gas in each cylinder is reduced only by replacing landfill gas the level of engine greenhouse gas emissions is too high compared to the relevant levels of emissions standards. Hence by keeping the total energy content of the fuels constant landfill gas enrichment with hydrogen was considered to reduce the engine emissions. The simulation results show that by increasing the hydrogen energy share up to 37% the engine load has the potential to be improved up to 7% without any exposure to diesel knock. However the downfall is the reduction in the gross indicated efficiency up to 3%. Meanwhile not only the fifth level of the European emission standard for nitrogen oxides and the sixth level of this standard for carbon monoxide can be achieved but it is also possible to overcome the high level of unburned methane as a drastic greenhouse gas and formaldehyde as a related carcinogenic species.
A Renewable Power System for an Off-grid Sustainable Telescope Fueled by Solar Power, Batteries and Green Hydrogen
Jul 2023
Publication
A large portion of astronomy’s carbon footprint stems from fossil fuels supplying the power demand of astronomical observatories. Here we explore various isolated low-carbon power system setups for the newly planned Atacama Large Aperture Submillimeter Telescope and compare them to a business-as-usual diesel power generated system. Technologies included in the designed systems are photovoltaics concentrated solar power diesel generators batteries and hydrogen storage. We adapt the electricity system optimization model highRES to this case study and feed it with the telescope’s projected energy demand cost assumptions for the year 2030 and site-specific capacity factors. Our results show that the lowest-cost system with LCOEs of $116/MWh majorly uses photovoltaics paired with batteries and fuel cells running on imported and on-site produced green hydrogen. Some diesel generators run for backup. This solution would reduce the telescope’s power-side carbon footprint by 95% compared to the businessas-usual case.
Sustainable Fuel Production Using In-situ Hydrogen Supply via Aqueous Phase Reforming: A Techno-economic and Life-cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Assessment
Jul 2023
Publication
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production is one of the strategies to guarantee an environmental-friendly development of the aviation sector. This work evaluates the technical economic and environmental feasibility of obtaining SAFs by hydrogenation of vegetable oils thanks to in-situ hydrogen production via aqueous phase reforming (APR) of glycerol by-product. The novel implementation of APR would avoid the environmental burden of conventional fossil-derived hydrogen production as well as intermittency and storage issues related to the use of RES-based (renewable energy sources) electrolysers. The conceptual design of a conventional and advanced (APR-aided) biorefinery was performed considering a standard plant capacity equal to 180 ktonne/y of palm oil. For the advanced scenario the feed underwent hydrolysis into glycerol and fatty acids; hence the former was subjected to APR to provide hydrogen which was further used in the hydrotreatment reactor where the fatty acids were deoxygenated. The techno-economic results showed that APR implementation led to a slight increase of the fixed capital investment by 6.6% compared to the conventional one while direct manufacturing costs decreased by 22%. In order to get a 10% internal rate of return the minimum fuel selling price was found equal to 1.84 $/kg which is 17% lower than the one derived from conventional configurations (2.20 $/kg). The life-cycle GHG emission assessment showed that the carbon footprint of the advanced scenario was equal to ca. 12 g CO2/MJSAF i.e. 54% lower than the conventional one (considering an energy-based allocation). The sensitivity analysis pointed out that the cost of the feedstock SAF yield and the chosen plant size are keys parameters for the marketability of this biorefinery while the energy price has a negligible impact; moreover the source of hydrogen has significant consequences on the environmental footprint of the plant. Finally possible uncertainties for both scenarios were undertaken via Monte Carlo simulations.
Literature Review of Hydrogen Energy Systems and Renewable Energy Sources
Nov 2023
Publication
The role of hydrogen as a clean energy source is a promising but also a contentious issue. The global energy production is currently characterized by an unprecedented shift to renewable energy sources (RES) and their technologies. However the local and environmental benefits of such RES-based technologies show a wide variety of technological maturity with a common mismatch to local RES stocks and actual utilization levels of RES exploitation. In this literature review the collected documents taken from the Scopus database using relevant keywords have been organized in homogeneous clusters and are accompanied by the registration of the relevant studies in the form of one figure and one table. In the second part of this review selected representations of typical hydrogen energy system (HES) installations in realistic in-field applications have been developed. Finally the main concerns challenges and future prospects of HES against a multi-parametric level of contributing determinants have been critically approached and creatively discussed. In addition key aspects and considerations of the HES-RES convergence are concluded.
The Bio Steel Cycle: 7 Steps to Net-Zero CO2 Emissions Steel Production
Nov 2022
Publication
CO2 emissions have been identified as the main driver for climate change with devastating consequences for the global natural environment. The steel industry is responsible for ~7–11% of global CO2 emissions due to high fossil-fuel and energy consumption. The onus is therefore on industry to remedy the environmental damage caused and to decarbonise production. This desk research report explores the Bio Steel Cycle (BiSC) and proposes a seven-step-strategy to overcome the emission challenges within the iron and steel industry. The true levels of combined CO2 emissions from the blast-furnace and basic-oxygen-furnace operation at 4.61 t of CO2 emissions/t of steel produced are calculated in detail. The BiSC includes CO2 capture implementing renewable energy sources (solar wind green H2 ) and plantation for CO2 absorption and provision of biomass. The 7-step-implementation-strategy starts with replacing energy sources develops over process improvement and installation of flue gas carbon capture and concludes with utilising biogas-derived hydrogen as a product from anaerobic digestion of the grown agrifood in the cycle. In the past CO2 emissions have been seemingly underreported and underestimated in the heavy industries and implementing the BiSC using the provided seven-steps-strategy will potentially result in achieving net-zero CO2 emissions in steel manufacturing by 2030.
Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Offshore Energy System Integration in the North Sea: A Systematic Literature Review
Oct 2023
Publication
To facilitate the rapid and large-scale developments of offshore wind energy scholars policymakers and infrastructure developers must start considering its integration into the larger onshore energy system. Such offshore system integration is defined as the coordinated approach to planning and operation of energy generation transport and storage in the offshore energy system across multiple energy carriers and sectors. This article conducts a systematic literature review to identify infrastructure components of offshore energy system integration (including alternative cable connections offshore energy storage and power-to-hydrogen applications) and barriers to their development. An interdisciplinary perspective is provided where current offshore developments require not only mature and economically feasible technologies but equally strong legal and governance frameworks. The findings demonstrate that current literature lacks a holistic perspective on the offshore energy system. To date techno-economic assessments solving challenges of specific infrastructure components prevail over an integrated approach. Nevertheless permitting issues gaps in legal frameworks strict safety and environmental regulations and spatial competition also emerge as important barriers. Overall this literature review emphasizes the necessity of aligning various disciplines to provide a fundamental approach for the development of an integrated offshore energy system. More specifically timely policy and legal developments are key to incentivize technical development and enable economic feasibility of novel components of offshore system integration. Accordingly to maximize real-world application and policy learning future research will benefit from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Multi-Physics Digital Model of an Aluminum 2219 Liquid Hydrogen Aircraft Tank
Feb 2024
Publication
Future liquid hydrogen-powered aircraft requires the design and optimization of a large number of systems and subsystems with cryogenic tanks being one of the largest and most critical. Considering previous space applications these tanks are usually stiffened by internal members such as stringers frames and stiffeners resulting in a complex geometry that leads to an eventual reduction in weight. Cryogenic tanks experience a variety of mechanical and thermal loading conditions and are usually constructed out of several different materials. The complexity of the geometry and the loads highlights the necessity for a computational tool in order to conduct analysis. In this direction the present work describes the development of a multi-physics finite element digital simulation conducting heat transfer and structural analysis in a fully parametric manner in order to be able to support the investigation of different design concepts materials geometries etc. The capabilities of the developed model are demonstrated by the design process of an independent-type aluminum 2219 cryogenic tank for commuter aircraft applications. The designed tank indicates a potential maximum take-off weight reduction of about 8% for the commuter category and demonstrates that aluminum alloys are serious candidate materials for future aircraft.
Toward Green Steel: Modelling and Environmental Economic Analysis of Iron Direct Reduction with Different Reducing Gases
Sep 2023
Publication
The objective of the paper is to simulate the whole steelmaking process cycle based on Direct Reduced Iron and Electric Arc Furnace technologies by modeling for the first time the reduction furnace based on kinetic approach to be used as a basis for the environmental and techno-economic plant analysis by adopting different reducing gases. In addition the impact of carbon capture section is discussed. A complete profitability analysis has been conducted for the first time adopting a Monte Carlo simulation approach.<br/>In detail the use of syngas from methane reforming syngas and hydrogen from gasification of municipal solid waste and green hydrogen from water electrolysis are analyzed. The results show that the Direct Reduced Iron process with methane can reduce CO2 emissions by more than half compared to the blast furnace based-cycle and with the adoption of carbon capture greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by an additional 40%. The use of carbon capture by amine scrubbing has a limited economic disadvantage compared to the scenario without it becoming profitable once carbon tax is included in the analysis. However it is with the use of green hydrogen from electrolyzer that greenhouse gas emissions can be cut down almost completely. To have an environmental benefit compared with the methane-based Direct Reduced Iron process the green hydrogen plant must operate for at least 5136 h per year (64.2% of the plant's annual operating hours) on renewable energy.<br/>In addition the use of syngas and separated hydrogen from municipal solid waste gasification is evaluated demonstrating its possible use with no negative effects on the quality of produced steel. The results show that hydrogen use from waste gasification is more economic with respect to green hydrogen from electrolysis but from the environmental viewpoint the latter results the best alternative. Comparing the use of hydrogen and syngas from waste gasification it can be stated that the use of the former reducing gas results preferable from both the economic and environmental viewpoint.
The Economic Competitiveness of Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Powered Trucks: A Review of Total Cost of Ownership Estimates
May 2024
Publication
This paper investigates the economic competitiveness of hydrogen-powered trucks. It reviews the growing number of papers that provide an estimate of the total cost of ownership (TCO) of hydrogen-powered trucks relative to their diesel equivalents. It examines the methodology applied the variables considered the data used for estimation and the results obtained. All reviewed studies conclude that hydrogen-powered trucks are not currently cost-competitive while they might become competitive after 2030. The conclusion holds across truck types and sizes hydrogen pathways mission profiles and countries. However we find that there is still a huge area of uncertainty regarding the purchase price of hydrogen-powered trucks and the cost of hydrogen which hampers the reliability of the results obtained. Various areas of methodological improvements are suggested.
Optimal Scheduling of an Electric-Hydrogen-Integrated Energy System Considering Virtual Energy Storage
Jan 2024
Publication
In this paper a two-layer optimization approach is proposed to facilitate the multi-energy complementarity and coupling and optimize the system configuration in an electric-hydrogen-integrated energy system (EH-IES). Firstly an EH-IES with virtual energy storage is proposed to reduce the cost of physical energy storage equipment. Secondly a two-layer optimal allocation method is proposed under a multi-timescale strategy to examine the comprehensive evaluation index of environmental protection and economy. The upper layer utilizes the NSGA-II multi-objective optimization method for system capacity allocation while the lower layer performs economic dispatch at the lowest cost. Ultimately the output includes the results of the equipment capacity allocation of the EH-IES that satisfies the reliability constraint interval and the daily scheduling results of the equipment. The results demonstrate that the electric-hydrogen-integrated energy system with the coupling of multiple energy equipment not only enhances the utilization of renewable energy sources but also reduces the usage of fossil energy and improves the system’s reliability.
Hydrogen Energy Storage: New Techno-economic Emergence Solution Analysis
Aug 2015
Publication
The integration of various renewable energy sources as well as the liberalization of electricity markets are established facts in modern electrical power systems. The increased share of renewable sources within power systems intensifies the supply variability and intermittency. Therefore energy storage is deemed as one of the solutions for stabilizing the supply of electricity to maintain generation-demand balance and to guarantee uninterrupted supply of energy to users. In the context of sustainable development and energy resources depletion the question of the growth of renewable energy electricity production is highly linked to the ability to propose new and adapted energy storage solutions. The purpose of this multidisciplinary paper is to highlight the new hydrogen production and storage technology its efficiency and the impact of the policy context on its development. A comprehensive techno/socio/economic study of long term hydrogen based storage systems in electrical networks is addressed. The European policy concerning the different energy storage systems and hydrogen production is explicitly discussed. The state of the art of the techno-economic features of the hydrogen production and storage is introduced. Using Matlab-Simulink for a power system of rated 70 kW generator the excess produced hydrogen during high generation periods or low demand can be sold either directly to the grid owners or as filled hydrogen bottles. The affordable use of Hydrogen-based technologies for long term electricity storage is verified.
The Role of Power-to-hydrogen in Carbon Neutral Energy and Industrial Systems: Case Finland
Aug 2023
Publication
To combat climate change decarbonization measures are undertaken across the whole energy sector. Industry and transportation sectors are seen as difficult sectors to decarbonize with green hydrogen being proposed as a solution to achieve decarbonization in these sectors. While many methods of introducing hydrogen to these sectors are present in literature few systemlevel works study the specific impacts of large-scale introduction has on power and heat sectors in an energy system. This contribution examines the effects of introducing hydrogen into a Finnish energy system in 2040 by conducting scenario simulations in EnergyPLAN – software. Primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions of the base scenario and hydrogen scenarios are compared. Additionally the differences between a constant and flexible hydrogen production profile are studied. Introducing hydrogen increases electricity consumption by 31.9 % but reduces CO2 emissions by 71.5 % and fossil energy consumption by 72.6%. The flexible hydrogen profile lowers renewable curtailment and improves energy efficiency but requires economically unfeasible hydrogen storage. Biomass consumption remains high and is not impacted significantly by the introduction of hydrogen. Additional measures in other sectors are needed to ensure carbon neutrality.
Green Hydrogen Integration in Aluminium Recycling: Techno-economic Analysis Towards Sustainability Transition in the Expanding Aluminium Market
Feb 2024
Publication
The use of aluminum-based products is widespread and growing particularly in industries such as automotive food packaging and construction. Obtaining aluminum is expensive and energy-intensive making the recycling of existing products essential for economic and environmental viability. This work explores the potential of using green hydrogen as a replacement for natural gas in the smelting and refining furnaces in aluminum recycling facilities. The adoption of green hydrogen has the potential to curtail approximately 4.54 Ktons/year of CO2 emissions rendering it a sustainable and economically advantageous solution. The work evaluates the economic viability of a case study through assessing the Net Present Value (NPV) and the Internal Rate of Return (IRR). Furthermore it is employed single- and multi-parameter sensitivity analyses to obtain insight on the most relevant conditions to achieve economic viability. Results demonstrate that integrating on-site green hydrogen generation yields a favorable NPV of €57370 an IRR of 9.83% and a 19.63-year payback period. The primary factors influencing NPV are the initial electricity consumption stack and the H2 price.
Advancements in Hydrogen Energy Systems: A Review of Levelized Costs, Financial Incentives and Technological Innovations
Apr 2024
Publication
Hydrogen energy systems (HES) are increasingly recognized as pivotal in cutting global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions especially in transportation power generation and industrial sectors. This paper offers a comprehensive review of HES emphasizing their diverse applications and economic viability. By 2030 hydrogen energy is expected to revolutionize various sectors significantly impacting CO2 abatement and energy demand. In electricity and power generation hydrogen could reduce CO2 emissions by 50–100 million tons annually requiring 10–20 million tons of hydrogen and an investment of $50–100 billion underscoring its role in grid stabilization. Additionally in the heating sector hydrogen could facilitate a CO2 abatement of 30–50 million tons. We examine the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) production influenced by factors like production methods efficiency and infrastructure. While steam methane reforming is cost-effective it poses a larger environmental impact compared to electrolysis. The global life-cycle cost of hydrogen production decreases as production scales up with current costs ranging from $1–3 per kg for fossil-based sources to $3.4–7.5 per kg for electrolysis using low-emission electricity. These costs are projected to decrease especially for electrolytic hydrogen in regions with abundant solar energy. However despite the technical feasibility of decarbonization high production costs still pose challenges. A systematic and effective transition to a hydrogen economy requires comprehensive policy and financial support mechanisms including incentives subsidies tax measures and funding for research and development of pilot projects. Additionally the paper discusses hydrogen's role in advanced storage technologies such as hydrides and Japan's ENE-FARM solution for residential energy emphasizing the need for strategic investments across the hydrogen value chain to enhance HES competitiveness reduce LCOH and advance the learning rates of hydrogen production technologies.
Assessment of Fuel Switching as a Decarbonization Strategy in the Cement Sector
May 2024
Publication
Limiting global warming and the pursuit of a net-zero global society by 2050 emphasizes the need to transform the hard-to-abate industrial sectors. The cement sector is the second-largest source of global industrial emissions accounting for 8% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. Fuel switching in the cement sector is a decarbonization pathway that has not been explored in detail; previous studies involving fuel switching in the sector either view it from an energy efficiency lens or focus on a single technology. In this study a framework is developed to evaluate and directly compare six fuel switching options (including hydrogen biomass municipal solid waste and natural gas) from 2020 to 2050. Capital costs non-energy operating costs energy costs and carbon costs are used to calculate marginal abatement costs and emulate cost based-market decisions. The developed framework is used to conduct a case study for Canada using the LEAP-Canada model. This study shows that cumulative energy-related greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by up to 21% between 2020 and 2050 with negative marginal abatement costs. Multiple fuel switching decarbonization pathways were established reducing the likelihood that locality prevents meaningful emissions reduction and suggesting that with low-carbon fuel and electricity policies the sector can take significant steps towards emissions reduction. The developed framework can be applied to jurisdictions around the world for decision making as nations move towards eliminating emissions from cement production.
The Role of Hydrogen-based Power Systems in the Energy Transition of the Residential Sector
Sep 2021
Publication
The unsustainable and continuous growth of anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) has pushed governments private companies and stakeholders to adopt measures and policies to fight against climate change. Within this framework increasing the contribution of renewable energy sources (RES) to final consumed energy plays a key role in the planned energy transition. Regarding the residential sector in Europe 92% of GHG emissions comes from 75% of the building stock that is over 25 years old and highly inefficient. Thus this sector must raise RES penetration from the current 36% to 77% by 2050 to comply with emissions targets. In this regard the hybridization of hydrogen-based technologies and RES represents a reliable and versatile solution to facilitate decarbonization of the residential sector. This study provides an overview and analysis of standalone renewable hydrogen-based systems (RHS) focusing on the residential and buildings sector as well as critical infrastructures like telecom stations data servers etc. For detailed evaluation of RHS several pilot plants and real demonstration plants implemented worldwide are reviewed. To this end a techno-economic assessment of relevant parameters like self-sufficiency ratio levelized cost of energy and hydrogen roundtrip efficiency is provided. Moreover the performance of the different configurations is evaluated by comparing the installed power of each component and their energy contribution to cover the load over a defined period of time. Challenges ahead are identified for the wider deployment of RHS in the residential and buildings sector.
A Multi-stage Framework for Coordinated Scheduling of Networked Microgrids in Active Distribution Systems with Hydrogen Refueling and Charging Stations
May 2024
Publication
Due to the increase in electric energy consumption and the significant growth in the number of electric vehicles (EV) at the level of the distribution network new networks have started using new fuels such as hydrogen to improve environmental indicators and at the same time better efficiency from the excess capacity of renewable resources. In this article the services that can be provided by hydrogen refueling stations and charging electric vehicles in the optimal performance of microgrids have been investigated. The model proposed in this paper includes a two-stage stochastic framework for scheduling resources in microgrids especially hydrogen refueling stations and electric vehicle charging. In this model two main goals of cost minimization and greenhouse gas emissions are considered. In the proposed framework and in the first stage the service range of microgrids is determined precisely according to the electrical limitations of distribution systems in emergency situations. Then in the second stage the problem of energy management in each microgrid will be solved centrally. In this situation various indicators including the output energy of renewable sources smart charging of hydrogen and electric vehicle charging stations (EV/FCV) and flexible loads (FL) are evaluated. The final mathematical model is implemented as a multivariate integer multiple linear problem (MILP) using the GUROBI solver in GAMS software. The simulation results on the modified IEEE 118-Bus network show the positive effect of the presence of flexible loads and smart charging strategies by charging stations. Also the numerical derivation shows that the operating costs of the entire system can be reduced by 4.77% and the use of smart charging strategies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 49.13%.
Numerical Modelling of Hydrogen Release and Dispersion in Under-deck Compressed Hydrogen Storage of Marine Ships
Feb 2024
Publication
There is growing interest in using hydrogen (H2) as a marine fuel. Fire and explosion risks depend on hydrogen release and dispersion characteristics. Based on a validated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model this study performed hydrogen release and dispersion analysis on an under-deck compressed H2 storage system for a Live-Fish Carrier. A realistic under-deck H2 storage room was modelled based on the ship’s main dimensions and operational profile. Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Rules and Regulations for natural gas storage as a marine fuel were employed as base design guidelines. Case studies were developed to study the effect of two ceiling types (flat and slanted) in terms of flammable cloud formation and dissipation. During the leak’s duration it was found that the recommended ventilation rate was insufficient to dilute the average H2 concentration below 25% of the flammable range as required by DNV (1.2% required against 1.3% slanted and 1.4% flat). However after 35 s of gas extraction the H2 concentration was reduced to 0.5% and 0.6% in the slanted and flat cases respectively. The proposed methodology remains valid to improve the ventilation system and assess mitigation alternatives or other leakage scenarios in confined or semi-confined spaces containing compressed hydrogen gas.
A Holistic Framework for the Optimal Design and Operation of Electricity, Heating, Cooling and Hydrogen Technologies in Buildings
Jun 2024
Publication
In this work the Design and Operation of Integrated Technologies (DO-IT) framework is developed a comprehensive tool to support short- and long-term technology investment and operation decisions for integrated energy generation conversion and storage technologies in buildings. The novelty of this framework lies in two key aspects: firstly it integrates essential open-source modelling tools covering energy end uses in buildings technology performance and cost and energy system design optimisation into a unified and easily-reproducible framework. Secondly it introduces a novel optimisation tool with a concise and generic mathematical formulation capable of modelling multi-energy vector systems capturing interdependencies between different energy vectors and technologies. The model formulation which captures both short- and long-term energy storage facilitates the identification of smart design and operation strategies with low computational cost. Different building energy demand and price scenarios are investigated and the economic and energy benefits of using a holistic multi-energy-vector approach are quantified. Technology combinations under consideration include: (i) a photovoltaic-electric heat pump-battery system (ii) a photovoltaic-electric heat pump-battery-hot water cylinder system (iii) a photovoltaic-electrolyser‑hydrogen storage-fuel cell system and (iv) a system with all above technology options. Using a university building as a case study it is shown that the smart integration of electricity heating cooling and hydrogen generation and storage technologies results in a total system cost which is >25% lower than the scenario of only importing grid electricity and using a fuel oil boiler. The battery mitigates intra-day fluctuations in electricity demand and the hot-water cylinder allows for efficiently managing heat demand with a small heat pump. In order to avoid PV curtailment excess PV-generated electricity can also be stored in the form of green hydrogen providing a long-term energy storage solution spanning days weeks or even seasons. Results are useful for end-users investment decision makers and energy policy makers when selecting building-integrated low-carbon technologies and relevant policies.
Flexibility Value of Multimodal Hydrogen Energy Utilization in Electric–Hydrogen–Thermal Systems
Jun 2024
Publication
Hydrogen energy is now a crucial technological option for decarbonizing energy systems. Comprehensive utilization is a typical mode of hydrogen energy deployment leveraging its excellent conversion capabilities. Hydrogen is often used in combination with electrical and thermal energy. However current hydrogen utilization modes are relatively singular resulting in low energy utilization efficiency and high wind curtailment rates. To improve energy utilization efficiency and promote the development of hydrogen energy we discuss three utilization modes of hydrogen energy including hydrogen storage integration into a fuel cell and gas turbine hybrid power generation system and hydrogen methanation. We propose a hydrogen energy system with multimodal utilization and integrate it into an electrolytic hydrogen–thermal integrated energy system (EHTIES). A mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) optimization scheduling model for the EHT-IES is developed and solved using the Cplex solver to improve the operational feasibility of the EHTIES focusing on minimizing economic costs and reducing wind curtailment rates. Case studies in northwest China verify the effectiveness of the proposed model. By comparing various utilization modes energy storage methods and scenarios this study demonstrated that integrating a hydrogen energy system with multimodal utilization into the EHT-IES offers significant technical benefits. It enhances energy utilization efficiency and promotes the absorption of wind energy thereby increasing the flexibility of the EHT-IES.
Thermodynamic Analysis of the Combustion Process in Hydrogen-Fueled Engines with EGR
Jun 2024
Publication
This article presents a novel approach to the analysis of heat release in a hydrogen-fueled internal combustion spark-ignition engine with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). It also discusses aspects of thermodynamic analysis common to modeling and empirical analysis. This new approach concerns a novel method of calculating the specific heat ratio (cp/cv) and takes into account the reduction in the number of moles during combustion which is characteristic of hydrogen combustion. This reduction in the number of moles was designated as a molar contraction. This is particularly crucial when calculating the average temperature during combustion. Subsequently the outcomes of experimental tests including the heat-release rate the initial combustion phase (denoted CA0- 10) and the main combustion phase (CA10-90) are presented. Furthermore the impact of exhaust gas recirculation on the combustion process in the engine is also discussed. The efficacy of the proposed measures was validated by analyzing the heat-release rate and calculating the mean combustion temperature in the engine. The application of EGR in the range 0-40% resulted in a notable prolongation of both the initial and main combustion phases which consequently influenced the mean combustion temperature.
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