Authors: Alanazi K, Mittal S, Hawkes A, Shah N
Name of Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Abstract: Renewable hydrogen has emerged as a potentially critical energy carrier for achieving climate change mitigation goals. International trade could play a key role in meeting hydrogen demand in a globally decarbonized energy system. To better understand this role, we have developed a modelling framework that incorporates hydrogen supply and demand curves and a market equilibrium model to maximize social welfare. Applying this framework, we investigate two scenarios: an unrestricted trade scenario where hydrogen trade is allowed between all regions globally, and a regional independence scenario where trade is restricted to be intra-regional only. Under the unrestricted trade scenario, global hydrogen demand could reach 234 Mt by 2050, with 31.2% met through international trade. Key trade routes identified include North Africa to Europe, the Middle East to Developing Asia, and South America to Japan and South Korea. In the regional independence scenario, most regions could meet their demand domestically, except for Japan and South Korea due to self-insufficiency. Finally, this analysis reveals that producers in North Africa and South America are likely to gain more economic value from international trade compared to other producing regions. The results offer key insights for policymakers and investors for shaping future hydrogen trade policies and investment decisions.
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Authors: Ameli H, Pudjianto D, Strbac G, Brandon N
Name of Journal: Advances in Applied Energy
Abstract: The lack of clarity and uncertainty about hydrogen’s role, demand, applications, and economics has been a barrier to the development of the hydrogen economy. In this paper, an optimisation model for the integrated planning and operation of hydrogen and electricity systems is presented to identify the role of hydrogen technologies and linepack in decarbonising energy systems, improving system flexibility, and enhancing energy system security and resilience against extreme weather events. The studies are conducted on Great Britain’s (GB) 2050 net-zero electricity and gas transmission systems to analyse the hydrogen transport and capacity requirements within the existing infrastructure under different scenarios. This includes sensitivities on the level of flexibility, high gas prices, hydrogen production mixes, enabled reversibility of electrolysers, electricity generation cost, and hydrogen storage facilities. In all sensitivity scenarios, efficient hydrogen transport within the existing infrastructure is enabled by the optimal allocation of green and blue hydrogen sources, distributed storage facilities, and the intra-day flexibility provided by linepack. The findings highlight that increased renewable deployment transfers intermittency to the hydrogen network, requiring greater linepack flexibility compared to the current paradigm (up to 83%). Furthermore, the necessity of synergy between different gas and electricity systems components in providing flexibility, security, and resilience is quantified.
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Authors:Peihao Chen, Dawei Wu
Name of Journal: Ocean Engineering
Abstract: Ocean renewable energy, such as wave and tidal energies, is important for energy supply and decarbonization of offshore platforms and ships. However, the intermittent and non-dispatchable nature of wave and tidal energy remains a significant challenge. The hybrid wave-tidal energy conversion presents a potential solution to enhance output power and stability by leveraging their complementary characteristics. This paper reviews the current state of hybrid wave-tidal energy conversion technology, focusing on device design, modeling methods and testing methods. Many current hybrid wave-tidal energy converters (HWTEC) have not considered effective coupling among the modules of sub-systems to maximize efficiency. Modeling and simulation methods are mainly based on studies of single wave or tidal energy conversion, and non-linear system modeling is rare. The assumption of continuous functions in most models can lead to discrepancies from real-life conditions. Advancement of modeling approaches, co-simulation algorithms, and dedicated dry lab and pool tests for HWTEC are desired. While HWTEC is potential for improving ocean energy conversion, addressing key challenges of device design, modeling, testing and economic evaluation are essential for realizing its full potential in contributing to decarbonization.
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Authors: Farrukh S, Wu D, Taskin A, Dearn K
Name of Journal: Energy
Abstract: Cryogenic carbon-neutral fuels are potential alternatives as future marine fuels, releasing waste cryogenic energy during regasification and waste thermal energy during combustion. Organic Rankine Cycles (ORCs), using flammable hydrocarbon working fluids, are the preferred waste energy reutilization technology, prioritized over Brayton and Kaline cycles due to their compact system configuration.
However, hydrocarbon flammability and explosiveness poses a huge safety risk. Therein lies the novelty of this study which presents an advanced dynamic model of a cryogenic enhanced ORC utilizing low flammability hydrofluorocarbons as working fluids for simultaneous reutilization of waste thermal and cryogenic energy from carbon-neutral cryogenic fuels.
The evaporation temperature exhibits a direct correlation with energy and an inverse correlation with the exergy performance. System overcharging leads to a drastic performance decline, while undercharging can be tolerated to a certain liquid-to-volume ratio until critical failure. Marine classification societies’ recommendations-based scenarios were employed to gauge the emission reduction potential of low flammability working fluids for cryogenic ORCs, pitted against traditional combustion technologies. A maximum specific net-work, thermal efficiency, exergy efficiency, and cryogenic energy efficiency of 45.64 kJ/kg, 10.43 %, 12.75 %, and 11.8 % was achieved, respectively, with 85 % reduction in GHG emissions, using R452B as the working fluid.
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Authors: Zhang G, Zhang Y, Shi P, Chen P, Schneider L, Xu H, Wu D
Name of Journal: Energy
Abstract: Green hydrogen (H2) becomes an important alternative fuel for decarbonizing internal combustion engines (ICEs). Optimization of air-hydrogen mixture is a significant challenge to achieve stable combustion in H2 ICEs. In the paper, Schlieren optical diagnostic technique was used to reveal the near-field spray characteristics of a single-hole, medium/low-pressure H2 injector under various injection and ambient pressures and Helium (He) is used as a surrogate. Image processing code was developed to obtain critical jet parameters, including jet tip penetration, width, angle, and area. The cycle-to-cycle variation (CCV) of jet behaviour on thirty repeated experiments was assessed using the coefficient of variation (COV) and the normalized dimensionless “Ins number”. The results indicated that the near-field jet could be distinctly divided into three stages: a smooth teardrop-like shape at early stage, a transitional wavy mushroom-head structure at mid stage, and a stable triangular-tower structure at later stage. Different stages of near-field jet exhibited varying CCV characteristics. Compared to jet tip penetration, the CCV in jet width and angle closely approached the proposed “absolute variation” line, playing a crucial role in the jet area CCV. This research provides essential data for the development of H2 jet models, facilitating the design optimization of H2 injectors.
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Authors: Azimipoor A, Zhang T, Qadrdan M, Jenkins N
Name of Journal: Energy Conversion and Management
Abstract: Transporting hydrogen gas has long been identified as one of the key issues to scaling up the hydrogen economy. Among various means of transportation, many countries are considering using the existing natural gas pipeline networks for hydrogen transmission. This paper examines the implications of transporting hydrogen on the operational metrics of the high-pressure natural gas networks.
A model of the GB high-pressure gas network was developed, which has a high granularity, with 294 nodes, 356 pipes, and 24 compressor stations.
The model was developed using Synergi Gas, a hydraulic pipeline network simulation software. By performing unsteady-state analysis, pressure levels, linepack levels and compressor energy consumption were simulated with 10-minute time steps.
Additionally, component tracing analysis was utilised to examTransporting hydrogen gas has long been identified as one of the key issues to scaling up the hydrogen economy. Among various means of transportation, many countries are considering using the existing natural gas pipeline networks for hydrogen transmission.
This paper examines the implications of transporting hydrogen on the operational metrics of the high-pressure natural gasine the variations in gas composition when hydrogen is injected into the gas network. Five scenarios were developed: one benchmark scenario representing the network transporting natural gas in 2018; one scenario where demand and supply levels are projected for 2035, but no hydrogen was transported by the network; two hydrogen injection scenarios in 2035 considering different geographical locations for hydrogen injection into the gas network; and lastly, one pure hydrogen transmission scenario for 2050.
The studies found that the GB’s high-pressure gas network could accept 20 % volumetric hydrogen injection without significantly impacting network operation. Pressure levels and compressor energy consumption remain within the operational range.
The geographical distribution of hydrogen injection points would highly affect the percentage of hydrogen across the network. Pure hydrogen transportation will cause significant variations in network linepack and increase compressor energy consumption significantly compared to other case studies. The findings signal that operating a network with pure hydrogen is possible only when it is prepared for these changes.
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Authors: Royapoor, Mohammad; Allahham, Adib; Hosseini, Seyed Hamid Reza; Rufa’I, Nabila Ahmed; Walker, Sara Louise
Abstract: One of the most challenging sectors to meet “Net Zero emissions” target by 2050 in the UK is the domestic heating sector. This paper provides a comprehensive literature review of the main challenges of heating systems transition to low carbon technologies in which three distinct categories of challenges are discussed. The first challenge is of decarbonizing heat at the supply side, considering specifically the difficulties in integrating hydrogen as a low-carbon heating substitute to the dominant natural gas. The next challenge is of decarbonizing heat at the demand side, and research into the difficulties of retrofitting the existing UK housing stock, of digitalizing heating energy systems, as well as ensuring both retrofits and digitalization do not disproportionately affect vulnerable groups in society. The need for demonstrating innovative solutions to these challenges leads to the final focus, which is the challenge of modeling and demonstrating future energy systems heating scenarios. This work concludes with recommendations for the energy research community and policy makers to tackle urgent challenges facing the decarbonization of the UK heating sector.
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URL: https://research.birmingham.ac.uk/files/218768520/Towards_2050_net_zero_carbon_infrastructure_a_critical_review_of_key_decarbonization_challenges_in_the_domestic_heating_sector_in_the_UK.pdf
Authors: Hossein Ameli, Goran Strbac, Danny Pudjianto, Mohammad Taghi Ameli
Abstract: 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.
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Authors: Mohammad Mehdi Amiri, Mohammad Taghi Ameli, Mohammad Reza Aghamohammadi, Erfan Bashooki, Hossein Ameli, Goran Strbac
Abstract: Energy hubs (EHs) enable all types of energy customers to participate in demand response programs (DRPs), such as inelastic loads, by combining electricity, heat, natural gas, and other types of energy. Integrated demand response (IDR) is the result of this new vision. From a global warming perspective, environmental emissions are a significant issue to be considered. Furthermore, hydrogen has been recognized as an attractive fuel for decarbonizing sectors that contribute to global warming. Thus, this paper provides a solution to global environmental problems through the utilization of renewable energy sources (RESs) and green hydrogen. In addition, electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to contribute significantly to this scenario due to their rapid expansion. Considering the uncertainty of electricity prices, this paper focuses on coordinating EV parking with hydrogen storage systems (HSS) and IDR with the aim of increasing flexibility, where a robust optimization (RO) method has been implemented to solve the problem. The results demonstrate that in the case of a deterministic solution to the problem and where uncertainty is at
the highest level, the proposed scheme reduces the total operating costs by 13.89% and 8.67%, respectively. This indicates that the proposed scheme could avoid overinvestment and cost-effectively achieve the given
carbon emission target.
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Authors: Khalid Alanazi, Shivika Mittal, Adam Hawkes, Nilay Shah
Abstract: Hydrogen has gained significant attention as a possibly important energy vector in the pursuit of climate change mitigation objectives. Global demand for renewable hydrogen is anticipated to increase across many decarbonization scenarios. To meet this demand, many countries have unveiled strategies aimed at bolstering domestic low-carbon hydrogen production or facilitating imports. Within this context, international trade has emerged as a means of importing hydrogen from regions with low-cost production capabilities. However, investment decisions in the development of international hydrogen markets are moving slowly due to large uncertainties regarding the magnitude of future demand and willingness to pay for hydrogen in key end- use applications.
In this study, we develop a novel modelling framework capable of simulating global hydrogen market equilibrium and international trade scenarios in the long-term future. Our methodology includes the development of supply and demand curves, as well as a global hydrogen trade model that takes into account various supply chain options. Using this framework, we are able to derive quantitative insights into equilibrium supply and demand, pricing dynamics, trade flows, costs, and many more. We apply this framework to investigate the optimal development of hydrogen markets in 2050 under a 1.5°C climate change mitigations scenario. Our findings indicate that new hydrogen sectors could see a global demand surge to 195.2 Mt, with international trade constituting a quarter of this demand.
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