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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A5: Hydrogen Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 June 2024 | Viewed by 24276

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Dr. Samuel Simon Araya

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Guest Editor

AAU Energy, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
Interests: PEM fuel cells; PEM water electrolysis; methanol reforming; energy technology; hydrogen
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Vincenzo Liso

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Guest Editor

The Faculty of Engineering and Science, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
Interests: energy system modeling; fuel cells; hydrogen; methanol
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Hydrogen energy research and development has attracted growing attention as one of the key solutions for a clean future energy system. In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, national governments across the world are developing ambitious policies to support hydrogen technology, and an increasing level of funding has been allocated for projects of research, development, and demonstration of this technology. At the same time, the private sector is capitalizing on the opportunity with larger investments in hydrogen technology solutions.

While intense research activities have been dedicated to this field, several issues require further research prior to achieving a full commercialization of hydrogen technology solutions. This Special Issue seeks to contribute to disseminating the most recent advancements in the field with respect to both modeling and experimental analysis. The focus is placed on research covering all aspects of the hydrogen energy route, including fuel production, storage, transportation, and final usage. This also includes the development of hydrogen-based fuels, such as ammonia, alcohols, and methane.

We look forward to considering your submissions.

Dr. Samuel Simon Araya
Dr. Liso Vincenzo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

fuel cell materials and systems
electrolysis materials and systems
catalysis
hydrogen storage and transportation
hydrogen based electro-fuels (e.g., methanol, ammonia, enriched methane)
control and diagnostics

Related Special Issues

Advances in Hydrogen Energy Ⅱ in Energies (15 articles)
Advances in Hydrogen Energy in Energies (14 articles)

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 3764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Formation–Structure–Functionality Relationship of Catalyst Layers in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

by Donglei Yang, Nitul Kakati, Mrittunjoy Sarker, Felipe Mojica and Po-Ya Abel Chuang

Energies 2024, 17(9), 2093; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en17092093 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024

Viewed by 101

Abstract

Understanding the relationship between the formation, structure, and functionality of catalyst layers is crucial for designing catalyst layers with specific high-current-density operations. In this study, we investigated the impact of the ionomer-to-carbon (I/C) ratio and solid content on transport properties. We conducted fuel cell performance and diagnostic measurements to demonstrate the combined effects of the I/C ratio and solid content on the mass transport, particularly oxygen transport. To elucidate the roles of the I/C ratio and solid content in catalyst layer formation, we utilized dynamic light scattering and rheological measurements. By analyzing the local and global structure of ionomer-Pt/C assemblages in the catalyst inks, we observed that the I/C ratio and solid content influence the competition between homo-aggregation and hetero-aggregation, the strengths of inter- and intra-cluster bonds, and the rigidity and connectivity of the particulate structure. Additionally, high-shear-application simulations tend to reduce the connectivity of the particulate network and induce cluster densification, unless the global structure is mechanically stable and resilient. Based on this understanding, we established the formation–structure–functionality relationship for catalyst layers, thereby providing fundamental insights for designing catalyst layers tailored to specific functionalities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydrogen Energy III)

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27 pages, 13811 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reliability-Based Design Optimization of the PEMFC Flow Field with Consideration of Statistical Uncertainty of Design Variables

by Seongku Heo, Jaeyoo Choi, Yooseong Park, Neil Vaz and Hyunchul Ju

Energies 2024, 17(8), 1882; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en17081882 - 15 Apr 2024

Viewed by 288

Abstract

Recently, with the fourth industrial revolution, the research cases that search for optimal design points based on neural networks or machine learning have rapidly increased. In addition, research on optimization is continuously reported in the field of fuel cell research using hydrogen as fuel. However, in the case of optimization research, it often requires a large amount of training data, which means that it is more suitable for numerical research such as CFD simulation rather than time-consuming research such as actual experiments. As is well known, the design range of fuel cell flow channels is extremely small, ranging from hundreds of microns to several millimeters, which means the small tolerance could cause fatal performance loss. In this study, the general optimization study was further improved in terms of reliability by considering stochastic tolerances that may occur in actual industry. The optimization problem was defined to maximize stack power, which is employed as objective function, under the constraints such as pressure drop and current density standard deviation; the performance of the optimal point through general optimization was about 3.252 kW/L. In the reliability-based optimization problem, the boundary condition for tolerance was set to 0.1 mm and tolerance was assumed to occur along a normal distribution. The optimal point to secure 99% reliability for the given constraints was 2.918 kW/L, showing significantly lower performance than the general optimal point. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydrogen Energy III)

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19 pages, 832 KiB

Open AccessArticle

State-of-Health Estimation for Industrial H₂ Electrolyzers with Transfer Linear Regression

by Xuqian Yan, Carlo Locci, Florian Hiss and Astrid Nieße

Energies 2024, 17(6), 1374; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en17061374 - 13 Mar 2024

Viewed by 599

Abstract

Water electrolysis to generate green hydrogen is the key to decarbonization. Tracking the state-of-health of electrolyzers is fundamental to ensuring their economical and safe operation. This paper addresses the challenge of quantifying the state-of-health of electrolyzers, which is complicated by the influence of operating conditions. The existing approaches require stringent control of operating conditions, such as following a predefined current profile and maintaining a constant temperature, which is impractical for industrial applications. We propose a data-driven method that corrects the measured voltage under arbitrary operating conditions to a reference condition, serving as a state-of-health indicator for electrolyzers. The method involves fitting a voltage model to map the relationship between voltage and operating conditions and then using this model to calculate the voltage under predefined reference conditions. Our approach utilizes an empirical voltage model, validated with actual industrial electrolyzer operation data. We further introduce a transfer linear regression algorithm to tackle model fitting difficulties with limited data coverage. Validation on synthetic data confirms the algorithm’s effectiveness in capturing the true model coefficients, and application on actual operation data demonstrates its ability to provide stable state-of-health estimations. This research offers a practical solution for the industry to continuously monitor electrolyzer degradation without the need for stringent control of operating conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydrogen Energy III)

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18 pages, 2693 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Levelized Cost of Biohydrogen from Steam Reforming of Biomethane with Carbon Capture and Storage (Golden Hydrogen)—Application to Spain

by Luis Yagüe, José I. Linares, Eva Arenas and José C. Romero

Energies 2024, 17(5), 1134; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en17051134 - 27 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1263

Abstract

The production of biohydrogen with negative CO₂ emissions through the steam methane reforming of biomethane, coupled with carbon capture and storage, represents a promising technology, particularly for industries that are difficult to electrify. In spite of the maturity of this technology, which is currently employed in the production of grey and blue hydrogen, a detailed cost model that considers the entire supply chain is lacking in the literature. This study addresses this gap by applying correlations derived from actual facilities producing grey and blue hydrogen to calculate the CAPEX, while exploring various feedstock combinations for biogas generation to assess the OPEX. The analysis also includes logistic aspects, such as decentralised biogas production and the transportation and storage of CO₂. The levelized cost of golden hydrogen is estimated to range from EUR 1.84 to 2.88/kg, compared to EUR 1.47/kg for grey hydrogen and EUR 1.93/kg for blue hydrogen, assuming a natural gas cost of EUR 25/MWh and excluding the CO₂ tax. This range increases to between 3.84 and 2.92, with a natural gas cost of EUR 40/MWh with the inclusion of the CO₂ tax. A comparison with conventional green hydrogen is performed, highlighting both prices and potential, thereby offering valuable information for decision-making. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydrogen Energy III)

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17 pages, 6868 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Modeling on Concentration Polarization under Variable-Temperature Operating Conditions

by Teng Teng, Xin Zhang, Qicheng Xue and Baodi Zhang

Energies 2024, 17(3), 730; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en17030730 - 03 Feb 2024

Viewed by 582

Abstract

In this study, a concentration overvoltage model that focuses on describing variable-temperature operating condition properties for PEMFCs is established. Sensitivity analysis and a quantification study of oxygen transport resistance are carried out based on the oxygen transport resistance model and measurement data. By analyzing the influence of temperature on cathode oxygen transport resistance, the key structural parameters of the cathode oxygen transport resistance models are estimated, and the parameter modification method of fuel cell limiting current density under variable temperatures is proposed. Based on the polarization curve test experiments under variable-temperature conditions, it is demonstrated that the newly developed concentration overvoltage model reduces the relative error of simulation for a low Pt loading fuel cell in the high current region by 2.97% and 10.06% at 60 °C and 80 °C, respectively. The newly established concentration overvoltage model of a PEMFC solves the problem that the parameter of limiting current density is set without considering the influence of fuel cell temperature fluctuation, which leads to the poor simulation accuracy of the concentration overvoltage model in the high current region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydrogen Energy III)

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21 pages, 4564 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Objective Assessment and Optimization of a High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell: Steady-State Analysis

by Zhaoda Zhong, Samuel Simon Araya, Vincenzo Liso and Jimin Zhu

Energies 2023, 16(24), 7991; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en16247991 - 09 Dec 2023

Viewed by 709

Abstract

The design and operational conditions of high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) substantially impact their performance. This model aims to investigate the influence of various parameters on the performance of HT-PEMFC. A comprehensive examination revealed that the performance of HT-PEMFC experienced a significant enhancement through modifications to the operating temperature, doping levels, and membrane thickness. Significantly, it can be observed that operating pressure showed a limited influence on performance. The HT-PEMFC was optimized using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II), specifically emphasizing three primary performance indicators: equivalent power density, energy efficiency, and exergy efficiency. The findings demonstrate promising outcomes, as they reveal a noteworthy enhancement in power density by 17.72% and improvements in energy efficiency and exergy efficiency by 21.11% and 10.37%, respectively, compared to the baseline case. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydrogen Energy III)

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17 pages, 4609 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance Analysis of a Diabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage System Fueled with Green Hydrogen

by Luca Migliari, Davide Micheletto and Daniele Cocco

Energies 2023, 16(20), 7023; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en16207023 - 10 Oct 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 994

Abstract

The integration of an increasing share of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) requires the availability of suitable energy storage systems to improve the grid flexibility and Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) systems could be a promising option. In this study, a CO₂-free Diabatic CAES system is proposed and analyzed. The plant configuration is derived from a down-scaled version of the McIntosh Diabatic CAES plant, where the natural gas is replaced with green hydrogen, produced on site by a Proton Exchange Membrane electrolyzer powered by a photovoltaic power plant. In this study, the components of the hydrogen production system are sized to maximize the self-consumption share of PV energy generation and the effect of the design parameters on the H₂-CAES plant performance are analyzed on a yearly basis. Moreover, a comparison between the use of natural gas and hydrogen in terms of energy consumption and CO₂ emissions is discussed. The results show that the proposed hydrogen fueled CAES can effectively match the generation profile and the yearly production of the natural gas fueled plant by using all the PV energy production, while producing zero CO₂ emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydrogen Energy III)

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26 pages, 4484 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Massive Green Hydrogen Production Using Solar and Wind Energy: Comparison between Europe and the Middle East

by Marek Jaszczur, Qusay Hassan, Aws Zuhair Sameen, Hayder M. Salman, Olushola Tomilayo Olapade and Szymon Wieteska

Energies 2023, 16(14), 5445; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en16145445 - 18 Jul 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2354

Abstract

This comparative study examines the potential for green hydrogen production in Europe and the Middle East, leveraging 3MWp solar and wind power plants. Experimental weather data from 2022 inform the selection of two representative cities, namely Krakow, Poland (Europe), and Diyala, Iraq (Middle East). These cities are chosen as industrial–residential zones, representing the respective regions’ characteristics. The research optimizes an alkaline water electrolyzer capacity in juxtaposition with the aforementioned power plants to maximize the green hydrogen output. Economic and environmental factors integral to green hydrogen production are assessed to identify the region offering the most advantageous conditions. The analysis reveals that the Middle East holds superior potential for green hydrogen production compared to Europe, attributed to a higher prevalence of solar and wind resources, coupled with reduced land and labor costs. Hydrogen production costs in Europe are found to range between USD 9.88 and USD 14.31 per kilogram, in contrast to the Middle East, where costs span from USD 6.54 to USD 12.66 per kilogram. Consequently, the Middle East emerges as a more feasible region for green hydrogen production, with the potential to curtail emissions, enhance air quality, and bolster energy security. The research findings highlight the advantages of the Middle East industrial–residential zone ‘Diyala’ and Europe industrial–residential zone ‘Krakow’ in terms of their potential for green hydrogen production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydrogen Energy III)

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Review

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29 pages, 2898 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of the Role of Hydrogen in the Heat Decarbonization of Future Energy Systems: Insights and Perspectives

by Hossein Ameli, Goran Strbac, Danny Pudjianto and Mohammad Taghi Ameli

Energies 2024, 17(7), 1688; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en17071688 - 02 Apr 2024

Viewed by 890

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydrogen Energy III)

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27 pages, 2102 KiB

Open AccessReview

Green Hydrogen Value Chain: Modelling of a PV Power Plant Integrated with H₂ Production for Industry Application

by Hugo Machado, Ana Cristina Ferreira, Senhorinha F. Teixeira and José Carlos Teixeira

Energies 2024, 17(6), 1414; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en17061414 - 15 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1261

Abstract

Based on the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the 2030 agenda of the United Nations, affordable and clean energy is one of the most relevant goals to achieve the decarbonization targets and break down the global climate change effects. The use of renewable energy sources, namely, solar energy, is gaining attention and market share due to reductions in investment costs. Nevertheless, it is important to overcome the energy storage problems, mostly in industrial applications. The integration of photovoltaic power plants with hydrogen production and its storage for further conversion to usable electricity are an interesting option from both the technical and economic points of view. The main objective of this study is to analyse the potential for green hydrogen production and storage through PV production, based on technical data and operational considerations. We also present a conceptual model and the configuration of a PV power plant integrated with hydrogen production for industry supply. The proposed power plant configuration identifies different pathways to improve energy use: supply an industrial facility, supply the hydrogen production and storage unit, sell the energy surplus to the electrical grid and provide energy to a backup battery. One of the greatest challenges for the proposed model is the component sizing and water electrolysis process for hydrogen production due to the operational requirements and the technology costs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydrogen Energy III)

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30 pages, 4984 KiB

Open AccessReview

Hydrogen Combustion: Features and Barriers to Its Exploitation in the Energy Transition

by Eugenio Giacomazzi, Guido Troiani, Antonio Di Nardo, Giorgio Calchetti, Donato Cecere, Giuseppe Messina and Simone Carpenella

Energies 2023, 16(20), 7174; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en16207174 - 20 Oct 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2455

Abstract

The aim of this article is to review hydrogen combustion applications within the energy transition framework. Hydrogen blends are also included, from the well-known hydrogen enriched natural gas (HENG) to the hydrogen and ammonia blends whose chemical kinetics is still not clearly defined. Hydrogen and hydrogen blends combustion characteristics will be firstly summarized in terms of standard properties like the laminar flame speed and the adiabatic flame temperature, but also evidencing the critical role of hydrogen preferential diffusion in burning rate enhancement and the drastic reduction in radiative emission with respect to natural gas flames. Then, combustion applications in both thermo-electric power generation (based on internal combustion engines, i.e., gas turbines and piston engines) and hard-to-abate industry (requiring high-temperature kilns and furnaces) sectors will be considered, highlighting the main issues due to hydrogen addition related to safety, pollutant emissions, and potentially negative effects on industrial products (e.g., glass, cement and ceramic). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydrogen Energy III)

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36 pages, 17194 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Review on the Cost Analysis of Hydrogen Gas Storage Tanks for Fuel Cell Vehicles

by Hyun Kyu Shin and Sung Kyu Ha

Energies 2023, 16(13), 5233; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en16135233 - 07 Jul 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 11914

Abstract

The most practical way of storing hydrogen gas for fuel cell vehicles is to use a composite overwrapped pressure vessel. Depending on the driving distance range and power requirement of the vehicles, there can be various operational pressure and volume capacity of the tanks, ranging from passenger vehicles to heavy-duty trucks. The current commercial hydrogen storage method for vehicles involves storing compressed hydrogen gas in high-pressure tanks at pressures of 700 bar for passenger vehicles and 350 bar to 700 bar for heavy-duty trucks. In particular, hydrogen is stored in rapidly refillable onboard tanks, meeting the driving range needs of heavy-duty applications, such as regional and line-haul trucking. One of the most important factors for fuel cell vehicles to be successful is their cost-effectiveness. So, in this review, the cost analysis including the process analysis, raw materials, and manufacturing processes is reviewed. It aims to contribute to the optimization of both the cost and performance of compressed hydrogen storage tanks for various applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hydrogen Energy III)

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