Feasibility study for hydrogen production using hybrid solar power in Algeria

Hydrogen demand as a clean energy is one of the new energy challenges in the future. Being a very controlled technology, the water electrolysis is more efficient at high temperature level than at low one. This is because of the use of thermal energy which is less expensive than the use of electricity power to produce the hydrogen; the chemical reaction is more activated in these conditions. In this paper, the feasibility of hydrogen production at high temperature electrolyser, using a hybrid solar resource, thermal energy (parabolic trough concentrators) to produce high temperature, steam water and photovoltaic energy for electricity requirements of the HTE, is presented. The described here-after presented in this document guarantees the production of an important quantity of hydrogen at 900 °C. The production rate depends on geographic position, on climatic conditions and on sun radiation. The optimization of the process is strongly related to what preceded these three parameters. Then, we suggest the set up construction in any region allowing maximum extraction of energy based in our simulation results.     

Estimating global hydrogen production from wind

It is likely that intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar will provide the greatest opportunity for future large-scale hydrogen production. Here, on-shore wind is examined. Global wind energy is estimated by placing one 2 MW turbine/km² over the surface of the earth. Wind energy production is based on monthly mean wind speed data. Wind turbines are grouped to form arrays that are linked to local hydrogen generation and transmission networks. Hydrogen generation is done via low-pressure electrolysis and transmission via high-pressure gas pipelines. The wind/hydrogen system is considered within a global energy system that must not only provide hydrogen, but also energy for electricity consumption at the local generation site. The technical potential of the hydrogen produced is estimated to be 116 EJ. Uneven distribution of the hydrogen-rich sites results in the need to export much of the hydrogen produced to energy-poor regions. To overcome system losses, a combined wind/HVDC/hydrogen system is considered.     

Research on non-grid-connected wind power/water-electrolytic hydrogen production system

Hydrogen has been recognized as the most promising future energy carrier. At present, industrial hydrogen production processes are not independent of traditional energy resources, which could easily cause secondary pollution. China has abundant wind energy resources. The total installed capacity of wind power doubled every year in the last five years, and reached 26 000 MW by the end of 2009, but over 9880 MW wind turbines were not integrated into grid because of the peak shaving restraint. In this paper, wind power is directly used in water-electrolytic process by some technical improvements, to design non-grid-connected wind power/water-electrolytic hydrogen production system. The system all works properly, based on not only the wind/grid complementary power supply but also the independent supply of simulation wind power. The large-scale fluctuation of current density has little impact on current efficiency and gas quality, and only affects gas output. The new system can break through the bottlenecks of wind power utilization, and explore a diversified development way of large-scale wind power, which will contribute to the development of green economy and low carbon economy in China.     

Opportunities for hydrogen production in connection with wind power in weak grids

This paper gives an overview of the opportunities that exist for combining wind power and hydrogen (H₂) production in weak grids. It is described how H₂ storage can be applied in both isolated and grid-connected systems, and how the produced H₂ can be utilized for stationary energy supply and/or as a fuel for transportation. The paper discusses the benefits and limitations of the different H₂ storage applications, and presents a logistic simulation model for performance evaluation of wind-H₂ plants. A case study simulating the use of excess wind power in a weak distribution grid to produce H₂ for vehicles has been presented. It is shown that the penetration of wind power can be significantly increased by introducing electrolytic H₂ production as a controllable load. The results also indicate that there are large benefits of using the grid as backup for H₂ production in periods with low wind speed, regarding the H₂ storage sizing and the electrolyser operating conditions.     

Modelling of hydrogen production from hydrogen sulfide in geothermal power plants

Geothermal power plants emit high amount of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). The presence of H₂S in the air, water, soils and vegetation is one of the main environmental concerns for geothermal fields. There is an increasing interest in developing suitable methods and technologies to produce hydrogen from H₂S as promising alternative solution for energy requirements. In the present study, the AMIS technology is the invention of a proprietary technology (AMIS^® - acronym for “Abatement of Mercury and Hydrogen Sulfide” in Italian language) for the abatement of hydrogen sulphide and mercury emission, is primarily employed to produce hydrogen from H₂S. A proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer operates at 150 °C with gaseous H₂S sulfur dimer in the anode compartment and hydrogen gas in the cathode compartment. Thermodynamic calculations of electrolysis process are made and parametric studies are undertaken by changing several parameters of the process. Also, energy and exergy efficiencies of the process are calculated as % 27.8 and % 57.1 at 150 °C inlet temperature of H₂S, respectively.     

Feasibility study of off-shore wind farms: an application to Puglia region

Recent environmental constraints and new secure technologies have enforced the development of comprehensive programmes for renewable energy. Wind energy is one of the most promising solutions, especially considering its technological advancements and its growth over the last years. In particular, off-shore wind energy is a key element in the EU White Paper target of 10% contribution of Renewable energy by 2010.In this paper, the technical and economical feasibility of off-shore wind farms is reviewed, in order to evaluate profitability and investment opportunities. In particular, a pre-feasibility study of off-shore wind farms to some selected sites in Puglia Region is provided. The study indicates the best sites in Puglia Region for off-shore plants. For each site, the cost of energy and the profitability of the investment are calculated. Moreover, in the most promising site, different wind turbine generators (WTGs) models are compared in order to evaluate the best performances. In the best site, which presents an average wind speed at 35 m height of 7.66 m/s, the cost of energy ranges between 5.2 and 6.0 c€/kWh. Moreover, the analysis shows that the use of large size WTGs allows reducing the cost of energy and increasing the profitability of the wind farm.     

Model-based analysis of effects from large-scale wind power production

For an economically and ecologically optimised integration of fluctuating renewable power generation (especially wind power) into electricity generation, a detailed consideration of fluctuation-induced effects on the existing power system is essential. A model-based approach is introduced in this paper, which comprehensively analyses the impact of such effects on power plant scheduling and facilitates their integration into the development of strategies for an optimised evolution of the future power system structure. The newly developed Aeolius tool for the simulation of power plant scheduling is described. In a combined analysis of long- and short-term effects it is used together with the multi-periodic cost-optimising energy system model PERSEUS-CERT. Based on the Matlab/Simulink^® package, Aeolius considers the challenges for plant scheduling down to a time scale of 10 min. Special attention is paid to the provision of stand-by capacities and control power, as well as intermediate storage. Thus, a sophisticated quantification of the actual (net) benefits of wind power feed-in is achieved. Model results for Germany show that wind mainly substitutes power from intermediate-load and base-load plants (coal-, lignite-, and nuclear-fired). However, the required provision of stand-by capacities and control power does not only limit the substitution of conventional capacities, but also the achievable net savings of fuel and emissions in conventional power generation.     

Modeling and control design of hydrogen production process for an active hydrogen/wind hybrid power system

This paper gives a control oriented modeling of an electrolyzer, as well as the ancillary system for the hydrogen production process. A Causal Ordering Graph of all necessary equations has been used to illustrate the global scheme for an easy understanding. The model is capable of characterizing the relations among the different physical quantities and can be used to determine the control system ensuring efficient and reliable operation of the electrolyzer. The proposed control method can manage the power flow and the hydrogen flow. The simulation results have highlighted the variation domains and the relations among the different physical quantities. The model has also been experimentally tested in real time with a Hardware-In-the-Loop Simulation before being integrated in the test bench of the active wind energy conversion system.     

Feasibility of hydrogen production from coal electrolysis at intermediate temperatures

Hydrogen production via coal electrolysis was evaluated at intermediate temperatures (40–108 °C). A coal electrolytic cell (CEC) was designed and constructed to carry out galvanostatic experiments with concentrated electrolyte (4 M H₂SO₄). Operating temperatures above 100 °C were found to significantly improve the kinetics of electro-oxidation of coal, coal conversion, and CO₂/coal Faradaic efficiency. CO₂/coal Faradaic efficiencies and coal conversions of up to 57.29 and 3.21%, respectively, were observed at 108 °C.     

Prioritizing of wind farm locations for hydrogen production: A case study

Many advantages of renewable energies, especially wind energy, such as abundance, permanence, and lack of pollution has encouraged many industrialized and developing countries to focus more on these clean and economic sources of energy. Identifying a good location that is suitable for the construction of a wind farm is one of the important initial steps in harnessing wind energy which is assessed this study. The purpose of this study is to prioritize and rank 13 cities of Fars province in Iran, in terms of their suitability for the construction of a wind farm. Six important criteria were used to prioritize and rank the cities. Wind power density is the most important criterion among these criteria which is calculated by obtaining the 3-h wind speed data between 2004 and 2013. DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) method is used for prioritizing and ranking cities, and then AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process), and FTOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) methods are used to assess the validity of results. It is concluded that Izadkhast city is the suggested location for the construction of wind farm. The utilizing a wind-hydrogen energy conversion system will result in a substantial amount of hydrogen production (averagely 21.9 ton/year) when a 900 kW wind turbine is installed in this location.     

Influence of wind turbine power curve and electrolyzer operating temperature on hydrogen production in wind-hydrogen systems

Current simulation tools used to analyze, design and size wind-hydrogen hybrid systems, have several common characteristics: all use manufacturer wind turbine power curve (obtained from UNE 61400-12) and always consider electrolyzer operating in nominal conditions (not taking into account the influence of thermal inertia and operating temperature in hydrogen production). This article analyzes the influence of these parameters. To do this, a mathematical wind turbine model, that represents the manufacturer power curve to the real behaviour of the equipment in a location, and a dynamic electrolyzer model are developed and validated. Additionally, hydrogen production in a wind-hydrogen system operating in “wind-balance” mode (adjusting electricity production and demand at every time step) is analyzed. Considering the input data used, it is demonstrated that current simulation tools present significant errors in calculations. When using the manufacturer wind turbine power curve: the electric energy produced by the wind turbine, and the annual hydrogen production in a wind-hydrogen system are overestimated by 25% and 33.6%, respectively, when they are compared with simulation results using mathematical models that better represent the real behaviour of the equipments. Besides, considering electrolyzer operating temperature constant and equal to nominal, hydrogen production is overestimated by 3%, when compared with the hydrogen production using a dynamic electrolyzer model.     

Feasibility study of a hybrid wind/hydro power-system for low-cost electricity production

This paper deals with the operation of a hybrid wind/hydro power system aiming at producing low cost electricity. A specific application on the island of Ikaria in Greece is analysed and typical results are presented and compared to the results produced from a simulation program. The simulation program, which is based on the stochastic behaviour of the weather conditions, uses as input data the monthly wind-speed distribution and, to a smaller extent, which is determined from the use of an appropriate weighting factor, the rate of rain water which is stored in the hydro reservoir. Useful conclusions were drawn regarding the feasibility of these applications in Greek islands and the expected electric energy saving.     

Feasibility study of wind energy potential in China

Remarkable economic achievements have been made in China since the economic reform in 1978. High agricultural and industrial productivity as well as rapid development of the tertiary industry and continuous improvement of living standard have resulted in a jumping power demand. The pressing need for updating the current infrastructure, power industry in particular is the key to the sustainable economic growth and continuous industrialisation. The crucial role of rural industry in economic development and the fact of over 70% of the rural population have brought a great opportunity for wind energy development. One of the most cost-effective ways to diffuse wind power technology is through technology transfer based on joint venture activities due to the enormous initial capital investment and complexity of wind power technology to ease the severe domestic power shortage. Foreign aid and investment will no doubt have a stimulatory effect on wind energy development in China. The future benefits in terms of technology transfer and international trade will easily outweigh the current problems and thus contribute to sustainable economic development in many years to come.     

Prospects of solar hydrogen production in the Adrar region

The region of Adrar, is one of the most remote and the most deprived regions in Algeria. The development of this region requires the exploitation of its natural resources more particularly of its solar and wind energy resources. However, the exploitation in an effective and viable way of these huge natural resources requires the conversion of these sources of energy into an energy vector that is versatile in its use, storable, transportable and ecologically acceptable. Solar hydrogen seems to be the best candidate today.In the present work, the meteorological and radiometric data of the region are examined. A system of PV–electrolyzer system of solar hydrogen production is proposed. An estimate of the solar hydrogen potential and its production cost are carried out. Finally, the results are discussed.     

Feasibility of on-board hydrogen production from hydrolysis of Al-Fe alloy for PEMFCs

The feasibility of using the hydrolysis of Al alloys in an on-board hydrogen generation system for PEMFCs is investigated. Hydrogen produced by the hydrolysis of Al-Fe alloys is supplied directly to a PEMFC. The weight-normalized hydrogen generation rate of sheet Al-1Fe is higher than that of cubic Al-1Fe alloy, and its hydrogen generation rate changes little during hydrolysis in alkali water. Furthermore, during the hydrolysis reaction, the water temperature is stable. Hence, Al-1Fe in sheet form is suitable as a source for on-board hydrogen production from hydrolysis in alkali water. At a current of 10 A, the PEMFC presents a voltage of about 0.71 V, which remains stable for 37 min. However, after 37 min, the cell voltage decreases dramatically to 0 V due to a reduction in hydrogen feeding rate by exhaustion of Al-1Fe. It is particularly notable that on-board hydrogen production using the hydrolysis of Al-Fe alloy exhibits self-humidification, supplying humidity automatically without a humidifier.     

Operation planning of hydrogen storage connected to wind power operating in a power market

In this paper, a methodology for the operation of a hybrid plant with wind power and hydrogen storage is presented. Hydrogen produced from electrolysis is used for power generation in a stationary fuel cell and as fuel for vehicles. Forecasts of wind power are used for maximizing the expected profit from power exchange in a day-ahead market, also taking into account a penalty cost for unprovided hydrogen demand. During online operation, a receding horizon strategy is applied to determine the setpoints for the electrolyzer power and the fuel cell power. Results from three case studies of a combined wind-hydrogen plant are presented. In the first two cases, the plant is assumed to be operating in a power market dominated by thermal and hydropower, respectively. The third case demonstrates that the operating principles are also useful for isolated wind-hydrogen systems with backup generation.     

Feasibility of large scale offshore wind power for Hong Kong — a preliminary study

This paper investigates the potential and the feasibility of offshore wind energy for Hong Kong. The 1998 wind data taken from an island were analysed. The wind resource yields an annual mean wind speed of 6.6 m/s and mean wind power density of 310 W/m². With commercially available 1.65 MW wind turbines placed on the whole of Hong Kong’s territorial waters, the maximum electricity generating potential from offshore wind is estimated to be 25 TWh which is about 72% of the total 1998 annual electricity consumption. However, potential is significantly reduced if other usages of the sea such as shipping are considered. A hypothetical offshore wind farm of 1038 MW capacity is then sited on the East-side waters. The extreme wind and wave climates, as well as the seasonal variation of wind power and demand are examined. The electricity generation costs are estimated and compared with the local retail tariff. Initial results indicate the wind farm is economically viable and technically feasible.     

Statistical analysis of wind power in the region of Veracruz (Mexico)

The capacity of the Mexican electricity sector faces the challenge of satisfying the demand of the 80 GW forecast by 2016. This value supposes a steady yearly average increase of some 4.9%. The electricity sector increases for the next eight years will be mainly made up of combined cycle power plants which could be a threat to the energy supply of the country due to the fact that the country is not self-sufficient in natural gas.As an alternative wind energy resource could be a more suitable option compared with combined cycle power plants. This option is backed by market trends indicating that wind technology costs will continue to decrease in the near future as has happened in recent years.Evaluation of the eolic potential in different areas of the country must be carried out in order to achieve the best use possible of this option. This paper gives a statistical analysis of the wind characteristics in the region of Veracruz. The daily, monthly and annual wind speed values have been studied together with their prevailing direction. The data analyzed correspond to five meteorological stations and two anemometric stations located in the aforementioned area.     

Development of a viability assessment model for hydrogen production from dedicated offshore wind farms

Dedicated offshore wind farms for hydrogen production are a promising option to unlock the full potential of offshore wind energy, attain decarbonisation and energy security targets in electricity and other sectors, and cope with grid expansion constraints. Current knowledge on these systems is limited, particularly the economic aspects. Therefore, a new, integrated and analytical model for viability assessment of hydrogen production from dedicated offshore wind farms is developed in this paper. This includes the formulae for calculating wind power output, electrolysis plant size, and hydrogen production from time-varying wind speed. All the costs are projected to a specified time using both Discounted Payback (DPB) and Net Present Value (NPV) to consider the value of capital over time. A case study considers a hypothetical wind farm of 101.3 MW situated in a potential offshore wind development pipeline off the East Coast of Ireland. All the costs of the wind farm and the electrolysis plant are for 2030, based on reference costs in the literature. Proton exchange membrane electrolysers and underground storage of hydrogen are used. The analysis shows that the DPB and NPV flows for several scenarios of storage are in good agreement and that the viability model performs well. The offshore wind farm – hydrogen production system is found to be profitable in 2030 at a hydrogen price of €5/kg and underground storage capacities ranging from 2 days to 45 days of hydrogen production. The model is helpful for rapid assessment or optimisation of both economics and feasibility of dedicated offshore wind farm – hydrogen production systems.