Search Results (41)

This work proposes a new method to refill fuel cell electric vehicle hydrogen tanks from a storage system in hydrogen refueling stations. The new method uses the storage tanks in cascade to supply hydrogen to the refueling station dispensers. This method reduces the hydrogen compressor power requirement and the energy consumption for refilling the vehicle tank; therefore, the proposed alternative design for hydrogen refueling stations is feasible and compatible with low-intensity renewable energy sources like solar photovoltaic, wind farms, or micro-hydro plants. Additionally, the cascade method supplies higher pressure to the dispenser throughout the day, thus reducing the refueling time for specific vehicle driving ranges. The simulation shows that the energy saving using the cascade method achieves 9% to 45%, depending on the vehicle attendance. The hydrogen refueling station design supports a daily vehicle attendance of 9 to 36 with a complete refueling process coverage. The carried-out simulation proves that the vehicle tank achieves the maximum attainable pressure of 700 bars with a storage system of six tanks. The data analysis shows that the daily hourly hydrogen demand follows a sinusoidal function, providing a practical tool to predict the hydrogen demand for any vehicle attendance, allowing the planners and station designers to resize the elements to fulfill the new requirements. The proposed system is also applicable to hydrogen ICE vehicles. Full article

The maritime sector’s transition to sustainable energy is critical for achieving global carbon neutrality, with container terminals representing a key focus due to their high energy consumption and emissions. This study explores the potential of hydrogen energy as a decarbonization solution for port operations, using the Chuanshan Port Area of Ningbo Zhoushan Port (CPANZP) as a case study. Through a comprehensive analysis of hydrogen production, storage, refueling, and consumption technologies, we demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of integrating hydrogen systems into port infrastructure. Our findings highlight the successful deployment of a hybrid “wind-solar-hydrogen-storage” energy system at CPANZP, which achieves 49.67% renewable energy contribution and an annual reduction of 22,000 tons in carbon emissions. Key advancements include alkaline water electrolysis with 64.48% efficiency, multi-tier hydrogen storage systems, and fuel cell applications for vehicles and power generation. Despite these achievements, challenges such as high production costs, infrastructure scalability, and data integration gaps persist. The study underscores the importance of policy support, technological innovation, and international collaboration to overcome these barriers and accelerate the adoption of hydrogen energy in ports worldwide. This research provides actionable insights for port operators and policymakers aiming to balance operational efficiency with sustainability goals. Full article

The activity of the present work is part of a research project aimed at proposing a solution for off-grid charging stations relying on the adoption of a reciprocating engine fuelled with alternative renewable fuels. This technology has as its main advantage the zero-carbon emissions impact of biofuels with small modifications to current ICE technology and refuelling infrastructure. This research is founded on preliminary experimental tests carried out on a six-cylinder spark-ignition engine adapted to pure ethanol fuelling with a single-point injection system. The experimental results obtained at different engine loads have been useful to build and validate a CFD model by testing several kinetic mechanisms and for the proper calibration of a flame speed model. Nevertheless, due to the chemical and physical properties of alcohols such as ethanol, this type of fuelling system leads to a significant non-uniformity of the mixture among the cylinders, and in some cases, to rich air-to-fuel ratio; numerical simulations are performed to address such an issue, and to evaluate performance and exhaust emissions, in terms of CO, CO₂, and NO_x. Finally, a study on spark timing variation is presented as well, to study its effect on performance and pollutants. Full article

With the global commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, the number of hydrogen refueling stations is steadily increasing. On-site hydrogen production stations are expected to play a key role in future power systems by absorbing renewable energy and supplying electricity during peak grid loads, aiding in peak shaving and load leveling. However, renewable energy sources like photovoltaic (PV) systems have highly fluctuating power generation curves, making it difficult to provide stable energy for hydrogen production. Traditional stations mainly use alkaline electrolyzers (AE), which are sensitive to power fluctuations, leading to operational instability. To address this, this paper proposes using capacitors and energy storage batteries to mitigate PV fluctuations and introduces a combined AE and Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer hydrogen production method. Study cases demonstrate that capacitors and energy storage batteries reduce the variance of PV power output by approximately 0.02. Building on this, the hybrid approach leverages the low cost of AE and the rapid response of PEM electrolyzers to better adapt to PV fluctuations and maximize PV absorption. The model is mathematically formulated and the station’s equipment planning and operational strategy are optimized using CPLEX. The results show that, compared to pure AE and PEM hydrogen production, the combined AE and PEM hydrogen production method reduces the total annual cost of the hydrogen refueling station by 4.3% and 5.9%, respectively. Full article

The transportation sector is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, thus necessitating a transition toward renewable energy sources (RESs) and electric vehicles (EVs). Among EV technologies, fuel-cell EVs (FCEVs) offer distinct advantages in terms of refueling time and operational efficiency, thus rendering them a promising solution for sustainable transportation. Nevertheless, the integration of FCEVs in rural areas poses challenges due to the limited availability of refueling infrastructure and constraints in energy access. In order to address these challenges, this study proposes a multi-objective energy management model for a hydrogen refueling station (HRS) integrated with RESs, a battery storage system, an electrolyzer (EL), a fuel cell (FC), and a hydrogen tank, serving diverse FCEVs in rural areas. The model, formulated using mixed-integer linear programming (MILP), optimizes station operations to maximize both cost and load factor performance. Additionally, bi-directional trading with the power grid and hydrogen network enhances energy flexibility and grid stability, enabling a more resilient and self-sufficient energy system. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first in the literature to present a multi-objective optimal management approach for grid-interactive, renewable-supported HRSs serving hydrogen-powered vehicles in rural areas. The simulation results demonstrate that RES integration improves economic feasibility by reducing costs and increasing financial gains, while maximizing the load factor enhances efficiency, cost-driven strategies that may impact stability. The impact of the EL on cost is more significant, while RES capacity has a relatively smaller effect on cost. However, its influence on the load factor is substantial. The optimization of RES-supported hydrogen production has been demonstrated to reduce external dependency, thereby enabling surplus trading and increasing financial gains to the tune of USD 587.83. Furthermore, the system enhances sustainability by eliminating gasoline consumption and significantly reducing carbon emissions, thus supporting the transition to a cleaner and more efficient transportation ecosystem. Full article

Hydrogen mobility is expected to be a crucial element in decarbonizing fossil fuel-based transportation. In South Korea, hydrogen mobility has successfully formed an early market led by fuel cell passenger cars under strong support policies. Nevertheless, the fuel cell vehicle (FCV) market is still in its infancy, and current challenges must be overcome to achieve mass-market adoption. This study aims to identify the current challenges in the diffusion of FCVs in Korea. We identified the key challenges facing FCVs from a consumer perspective with data from the latest FCV customer survey. The data were applied to estimate ordered logit models of fuel cell car satisfaction and purchase intention. Significant challenges in Korea were identified from the perspective of vehicles, infrastructure, and renewable energy. Vehicle-related challenges include concerns about vehicle durability, such as recalls and repairs, and maintenance and repair costs. Infrastructure-related challenges include the fueling accessibility and fueling failures due to hydrogen refueling station facility failures, or hydrogen supply problems. Challenges related to renewable energy include the low proportion of hydrogen from renewable sources. To achieve the large-scale diffusion of FCVs, it is important to maintain support policies and attract new FCV demand, such as long-distance heavy-duty vehicles. Full article

This paper aims to present an overview of the current state of hydrogen storage methods, and materials, assess the potential benefits and challenges of various storage techniques, and outline future research directions towards achieving effective, economical, safe, and scalable storage solutions. Hydrogen is recognized as a clean, secure, and cost-effective green energy carrier with zero emissions at the point of use, offering significant contributions to reaching carbon neutrality goals by 2050. Hydrogen, as an energy vector, bridges the gap between fossil fuels, which produce greenhouse gas emissions, global climate change and negatively impact health, and renewable energy sources, which are often intermittent and lack sustainability. However, widespread acceptance of hydrogen as a fuel source is hindered by storage challenges. Crucially, the development of compact, lightweight, safe, and cost-effective storage solutions is vital for realizing a hydrogen economy. Various storage methods, including compressed gas, liquefied hydrogen, cryo-compressed storage, underground storage, and solid-state storage (material-based), each present unique advantages and challenges. Literature suggests that compressed hydrogen storage holds promise for mobile applications. However, further optimization is desired to resolve concerns such as low volumetric density, safety worries, and cost. Cryo-compressed hydrogen storage also is seen as optimal for storing hydrogen onboard and offers notable benefits for storage due to its combination of benefits from compressed gas and liquefied hydrogen storage, by tackling issues related to slow refueling, boil-off, and high energy consumption. Material-based storage methods offer advantages in terms of energy densities, safety, and weight reduction, but challenges remain in achieving optimal stability and capacities. Both physical and material-based storage approaches are being researched in parallel to meet diverse hydrogen application needs. Currently, no single storage method is universally efficient, robust, and economical for every sector especially for transportation to use hydrogen as a fuel, with each method having its own advantages and limitations. Moreover, future research should focus on developing novel materials and engineering approaches in order to overcome existing limitations, provide higher energy density than compressed hydrogen and cryo-compressed hydrogen storage at 70 MPa, enhance cost-effectiveness, and accelerate the deployment of hydrogen as a clean energy vector. Full article

This article summarizes current research on the life cycle assessment (LCA) of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in road transport. Increasing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change are pushing the transport sector to intensify efforts toward decarbonization. One promising solution is the adoption of hydrogen technologies, whose development is supported by European Union regulations, such as the “Fit for 55” package. FCEVs are characterized by zero emissions during operation, but their environmental impact largely depends on the methods of hydrogen production. The use of renewable energy sources in hydrogen production can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while hydrogen produced from fossil fuels can even result in higher emissions compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. This article also discusses the importance of hydrogen refueling infrastructure and the efficiency of fuel storage and transportation systems. In conclusion, LCA shows that FCEVs can support the achievement of climate goals, provided that the development of hydrogen production technologies based on renewable sources and the corresponding infrastructure is ensured. The authors also highlight the potential of hybrid technologies as a transitional solution in the process of transforming the transport sector. Full article

This article aims to investigate the economic feasibility of renewing a fleet of diesel light commercial vehicles (LCVs) with equivalent more environmentally friendly vehicles in the distribution of frozen and chilled foods. A Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach is proposed that includes all pertinent expenses to compare the cost competitiveness of battery electric, fuel-cell electric, and bio-diesel LCVs with respect to their conventional diesel counterparts, and to perform policy scenarios. We adopt both a private and a social perspective by also accounting for the external costs of transportation. We found that electric LCVs outperform their rivals in the city and panel LCV categories even in the absence of government subsidies while being cost competitive in box LCV segment, while FCEVs require the development of refueling infrastructure and government subsidies to compete with diesel counterparts. Full article

Developing a green energy strategy for municipalities requires creating a framework to support the local production, storage, and use of renewable energy and green hydrogen. This framework should cover essential components for small-scale applications, including energy sources, infrastructure, potential uses, policy backing, and collaborative partnerships. It is deployed as a small-scale renewable and green hydrogen unit in a municipality or building demands meticulous planning and considering multiple elements. Municipality can promote renewable energy and green hydrogen by adopting policies such as providing financial incentives like property tax reductions, grants, and subsidies for solar, wind, and hydrogen initiatives. They can also streamline approval processes for renewable energy installations, invest in hydrogen refueling stations and community energy projects, and collaborate with provinces and neighboring municipalities to develop hydrogen corridors and large-scale renewable projects. Renewable energy and clean hydrogen have significant potential to enhance sustainability in the transportation, building, and mining sectors by replacing fossil fuels. In Canada, where heating accounts for 80% of building energy use, blending hydrogen with LPG can reduce emissions. This study proposes a comprehensive approach integrating renewable energy and green hydrogen to support small-scale applications. The study examines many scenarios in a building as a case study, focusing on economic and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission impacts. The optimum scenario uses a hybrid renewable energy system to meet two distinct electrical needs, with 53% designated for lighting and 10% for equipment with annual saving CAD$ 87,026.33. The second scenario explores utilizing a hydrogen-LPG blend as fuel for thermal loads, covering 40% and 60% of the total demand, respectively. This approach reduces greenhouse gas emissions from 540 to 324 tCO₂/year, resulting in an annual savings of CAD$ 251,406. This innovative approach demonstrates the transformative potential of renewable energy and green hydrogen in enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability across sectors, including transportation, buildings, and mining. Full article

Over the last few years, hydrogen has emerged as a promising solution for problems related to energy sources and pollution concerns. The integration of hydrogen in the transport sector is one of the possible various applications and involves the implementation of hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs). A key obstacle for HRS deployment, in addition to the need for well-developed technologies, is the economic factor since these infrastructures require high capital investments costs and are largely dependent on annual operating costs. In this study, we review hydrogen’s application as a fuel, summarizing the principal systems involved in HRS, from production to the final refueling stage. In addition, we also analyze the main equipment involved in the production, compression and storage processes of hydrogen. The current work also highlights the main refueling processes that impact energy consumption and the methodologies presented in the literature for energy management strategies in HRSs. With the aim of reducing energy costs due to processes that require high energy consumption, most energy management strategies are based on the use of renewable energy sources, in addition to the use of the power grid. Full article

The study examined the potential changing roles of ports in terms of diversifying their revenue through the expansion of new markets in the Port of Ngqura. This is by means of the production and sales of renewable hydrogen as marine fuel produced from a wavefarm in Nelson Mandela Bay. A key objective of the study was to conduct a comprehensive techno-economic analysis of the feasible hydrogen production technologies based on the analysis performed, including alkaline electrolysis of seawater and renewable-powered electrolysis of seawater. The produced hydrogen aligns with global decarbonisation of ships and ports and will be used to supply the port with electricity, serve to refuel tugboats, and provide green hydrogen bunkering fuel for commercial shipping vessels. The Port of Ngqura is geographically well positioned to lead the production of zero carbon shipping fuel. This work considers the CAPEX and OPEX of a hydrogen plant using electrolysers and evaluates the current cost of production and selling price of hydrogen. The primary aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of hydrogen production through electrolysis of seawater at the Port of Ngqura. Through assessing resource and technological options, determining advantageous economic assumptions, and identifying existing limitations and potential opportunities, a feasibility study was conducted with special consideration of the site characteristics of Ngqura. The output of this study is a model that simulates the production, storage, and transportation of hydrogen gas from the Port of Ngqura, which was further used to analyse different case study scenarios. This approach directly addresses the main goal of the study. The results found showed that with wave energy convertors in a row of three next to each other, the energy produced by the wave farm was 2.973 TJ per month, which is equivalent to 18.58 tons of produced hydrogen when considering the lower heating value of hydrogen and assuming that hydrogen production efficiency is 75%. The anticipated hydrogen fuel will be able to refuel a tugboat with green hydrogen from the energy produced by the wave farm each month. It is predicted that the price of hydrogen is expected to drop, and the price of fossil fuel will gradually increase in the coming years. The fact that coal electricity can be produced on demand and wind and solar energy are weather dependent as a result lacks the ability to achieve a constant supply. There is currently an urgent need for energy storage and the efforts to study the production of hydrogen and ammonia. Hydrogen is still predicted to be more expensive than coal electricity; however, from this, maybe a critical cost for a kg of CO₂ could be calculated, which could make hydrogen competitive. The cost of green hydrogen production from wave energy in the Port of Ngqura was calculated as R96.07/kg (4.88 EUR/kg) of produced hydrogen, which is equivalent to 2.1 times the cost of the same energy supplied as Marine Diesel Oil (MDO) at current prices. Hydrogen from wave energy would thus become competitive with MDO; if a price is set for the emission of CO₂, this may also offset the difference in cost between MDO and hydrogen from wave energy. The carbon price necessary to make green hydrogen competitive would be approximately R6257/tonne CO₂, or 318 EUR/tonne CO₂, which is around 4.5 times the current trading price of carbon in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. Full article

With the global transportation sector being a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, transitioning to cleaner and more efficient forms of transportation is essential for mitigating climate change and improving air quality. Toward sustainable mobility, Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) have emerged as a promising solution offering zero-emission transportation without sacrificing performance or range. However, FCEV adoption still faces significant challenges regarding refueling infrastructure. This work proposes an innovative refueling automation service for FCEVs to facilitate the refueling procedure and to increase the fuel cell lifetime, by leveraging (i) Big Data, namely, real-time mobility data and (ii) Machine Learning (ML) for the energy consumption forecasting to dynamically adjust refueling priorities. The proposed service was evaluated on a simulated FCEV energy consumption dataset, generated using both the Future Automotive Systems Technology Simulator and real-time data, including traffic information and details from a real-world on demand Public Transportation service in the Geneva Canton region. The experimental results showcased that all three ML algorithms achieved high accuracy in forecasting the vehicle’s energy consumption with very low errors on the order of 10% and below 20% for the normalized Mean Absolute Error and normalized Root Mean Squared Error metrics, respectively, indicating the high potential of the suggested service. Full article

Civil aviation significantly contributes to “hard-to-abate” emissions, responsible for 2% of global CO₂ emissions. This paper examines the most effective policies to promote Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) in Italy, using a multi-level policy analysis and a stakeholder-based case study approach. The policies reviewed comprise the international, European, and national level. The paper analyses at the international level, ICAO CORSIA and, at the European level, the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), ReFuel EU, and the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) for aviation. Italy has not yet implemented specific policies targeting SAF transition, which is challenging due to commercialization issues and policy inconsistencies. These include the price gap between SAF and conventional fuels, different definitions adopted, and environmental objectives pursued with respect to sustainable fuels by ICAO and the EU. Other challenges include double-counting risks and fuel tankering practices. This article contributes to Italy’s SAF policymaking by developing a stakeholder-based quantitative survey, whose results suggest that three measures are key: tax subsidies for technology and infrastructure users, tax credits for upgrading production infrastructure, and tax breaks for SAF-using companies, fuel handlers, and distributors. Full article

One of the most important problems in the widespread use of electric vehicles is the lack of charging infrastructure. Especially in tourist areas where historical buildings are located, the installation of a power grid for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations or generating electrical energy by installing renewable energy production systems such as large-sized PV (photovoltaic) and wind turbines poses a problem because it causes the deterioration of the historical texture. Considering the need for renewable energy sources in the transportation sector, our aim in this study is to model an electric vehicle charging station using PVPS (photovoltaic power system) and FC (fuel cell) power systems by using irradiation and temperature data from historical regions. This designed charging station model performs electric vehicle charging, meeting the energy demand of a house and hydrogen production by feeding the electrolyzer with the surplus energy from producing electrical energy with the PVPS during the daytime. At night, when there is no solar radiation, electric vehicle charging and residential energy demand are met with an FC power system. One of the most important advantages of this system is the use of hydrogen storage instead of a battery system for energy storage and the conversion of hydrogen into electrical energy with an FC. Unlike other studies, in our study, fossil energy sources such as diesel generators are not included for the stable operation of the system. The system in this study may need hydrogen refueling in unfavorable climatic conditions and the energy storage capacity is limited by the hydrogen fuel tank capacity. Full article