Modeling of Hydrogen Production in an Alkaline Electrolyser System Connected with a Solar Photovoltaic Panel or a Wind Turbine: Case Study;Douala-Cameroon

This article is in the field of research into the storage of renewable energy production. One of the main obstacles to the rapid development of renewable energies is the storage of the energy produced at low cost and with good efficiency. The production of hydrogen from renewable energies is a promising solution. The present work evaluates the potential of hydrogen production by electrolysis from solar photovoltaic and wind renewable energies in the city of Douala in Cameroon. The methodological approach used is based on the semi-empirical modelling approach of an alkaline electrolyser associated with the solar panel or the wind turbine. The simulation results obtained on the MATLAB/Simulink platform show that the average hydrogen production potential is estimated at 0.55 Nm3/h for a PV panel supply, which corresponds to average energy efficiency of 70%, and at 0.675 Nm3/h for a wind turbine supply, which corresponds to average energy efficiency of 84%. These results show the need to promote this technology, whose efficiency can be improved depending on the choice of site.

Exploring commercial water electrolyser systems:a data-based analysis of product characteristics

The urgency for energy transition is evident through the increasing demand for new technologies such as water electrolysers(WEs),which have the potential to generate green hydrogen using renewable electricity.This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the technical capabilities of commercially available WE system products.The analysis is based on publicly accessible data gathered from 28 WE manufacturers worldwide with a total of 186 products,focusing on technology types and various technical characteristics of each WE system,including capacity,footprint,hydrogen output pressure,hydrogen purity and conversion rate.The analysis reveals that the current WE system solutions in the market exhibit diverse and varied characteristics.Further,there is a lack of standardized product specifications adopted by manufacturers.This underscores the urgent need for the development of frameworks and standards.Implementing such standards is crucial for enhancing clarity and understanding,facilitating efficient comparisons and selection processes,and supporting the future advancement of WE technologies and WE-enabled Power-to-X applications on a global scale.

Design and fabrication of bipolar plates for PEM water electrolyser

Hydrogen energy,whether in generation plants or utilization facilities,plays a decisive role in the mission to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions,all to minimize pollution.The growing demand for clean energy carrier steadily accelerates the development of hydrogen production processes,and therein proton exchange membrane(PEM)water electrolysis is deemed a promising long-term strategy for hydrogen preparation and collection.This review retrospects recent developments and applications of bipolar plates(BPs)as key components in PEM fuel cells and water electrolysers.The main content includes multifaceted challenges in the R&D or fabrication of BPs and potential future trends have also been proposed.Specific details cover the BPs matrix(metallic materials and carbon composites)and the surface coating types(metal and compound coatings,carbon-based coatings,and polymer coatings),as well as the influence of flow field design for mass transport.Long-term development and feasible researches of BPs are prospected.Especially in the following aspects:(1)Structural and functional integration of components,such as material fabrication and flow field geometry optimization using 3D printing technology;(2)Introduction of environment-friendly renewable energy for hydrogen production;(3)Research on hydrogen energy reversible systems;(4)Composition optimization of surface coatings based on computational materials science and(5)systematic design expected to evolve into the next generation of BPs.

Novel integrated three-port DC/DC converter for different operating modes between renewable energy,electrolyser and fuel cell/battery

Due to the slow dynamic power-regulation characteristics of the electrolyser(EL),a novel integrated three-port DC/DC converter topology based on a phase-shifted full-bridge converter and dual active-bridge converter is proposed in this paper.Especially,the proposed converter can achieve a fast auxiliary response to the EL.This topology has the features of single-stage conversion,high system integration and compatibility with multiple operation modes.The operational principles and a hybrid modulation scheme of the proposed converter are analysed in detail.In addition,the power-transmission characteristics of each port and the soft-switching range are researched.On these bases,six operation modes suitable for a hydrogen energy-storage system are designed.The simulation and a 2-kW scaled-down experimental prototype are established to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed topology in different operation modes.

Advancements,strategies,and prospects of solid oxide electrolysis cells(SOECs):Towards enhanced performance and large-scale sustainable hydrogen production

Solid oxide electrolysis cells(SOECs)represent a crucial stride toward sustainable hydrogen generation,and this review explores their current scientific challenges,significant advancements,and potential for large-scale hydrogen production.In SOEC technology,the application of innovative fabrication tech-niques,doping strategies,and advanced materials has enhanced the performance and durability of these systems,although degradation challenges persist,implicating the prime focus for future advancements.Here we provide in-depth analysis of the recent developments in SOEC technology,including Oxygen-SOECs,Proton-SOECs,and Hybrid-SOECs.Specifically,Hybrid-SOECs,with their mixed ionic conducting electrolytes,demonstrate superior efficiency and the concurrent production of hydrogen and oxygen.Coupled with the capacity to harness waste heat,these advancements in SOEC technology present signif-icant promise for pilot-scale applications in industries.The review also highlights remarkable achieve-ments and potential reductions in capital expenditure for future SOEC systems,while elaborating on the micro and macro aspects of sOECs with an emphasis on ongoing research for optimization and scal-ability.It concludes with the potential of SOEC technology to meet various industrial energy needs and its significant contribution considering the key research priorities to tackle the global energy demands,ful-fillment,and decarbonization efforts.

Facilitating Water electrolysers for electricity-grid services in Europe through establishing standardized testing protocols

Electrolysers,which convert electricity into hydrogen,have the potential to offer a variety of electrical-grid services,therefore facilitating the integration of intermittent renewables into electrical grids.Among various activities that aim to unlock this hidden value,the 3-year European Union project QualyGridS launched in 2017 aims to establish standardized testing protocols for electrolysers to perform electricity-grid services.This paper shares experience and intermediate results of QualyGridS with respect to the testing protocols,test benches and testing results.The results of this work facilitate mutual understanding between the electricity industry and the hydrogen industry,support further development of the cross-sector testing standards,guide the design and selection of grid-service-oriented electrolyser applications and foster the transition towards a fossil-free-energy future based on high shares of hydrogen and other renewable solutions.

Hierarchical coral-like FeNi(OH)_x/Ni via mild corrosion of nickel as an integrated electrode for efficient overall water splitting

Efficient,stable,and noble‐metal‐free electrocatalysts for both the oxygen evolution reaction and the hydrogen evolution reaction are highly imperative for the realization of low‐cost commercial water‐splitting electrolyzers.Herein,a cost‐effective and ecofriendly strategy is reported to fabricate coral‐like FeNi(OH)x/Ni as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting in alkaline media.With the assistance of mild corrosion of Ni by Fe(NO3)3,in situ generated FeNi(OH)x nanosheets are intimately attached on metallic coral‐like Ni.Integration of these nanosheets with the electrodeposited coral‐like Ni skeleton and the supermacroporous Ni foam substrate forms a binder‐free hierarchical electrode,which is beneficial for exposing catalytic active sites,accelerating mass transport,and facilitating the release of gaseous species.In 1.0 mol L^-1 KOH solution,a symmetric electrolyzer constructed with FeNi(OH)x/Ni as both the anode and the cathode exhibits an excellent activity with an applied potential difference of 1.52 V at 10 mA cm^-2,which is superior to that of an asymmetric electrolyzer constructed with the state‐of‐the‐art RuO2‐PtC couple(applied potential difference of 1.55 V at 10 mA cm^-2).This work contributes a facile and reliable strategy for manufacturing affordable,practical,and promising water‐splitting devices.

Modeling and control of a small solar fuel cell hybrid energy system

This paper describes a solar photovoltaic fuel cell (PVEC) hybrid generation system consisting of a photovoltaic (PV) generator, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), an electrolyser, a supercapacitor, a storage gas tank and power conditioning unit (PCU). The load is supplied from the PV generator with a fuel cell working in parallel. Excess PV energy when available is converted to hydrogen using an electrolyser for later use in the fuel cell. The individual mathematical model for each component is presented. Control strategy for the system is described. MATLAB/Simulink is used for the simulation of this highly nonlinear hybrid energy system. The simulation results are shown in the paper.

Perovskite Sr0.9Fe0.9Zr0.1O3-δ:Redox-stable Structure,Oxygen Vacancy,Electrical Properties and Steam Electrolysis Performance

Many researchers have studied on perovskite oxide for its unique structure.Perovskite oxides,ABO3-δ,with different A and B metals have shown wide applications in many fields,in particular solid oxide electrolysers.SrFeO3-δ,typical perovskite oxides,in which iron is the mixed-valence cation with the capacity to change the chemical valence,have a wide range of oxygen nonstoichiometry.In this study,Sr（0.9）Fe（0.9）Zr（0.1）O3-δ（SFZO） is synthesized and then treated in 5%H2/Ar and air at high temperature,exhibiting excellent redox stability.Redox-stable structure,oxygen vacancy and electrical properties of SFZO are investigated.Steam electrolysis is then performed with SFZO cathode under 5%H2O/5%H2/Ar and 5%H2O/Ar atmospheres,respectively.The present results indicate that the SFZO is a novel promising cathode material for solid oxide steam electrolyser.

Efficient CO_2 Electrolysis with Fluorite Structure Nanoparticles Modified Perovskite Structure La_(0.75)Sr_(0.25)Cr_(0.5)Mn_(0.5)O_(3-δ) Cathode

Perovskite structure La_（0.75）Sr_（0.25）Cr_（0.5）Mn_（0.5）O_（3-δ）（LSCM） cathode with unique structure can electrolyze CO_2 to CO in solid oxide electrolysers（SOEs）.However,the cell performance is restricted by its electro-catalysis activity.In this work,fluorite structure nanoparticles（CeO_（2-δ）） are impregnated on LSCM cathode to improve the electro-catalysis activity.X-ray diffraction（XRD）,scanning electron microscope（SEM） and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy（XPS） together approve that the fluorite structure nanoparticles are uniformly distributed on the perovskite structure LSCM scaffold.Electrochemical measurements illustrate that direct CO_2 electrolysis with 10%mol CeO_（2-δ） impregnated LSCM cathode exhibits excellent performance for current density（0.5 A×cm^（-2）） and current efficiency（～95%） at 800 ℃ under 1.6 V.It is believed that the enhanced performance of directed CO_2 electrolysis may be due to the synergetic effect of fluorite structure CeO_（2-δ） nanoparticles and perovskite structure LSCM ceramic electrode.

THERMOCOUPLE USED FOR TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT OF ALUMINIUM CELLS BY DYNAMIC METHOD

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Coupling Heat and Electricity Sources to Intermediate Temperature Steam Electrolysis

The use of CO2-free energy sources for running SOEC （solid-oxide electrolysis cell） technologies has a great potential to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions compared to fossil fuel based technologies for hydrogen production. The operation of the electrolysis cell at higher temperature offers the benefit of increasing the efficiency of the process. The range of the operating temperature of the SOEC is typically between 800 ~C and 1,000 ~C. Main sources of degradation that affect the SOEC stack lifetime is related to the high operating temperature. To increase the electrolyser durability, one possible solution is to decrease the operating temperature down to 650 ~C, which represents the typical operating range of the ITSE （intermediate temperature steam electrolysis）. This paper is related to the work of the JU-FCH project ADEL, which investigates different carbon-free energy sources with respect to potential coupling schemes to ITSE. A predominant focus of the analysis is put on solar concentrating energy systems （solar tower） and nuclear energy as energy sources to provide the required electricity and heat for the ITSE. This study will present an overview of the main considerations, the boundary conditions and the results concerning the development of coupling schemes of the energy conversion technologies to the electrolyser.

具有超高碱性稳定性和尺寸稳定性的聚芳烃N-甲基奎宁基阴离子交换膜

阴离子交换膜水电解槽的阴离子交换膜成本低、无需铂族贵金属催化剂,有望取代高成本的质子交换膜水电解槽.然而,阴离子交换膜的尺寸稳定性差以及在高温、高浓度碱液中的稳定性差,阻碍了阴离子交换膜水电解槽的发展.最近,我们合成了一种具有优异碱性稳定性的聚(三苯基-N-甲基奎宁基)阴离子交换膜,为了进一步提高这种阴离子交换膜的机械强度和尺寸稳定性,在本工作中,我们添加了三氟苯乙酮来制备聚(三苯基-三氟苯乙酮-N-甲基奎宁基)阴离子交换膜.这种共聚阴离子交换膜具有超高的碱性稳定性(在80℃,10 mol L^(-1)的NaOH溶液中浸泡1600小时后OH^(-)电导率和机械强度不发生衰减),优异的尺寸稳定性(30–80℃温度下,纯水中溶胀率不超过7%;10 mol L^(-1)的NaOH溶液中溶胀率不超过2%),高氢氧根电导率(80°C时达134.5 mS cm^(-1))和高机械强度(抗拉伸强度达43.2 MPa).这种阴离子交换膜和镍合金泡沫电极组装的简易水电解槽在80°C下,2.0 V和5 mol L^(-1)的KOH水电解质中具有1780 mA cm^(-2)的优异电流密度,并且具有高耐久性.

Synergistic effect between Co single atoms and Pt nanoparticles for efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution

In the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions,the efficiency of the hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)in alkaline conditions has been a significant challenge,primarily due to the sluggish dissociation of water molecules on platinum(Pt)catalysts.Addressing this critical issue,our study introduces an innovative Pt-Co@NCS catalyst.This catalyst synergistically combines Pt nanoparticles with Co single atoms on a nitrogen-doped carbon scaffold,overcoming the traditional bottleneck of slow water dissociation.Its unique porous concave structure and nitrogen-enriched surface not only provide abundant anchoring sites for Co atoms but also create a conducive hydrophilic environment around the Pt particles.This design leads to a drastic improvement in the water dissociation process,as demonstrated by CO stripping and deuterium labeling experiments.Achieving an outstanding current density of 162.8 mA cm^(−2) at−0.1 V versus RHE,a Tafel slope of 26.2 mV dec^(−1),and a superior nominal mass activity of 15.75 mAμgPt^(−1),the Pt-Co@NCS catalyst represents a significant step forward in enhancing alkaline HER efficiency,indicating promising advancements in the field.

Comprehensive Optimization-based Techno-economic Assessment of Hybrid Renewable Electricity-hydrogen Virtual Power Plants

Hydrogen is being considered as an important option to contribute to energy system decarbonization.However,currently its production from renewables is expensive compared with the methods that utilize fossil fuels.This paper proposes a comprehensive optimization-based techno-economic assessment of a hybrid renewable electricity-hydrogen virtual power plant(VPP)that boosts its business case by co-optimizing across multiple markets and contractual services to maximize its profits and eventually deliver hydrogen at a lower net cost.Additionally,multiple possible investment options are considered.Case studies of VPP placement in a renewable-rich,congested area of the Australian network and based on real market data and relevant sensitivities show that multi-market participation can significantly boost the business case for cleaner hydrogen.This highlights the importance of value stacking for driving down the cost of cleaner hydrogen.Due to the participation in multiple markets,all VPP configurations considered are found to be economically viable for a hydrogen price of 3 AUD$/kg(2.25 USD$/kg),which has been identified as a threshold value for Australia to export hydrogen at a competitive price.Additionally,if the high price volatility that has been seen in gas prices in 2022(and by extension electricity prices)continues,the flexibility of hybrid VPPs will further improve their business cases.

Techno-economic analysis of green hydrogen as an energy-storage medium for commercial buildings

Green-hydrogen production is vital in mitigating carbon emissions and is being adopted globally.In its transition to a more diverse energy mix with a bigger share for renewable energy,United Arab Emirates(UAE)has committed to investing billions of dollars in the production of green hydrogen.This study presents the results of the techno-economic assessment of a green-hydrogen-based commercial-building microgrid design in the UAE.The microgrid has been designed based on the building load demand,green-hydrogen production potential utilizing solar photovoltaic(PV)energy and discrete stack reversible fuel cell electricity generation during non-PV hours.Given the current market conditions and the hot humid climate of the UAE,a performance analysis is derived to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of this microgrid.The study aims at maximizing both the building microgrid’s independence from the main grid and its renewable fraction.Simulation results indicate that the designed system is capable of meeting three-quarters of its load demand independently from the main grid and is supported by a 78%renewable-energy fraction.The economic analysis demonstrates a 3.117-$/kg levelized cost of hydrogen production and a 0.248-$/kWh levelized cost for storing hydrogen as electricity.Additionally,the levelized cost of system energy was found to be less than the current utility costs in the UAE.Sensitivity analysis shows the significant impact of the capital cost and discount rate on the levelized cost of hydrogen generation and storage.

Electrifying the future:the advances and opportunities of electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction in acid

Transforming carbon dioxide(CO_(2))into products using renewable electricity is a crucial and captivating quest for a green and circular economy.Compared with commonly used alkali electrolytes,acidic media for electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction(CO_(2)RR)boasts several advantages,such as high carbon utilization efficiency,high overall energy utilization rate,and low carbonate formation,making it a compelling choice for industrial applications.However,the acidic CO_(2)RR also struggles with formidable hurdles,encompassing the fierce competition with the hydrogen evolution reaction,the low CO_(2) solubility and availability,and the suboptimal performance of catalysts.This review provides a comprehensive overview of the CO_(2)RR in acidic media.By elucidating the underlying regulatory mechanism,we gain valuable insights into the fundamental principles governing the acidic CO_(2)RR.Furthermore,we examine cutting-edge strategies aimed at optimizing its performance and the roles of reactor engineering,especially membrane electrode assembly reactors,in facilitating scalable and carbon efficient conversion.Moreover,we present a forward-looking perspective,highlighting the promising prospects of acidic CO_(2)RR research in ushering us towards a carbon-neutral society.

Enhanced CO2 Electrolysis with Metal-oxide Interface Structures

The ever-decreasing fossil fuels and the increasing greenhouse effect have caused substantial concern.Solid oxide electrolyser cell(SOEC)with La_(0.75)Sr_(0.25)Cr_(0.5 )Mn_(0.5)O_(3-δ)(LSCM)as a cathode was used for CO_(2) electrolysis to CO.In this work,the metal-oxide interface was constructed on the LSCM framework by in-situ exsolution and impregnation,and the uniform distribution of metal nanoparticles on the LSCM framework was confirmed by spectroscopy techniques and electron microscopy techniques.The existence of three-phase boundary promoted the absorption and electrolysis of CO_(2).(La_(0.75) Sr_(0.25))0.9(Cr_(0.5 )Mn_(0.5))_(0.9)(Ni_(0.5) Cu_(0.5))_(0.1) O_(3-δ)(LSCMNC)showed the best electrolytic CO_(2) performance at 850℃and exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity after 100 hours of long-term testing and 8 redox cycles.

Engineering membrane electrode assembly for advanced polymer electrolyte water electrolyzer

As an important energy carrier in terms of carbon neutrality,green hydrogen produced by water electrolysis using renewable electricity has attracted worldwide attention.The polymer electrolyte water electrolyzer(PEWE)has the potential to be a mainstay in the green hydrogen market in the future because of its superior performance.However,the development of PEWE is constrained by the slow progress of the membrane electrode assembly(MEA),which is an essential component of PEWE and largely determines the cost and performance of the system.Therefore,the MEA must be optimized from the aspects of reducing cost and improving performance to promote the development of PEWEs.In this review,we first discuss the recent progress of the materials and design strategies of MEA,including the cost,activity,and stability of catalysts,distribution and thickness of ionomers,and ion transport efficiency of ion exchange membranes(IEMs).Then,the effects of all components and interlayer interfaces on the ions,electrons,and mass transfer in MEA and,consequently,the performance of PEWE are analyzed.Finally,we propose perspectives on developing MEA by optimizing the catalyst activity and stability of IEM,interface contact between adjacent components,and evaluation methods of performance.

Enhanced CO2 Electrolysis with Mn-doped SrFeO3-δ Cathode

Solid oxide carbon dioxide electrolysers are expected to play a key role in carbon-neutral energy landscape.However,the limited activity of traditional ceramic cathodes still restricts the electrochemical performance.Here we report the doping of Mn at the B site of SrFeO3-δcathode to improve CO2 electrolysis.The oxygen vacancy concentration is increased by^30%with Mn doping while the surface oxygen exchange coefficients are enhanced by^10 times.The chemisorption of CO2 indicates the presence of chemical intermediate state between CO2 molecule and carbonate ion on the oxygen-deficient cathode surface which therefore leads to the desorption temperature of^800℃.The Mn-doped SrFeO3-δenhances CO2 electrolysis with no performance degradation being observed even after high-temperature operation of 100 hours.