Hydrogen-Based power systems evolution and applications: An engineering design and operation advisory model

Furat Dawood

The idea of storing excess Renewable Energy (RE) in pure hydrogen, called power to gas (P2G), has been adopted globally as a viable solution to achieving zero-emissions targets. The utilisation of hydrogen for power generation is a fast-growing trend with support from governments, academia, and industry worldwide. Therefore, many Hydrogen-based Power Systems (H2PS) were developed for proof of concept, demonstrations, and piloting. The H2PS were designed with different objectives, orientations, and scales, such as stand-alone, grid-connected and grid support. The H2PSs require an interdisciplinary engineering capability during the planning, feasibility study, engineering design and operations. The literature revealed a gap in a systematic engineering design and operations approach to utilise hydrogen for power generation, such as: 1. The H2PS technologies’ options, equipment selection criteria, Balance of Plant, Compliance, and interoperability challenges. 2. A Systematic approach for H2PSs’ equipment capacities optimisation to reduce capital and operating costs, provide reliable power, and be integrated into the hosting or served power systems. 3. The optimal systematic approach for H2PSs’ engineering design practices workflow. This thesis bridges these gaps by developing an H2PS Engineering Design and Operations Advisory Model (EDOAM). The Model was meticulously developed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the progress and advancements of the H2PSs, including the various technologies’ options, the techno-economic viability, the balance of plant (BOP) considerations, the relevant codes of practice, regulations, and standards. The developed EDOAM framework was built on an extensive review of state-of-the-art literature, case studies, industry reports, and knowledge-sharing initiatives related to hydrogen projects. These sources were critically analysed and supplemented with the authors’ industry experience. This framework provides a guideline for engineering designers involved in developing H2PS projects, offering a structured approach that considers best practices, industry standards, and the lessons learned from previous endeavours. It was found that a holistic H2PS- systematic engineering design can significantly attract more investment and speed up the deployment of H2PS at all scales, orientations, and locations. In addition, a systematic safety approach in H2PS design and operations is crucial to gain the support of Governments, industry, and community acceptance. This thesis focuses on the holistic H2PS comprising 100% renewable (green) hydrogen production via water electrolysis, storage, and power regeneration using Fuel Cells (FC). The findings of this thesis have substantial policy implications for Australia, including advancing renewable energy transition, fostering a forward hydrogen economy, creating economic opportunities, enhancing energy security, promoting technology innovation, mitigating climate change, supporting regional development, and sending a positive message for worldwide transformation to zero-emission renewable hydrogen-based electricity generation and supply.

Hydrogen-Based power systems evolution and applications: An engineering design and operation advisory model

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