Analysis of physiochemical processes for low levelized cost of renewable hydrogen

R&D Focus Areas:
Direct hydrogen carrier production

Lead Organisation:
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

Funding:
Future Energy Exports CRC

Status:
Active

Start date:
March 2021

Project summary description:
This project will focus on two elements of physiochemical processes. Initially, available technologies will be assessed, and process performance-based models will be validated to determine comparative cost benefits. The H2Xport Pilot plant at QUT operating data will be analysed to detect early signs of equipment failure to take key decisions on designing for redundancy, a critical spares and maintenance philosophy and optimal operating parameters. A key objective will be to minimize both operational costs and capital costs for the facility and for scale-up of equivalent facilities. The option of a machine learning algorithm to optimise or target key operational practices will be considered as part of a modelling protocol. Finally, process and cost modelling will be used to identify cost reduction pathways and to demonstrate viability of producing hydrogen at a levelized cost of under AUD$2/kg at scale.

The second element of the research will be to research the deployability of hybrid renewable energy plants at two different scales: neighbourhood and industrial. For neighbourhood scale, this analysis will be based on deployment as energy hubs co-located within the local and urban communities to service their needs for electric power and hydrogen. At an industrial scale, a similar analysis will be undertaken for facilities co-located within the main hydrogen export hubs currently proposed for Australia.

Further information:
PhD Thesis (22.RP2.0131), contact Future Energy Exports CRC for further information.

 

Reviewed: August 2023