Development of a Practical Site-Specific Cost Optimization Model for Renewable Energy and Electrolyser for Green Hydrogen Production
R&D Focus Areas:
Electrolysis, Techno-economic evaluation
Lead Organisation:
CSIRO
Partners:
RMIT University, Ozee Energy Pty Ltd
Status:
Active
Start date:
November 2022
Completion date:
June 2026
Key contacts:
Dr Nawshad Haque: Nawshad.Haque@csiro.au
Funding:
CSIRO iPhD Program
Project total cost:
AUD$300,000
Project summary description:
Due to the significant growth of renewable sectors, there is a huge opportunity for green hydrogen production at minimal cost. This research will focus on evaluating a combination of a wind and solar fitted with an electrolyser (either a proton-exchange membrane (PEM) type or another type) and a water treatment plant. To evaluate this quantitatively, a practical mathematical simulation model-based tool will be developed.
This tool will combine techno-economic and life cycle assessment models based on process engineering principles and methodologies. The output of the research is expected to develop a dashboard based on real scientific and engineering principles to evaluate and optimize the cost of green molecules using various technology combinations at a specific geographic location utilizing optimal capital cost, operating cost, primary embodied energy, carbon, water, and waste footprints of the levelized unit of hydrogen production, green ammonia, and potential for green urea production.
Objectives:
Development of a comprehensive mathematical model, based on process engineering principles and a process flow diagram with dynamic interaction among the energy balance, equipment sizing, and feedstock input at different scenarios to find out CAPEX, OPEX and levelized cost of green hydrogen.
Validation of the mathematical tool using real feedstock data at various load conditions and at different times throughout the year to capture the lowest possible cost of the feedstock.
Development of a practical dashboard for specific geographical locations based on mathematical models, and real scientific and engineering principles allowing stakeholders to evaluate and optimize green hydrogen & ammonia production cost with a suggested combination of current and future technology to produce green hydrogen at 2 AU$/Kg.
Related publications and key links:
Powering the Future – Green Hydrogen Production: A CSIRO Industry PhD project with Ozee Energy and RMIT – CSIRO
Higher degree studies supported:
One PhD student is supported by this project.
November 2023