Deployment of Fuel Cell Electric Buses in Transit Agencies: Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure Scenarios

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Analy Castillo ◽  
Scott Samuelsen ◽  
Brendan Shaffer
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Natural Gas ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Pollutant Emissions ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Generation Process ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Hydrogen Infrastructure ◽  
Transit Agencies

For transit agencies looking to implement Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV), Fuel Cell Electric Buses (FCEBs) represent an opportunity because of the similar range and refueling times compared to conventional buses, but with improved fuel economy. To assure an environmentally sensitive hydrogen infrastructure that can respond to the wide range of needs and limitations of transit agencies, a systematic evaluation of options is essential. This paper illustrates the systematic evaluation of different hydrogen infrastructure scenarios for a transit agency. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) in California was selected for the study. Three different hydrogen infrastructure configurations are evaluated and compared to the existing paradigm of compressed natural gas buses and diesel buses. One additional scenario is analyzed in order to compare feasibility and environmental benefits of FCEBs with Plug-in Electric Buses. Each scenario represents (1) a specific mix and percentage of contribution from the various hydrogen generation technologies (e.g., on-site electrolysis, central SMR, and on-site SMR), (2) defined paths to obtain the corresponding feedstock for each generation process (e.g., biogas, natural gas, renewable energies), (3) detailed hydrogen distribution system (e.g., mix of gaseous/liquid truck delivery), and (4) the spatial allocation of the generation location and fueling locations (e.g., on-site / off-site refueling station) while also accounting for constraints specific to the OCTA bases. This systematic evaluation provides Well-to-Wheel (WTW) impacts of energy and water consumption, greenhouse gases and criteria pollutant emissions of the processes and infrastructure required to deploy FCEBs and Plug-in Electric Buses at OCTA. In addition, this evaluation includes a detailed analysis of the space requirements and operations modifications that may be necessary, but yet feasible, for the placement of such infrastructure.

Advanced Gas Engine Cogeneration Technology for Special Applications

1995 ◽  
Vol 117 (4) ◽  
pp. 826-831 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. C. Plohberger ◽  
T. Fessl ◽  
F. Gruber ◽  
G. R. Herdin
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Pollutant Emissions ◽  
Thermal Reactor ◽  
Maximum Efficiency ◽  
Exhaust Aftertreatment ◽  
Natural Gas Engines ◽  
Low Emission ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The U.S

In recent years gas Otto-cycle engines have become common for various applications in the field of power and heat generation. Gas engines in gen-sets and cogeneration plants can be found in industrial sites, oil and gas field application, hospitals, public communities, etc., mainly in the U.S., Japan, and Europe, and with an increasing potential in the upcoming areas in the far east. Gas engines are chosen sometimes even to replace diesel engines, because of their clean exhaust emission characteristics and the ample availability of natural gas in the world. The Austrian Jenbacher Energie Systeme AG has been producing gas engines in the range of 300 to 1600 kW since 1960. The product program covers state-of-the-art natural gas engines as well as advanced applications for a wide range of alternative gas fuels with emission levels comparable to Low Emission (LEV) and Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards. In recent times the demand for special cogeneration applications is rising. For example, a turnkey cogeneration power plant for a total 14.4 MW electric power and heat output consisting of four JMS616-GSNLC/B spark-fired gas engines specially tuned for high altitude operation has been delivered to the well-known European ski resort of Sestriere. Sestriere is situated in the Italian Alps at an altitude of more than 2000 m (approx. 6700 ft) above sea level. The engines feature a turbocharging system tuned to an ambient air pressure of only 80 kPa to provide an output and efficiency of each 1.6 MW and up to 40 percent @ 1500 rpm, respectively. The ever-increasing demand for lower pollutant emissions in the U.S. and some European countries initiates developments in new exhaust aftertreatment technologies. Thermal reactor and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems are used to reduce tailpipe CO and NOx emissions of engines. Both SCR and thermal reactor technology will shift the engine tuning to achieve maximum efficiency and power output. Development results are presented, featuring the ultra low emission potential of biogas and natural gas engines with exhaust aftertreatment.

scholarly journals Fundamentals of Energy Regulation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Poullikkas
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Market Competition ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Electric Energy ◽  
Energy Regulation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Emerging Issues ◽  
Gas Market ◽  
Utility Managers

Fundamentals of Energy Regulation provides an insight to the wide range of topics necessary for energy regulators. Is a complete introduction to the world of energy regulation and provides the fundamental aspects of each energy regulation topic. Introduces important regulatory topics and features explanations of key economic and regulatory concepts.Fundamentals of Energy Regulation covers emerging issues associated with restructured electric energy and capacity markets as well as international practises affecting the natural gas and electric industries. Provides the various aspects and steps of managing the transition to energy market competition and for the development of energy tariffs.Fundamentals of Energy Regulation, also, provides an insight to the wide range of electricity generating technologies including renewable energy sources available today or under development, an overview of the future sustainable energy systems and environmental issues. Fundamentals of Energy Regulation is partly based on lecture notes pro- vided in two different courses for a number of years and is intended as an introductory textbook for courses in the field of energy regulation and energy markets. It is not by any means exhaustive, nor is it intended to be. In the more than two decades I’ve worked with the energy industry, the field has grown so vast that it’s no longer possible to confine all aspects within the covers of one book, even after limiting it to the most important issues.Fundamentals of Energy Regulation can serve as a reference text for energy regulators, power and natural gas market planners, utility managers, transmission system operators, distribution system operators, consultants, policy makers and economists.

Flexible Coproduction of Hydrogen and Power Using Internal Reforming Solid Oxide Fuel Cells System

2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kas Hemmes ◽  
Anish Patil ◽  
Nico Woudstra
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Hydrogen Production ◽  
Natural Gas ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Solid Oxide ◽  
Flow Sheet ◽  
Oxide Fuel ◽  
Internal Reforming ◽  
Wide Range

Within the framework of the Greening of Gas project, in which the feasibility of mixing hydrogen into the natural gas network in the Netherlands is studied, we are exploring alternative hydrogen production methods. Fuel cells are usually seen as the devices that convert hydrogen into power and heat. It is less well known that these electrochemical energy converters can produce hydrogen, or form an essential component in the systems for coproduction of hydrogen and power. In this paper, the coproduction of hydrogen-rich syngas (that can be converted into hydrogen) and power from natural gas in an internal reforming fuel cell is worked out by flow sheet calculations on an internal reforming solid oxide fuel cell system. The goal of this paper is to study the technical feasibility of such a system and explore its possibilities and limitations for a flexible coproduction. It is shown that the system can operate in a wide range of fuel utilization values at least down to 60% representing highest hydrogen production mode up to 95% corresponding to standard FC operation mode.

Effects of Biogas Combustion on the Operation Characteristics and Pollutant Emissions of a Micro Gas Turbine

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dieter Bohn ◽  
Joachim Lepers
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Biomass Conversion ◽  
Ceramic Materials ◽  
Pollutant Emissions ◽  
Combustion Model ◽  
Generation Process ◽  
Micro Gas Turbine ◽  
Operation Characteristics

The capability of gas turbines to burn low-BTU biogenic fuels besides natural gas becomes an increasingly important feature for small sized plants. This is particularly the case for micro gas turbines targeting decentralized applications. The energy conversion of biomass to electricity can be improved by integration of a micro gas turbine with the biogas generation process. Such an integrated plant concept is presented in this paper after a general overview of low-BTU fuels suitable for utilization in gas turbines has been given. The advantages are a more efficient biomass conversion and an extension of biomass digestion to biomass with reduced biochemical availability such as mildly lignocellulosic biomass. The effects of biogas utilization on the characteristics of operation of a representatively modeled microturbine are investigated in this paper. Particularly, contributions to the efficiency decrease occuring when biogas is burnt instead of natural gas are analyzed. Further, an overview of the effects of low-BTU fuels on gas turbine materials and pollutant emissions is given. The change of emissions of nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide is analyzed with a combustion model based on a systematically reduced 6-step reaction mechanism. This study was conducted for an advanced combustor design applying ceramic materials and a transpiration cooling technology.

Effects of H2 Addition to Compressed Natural Gas Blends on Cycle-to-Cycle and Cylinder-to-Cylinder Combustion Variation in a Spark-Ignition Engine

2014 ◽  
Vol 136 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirko Baratta ◽  
Stefano d'Ambrosio ◽  
Daniela Misul ◽  
Ezio Spessa
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Diagnostic Tool ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Combustion Process ◽  
Spark Ignition Engine ◽  
Pollutant Emissions ◽  
Engine Operation ◽  
Compressed Natural Gas ◽  
Spark Plug ◽  
Wide Range

An experimental investigation and a burning-rate analysis have been performed on a production 1.4 liter compressed natural gas (CNG) engine fueled with methane-hydrogen blends. The engine features a pent-roof combustion chamber, four valves per cylinder, and a centrally located spark plug. The experimental tests have been carried out in order to quantify the cycle-to-cycle and the cylinder-to-cylinder combustion variation. Therefore, the engine has been equipped with four dedicated piezoelectric pressure transducers placed on each cylinder and located by the spark plug. At each test point, in-cylinder pressure, fuel consumption, induced air mass flow rate, pressure, and temperature at different locations on the engine intake and exhaust systems as well as “engine-out” pollutant emissions have been measured. The signals related to engine operation have been acquired by means of a National Instruments PXI-DAQ system and software developed in house. The acquired data have then been processed through a combustion diagnostic tool resulting from the integration of an original multizone thermodynamic model with a computer-aided design (CAD) procedure for the evaluation of the burned-gas front geometry. The diagnostic tool allows the burning velocities to be computed. The tests have been performed over a wide range of engine speeds, loads, and relative air-fuel ratios (up to the lean operation limit (LOL)). For stoichiometric operation, the addition of hydrogen to CNG has produced a brake-specific fuel combustion (bsfc) reduction ranging between 2% and 7% and a brake-specific total unburned hydrocarbons (bsTHCs) decrease up to 40%. These benefits have appeared to be even higher for lean mixtures. Hydrogen has shown to significantly enhance the combustion process, thus leading to a sensibly lower cycle-to-cycle variability. Hydrogen addition has generally resulted in extended operation up to relative air-to-fuel ratio (RAFR) = 1.8. Still, the LOL consistently varies depending on the considered cylinder.

Thermodynamic, exergetic, and thermoeconomic analyses of a 1-kW proton exchange membrane fuel cell system fueled by natural gas

Energy ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 119362
Author(s):  
Seok-Ho Seo ◽  
Si-Doek Oh ◽  
Jinwon Park ◽  
Hwanyeong Oh ◽  
Yoon-Young Choi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Natural Gas ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Fuel Cell System ◽  
Exchange Membrane

scholarly journals A novel hybrid liquefied natural gas process with absorption refrigeration integrated with molten carbonate fuel cell

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehdi Mehrpooya ◽  
Parimah Bahramian ◽  
Fathollah Pourfayaz ◽  
Hadi Katooli ◽  
Mostafa Delpisheh
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Natural Gas ◽  
Hybrid System ◽  
Liquefied Natural Gas ◽  
Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell ◽  
Cooling Load ◽  
Absorption Refrigeration ◽  
Molten Carbonate ◽  
Carbonate Fuel Cell

Abstract The production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a high energy-consuming process. The study of ways to reduce energy consumption and consequently to reduce operational costs is imperative. Toward this purpose, this study proposes a hybrid system adopting a mixed refrigerant for the liquefaction of natural gas that is precooled with an ammonia/water absorption refrigeration (AR) cycle utilizing the exhaust heat of a molten carbonate fuel cell, 700°C and 2.74 bar, coupled with a gas turbine and a bottoming Brayton super-critical carbon dioxide cycle. The inauguration of the ammonia/water AR cycle to the LNG process increases the cooling load of the cycle by 10%, providing a 28.3-MW cooling load duty while having a 0.45 coefficient of performance. Employing the hybrid system reduces energy consumption, attaining 85% overall thermal efficiency, 53% electrical efficiency and 35% fuel cell efficiency. The hybrid system produces 6300 kg.mol.h−1 of LNG and 146.55 MW of electrical power. Thereafter, exergy and sensitivity analyses are implemented and, accordingly, the fuel cell had an 83% share of the exergy destruction and the whole system obtained a 95% exergy efficiency.

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