Model based analysis of low carbon energy pathways based on natural gas
File(s)
Author(s)
Tariq, Naveed
Type
Thesis
Abstract
This thesis investigates the role that a hydrogen synthesis plant using natural gas and an auto-thermal
reforming (ATR) route, may have on a potential UK supply hydrogen supply chain, with a special focus
on whether such a process may be made more profitable with electricity co-production. This work is
motivated by the necessity to reduce man-made carbon dioxide emissions.
In the introduction we demonstrate the threat posed by anthropological greenhouse gas emissions
and provide a focus on the role hydrogen is playing in mitigating its consequences. This is followed by
a discussion of modelling strategies in terms of programming suites –with ASPEN, gPROMS and GAMS
used to model separate process units with respect to fidelity as well as systems on the time and length
scales required to accurately portray the hydrogen supply chain.
Subsequent chapters deal with the formulation of the hydrogen production plant and co-production
plant with electricity, with the formulation of each major process model given its own chapter. We
discuss assumptions made, costing and provide model validation. These process units are sized and
costed to three different plant sizes in order to investigate potential economies of scale, an analysis
of which is also provided.
The different co-production plant sizes are then investigated for potential economic feasibility. Where
using hydrogen to produce electricity during a high spot price is explored as a pathway for a more
profitable production plant as well as whether that may subsidise the merchant sale of hydrogen.
Next, we make novel changes in the geometric mapping of the UK to provide greater accuracy to the
supply chain. We then introduced ATR hydrogen production plants and co-production with electricity
plants into the supply chain to existing work. It was found that ATR production plants were the
preferable hydrogen production option and that while economies of scale do exist, transport
limitations within the supply chain favour decentralised production methods.
reforming (ATR) route, may have on a potential UK supply hydrogen supply chain, with a special focus
on whether such a process may be made more profitable with electricity co-production. This work is
motivated by the necessity to reduce man-made carbon dioxide emissions.
In the introduction we demonstrate the threat posed by anthropological greenhouse gas emissions
and provide a focus on the role hydrogen is playing in mitigating its consequences. This is followed by
a discussion of modelling strategies in terms of programming suites –with ASPEN, gPROMS and GAMS
used to model separate process units with respect to fidelity as well as systems on the time and length
scales required to accurately portray the hydrogen supply chain.
Subsequent chapters deal with the formulation of the hydrogen production plant and co-production
plant with electricity, with the formulation of each major process model given its own chapter. We
discuss assumptions made, costing and provide model validation. These process units are sized and
costed to three different plant sizes in order to investigate potential economies of scale, an analysis
of which is also provided.
The different co-production plant sizes are then investigated for potential economic feasibility. Where
using hydrogen to produce electricity during a high spot price is explored as a pathway for a more
profitable production plant as well as whether that may subsidise the merchant sale of hydrogen.
Next, we make novel changes in the geometric mapping of the UK to provide greater accuracy to the
supply chain. We then introduced ATR hydrogen production plants and co-production with electricity
plants into the supply chain to existing work. It was found that ATR production plants were the
preferable hydrogen production option and that while economies of scale do exist, transport
limitations within the supply chain favour decentralised production methods.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2021-09
Date Awarded
2024-01
Copyright Statement
Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial Licence
License URL
Advisor
Shah, Nilay
Publisher Department
Chemical Engineering
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)