Short answer

Consider ammonia as a key component in future energy storage and distribution designs, particularly for systems relying on intermittent renewable sources.

Field
Sustainability
Source
Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (2016)
Method
Technical, economic, and institutional analysis
Evidence
Strong effect

Ammonia can serve as a viable and efficient medium for storing excess renewable energy due to its high energy density and existing infrastructure. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2016 study published in Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS). Using Technical, economic, and institutional analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Consider ammonia as a key component in future energy storage and distribution designs, particularly for systems relying on intermittent renewable sources.

Study
SustainabilityHigh ImpactStrong effect

Ammonia as a Sustainable Energy Storage Solution

Ammonia can serve as a viable and efficient medium for storing excess renewable energy due to its high energy density and existing infrastructure.

Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) · 2016

01

Key Findings

  • 01Power-to-ammonia can effectively utilize excess renewable electricity.
  • 02Ammonia offers a high energy density and is easier to store and transport than hydrogen.
  • 03Existing infrastructure supports the use of ammonia as a chemical commodity and potential fuel.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Consider ammonia as a key component in future energy storage and distribution designs, particularly for systems relying on intermittent renewable sources.

How to apply

Investigate the integration of power-to-ammonia units within renewable energy generation facilities to buffer supply and demand.

Project actions

  • 01Research the efficiency of different electrolyzer and Haber-Bosch process configurations.
  • 02Investigate the safety protocols required for ammonia storage and transport in a design project.
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo analyze the technical, institutional, and economic feasibility of using ammonia as a flexible energy carrier derived from renewable electricity.
MethodTechnical, economic, and institutional analysis
ProcedureThe study involved analyzing the power-to-ammonia process, evaluating ammonia's properties as an energy carrier, and assessing the existing infrastructure for its storage and transport.
ContextRenewable energy systems and energy storage

Variables

IV["Amount of excess renewable electricity"]
DV["Amount of ammonia produced","Energy storage efficiency","Grid stability"]
CV["Efficiency of water electrolysis","Efficiency of Haber-Bosch process","Nitrogen availability","Ammonia storage and transport infrastructure"]
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Addresses a critical need for renewable energy storage.
  • +Leverages existing infrastructure, reducing implementation barriers.

Limitations

The practical implementation requires significant capital investment in new infrastructure and careful consideration of safety regulations.

Reliability & validity

The reliability of the findings depends on the accuracy of the technical and economic models used. Validity is supported by the analysis of existing infrastructure and established chemical processes.

Think critically

What are the primary challenges in scaling up the power-to-ammonia process to meet significant energy demands, and how might these be overcome through design innovation?

05

Design Principles

"Embrace circularity by converting waste or surplus energy into a storable and usable form."

This research highlights a novel approach to managing the intermittency of renewable energy sources. By converting surplus electricity into ammonia, designers and engineers can develop systems that enhance grid stability and provide a sustainable energy storage option.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Think of ammonia like a rechargeable battery for renewable energy. When there's too much solar or wind power, we can turn it into ammonia, store it, and use it later when needed.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Use this research to justify the selection of ammonia as an energy storage medium in a design project focused on renewable energy solutions.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The power-to-ammonia concept, as explored by Bennani et al. (2016), presents a compelling strategy for sustainable energy storage. By utilizing excess renewable electricity to produce ammonia, a high-density energy carrier with established storage and transport infrastructure, this approach offers a robust solution for grid stabilization and energy buffering, thereby enhancing the viability of renewable energy sources.

09

Source

Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS)

Power-to-ammonia: rethinking the role of ammonia – from a value product to a flexible energy carrier (FlexNH3)

journal · 2016

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about ammonia as a sustainable energy storage solution?
Consider ammonia as a key component in future energy storage and distribution designs, particularly for systems relying on intermittent renewable sources. Evidence: Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (2016).
Why does "Ammonia as a Sustainable Energy Storage Solution" matter for design?
This research highlights a novel approach to managing the intermittency of renewable energy sources. By converting surplus electricity into ammonia, designers and engineers can develop systems that enhance grid stability and provide a sustainable energy storage option.
How can designers apply this research?
Consider ammonia as a key component in future energy storage and distribution designs, particularly for systems relying on intermittent renewable sources.
What were the main findings?
Power-to-ammonia can effectively utilize excess renewable electricity.. Ammonia offers a high energy density and is easier to store and transport than hydrogen.. Existing infrastructure supports the use of ammonia as a chemical commodity and potential fuel.
What research method was used?
Technical, economic, and institutional analysis.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2016 journal from Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS).
What should I do differently in my next project?
Investigate the integration of power-to-ammonia units within renewable energy generation facilities to buffer supply and demand.
What are the limitations?
The study focuses on the technical and economic feasibility, with less emphasis on the full lifecycle environmental impact and specific institutional barriers.