Short answer

Prioritize R&D efforts on improving the cost-effectiveness and lifespan of fuel cells and optimizing combustion engines/turbines for hydrogen fuel, while also exploring advanced storage and transport solutions.

Field: Resource Management
Source: Energies (2023)
Method: Literature Review and Technology Assessment
Evidence: Strong effect

While green hydrogen production via water electrolysis is a promising decarbonization strategy, its widespread adoption is hindered by the current technological readiness levels and cost-effectiveness of related storage, transportation, and energy conversion systems. This resource management research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Energies. Using Literature review and technology assessment, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Prioritize R&D efforts on improving the cost-effectiveness and lifespan of fuel cells and optimizing combustion engines/turbines for hydrogen fuel, while also exploring advanced storage and transport solutions.

Study

Resource ManagementRecentStrong effect

Green Hydrogen Production: A Viable Path to Decarbonization with Emerging Technological Hurdles

Energies · 2023

Key Findings

01Green hydrogen production via water electrolysis is a key component of global decarbonization efforts.
02Several hydrogen storage technologies (e.g., high-pressure storage) are well-developed.
03Fuel cell technologies require further maturation regarding lifespan and cost.
04Gas turbines and internal combustion engines need further development for efficient hydrogen operation.
05Cost targets for hydrogen production are around 200 USD/kW, with target efficiencies approaching 80% and operational lives exceeding 50,000 hours for conversion technologies.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When designing systems that utilize hydrogen, consider the TRL of each component (production, storage, transport, conversion) and focus design efforts on the components with lower TRLs or higher costs.

Project actions

01When researching hydrogen, look for the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of different components.
02Consider the entire hydrogen value chain: production, storage, transport, and end-use.

Method & Evidence

AimTo assess the current technological development status, opportunities, and challenges of hydrogen-based energy systems, with a focus on green hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and energy conversion.

MethodLiterature Review and Technology Assessment

ProcedureThe study reviews existing literature to evaluate the Technology Readiness Level (TRL), scope of application, and performance parameters of various hydrogen technologies, including production (water electrolysis), storage (underground, physical, material-based), transportation, and energy conversion (gas turbines, internal combustion engines, fuel cells).

ContextGlobal energy systems, renewable energy integration, decarbonization strategies.

Variables

IVTechnology Readiness Level (TRL) of hydrogen components (production, storage, transport, conversion)

DVFeasibility and cost-effectiveness of hydrogen-based energy systems

CVGlobal energy market trends, renewable energy integration targets, existing infrastructure.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Comprehensive review of multiple stages of the hydrogen energy system.
+Addresses the crucial aspect of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for practical assessment.

Limitations

The rapid pace of technological development means that specific TRLs or cost figures might become outdated quickly.

Reliability & validity

The reliability of the findings depends on the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the reviewed literature. Validity is enhanced by assessing multiple facets of the hydrogen system.

Think critically

Given the current limitations in fuel cell technology, what alternative hydrogen conversion methods could be prioritized for near-term implementation, and what are their associated trade-offs?

Design Principles

"Technological maturity and economic viability are critical prerequisites for the successful integration of emerging energy carriers."

Understanding the TRL of various hydrogen technologies is crucial for designers and engineers to identify areas ripe for innovation and to realistically assess the feasibility of implementing hydrogen-based solutions in current energy infrastructures. This insight guides strategic development towards overcoming specific technological gaps.

What This Means for Your Design

Making hydrogen from renewable energy is a good idea for the planet, but the parts that store it, move it, and use it to make power still need a lot of work to be cheap and last a long time.

How to use in your project

1.Use this research to justify the focus on a specific aspect of hydrogen technology (e.g., improving fuel cell efficiency) in your design project.
2.Cite the TRL of current technologies to explain the need for your proposed innovation.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The current landscape of hydrogen energy systems, as reviewed by Rolo et al. (2023), indicates that while green hydrogen production via water electrolysis is a promising avenue for decarbonization, significant technological challenges persist in the storage, transportation, and energy conversion phases. Specifically, fuel cell technologies require substantial improvements in lifespan and cost-effectiveness, while the efficient operation of gas turbines and internal combustion engines with hydrogen still needs further development. This highlights a critical need for design innovation in these specific areas to enable the widespread adoption of hydrogen as a viable energy carrier.

Source

Energies

Hydrogen-Based Energy Systems: Current Technology Development Status, Opportunities and Challenges

journal · 2023

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about green hydrogen production: a viable path to decarbonization with emerging technological hurdles?: Prioritize R&D efforts on improving the cost-effectiveness and lifespan of fuel cells and optimizing combustion engines/turbines for hydrogen fuel, while also exploring advanced storage and transport solutions. Evidence: Energies (2023).
Why does "Green Hydrogen Production: A Viable Path to Decarbonization with Emerging Technological Hurdles" matter for design?: Understanding the TRL of various hydrogen technologies is crucial for designers and engineers to identify areas ripe for innovation and to realistically assess the feasibility of implementing hydrogen-based solutions in current energy infrastructures. This insight guides strategic development towards overcoming specific technological gaps.
How can designers apply this research?: Prioritize R&D efforts on improving the cost-effectiveness and lifespan of fuel cells and optimizing combustion engines/turbines for hydrogen fuel, while also exploring advanced storage and transport solutions.
What were the main findings?: Green hydrogen production via water electrolysis is a key component of global decarbonization efforts.. Several hydrogen storage technologies (e.g., high-pressure storage) are well-developed.. Fuel cell technologies require further maturation regarding lifespan and cost.. Gas turbines and internal combustion engines need further development for efficient hydrogen operation.
What research method was used?: Literature Review and Technology Assessment.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from Energies.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing systems that utilize hydrogen, consider the TRL of each component (production, storage, transport, conversion) and focus design efforts on the components with lower TRLs or higher costs.
What are the limitations?: The assessment is based on existing literature and may not capture all nascent or proprietary technologies. Future technological advancements could alter the current landscape.