The successful transformation to a sustainable energy supply requires the use of green hydrogen. In addition to importing the gas, however, large production capacities must also be built up nationally. To make the integration of electrolysers for the production of the versatile energy carrier hydrogen more efficient, an innovative software-based toolbox for electrolysers is being developed as part of the project. This enables companies along the green hydrogen production chain to digitally analyse, evaluate and optimise use cases in advance of real implementation. This toolbox is freely configurable so that components can be easily exchanged or adapted to simulate and compare different situations, plant designs or electrolysis processes (AEL, PEM, AEM).
In addition to the use of the tool in the context of project planning and in the business environment, the toolbox is implemented in the education and training of specialists. The consortium consists of companies with different competences in the field of hydrogen-based technologies and the integration of electrolysers, three universities with a focus on industrial research and experimental development as well as educational institutions for the training and further education of specialists.
FUNDING/PROGRAMME: INTERREG
Collaborators: FH Muenster, Saxion, Powerspex, HyGear, Pondera, BEN-Tec, NWBA, ZBT, roc van twente, H2 Hub Twente, oostnl, Enapter, HORIZON
The main goals of the project are to determine a sustainable hydrogen production technology integrated with wind and solar energy. This involves conducting a comprehensive comparative technical and economic analysis of hydrogen production through different pathways to understand the most viable options. Factors such as technical and economic variabilities, the impact of carbon pricing, optimum plant size, CO2 avoidance, logistics, and storage will be analyzed to assess the sustainability of green hydrogen technologies.
To achieve this, the project aims to develop data-driven and digital twin dynamic models for analyzing integrated energy systems for hydrogen and fuel production. The integration of multiple energy sources and components will be optimized to reduce installation costs and prevent grid congestion.
The models will consider all aspects related to dynamic behavior and optimization, including emerging technologies and various forms of energy flow scenarios. Ultimately, the project seeks to design integrated energy systems that effectively match energy systems with one another to ensure efficient and sustainable hydrogen production.
FUNDING/PROGRAMME: REGIODEALREJKS
Collaborators: ROGER Energy B.V.
Jan 2024 - Present
HERCULES introduces a novel breakthrough approach towards thermal energy storage of surplus renewable energy via a hybrid thermochemical/sensible heat storage. The role of the heat storage on energy saving for industrial heating application will be explored in this project. In this project, our primary objective is to develop a comprehensive dynamic model for integrating thermal energy storage into high-temperature industrial processes. Our focus lies in enhancing flexibility within these operations by optimizing energy utilization, reducing operational costs, improving process efficiency, and bolstering resilience against supply disruptions. Ultimately, our contribution aims to foster more sustainable and resilient industrial operations through the seamless integration of thermal energy storage solutions. The proposed research will be conducted by an interdisciplinary consortium constituting leading research centers, universities, innovative SMEs, and large enterprises including ancillary service providers and technology end-users.
FUNDING/PROGRAMME: HORIZON EU
PARTNERS: DLR Germany, CERTH Greece, Kraftblock Germany, Landson Denmark, RISE Sweden, COBRA Spain, TATA Steel, Alucha NL
for further information: HERCULES
Oct 2023 - Present
Manufacturers face sustainability challenges due to high capacities and limited electrical access. Hydrogen is increasingly favored for its potential to offer greater power and zero-emission operation. Collaboration among SMEs is crucial for developing essential tools and knowledge, accelerating progress in the field. The H2-MODUS consortium aims to make vital knowledge accessible, focusing on dimensioning, component availability, control, safety, permits, logistics, and cost reduction. Our tasks include determining energy requirements, sizing fuel cell systems, and identifying available components through thorough research.
FUNDING: RAAK-MKB
Collaborators: HAN University of Applied Sciences, Burgaflex, DENS Power, Electric Special Technics (E.S.T.), Genmark, H2Storage, H2Trac, Handelsonderneming PD, Hydrogen Range Extender Trailer, Hymatters Research & Consultancy, HyMove, Hyster-Yale Nederland, J.H. Laarakkers, Nederland Sales & Service, Nederlandse Waterstof en Brandstofcellen Associatie (NWBA), NedStack fuel cell technology B.V., Nuvera Fuel Cells, QConcepts Design & Engineering B.V., ROGER Energy, ROM B.V., Saxion, Stichting Kiemt, Twinning Energy, Volta Energy, Wychstrach/ Hexagon Purus, zepp.solutions
Mar 2023 - Present
The main objectives of the project are to advance gas turbine technology to create a reliable, flexible, and zero-emission solution for energy supply with long-term impact at the EU level. The project aims to develop and assess the first highly efficient closed-loop supercritical zero emission energy system. This system will be based on a directly fired supercritical gas turbine engine operating on locally synthesized renewable fuels, coupled with decentralized carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS). But the project is not just about technological innovation; it's about smart integration of energy systems across sectors as well. By improving the integration of renewable energy and renewable fuel-based solutions across various energy-consuming sectors, our goal is to optimize their effectiveness and impact, for a sustainable future. As part of this project, we're developing a methodological approach using "digital twins" to manage energy flows within integrated systems, along with localized combustion and chemical kinetics. Through machine learning, we'll monitor energy demands and production, ensuring a smart input/output match. Optimization algorithms will then maximize fuel, power and heat output, leveraging surplus electricity and available storage in smart cities. Our ambitions extend beyond technological prowess to cover socio-economic and environmental considerations, aligning with the priorities outlined in the European Green Deal.
FUNDING/PROGRAMME: HORIZON EUROPE
Collaborators: ETHNICON METSOVION POLYTECHNION, EXERGIA ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT CONSULTANTS AE, TEC4FUELS, OWI SCIENCE FOR FUELS GMBH, IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE, CENTRE EUROPEEN DE RECHERCHE ET DEFORMATION AVANCEE EN CALCUL SCIENTIFIQUE, PAUL SCHERRER INSTITUT, OPRA ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS B.V., ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE, POLITECHNIKA WROCLAWSKA
for more details visit: HERMES
Sep 2022 - Present
Learning communities are the engine and land of innovative developments. That is why we focus on learning communities. Professionals from education and research, industry, government and the public-private sector work together, contributing to innovations and developing knowledge about the energy transitions.
The University of Twente, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, HAN University of Applied Sciences, ROC van Twente and the H2Hub Twente in which various companies [1] are involved, work together to shape a learning community for the development of innovative hydrogen technology integrated systems. The cooperation prepares company employees, researchers and students for the energy transition in a cross-chain collaboration. The aim is to address the following challenges:
1) How can the engineering of a green hydrogen production process be arranged such that, in a number of consecutive semesters, students and researchers from the educational institutions and company employees learn and innovate within an engineering challenge?
2) How can the methodology of challenge-based learning community be constructed, where all stakeholders can benefit?
The concept of the learning community is very beneficial for companies, for their overall knowledge on hydrogen systems, cooperation and connection with other companies but concurrent market position as well. For students the experience of the learning community brings good and easy contact with companies. And the cooperation with students from different disciplines broadens the view, which could not be obtained in a mono-disciplinary project.
FUNDING/PROGRAMME: NOW-SIA RAAK SME
Collaborators:
SAXION, H2HUB, HYMATTERS OPERATIONS BV, BOESSENKOOL, JOTEM, POWERSPEX, SCHRÖDER ENERGY TECHNOLOGY, DEMCON ENERGY SYSTEMS BV, VDL ENERGY SYSTEMS BV, KIWA, WATERSCHAP VECHTSTROMEN, COGAS, KIEMT, ARNHEM AND NIJMEGEN UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES, ROC VAN TWENTE
Increasing decentralized power production from wind and solar is straining the electricity grid in the Netherlands, hindering new renewable energy projects. Grid expansion is a long-term solution but costly and time-consuming. In the short to medium term, converting excess power to energy-carrying molecules offers an alternative. The EIGEN project aims to develop and test a blueprint for Energy Hubs to integrate large-scale renewable energy locally, contributing to CO₂ reduction by 2030. Our role involves developing innovative strategies and dynamic models for energy hubs, combining electricity, heat, and gas systems to simulate their behavior accurately. We utilize the DEMKIT platform for smart grid control and digital twin modeling.
The Energy Systems Integration research group within the Faculty of Engineering Technology and the Energy Group at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science (EEMCS) are collaborating closely on the EIGEN project.
FUNDING/PROGRAMME: MOOI SIGHUHE
PARTNERS: Alliander, Sunrock Development BV, Ventolines BV, Recoy BV, SemperPower BV, PARKnCHARGE Opco BV, Stichting ElaadNL, Over Morgen BV, Connectr – Energy innovation, TNO, Saxion, Shared Energy Platform Holding BV And thanks to EGEN, who successfully helped us with the subsidy application
For further information: EIGEN
The aim of the project is to develop innovative strategies by developing powerful models and simulations to combine energy carriers such as electricity, heat, gas and fuels for heating and cooling of the built environment and industry, power and water consumption and transportation for the Nijmegen region. The model and innovative strategies include a comprehensive range of energy technologies and use large energy data sets in building and industry future scenarios to provide objective information for decision makers, in order to effectively design markets and regulations to support energy systems integration. The project is executed in close cooperation with a waste management company, SME, local government and startups as stakeholders of the future smart energy network. The pilot project will be implemented in the Nijmegen region for demonstration. In this project a proof of concept will be developed and validated which can then be further developed by participating SME companies to make a commercial software package.
FUNDING/PROGRAMME: RVO
Feb 2019 - Jan 2021
Wind energy is the fastest growing form of sustainable energy production and will continue to be very important in the energy transition in the coming decades. The continued growth of wind energy presents enormous technical, industrial and political challenges, especially in the storage of wind power during high production or low electricity consumption. Onsite production of hydrogen can be used for a variety of applications, including as transportation fuel and for generating electricity by using fuel cells or internal-combustion engine generators. The goal of this project is the system design of the integration of electrolysers and wind power. Different technical requirements will be addressed, such as wind turbine functional characteristics and physical limitations, installation of the electrolyser, Operations and Maintenance, and health and safety. Economic aspects also play a role, such as CAPEX and OPEX assessment revenues from electricity and hydrogen delivery. At the end the system will be optimized based on sizing, control strategies, integration of power-electronics, manufacturing and maintenance, hydrogen storage and transport, etc. The project cooperates with “ECN part of TNO”.