Assessment of system variations for hydrogen transport by liquid organic hydrogen carriers. (28th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wulf, Christina; Zapp, Petra
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 43:Number 26(2018)
• Page Start: 11884
• Page End: 11895
• Publication Date: 2018-06-28
• Subjects: Liquid organic hydrogen carriers -- Life cycle assessment -- Life cycle costing -- Hydrogen transport; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2018.01.198
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: One option to transport hydrogen over longer distances in the future is via Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC). They can store 6.2 wt% hydrogen by hydrogenation. The most promising LOHCs are toluene and dibenzyltoluene. However, for the dehydrogenation of the LOHCs – to release the hydrogen again – temperatures above 300 °C are needed, leading to a high energy demand. Therefore, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing are conducted. Both assessments concentrate on the whole life cycle rather than just direct emissions and investments. In total five different systems are analysed with the major comparison between conventional transport of hydrogen in a liquefied state of matter and LOHCs. Variations include electricity supply for liquefaction, heat supply for dehydrogenation and the actual LOHC compound. The results show that from an economic point of view transport via LOHCs is favourable while from an environmental point of view transport of liquid hydrogen is favourable. Highlights: Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Costing of hydrogen transport. Comparison of transport in liquid organic hydrogen carriers and in a liquefied form. Liquid transport is environmentally more benign. Transport in liquid organic hydrogen carriers is cheaper than in a liquefied stage. System variations can improve single environmental impacts, e.g. heat source.