Results for “Solar Hydrogen Production” — Page 3

NASA NTRS1987

Volatile inventory of Mars-2: Primordial sources and fractionating processes

The total volatile inventory of Mars has been modeled using meteoritic and presumed primordial abundances in the early solar system. Evidence is presented which indicates that the elemental abundances of the noble gases on Earth and Mars are similar, and their ratios are comparable to those in average carbonaceous chondrites with the exception of xenon and krypton. In order to account for presently observed variations in gas abundances, two primordial sources were used. One was the solar composition similar to the solar wind, and the other of carbonaceous grains that were the source for trace exotic components. For Mars, a model in which the early, high solar EUV flux with continued hydrogen production by differentiation results in mass fractionation of the primordial atmosphere, early depletion of xenon, and later depletion of gases lighter than krypton. The result is that the primordial Mars water inventory may have been on the order of 20 to 30 km if spread over the planet.

Pepin, R. O.↗

DOE OSTI2024

Achieving gigawatt-scale green hydrogen production and seasonal storage at industrial locations across the U.S

Onsite production of gigawatt-scale wind- and solar-sourced hydrogen (H 2 ) at industrial locations depends on the ability to store and deliver otherwise-curtailed H 2 during times of power shortages. Thousands of tonnes of H 2 will require storage in regions where subsurface storage is scarce, which may only be possible using liquid organic H 2 carriers. We evaluate aboveground system with a focus on providing technical insights into toluene/methylcyclohexane (TOL/MCH) storage systems in locations suitable for gigawatt-scale wind- and solar-powered electrolyzer systems in the United States. Here we show that the levelized cost of storage, at a national median of US dollar $1.84/kg-H 2 is spatially heterogeneous, causing minor impact on the cost of H 2 supply in the Midwest, and significant impact in Central California and the Southeast. While TOL/MCH may be the cheapest aboveground bulk storage solution evaluated, upfront capital costs, modest energy efficiency, reliance on critical materials and pre-sulfided catalysts, and greenhouse gas emissions from heating are opportunities for further development.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

NASA NTRS1977

Lyman-alpha observations of Comet West /1975n/

The rate of hydrogen production of Comet West is studied through rocket observation of solar Lyman-alpha radiation resonantly scattered by the escaping hydrogen atoms. Two sets of Lyman-alpha exposure sequences are used to obtain computer-smoothed brightness contour (isophote) maps covering a density range of 100:1. A simple radial outflow model is applied to the contour maps to determine the rate of hydrogen production (3.2 by 10 to the 30th power atoms/sec.) Discrepancies between the observed shape of the outer isophotes and predicted models may be explained by optical depth effects, or by the presence of small pieces of the comet's nucleus distributed along the orbit. Hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen production for Comet West and Comet Kohoutek are compared; differences may be accounted for by variations in the composition or evolution of the two comets.

Opal, C. B.↗

NASA NTRS1973

A hydrogen energy carrier. Volume 1: Summary

The production, technology, transportation, and implementation of hydrogen into the energy system are discussed along with the fossil fuel cycle, hydrogen fuel cycle, and the demands for energy. The cost of hydrogen production by coal gasification; electrolysis by nuclear energy, and solar energy are presented. The legal aspects of a hydrogen economy are also discussed.

Savage, R. L.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Renewable hydrogen horizon: Geospatial techno-economic feasibility and life cycle greenhouse gas analysis in the Middle East and North Africa

Renewable hydrogen is receiving increasing attention for its potential as a flexible energy carrier in sectors such as transportation and industry. Specific cost and carbon intensity (CI) of renewable hydrogen production vary largely based on the location, owing to differences in renewable energy resources, as well as the supply chain dynamics. This study maps the techno-economic and life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of renewable hydrogen production in the Middle East and North Africa region, leveraging abundant solar and wind resources. The work investigates the variability in hydrogen costs and CI, optimally sizing proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers to account for partial and cyclic loading, and explores standalone versus grid-connected systems. PEM capacity ratios of 52 %–63 % for photovoltaic (PV) systems and 28 %–82 % for wind systems were identified as optimal, with hydrogen production costs ranging from $\$3.8$-$\$4.8$/kg for PV and $2.0-$7.0/kg for wind. CIs span from 1.9 to 3.7 kg CO 2 ,eq /kg H 2 for PV and 0.4–7.7 kg CO 2,eq /kg H 2 for wind systems. The study highlights significant cost and CI reductions achievable with technological advancements and co-product revenue from oxygen and excess electricity sales.

Carbon Intensity↗

DOE OSTI2025

Engineered Colloidal Hetero-nanocrystals for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

This research is focused on the development of novel semiconductor hetero-structured nanocrystals which can convert solar energy into hydrogen using photocatalytic water splitting reactions. The newly developed nanomaterials could produce cost-effective chemical fuel by employing less-energy intensive technology.

08 HYDROGEN↗

NASA NTRS1979

The Production of Solar Cell Grade Silicon from Bromosilanes

A continuous Flow Reactor (CFR) process based on the hydrogen reduction of the bromosilanes SiBr4 and SiHBr3 was proposed. Initial experiments carried and directed at obtaining overall yield data for bromosilane reduction in the CFR, indicated the need for increased reactor residence time and deposition substrate particle packing density to fully characterize the kinetics (rate) and thermodynamics (yield) of observed silicon production. Fluidized bed experiments were therefore initiated to overcome these experimental difficulties, which showed both thermal decomposition and hydrogen reduction of SiHBr3 in a fluid bed reactor to present attractive closed-loop processes for producing solar cell grade polycrystalline silicon. No process selection could be made however due to the fact that preliminary optimization of 2 of 3 process stages in each case during the course of the experimental program showed comparable attainment of cost element objectives.

Schumacher, J. C.↗

DOE OSTI2024

The Role of Interface Band Alignment in Epitaxial SrTiO 3 /GaAs Heterojunctions

Recent concerns surrounding climate change and the contribution of fossil fuels to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have sparked interest and advancements in renewable energy sources including wind, solar, and hydroelectricity. These energy sources, often referred to as “clean energy”, generate no operational onsite GHG emissions. They also offer the potential for clean hydrogen production through water electrolysis, presenting a viable solution to create an environmentally friendly alternative energy carrier with the potential to decarbonize industrial processes reliant on hydrogen. To conduct a full life cycle analysis, it is crucial to account for the embodied emissions associated with renewable and nuclear power generation plants as they can significantly impact the GHG emissions linked to hydrogen production and its derived products. In this work, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the embodied emissions associated with solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, hydro, and nuclear electricity. We investigated the implications of including plant-embodied emissions in the overall emission estimates of electrolysis hydrogen production and subsequently on the production of synthetic ammonia, methanol, and Fischer– Tropsch (FT) fuels. Results show that average embodied GHG emissions of solar PV, wind, hydro, and nuclear electricity generation in the United States (U.S.) were estimated to be 37, 9.8, 7.2, and 0.3 g CO 2 e/kWh, respectively. Life cycle GHG emissions of electrolytic hydrogen produced from solar PV, wind, and hydroelectricity were estimated as 2.1, 0.6, and 0.4 kg of CO 2 e/kg of H 2 , respectively, in contrast to the zero-emissions often used when the embodied emissions in their construction were excluded. Average life cycle emission estimates (CO 2 e/kg) of synthetic ammonia, methanol, and FT-fuel from solar PV electricity are increased by 5.5, 16, and 49 times, respectively, compared to the case when embodied emissions are excluded. This change also depends on the local irradiance for solar power, which can result in a further increase of GHG emissions by 35–41% in areas of low irradiance or reduce GHG emissions by 21–25% in areas with higher irradiance.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

NASA NTRS2010

A Self-Perpetuating Catalyst for the Production of Complex Organic Molecules in Protostellar Nebulae

The formation of abundant carbonaceous material in meteorites is a long standing problem and an important factor in the debate on the potential for the origin of life in other stellar systems. Many mechanisms may contribute to the total organic content in protostellar nebulae, ranging from organics formed via ion-molecule and atom-molecule reactions in the cold dark clouds from which such nebulae collapse, to similar ion-molecule and atom-molecule reactions in the dark regions of the nebula far from the proto star, to gas phase reactions in sub-nebulae around growing giant planets and in the nebulae themselves. The Fischer-Tropsch-type (FTT) catalytic reduction of CO by hydrogen was once the preferred model for production of organic materials in the primitive solar nebula. The Haber-Bosch catalytic reduction of N2 by hydrogen was thought to produce the reduced nitrogen found in meteorites. However, the clean iron metal surfaces that catalyze these reactions are easily poisoned via reaction with any number of molecules, including the very same complex organics that they produce and both reactions work more efficiently in the hot regions of the nebula. We have demonstrated that many grain surfaces can catalyze both FTT and HB-type reactions, including amorphous iron and magnesium silicates, pure silica smokes as well as several minerals. Although none work as well as pure iron grains, and all produce a wide range of organic products rather than just pure methane, these materials are not truly catalysts.

Nuth, Joseph A.↗

DOE OSTI2024

Safety Review of the Hydrogen Components of a Reference Design of the Wind-H2-Green Steel/Ammonia Project

The Department of Energy Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Office and Wind Energy Technologies Office’s Wind-H2-Green Steel/Ammonia project is an initiative to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of GW-scale integrated energy systems. The team designed reference facilities that utilize wind- and solar-produced hydrogen for industrial steel and ammonia production. This novel concept warranted review of safety codes and standards as they apply to the designs and the identification of codes and standards as they apply to the designs and the identification of codes and standards gaps. This report reviews hydrogen production and storage codes and standards using reference design specifications from a Minnesota steel plant. Requirements, recommendations, and exclusions for the system were identified. Observed gaps included non-specific salt cavern storage requirements, electrolyzer capacity beyond regulated ranges, and lack of requirements for iron reduction via hydrogen. This report will aide future project design efforts and may provide a basis for safety reviews in new designs for industrial facilities with hydrogen production integration.

08 HYDROGEN↗

DOE OSTI2024

Safety Review of the Hydrogen Components of a Reference Design of the Wind-H2-Green Steel/Ammonia Project

The Department of Energy Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Office and Wind Energy Technologies Office's Wind-H2-Green Steel/Ammonia project is an initiative to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of GW-scale integrated energy systems. The team designed reference facilities that utilize wind- and solar-produced hydrogen for industrial steel and ammonia production. This novel concept warranted review of safety codes and standards as they apply to the designs and the identification of codes and standards gaps. This report reviews hydrogen production and storage codes and standards using reference design specifications from a Minnesota steel plant. Requirements, recommendations, and exclusions for the system were identified. Observed gaps included non-specific salt cavern storage requirements, electrolyzer capacity beyond regulated ranges, and lack of requirements for iron reduction via hydrogen. This report will aide future project design efforts and may provide a basis for safety reviews in new designs for industrial facilities with hydrogen production integration.

08 HYDROGEN↗

DOE OSTI2024

Wind Turbine Design Optimization for Hydrogen Production

To help meet the need for inexpensive green fuels, we are working on wind turbine design optimization specifically for hydrogen production. We have thus far achieved a 1.53% decrease in LCOH as compared to a turbine optimized for LCOE using the same code, design variables, and models. We accomplished this by optimizing some components of the wind turbine tower, rotor, and drivetrain design with hydrogen production and costs in the design loop.

hydrogen↗

DOE OSTI2025

REDOTHERM: a thermodynamic modeling framework for redox-based thermochemical processes

Two-step thermochemical redox cycles are being developed as a potential pathway for the production of hydrogen and syngas. While there are many possible reactor and system configurations, moving oxide systems are considered promising in terms of the redox thermodynamics, due to the potential implementation of a countercurrent system that can achieve higher performance compared to other configurations. There is a lack of a robust thermodynamic modeling framework in the field, with multiple models incorporating incorrect thermodynamic assumptions that violate the second law of thermodynamics. We present in this work REDOTHERM, an open-source system model for moving oxides that incorporates the correct thermodynamic limits, as well as various options for the system auxiliary units including product separation, heat recovery, and oxygen removal. The model is agnostic to the energy source, and could be used for solar thermal or other configurations. We highlight the uses of this model, presenting some of the tradeoffs and challenges in redox-active material selection and how they affect the entire thermochemical hydrogen production process. This model could be easily adapted and used for material exploration, system/reactor design, and technoeconomic analysis.

08 HYDROGEN↗

DOE OSTI2025

Electrolyte Immersion Increases Photoconductivity in a Model Polymer Photocathode

Immersing polymer solar cells in aqueous electrolyte for photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production is likely to cause photophysical changes that could present both challenges and opportunities for engineering functional and durable devices. Herein we study the bulk heterojunction blend poly(4,8-bis(5-(2-ethylhexyl)thiophen-2-yl)benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene-2,6-diyl)-alt-(2-(((2-ethylhexyl)oxy)carbonyl)-3-fluorothieno[3,4-b]thiophene-4,6-diyl):poly(N,N'-di(2-octyldodecyl)naphthalene-1,8:4,5-bis(dicarboximide)-2,6-diyl)-alt-(2,2-bithiophene-5,5'-diyl) (PTB7-Th:N2200) excited-state dynamics in electrolyte from femtosecond to millisecond time scales using pump-probe microwave conductivity and absorption spectroscopy. While the blend swells very little, electrolyte exposure increases the microwave-frequency mobility and possibly the yield of photogenerated charges while also decreasing crystallinity. These results indicate an enhancement in key performance metrics, implying that any limitations on the performance of PEC test devices do not arise from active layer-electrolyte interactions. For the PTB7-Th:N2200 blend or similar photocathode systems, our results indicate that improving the interfacial kinetics and/or the carrier lifetime should be prioritized, not protecting the active layer from the electrolyte. Since this observation may not be universal to all polymer systems, future research should focus on identifying their limiting photophysical processes. electrolyte.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2024

Opportunities and Implications for Low-Cost Hydrogen Production from Water Electrolysis in a Decarbonizing Power Sector

Increased deployment of renewable power generation such as wind and solar photovoltaics along with electrification of transportation and other sectors are driving changes in the operation and economics of the electric power sector. Simultaneously, efforts to decarbonize other sectors of the economy such as steelmaking and heavy duty transportation will require significant amounts of electricity to drive electrons to molecules processes. Hydrogen production via water splitting electrolysis is a key near-term technology for decarbonization that interfaces between the power sector and decarbonization efforts in industrial sectors. This poster examines the implications for increased deployment of water electrolyzers in a rapidly evolving energy system. The economic opportunities for low-cost hydrogen production from electrolysis that are facilitated by highly renewable grids will be examined and discussed. Durability, cost, and operational strategies for electrolyzers interacting in these future energy systems are key to enabling hydrogen at scale. This poster will overview these considerations and ongoing work within the U.S. Department of Energy’s H2NEW consortium that is focused on addressing them.

electrolysis↗

NASA NTRS2009

Fischer-Tropsch-Type Production of Organic Materials in the Solar Nebula: Studies Using Graphite Catalysts and Measuring the Trapping of Noble Gases

The formation of abundant carbonaceous material in meteorites is a long standing problem and an important factor in the debate on the potential for the origin of life in other stellar systems. The Fischer-Tropsch-type (FTT) catalytic reduction of CO by hydrogen was once the preferred model for production of organic materials in the primitive solar nebula. We have demonstrated that many grain surfaces can catalyze both FTT and HB-type reactions, including amorphous iron and magnesium silicates, pure silica smokes as well as several minerals. Graphite is not a particularly good FTT catalyst, especially compared to iron powder or to amorphous iron silicate. However, like other silicates that we have studied, it gets better with exposure to CO. N2 and H2 over time: e.g., after formation of a macromolecular carbonaceous layer on the surfaces of the underlying gains. While amorphous iron silicates required only 1 or 2 experimental runs to achieve steady state reaction rates, graphite only achieved steady state after 6 or more experiments. We will present results showing the catalytic action of graphite grains increasing with increasing number of experiments and will also discuss the nature of the final "graphite" grains aster completion of our experiments.

Nuth, Joseph A., III↗

DOE OSTI2024

Is Clean Hydrogen Production a Good Fit for Questa? (Final Economic Impact Results) [Slides]

The Village of Questa, New Mexico is aiming to become a regional clean energy hub with robust and diverse employment opportunities for the local community supported by the energy sector and by other businesses inspired or attracted by abundant clean energy, outdoor recreation, and cultural opportunities. A coalition of stakeholders in the Village of Questa, comprising the Village, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC), Questa Economic Development Fund, and Chevron, is exploring options to develop hydrogen production facilities as an opportunity to create jobs, provide reliable clean energy, and utilize former mine resources. Questa is home to a molybdenum mine owned by Chevron that closed in 2014. Several residents in Questa and surrounding communities lost their jobs when the mine closed and transitioned from active operations into environmental remediation. Although remediation efforts have been ongoing since 2014 and are expected to continue for at least 16 more years, the number of jobs with Chevron is much smaller now than it was before the closure. Between available workforce, brownfield land, and water rights formerly supporting mine operations but now in a transition period, there are considerable local resources that could be directed toward clean energy generation. Questa's electricity supply is already 100% solar during daylight hours thanks to Kit Carson Electric Cooperative's (KCEC's) strategic decision-making and partnering over the last decade. Now, Questa, KCEC, and Chevron are exploring the potential costs and benefits of siting an electrolytic hydrogen production facility and additional solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in Questa to further advance the region's clean energy economy. In this report, we estimated the potential economic impacts (i.e., jobs, value added, gross output, tax revenue) of constructing and operating a combined hydrogen (32 MW polymer electrolyte membrane electrolizer + 7.5 MW fuel cell) and solar facility (22.5 MW) in the Village of Questa, as well as the resulting economic spillovers to Taos County and the state of New Mexico. We employ an input-output model that leverages IMPLAN's economic data for the region complemented by construction and operating expenses estimated by NREL and feedback from the local coalition to evaluate the direct, indirect and induced effects of the project construction (transient impacts) and operation (more permanent impacts). Based on the area's average trade profile, feedback from the coalition and current market conditions, these projects are expected to support 487 full-time equivalent jobs during construction, generating $\$24$ million in income for those workers and $\$82$ million in local economic activity in the state. Of those jobs, 106 are expected to be construction sector jobs. These investments are also estimated to add $\$36.5$ million to New Mexico's gross state product (GSP). In the Village of Questa, we estimate 16 jobs will be supported in construction and transportation industries, generating $\$0.9$ million in earnings. In Taos County, the construction phase is expected to support 285 jobs primarily in construction and professional services, while manufacturing jobs dominate the results for the Rest of New Mexico. The Village is also estimated to receive $\$0.9$ million in tax revenue from the construction phase alone. Once in operation, the project continues to impact the state and Questa. Around 20 jobs (full-time equivalent for each year of operation) are supported across New Mexico, with approximately 11 directly employed in Questa by both facilities. The total annual local economic activity supported by ongoing operations is just over $\$1.3$ million/yr, generating $\$1.6$ million/yr in additional income in the state. Annual operations are estimated to add $\$2.1$ million to the state's GSP. The Village is expected to receive around $\$43,000$/yr in tax revenue. Impacts vary significantly depending on which businesses are supplying materials, equipment and services, and where construction workers reside. Choosing local suppliers will most benefit Questa and the New Mexico economy, adding up to 500 jobs during construction and 13 long-term jobs. Local and state governments may consider ways to incentivize local businesses in order to maximize economic benefits.

08 HYDROGEN↗

DOE OSTI2024

Is Clean Hydrogen Production a Good Fit for Questa? Final Economic Impact Results

The Village of Questa, New Mexico is aiming to become a regional clean energy hub with robust and diverse employment opportunities for the local community supported by the energy sector and by other businesses inspired or attracted by abundant clean energy, outdoor recreation, and cultural opportunities. A coalition of stakeholders in the Village of Questa, comprising the Village, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC), Questa Economic Development Fund, and Chevron, is exploring options to develop hydrogen production facilities as an opportunity to create jobs, provide reliable clean energy, and utilize former mine resources. Questa is home to a molybdenum mine owned by Chevron that closed in 2014. Several residents in Questa and surrounding communities lost their jobs when the mine closed and transitioned from active operations into environmental remediation. Although remediation efforts have been ongoing since 2014 and are expected to continue for at least 16 more years, the number of jobs with Chevron is much smaller now than it was before the closure. Between available workforce, brownfield land, and water rights formerly supporting mine operations but now in a transition period, there are considerable local resources that could be directed toward clean energy generation. Questa's electricity supply is already 100% solar during daylight hours thanks to Kit Carson Electric Cooperative's (KCEC's) strategic decision-making and partnering over the last decade. Now, Questa, KCEC, and Chevron are exploring the potential costs and benefits of siting an electrolytic hydrogen production facility and additional solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in Questa to further advance the region's clean energy economy. In this report, we estimated the potential economic impacts (i.e., jobs, value added, gross output, tax revenue) of constructing and operating a combined hydrogen (32 MW polymer electrolyte membrane electrolizer + 7.5 MW fuel cell) and solar facility (22.5 MW) in the Village of Questa, as well as the resulting economic spillovers to Taos County and the state of New Mexico. We employ an input-output model that leverages IMPLAN's economic data for the region complemented by construction and operating expenses estimated by NREL and feedback from the local coalition to evaluate the direct, indirect and induced effects of the project construction (transient impacts) and operation (more permanent impacts). Based on the area's average trade profile, feedback from the coalition and current market conditions, these projects are expected to support 487 full-time equivalent jobs during construction, generating $\$24$ million in income for those workers and $\$82$ million in local economic activity in the state. Of those jobs, 106 are expected to be construction sector jobs. These investments are also estimated to add $\$36.5$ million to New Mexico's gross state product (GSP). In the Village of Questa, we estimate 16 jobs will be supported in construction and transportation industries, generating $\$0.9$ million in earnings. In Taos County, the construction phase is expected to support 285 jobs primarily in construction and professional services, while manufacturing jobs dominate the results for the Rest of New Mexico. The Village is also estimated to receive $\$0.9$ million in tax revenue from the construction phase alone. Once in operation, the project continues to impact the state and Questa. Around 20 jobs (full-time equivalent for each year of operation) are supported across New Mexico, with approximately 11 directly employed in Questa by both facilities. The total annual local economic activity supported by ongoing operations is just over $\$1.3$ million/yr, generating $\$1.6$ million/yr in additional income in the state. Annual operations are estimated to add $\$2.1$ million to the state's GSP. The Village is expected to receive around $\$43,000$/yr in tax revenue. Impacts vary significantly depending on which businesses are supplying materials, equipment and services, and where construction workers reside. Choosing local suppliers will most benefit Questa and the New Mexico economy, adding up to 500 jobs during construction and 13 long-term jobs. Local and state governments may consider ways to incentivize local businesses in order to maximize economic benefits.

08 HYDROGEN↗