WP1 Business case definition
The preliminary business models including an overview of performance and cost of AMBHER product integrated in a real scenario has been delivered. In addition, the preliminary project exploitation strategy has been completed. The methodology for the Go-To-Market strategy was defined and will be implemented for the final strategy. The definition of the exploitable results, the replication strategies and IPR strategies is ongoing.
WP2 System requirements, design and modelling
A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model of the ammonia synthesis reactor has been built. The model includes POCS (Periodic Open Cellular Structure) membrane reactor, incorporating a ruthenium-based catalyst. The model applied onto different POCS support with similar specific surface areas shows that the type of support does not influence the catalytic activity under the chosen process conditions. The impact of the driving force across the membrane was then evaluated within a representative membrane reactor domain containing a BCC cell. As expected, increasing the permeance improves performances, but not in a linear way since a plateau-like trend is reached, possibly due to insufficient ammonia production compared to its removal. In addition, the design of the low-pressure conformable vessel for the MOF bodies has been finalised.
WP3 Key materials and components for long term H2 storage
Regarding the catalyst, partners involved have developed the second generation of four different catalysts. UU has developed catalysts based on nanoconfined metal hydrides/nitrides. UoB catalysts based on Amide/imide/nitride-hydride solid solutions. CSIC catalysts based on transition metal nanocluster / nanoparticle and JM novel Ru based catalysts. These catalysts have been tested under different conditions and the performances compared with commercial iron-based catalysts usually used in the Haber-Bosh process. Special characterisation tools have been used by MPI (i.e. kinetic synchrotron-based experiments) and UKRI (i.e. in-operando neutron diffraction) on some samples.
TECNALIA has developed the second generation of Carbon Molecular Sieve Membranes (CMSMs). First generation of carbon membranes and some membranes from the second generation have been characterized by TUE in single gas and/or gas mixtures permeation tests. The development of the carbon membranes and characterisation is still ongoing.
ENGIE has developed the second and third generation of conductive Periodic Open Cells Structures (POCS). Moreover, the catalysts and POCS for the single membrane reactor tests have been manufactured as well as the POCS for the prototype. And CNR has developed the structured catalysts for single membrane reactor test coating the catalyst onto the POCS.
WP4 Key materials and components for short term H2 storage
Two different MOFs have been produced at +10kg scale by scalable spray-drying method. Both MOFs have been selected to be integrated in the vessels prototype. The development of the cryogenic high-pressure vessel prototype is ongoing. The efficiency of the sealing solution has been checked and the protocol for the capacity test has been defined. In addition, a suitable cooling solution for the prototype has been found.
WP5 System integration and validation
Setup (including the single-membrane reactor) ready to be used for testing. Material to be integrated: 2 different POCS configuration and CMSMs. Design of the prototype still ongoing.
WP6 Environmental and social LCA, economic and safety assessment
The Health and Safety analysis of the AMBHER processes and technologies (ammonia-based and MOF-based H2 storage systems) have been completed. No intolerable risks were identified in either system. The LCA/LCC and s-LCA analysis are ongoing.
WP7 Dissemination and communication
The Dissemination and Communication Plan presented at last period has been updated. A set of branding elements have been created: the cards and roll-ups. Overall, 4 newsletters have been delivered, 3 articles published and other 2 under review in peer reviewed journals. The consortium has participated in more than 20 conferences with 22 oral communications and has organised 4 webinars and one training event. In addition, 2 public media articles have been released. And finally, an active social media campaign (using Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube) have been implemented).
