During the initial one and a half years of the HyInHeat project, the focus was on work packages (WP) 1, 2, 3 and 4. In particular, during WP1 on “Process analysis and retrofitting requirements” a detailed baseline definition for the demonstrators was performed. Crucial information was gathered for the subsequential modification and redesign of current infrastructures. Tasks within WP1 focused on data collection. Accomplishments included establishing KPIs, gathering retrofitting requirements for demonstrators, creating a refractory database, summarizing EU energy landscape policies, producing baselines for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Multi-Layer plant-level Material Flow Analysis (ML-MFA) as well as developing concepts for measurement technologies and NOx emission limits. All deliverables within WP1 were successfully completed.
Then, regarding WP2, named “Modification and Redesign of equipment and processes“, results show the effects of H2 on product quality, efficiency, and refractories. More into detail, HyInHeat partners investigated promising refractories through laboratory tests and thermodynamic calculations, focused on the effect of H2 on scale formation and the impact of H2 in steel, refractories, and aluminium, among others. Further work regarding the theoretical background for simulation and MFA was initiated. Also, the tests and engineering designs for the adaptation of hydrogen in the direct and indirect heating applications were done. The final results are scheduled for the end of 2024.
WP3 on the “Design of safe and efficient H2 and O2 infrastructure” is also currently still ongoing. This work package already provided the engineering documentation and recommendations to supply the demonstrators with H2 and O2. For that purpose, the definition of operating conditions in standard and non-standard conditions was described. Additionally, steady-state simulations of the H2 and O2 infrastructure from supply to utilization under specified operating conditions were done. These results play a crucial role on the first step for the detailed design process for the demonstrators in WP5 and WP6. Finally, within this WP training concepts for H2 safety are addressed and worked out. This task will run parallel to the demonstrations and will integrate operator feedback into the H2 safety training concepts.
Finally, WP4 provides the improvement of sensors, analysers, and algorithms for optimizing H2 combustion processes through online process control, as well as for online monitoring of NOx emissions to reduce emissions and facilitate reporting. Measurements with optical emission spectroscopy for industrial flame analysis were performed. Regarding combustion control, a solid-state electrolytic sensor for detecting O2, H2, and NOx for high temperatures has been developed. The final outcomes are expected by the end of 2024.
