Between M1-M18, work progressed as planned, completing WP2 and starting WP3 and WP4.
WP2 aimed to develop CRM free or low CRM catalysts for dehydrogenation of perhydro-benzyltoluene. Several low CRM catalysts reached or were very close to our objective conversion (>95%), selectivity (>99.8%) and productivity (0.02 g H2/g catalyst/min) values. Extensive characterization using different methods (BET, TPR, ICP-OES XPS, STEM-EDX- HAADF and others) was performed in order to better understand our catalytic systems.
WP3 has reached its midpoint. Task 3.1 focusing on the modelling and design of the dehydrogenation reactor, is on track. Kinetic modelling using experimental data from UNIBIL is ongoing to enhance the reactor design. Meanwhile, task 3.2 which involves catalyst scale-up and is led by Heraeus, is also advancing. Two catalysts have been chosen, and large-scale synthesis methods are being developed and tested at NWU and/or UNIBIL facilities to select one catalyst. The chosen catalyst will then be produced at the scale outlined in KO2 (50 kg).
WP4.1: Block Flow (BFD) and Process Flow Diagrams (PFD) as well as early versions of Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (PID) have been developed for the LOHC and SOFC system separately. Heat and mass balance calculations have been carried out for the two separate systems in order to determine the correct coupling interfaces - heat provided by the SOFC will be fed into the thermal management circuit of the LOHC dehydrogenation reactor in order to increase overall system efficiency.
Based on this results the operating pressures and temperatures of individual plant segments have been determined in order to start the process of selecting the appropriate equipment and specify requirements for manufacturing of e.g. the reactor vessel.
An early safety assessment of the coupled plant has been performed and general guidelines to design / manufacturing and safe operation of a hydrogen infrastructure has been collected to be used during the project's demonstration phase. The HAZOP methodology has been established for the engineering phase, which will be carried out during the detail design phase of plant engineering.
WP6:Key achievements include creating a public website and an internal communication platform, defining communication templates, and producing an introductory video available on the UnLOHCked YouTube channel. Additionally, a flyer and the first newsletter were designed, and a list of stakeholders was prepared for future communication. A workshop on LOHC was organized at the ICC congress, and a questionnaire on social acceptance of LOHC was made available online, promoted via social media. Dissemination efforts focused on catalyst testing (WP2), with UNIBIL and CNRS presenting eight times at five international events.
