Abstract
This article aims to assess the application of a process utilizing the hydrotreating of waste steel scrap to create hydrogen and then utilising a ceramic reactor to produce and deliver the hydrogen locally. The hydrotreating process takes place in a catalytic oxygen-free atmosphere and is combined with a ceramic reactor to safely store a deliver the hydrogen locally. The produced hydrogen gas is then incorporated in fuel cells and used to power vehicles. The catalytic process will lower the energy requirements to produce and deliver hydrogen and therefore potentially reduce the cost of ownership. Additionally, the reuse of steel waste scrap extends the longevity of the fossil fuel reserves and provides a more environmentally friendly solution.
Introduction
Hydrogen has become an increasingly popular alternative energy source due to its ability to produce emissions-free energy when used in fuel cells. Due to the cost and lack of infrastructure for the distribution of hydrogen, it has been found difficult to implement and utilise on an industrial scale. In this article, a process utilising the hydrotreating of waste steel scrap is proposed to create hydrogen and then incorporate a ceramic reactor to produce and deliver the hydrogen locally.
Background
Hydrogen is a clean and efficient energy source when used in a fuel cell, creating no polluting emissions or greenhouse gases. It functions by combining hydrogen with oxygen from the air, producing electricity and heat, which is then used as a power source for vehicles. Hydrogen vehicles require an infrastructure for the creation, storage and distribution of hydrogen, which adds to the overall cost, and makes the implementation of the technology on a large scale difficult.
The method proposed utilises a process known as hydrotreating. This process, occurring in an oxygen-free environment, involves passing hydrogen over a catalyst to modify the chemical structure of a hydrocarbon feedstock. This can be used to convert fossil fuels into particularly high value molecules, such as petrol and diesel, by a process called hydrocracking. In this application it is used to convert steel waste scrap into hydrogen, which is then used in fuel cells.
Application
The proposed process takes hydrotreating, normally performed in a large plant, and makes it more accessible and economical by utilising a ceramic reactor to locally produce and store hydrogen. The hydrotreating process is undertaken in a catalytic oxygen free atmosphere consisting of hydrogen, steel scrap, and a sulphide catalyst. By controlling the environment, the generated hydrogen gas is of a higher purity, thus enabling the use in fuel cell applications. The ceramic reactor contains a hydrogen storage material, usually lithium aluminate, which is used to store the hydrogen gas created by the hydrotreating process.
The hydrogen gas is then supplied to a local hydrogen network from the ceramic reactor, allowing delivery to customers who can use the hydrogen to power their vehicles. Alternatively, the hydrogen can be stored onsite at the ceramic reactor until needed, which automatically reduces the cost of operation and additionally decreases the cost of ownership.
Benefits
The combination of the hydrotreating process and the local ceramic reactor system holds numerous potential benefits. Firstly, the cost associated with the production and delivery of hydrogen is drastically reduced due to the onsite production and storage eliminates the need for a large plant and sophisticated delivery infrastructure. Additionally, the reuse of steel waste scrap extends the longevity of the fossil fuel reserves, thus reducing pollution and creating a more environmentally friendly solution.
Conclusion
Overall, the application of a process utilising the hydrotreating of waste steel scrap to create hydrogen and then utilising a ceramic reactor to produce and deliver the hydrogen locally holds numerous advantages and is likely to become increasingly commonplace in the near future. The combination of the catalytic process and ceramic reactor technology significantly reduces the energy requirements to produce and deliver hydrogen and potentially reduces the cost of ownership. The reuse of steel waste scrap extends the longevity of the fossil fuel reserves and provides a more environmentally friendly solution.
