Pilot-scale hydrogen energy utilization system demonstration: A case study of a commercial building with supply and utilization of off-site green hydrogen

Abstract

Using off-site hydrogen can reduce CO2 emissions from urban buildings with limited renewable energy generation. We demonstrated the supply and usage of off-site green hydrogen using a pilot-scale hydrogen energy utilization system, Hydro Q-BiC®, for a commercial building. The off-site location supplied green hydrogen to the on-site system using high-pressure gas. By developing rapid-filling-type metal hydride tanks, we could safely fill 100 Nm3 of off-site hydrogen at <1 MPaG in approximately 1 h. The use of off-site green hydrogen in a 24 h operation of Hydro Q-BiC® can extend the operation time of fuel cells and significantly contribute to a reduction in CO2 emissions. Estimations indicate that gray hydrogen increases CO2 emissions, and CO2 emissions can be reduced to zero using a green-hydrogen supply of 300 Nm3. The results indicate that the type and quantity of supply of off-site hydrogen are important for reducing the CO2 emissions of buildings.