Abstract
The use of fossil fuels within the current infrastructure for domestic energy supply is one of the main causes of anthropogenic emissions. The mitigation options to meet the ambitious carbon reduction targets set by the UK government are discussed in this paper, including the use of carbon capture and storage technology, clean renewable energy integration and a proposed system of integrated fuel cell combined heat and power (FC-CHP) technology. Analysis shows that the use of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology within the current infrastructure can abate half the electricity associated CO2 emissions; however, this comes at a high cost penalty. The emissions associated with domestic heat cannot be prevented without changes in the energy infrastructure. Hydrogen powered fuel cells can provide clean energy at a range of scales and high efficiencies, especially when employed with a CHP system. However, production of CO2 free hydrogen is essential for fuel cell technology to contribute substantially to a low carbon economy globally. In this work three methods were investigated for small scale distributed hydrogen production, namely steam methane reforming, water electrolysis and cold plasma jet. The criteria used for comparisons include the associated CO2 emissions and the cost of energy production. Cold plasma jet decomposition of methane shows a high potential when combined with integrated FC-CHP technology for economically viable and CO2 free generation of energy, especially in comparison to water electrolysis. Including the value of the solid carbon product makes the plasma system most attractive economically.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: International Journal of Thermal and Environmental Engineering
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.