Near-zero Emissions Research Articles

Experimental Study on the Impact of Hydrogen Injection Strategy on Combustion Performance in Internal Combustion Engines.

Hydrogen is an ideal alternative fuel for internal combustion engines due to its fast combustion rate and near-zero carbon emissions. To further investigate the impact of the injection strategy on combustion performance under various excess air coefficients and loads, experimental methods were employed to systematically study injection timing, injection pressure, and dual injection. The results demonstrate that appropriately delaying hydrogen injection timing can improve the thermal efficiency by up to 2.6% and reduce NOx emissions of equivalent combustion by nearly 88%. While increasing the hydrogen pressure to 8 MPa does not directly enhance the thermal efficiency and emissions, it can reduce the injection pulse width by approximately 75%, allowing for more flexibility in delaying the injection timing. Delaying the secondary end of injection (SEOI) leads to a reduction of over 47% in NOx emissions for λ (excess air coefficient) values of 1.5 and 1.0. The combustion duration and ignition delay initially increase and then decrease with the delay in SEOI, depending on the movement state of the fuel jet. With the increase in secondary injection proportion (SIP), brake thermal efficiency increases by no more than 1%, but NOx is reduced by more than 43% for λ values of 1.5 and 1.0. In the case of ultralean conditions (λ = 2.3), increasing the SIP from 0 to 30% results in a nearly 14% increase in the peak heat release rate (HRR) and a 19% reduction in combustion duration.

The clinical use of stress echocardiography in chronic coronary syndromes and beyond coronary artery disease: a clinical consensus statement from the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging of the ESC.

Since the 2009 publication of the stress echocardiography expert consensus of the European Association of Echocardiography, and after the 2016 advice of the American Society of Echocardiography-European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging for applications beyond coronary artery disease, new information has become available regarding stress echo. Until recently, the assessment of regional wall motion abnormality was the only universally practiced step of stress echo. In the state-of-the-art ABCDE protocol, regional wall motion abnormality remains the main step A, but at the same time, regional perfusion using ultrasound-contrast agents may be assessed. Diastolic function and pulmonary B-lines are assessed in step B; left ventricular contractile and preload reserve with volumetric echocardiography in step C; Doppler-based coronary flow velocity reserve in the left anterior descending coronary artery in step D; and ECG-based heart rate reserve in non-imaging step E. These five biomarkers converge, conceptually and methodologically, in the ABCDE protocol allowing comprehensive risk stratification of the vulnerable patient with chronic coronary syndromes. The present document summarizes current practice guidelines recommendations and training requirements and harmonizes the clinical guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology in many diverse cardiac conditions, from chronic coronary syndromes to valvular heart disease. The continuous refinement of imaging technology and the diffusion of ultrasound-contrast agents improve image quality, feasibility, and reader accuracy in assessing wall motion and perfusion, left ventricular volumes, and coronary flow velocity. Carotid imaging detects pre-obstructive atherosclerosis and improves risk prediction similarly to coronary atherosclerosis. The revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence on echocardiographic image acquisition and analysis makes stress echo more operator-independent and objective. Stress echo has unique features of low cost, versatility, and universal availability. It does not need ionizing radiation exposure and has near-zero carbon dioxide emissions. Stress echo is a convenient and sustainable choice for functional testing within and beyond coronary artery disease.

Performance analysis of a CO2 near-zero emission integrated system for stepwise recovery of LNG cold energy and GT exhaust heat

Combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) system can further improve energy utilization efficiency while meeting diversified energy demands, and the rational use of the CCHP system is an effective way to alleviate the energy crisis. An innovative cascaded CCHP system based on the transcritical carbon dioxide cycle (TRCC) and organic Rankine cycle (ORC) has been proposed, which is designed to recover the cold energy of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the exhaust heat from the gas turbine (GT), while achieving near-zero CO2 emissions. The simulation result demonstrates that the system achieves energy utilization efficiency, exergy efficiency and net electrical efficiency of 87.3%, 56.9% and 55.39%, respectively, with a CO2 capture rate of 79.2 kg/h under the design condition. Compared to the mentioned cogeneration systems that recover LNG cold energy and GT waste heat, the proposed system exhibits improvements in energy utilization efficiency, exergy efficiency and net electrical efficiency by 9.84%, 4.37% and 3.4%, respectively. The parameter sensitivity analysis reveals that increasing the pressure ratio of the TCO2 turbine and ORC turbine or reducing the air compressor feed temperature can improve the overall performance of the system. If the focus is solely on energy utilization efficiency and exergy efficiency, appropriately increasing the air compressor pressure ratio or reducing the gas turbine pressure ratio would be beneficial. The proposed system in the study is environmentally friendly and energy-saving, which especially suggests a direction for cold energy cascade utilization in LNG stations integrated with CCHP.

The Options in Decarbonization Pathways for Malaysia

Abstract Two activities in Malaysia that emit large amounts of CO2 are electricity generation, and iron and steel production. To decarbonize the former, Malaysia should invest in a flexible energy system to overcome the intermittent characteristic of solar energy by influencing the pattern of demand with peak load pricing, increasing energy storage capability, and entering into a regional electricity grid arrangement. Malaysia should respond to the recent large capacity expansion in iron and steel production with blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace (BF-BOF) technology by ending immediately the issuance of new licenses for facilities that use this BF-BOF technology, and speed up the process of adopting advanced green, near-zero emission technologies (e.g., Hydrogen Breakthrough Ironmaking Technology [HYBRIT]), by applying for foreign technical assistance (e.g., the United Nations Climate Technology Center and Networks [UN-CTCN]) and for concessionary climate finance under the Paris Agreement. Finally, to be consistent with the 1.5°C pathway for the world, Malaysia should aim to commit to achieve peak carbon emissions by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.

Experimental and modeling investigations to improve the performance of the near-zero NOx emissions direct-injection hydrogen engine by injection optimization

High NOx emissions present a significant constraint on the power and efficiency enhancement of direct-injection hydrogen engines. To address this issue, a 2.0 L turbocharged direct-injection hydrogen engine is optimized to achieve near-zero NOx emissions and high engine performance through injection optimization. Both experimental and simulation results indicate that early injection of supersonic hydrogen increases the turbulence energy, while late injection leads to the clustering of rich mixing gases, resulting in elevated combustion temperature and increased NOx emissions. The NOx emissions can keep near-zero while the brake thermal efficiency improves from 40.4% to 41.7% with appropriate retarded injection timing. Therefore, an optimal injection timing exists, and the experiments revealed that adjusting the end timing of injection to 80°CA BTDC resulted in the approximately 1.5% increase in the brake thermal efficiency compared to other injection strategies with near-zero NOx emissions.

Achieving near-zero emission and high-efficient combined cooling, heating and power based on biomass gasification coupled with SOFC hybrid system

Extensive studies on coupling biomass as a fuel to power systems for clean and efficient energy conversion provides a realistic path towards carbon neutrality. Therefore, a novel system was proposed, which featured biomass CO2 gasification, solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with carbon capture, and ammonia Rankine cycle. A thermodynamic model of the system process was developed and used to comprehensively assessment of the performance in terms of thermodynamic, CO2 reduction potential, and economic. The results indicate a net electrical efficiency of 50.41%, a net electrical output of 9124.5 kW, a CHP efficiency of 70.2%, and an exergy efficiency of 45.6%. The key sources of irreversibility identified through exergy analysis were found to be the gasifier, SOFC, and afterburner. Moreover, in this system, an impressive maximum CO2 capture rate of 99.9% was achieved, and a low CO2 specific emission of 0.64 kg/MWh was recorded, highlighting its emission reduction potential compared to conventional CCHP systems. Economic analysis further supports the feasibility of this system, revealing the levelized cost of electricity at 58.17 $/MWh and the swift initial investment recovery period of 4.34 years. This novel system signifies a promising pathway towards a sustainable and economically viable energy conversion.

Prediction of Cu Zeolite NH3-SCR Activity from Variable Temperature 1H NMR Spectroscopy.

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx by ammonia is one of the dominant pollution abatement technologies for near-zero NOx emission diesel engines. A crucial step in the reduction of NOx to N2 with Cu zeolite NH3-SCR catalysts is the generation of a multi-electron donating active site, implying the permanent or transient dimerization of Cu ions. Cu atom mobility has been implicated by computational chemistry as a key factor in this process. This report demonstrates how variable temperature 1H NMR reveals the Cu induced generation of sharp 1H resonances associated with a low concentration of sites on the zeolite. The onset temperature of the appearance of these signals was found to strongly correlate with the NH3-SCR activity and was observed for a range of catalysts covering multiple frameworks (CHA, AEI, AFX, ERI, ERI-CHA, ERI-OFF, *BEA), with different Si/Al ratios and different Cu contents. The results point towards universal applicability of variable temperature NMR to predict the activity of a Cu-zeolite SCR catalyst. The unique relationship of a spectroscopic feature with catalytic behavior for zeolites with different structures and chemical compositions is exceptional in heterogeneous catalysis.

(Invited) The SOFC Program at the DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) and National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL)

The Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) Program, managed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy (FE) and administered by the FE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) is currently developing low-cost SOFC power generation systems. SOFC power systems have the potential to achieve greater than 60 percent efficiency. The SOFC’s operating temperature is lower than combustion-based processes and precludes NOx formation. In addition, there are near-zero emissions of CO2, criteria pollutants, and particulates. Furthermore, SOFC power systems require approximately one-third the amount of water relative to conventional combustion-based power systems. The Program includes the testing of SOFC with natural gas in distributed applications, including data centers. In addition to SOFC, there are several projects on various aspects of high temperature solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) for electrolysis of water. The development of efficient systems for hydrogen production is very interesting, especially when supplementary heat is provided from solar or other waste heat sources such as nuclear or coal power plants.

Investigation of a novel near-zero emission poly-generation system based on biomass gasification and SOFC: A thermodynamic and exergoeconomic evaluation

SOFC poly-generation system exhibits the potential for clean and efficient conversion, but few studies have been conducted on the comparative analysis of the combined cooling, heating and power considering CO2 capture and condensate recovery. This study investigates a novel near-zero emission poly-generation system based on biomass gasification and SOFC employing different biomass fuels. This combined system adopting oxy-fuel combustion instead of traditional pre-combustion makes the flue gas easier to achieve a concentrated CO2 stream, thereby the system structure is simplified and the purity of captured CO2 is improved. The results reveal that the larch wood is the preferred fuel for the proposed system and the corresponding overall efficiency, exergy efficiency and unit cost of products achieve 80.17%, 29.12% and 20.49 $/GJ, respectively. The exergy analysis demonstrates that the exergy destruction mainly occurs in gasifier and turbine. The exergoeconomic analysis indicates that SOFC possesses a greater exergoeconomic factor of 85.12%. The parametric analysis shows that increasing gasifier temperature (Tgas), SOFC temperature difference (ΔT) and current density (j) decreases overall efficiency. The higher Tgas results in a higher unit cost (ct), whereas ct is more economic as ΔT increases. Besides, as j changing, ct of various biomass-based systems exists an optimal value.

Achieving near-zero carbon dioxide emissions from energy use: The case of Sri Lanka

Signatories to the Paris Agreement are to achieve net zero Green House Gas (GHG) emissions during the half-century to pursue the efforts limiting global average temperature increase by 2 °C compared to pre-industrial levels. This study models ambitious to challenging scenarios involving energy demand and supply side actions for energy system transition toward net-zero for Sri Lanka. To analyze these scenarios a least cost optimization-based bottom-up type energy system model was developed from 2015 to 2050. A Business-as-usual (BAU) scenario and four countermeasure (CM) scenarios termed Plausible, Ambitious, Challenging, and Stringent were developed. Four different carbon tax rates were used to fathom the level of carbon tax needed to achieve net-zero emissions. The CM scenarios were formulated considering different technology options and policy measures such as the diffusion of efficient technologies, availability of renewable energy sources, use of cleaner fuels, the introduction of nuclear and carbon capture and storage technologies, and green hydrogen for power generation. The result of this study reveals that the stringent scenario which includes aggressive policy measures in both the energy supply and demand sectors, such as nuclear, and renewable energy for power generation, diffusion of efficient Enduse devices, fuel switching, including the introduction of electric cars, and increased share for public transport achieves the near carbon-neutral scenario at a carbon tax trajectory of 32 US$/tCO2 in 2020 and 562US$/tCO2 in 2050. The Net Energy Import Dependency (NEID) of the country decreases to 13 % in 2050 compared to that of the BAU scenario (65 %) under the near carbon neutral scenario, which is a positive sign from the energy security perspective.

Process simulation on the planning of wind-PV storage for near-zero carbon emission

The proposal of the dual carbon policy has put forward new requirements for the planning of wind power photovoltaic energy storage, which should not only meet economic requirements but also consider the timeliness of carbon reduction. Particularly, in recent years, there has been a contradiction between energy waste and power shortage in some regions of China, which needs to be resolved through reasonable planning of the capacity of multi energy systems. Based on the aforementioned background, this paper uses system dynamics simulation to analyze the efforts that should be made to maintain a stable energy balance between wind–solar power generation output and energy storage capacity when considering the cost of the power side and the demand response level of the load side. We assume a development plan for wind and solar energy, and optimize the allocation of energy storage capacity under these conditions to meet the balance requirements of carbon reduction and investment cost reduction. We use system dynamics simulation to simulate the energy storage demand under the demand response. In order to achieve the near-zero carbon goal, this paper discusses the reasonable state of a power energy structure based on different carbon emission reduction goals. Finally, we discovered the relationship between investment costs and carbon reduction targets as increasing carbon reduction targets will greatly increase investment costs and provide some suggestions for planning.

Long-term experimental study of price responsive predictive control in a real occupied single-family house with heat pump

The continuous introduction of renewable electricity and increased consumption through electrification of the transport and heating sector challenges grid stability. This study investigates load shifting through demand side management as a solution. We present a four-month experimental study of a low-complexity, hierarchical Model Predictive Control approach for demand side management in a near-zero emission occupied single-family house in Denmark. The control algorithm uses a price signal, weather forecast, a single-zone building model, and a non-linear heat pump efficiency model to generate a space-heating schedule. The weather-compensated, commercial heat pump is made to act smart grid-ready through outdoor temperature input override to enable heat boosting and forced stops to accommodate the heating schedule. The cost reduction from the controller ranged from 2-17% depending on the chosen comfort level. The experiment demonstrates that load shifting is feasible and cost-effective, even without energy storage, and that the current price scheme provides an incentive for Danish end-consumers to shift heating loads. However, issues related to controlling the heat pump through input-manipulation were identified, and the authors propose a more promising path forward involving coordination with manufacturers and regulators to make commercial heat pumps truly smart grid-ready.

Recent Advances and Challenges in Thin-Film Fabrication Techniques for Low-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are amongst the most widely used renewable alternative energy systems with near-zero carbon emission, high efficiency, and environment-friendly features. However, the high operating temperature of SOFCs is still considered a major challenge due to several issues regarding the materials’ corrosion, unwanted reactions between layers, etc. Thus, low-temperature SOFCs (LT-SOFCs) have gained significant interest during the past decades. Despite the numerous advantages of LT-SOFCs, material selection for each layer is of great importance as the common materials have not shown a desirable performance so far. In addition to the selection of the materials, fabrication techniques have a great influence on the properties of the SOFCs. As SOFCs with thinner layers showed lower polarisation resistance, especially in the electrolyte layer, different thin-film fabrication methods have been employed, and their effect on the overall performance of SOFCs has been evaluated. In this review, we aim to discuss the past and recent progress on the materials and thin-film fabrication techniques used in LT-SOFCs.

Operation analysis and its performance optimizations of the spray dispersion desulfurization tower for the industrial coal-fired boiler

As a relatively new type of desulfurization system, long-term high-efficiency desulfurization is a critical issue for commercial spray dispersion system applications. To analyze the coupling effects of different operation parameters, a series of operation performance predictions with their optimizations are implemented. Through the analysis of the operating influencing factors based on artificial intelligence, the key influencing factors of the operation performance are determined. For instance, the tube immersion depth accounts for 46% of the factors that affect the desulfurization efficiency. Moreover, the system stability analysis determines not only the system's fine operation stability, but also identifies several factors, such as the PH and inlet gas temperature, that require key control for operational stability. For instance, the phase margin of the PH, flue gas temperature, and SO2 concentration in flue gas is greater than 0 when the amplitude margin reaches 1 point, allowing the PH control system to demonstrate excellent system operating stability. Then, after a systematic analysis of the operation, several optimizations of the operation are provided. Finally, in recent applications, the optimized spray dispersion has demonstrated excellent desulfurization performance: the desulfurization efficiency was greater than 99%, and the outlet SO2 concentration was less than 15 mg/m3 in three years of operation, which means that near-zero SO2 emissions in long cycles were essentially achieved, and 1/3 and 1/5 of the energy and cost consumption were reduced.

Microstructural evolution during H2 corrosion of Al2O3–SiO2 based refractory aggregates

Hydrogen-based direct reducing iron production (H-DRI) has caused more and more attention in metallurgical industry owing to the near-zero carbon emission. However, the strong reducibility of H2 at elevated temperature can possibly cause serious corrosion to the lining refractories of furnaces. In this study, four types of Al2O3–SiO2 based aggregates (brown corundum, bauxite, mullite and quartz) with various SiO2/Al2O3 mass ratios were utilized for the H2 corrosion test at 1673 K with a soaking time of 8 h. Based on the analysis of weight-loss ratios, phase-composition variation and reduction thermodynamics, the microstructure evolution during H2 corrosion was investigated in detail. The results indicates that the SiO2 impurity of brown corundum was partly reduced by H2 which led to the formation of rod-like or flaky intergranular grains. For bauxite, a porous structure was produced by the accumulation of rod-like or elongated grains owing to the significant reduction of intergranular silicon compounds. Nevertheless, due to the high sintering activity between the Al2O3 products from the reduction of mullite, a high densification structure was realized to effectively prevent the further H2 penetration, hence, mullite inversely obtained the better H2 corrosion resistance than bauxite in spite of its higher S/A ratio. The accumulation of SiO and H2O gases due to the high reduction rate of SiO2 led to the formation of a great deal of SiO2 fiber on the surface of quartz aggregates. The [O] provided by the phase-transformation from α-quartz to cristobalite could be partially captured by the H2 for the reduction, which caused the deterioration of corrosion. With this study, we aim to provide theoretical assistance for the refractory selection applied in hydrogen metallurgy.

A data driven robust optimization model for scheduling near-zero carbon emission power plant considering the wind power output uncertainties and electricity-carbon market

Under the carbon peak and neutrality targets, the power generation industry in China is facing an urgent demand for a low carbon transition and participation in the electricity-carbon market. This paper novelty proposes a near-zero carbon emission power plant (NZCEP) integrating gas turbines, wind turbines, power-to-gas and the carbon capture, utilization and storage system. And a two-stage Data-driven Set based robust optimization (DSRO) model, including a day-ahead dispatching phase and a real-time adjustment phase, is conducted to ensure the consumption of renewable energy resources and to develop the optimal operating strategy for NZCEP participation under the electricity-carbon market. The results demonstrated the following outcomes: (1) NZCEP shows better environmental benefits by reducing carbon emissions and consuming renewable energy resources. (2) the DSRO model can resist the interference of wind power output uncertainties and address the issue of traditional robust models being overly conservative. (3) under the electricity-carbon market, NZCEP shows better economic benefits, which can generate additional revenue from selling surplus carbon emission allowances (CEA). Moreover, when the annual average CEA price reaches 355 CNY/t, the NZCEP will achieve full capital cost recovery.

Technology portfolio assessment for near-zero emission iron and steel industry in China

China aims to peak CO2 emissions before 2030 and to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060; hence, industrial sectors in China are keen to figure out appropriate pathways to support the national target of carbon neutrality. The objective of this study is to explore near-zero emission pathways for the steel industry of China through a detailed technology assessment. The innovative technology development has been simulated using the AIM-China/steel model, developed by including material-based technologies and optimal cost analysis. Six scenarios have been given in terms of different levels of production output, emission reduction and carbon tax. Near-zero emission and carbon tax scenarios have shown that China's steel industry can achieve near-zero emission using electric furnaces and hydrogen-based direct reduction iron technologies with policy support. Based on these technologies, minimised production costs have been calculated, revealing that the steel produced by these technologies is cost-effective. Moreover, the feedstock cost can play a key role in these technology portfolios, especially the cost of scrap, iron ore and hydrogen. In addition, the feedstock supply can have strong regional effects and can subsequently impact the allocation of steelmaking in the future. Therefore, China can achieve near-zero emissions in the steel industry, and electric furnace and hydrogen-based direct reduction iron technologies are crucial to achieving them.

Study of the Carbon Neutral Path in China: A Literature Review

After the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals were proposed, different institutions and scholars carried out research on China’s medium- and long-term mitigation pathways. Through the literature review of China’s research on carbon neutrality, this paper finds that the zero-carbon energy transition is the key to achieving carbon neutrality. The main driving factors of reducing energy-related carbon emissions include the cleanliness of primary and secondary energy supply systems, the electrification of energy consumption and the development of hydrogen energy, energy efficiency improvement, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and negative emissions. Furthermore, based on the literature, this paper conducts a quantitative comparative analysis, and selects key indicators for comparative analysis and summary from seven dimensions, including economic and social development, carbon emission pathways, primary energy consumption, final energy consumption, final hydrogen energy consumption, electricity demand and supply, and installed capacity and structure of power generation. Main conclusions are as follows: (i) In terms of carbon emission pathways, the institutions generally believed that China will peak carbon emissions around 2028 and achieve carbon neutrality between 2050 and 2060. Achieving net-zero or near-zero emissions first in the power sector is the key to carbon neutrality across the society; (ii) In terms of energy supply, it is a consensus to increase the proportion of clean energy and reduce carbon emissions from the source. The proportion of clean energy in primary energy will increase to more than 85%, and the proportion of clean energy power generation and installed capacity will reach more than 90%; (iii) In terms of energy use, electricity will become the core of final energy consumption in the future. The predicted electricity consumption across the society will range 14.3–18.4[Formula: see text]PWh, and the predicted electrification rate will exceed 65%.

Toward Positive Energy Districts by Urban–Industrial Energy Exchange

The concept of Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) has emerged as a promising approach to achieving sustainable urban development. PEDs aim to balance the energy demand and supply within a district while reducing the carbon footprint and promoting renewable energy sources. Urban–Industrial Symbiosis (UIS) is another approach that involves the exchange of energy and resources between industrial processes and nearby urban areas to increase efficiency and reduce waste. Combining the concepts of PED and UIS can create self-sufficient, sustainable, and resilient districts. As the analysis and implementation of such systems are barely studied in North America, this research study was structured to fill the gap by evaluating the financial and environmental advantages of this combination. This study proposes a methodology to design a heat transmission system; then, it is applied to the case of a paper-making factory and a multifunctional heritage building in Montreal, Canada. The results show that the building’s new heating system can generate sufficient heat while emitting near-zero direct emissions. Overall, this paper argues that combining the concepts of PED and UIS can lead to a more sustainable and resilient urban area, and provides a roadmap for achieving this goal.

(Invited) The SOFC Program at the DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) and National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL)

The Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) Program, managed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) and administered by the FECM’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) is currently developing low-cost SOFC’s and reversible SOFC systems (rSOCFs). SOFC power systems have the potential to achieve greater than 60 percent efficiency. The SOFC’s operating temperature is lower than combustion-based processes and precludes NOx formation. In addition, there are near-zero emissions of CO2, criteria pollutants, and particulates. Furthermore, SOFC power systems require approximately one-third the amount of water relative to conventional combustion-based power systems. The Program includes the testing of SOFC with natural gas in distributed applications, including data centers. In addition to SOFC, there are several projects on various aspects of high-temperature solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) for electrolysis of water. Development of reversible SOFC systems, rSOCFs, is the new central focus of FECM. The development of efficient systems for hydrogen production is very interesting, especially when supplementary heat is provided from solar or other waste heat sources such as nuclear power plants.