The importance of Hydrogen (H2) in current global energy systems is undeniable. Moving from the energy systems depending on fossil fuel to energy systems that are carbon-free is a necessity, thus solutions such as hydrogen economy is required. Especially after recent geopolitical challenges in Europe which could make the energy acquisition a crucial problem. Liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) are applicable pathways for transitioning H2 into energy and to avoid the storage and transportation limitations of gaseous and liquid H2. Formic acid (FA) is an attractive alternative for such purposes due to its minimal level of toxicity and its significant volumetric storage capacity for H2. In this study, a Life cycle assessment (LCA) of the supply chain involving the Trans-Atlantic export of energy from Canada to Germany is conducted using formic acid as a LOHC and OxFA process to convert biomass to formic acid. The environmental impacts of all units and processes involved in this supply chain are examined, and the results are compared against other traditional systems for hydrogen production. A sensitivity analysis was also performed to recognize the crucial contributors and assess the processes and units that impose considerable influence on the overall environmental impact. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc) / Hydrogen (H2) plays a crucial role in transitioning from fossil fuel-based to carbon-free energy systems, a shift highlighted by recent geopolitical challenges in Europe. Liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) offer a solution for hydrogen storage and transport issues associated with its gaseous and liquid states. Formic acid (FA) is particularly promising as a LOHC due to its low toxicity and high hydrogen storage capacity. This study conducts a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a supply chain that uses formic acid to export energy from Canada to Germany, involving the OxFA process for converting biomass to formic acid. The environmental impacts of all processes in this supply chain are evaluated and compared with traditional hydrogen production methods. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis identifies key contributors and assesses their impact on the overall environmental footprint.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:mcmaster.ca/oai:macsphere.mcmaster.ca:11375/29428 |
| Date | January 2024 |
| Creators | Tabari, Amir |
| Contributors | Adams, Thomas, Chemical Engineering |
| Source Sets | McMaster University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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