H2-Logistics

Objectives:

In the H2 logistics project, the effects of permeation and boil-off on the reliability of hydrogen transport chains by truck, freight train and barge are being investigated. Key figures such as loss costs, service levels and transportation costs are determined for this purpose. This knowledge supports industrial hydrogen consumers in the economic development of an infrastructure for the reliable and cost-effective supply of green hydrogen, e.g. in ramp-up phases or in continuous operation.

Project object:

Large industrial consumers from the steel construction or chemical sectors can eliminate a significant proportion of their CO2 emissions by substituting fossil fuels with green hydrogen. Large quantities of hydrogen can be transported to such large industrial consumers by pipeline. When designing hydrogen pipelines, their special physical properties must be taken into account. A tool for designing H2 pipelines is being developed for this purpose (see box on the right for downloading the H2 pipeline tool).

If hydrogen is transported via conventional modes of transport, energy and cargo losses such as permeation for CGH2 and boil-off for LH2 play a special role. To investigate the loss costs due to permeation and boil-off, a transport model is being developed that maps truck, freight train and barge transports for green hydrogen. The hydrogen transports are simulated in selected use cases and evaluated using selected KPIs.

Role of the CML in H2 logistics:

Fraunhofer CML develops the transportation model, implements it in the simulation software Plant Simulation and conducts the simulation experiments for the selected usecases.

Project consortium:

The project team consists of the Fraunhofer IGP from Rostock and the Fraunhofer CML. The project is part of the overall project "Offshore wind energy systems for hydrogen supply".

H2-Logistik is being funded as part of a special call for proposals by the AiF for the energy transition. The coordinating research association is FOSTA - Forschungsvereinigung Stahlanwendung e. V.

Duration is from January 2021 to March 2023.