Iron as recyclable energy carrier: Feasibility study and kinetic analysis of iron oxide reduction

Kuhn, C.; Düll, A.; Rohlfs, P.; Tischer, Steffen; Börnhorst, Marion; Deutschmann, Olaf

doi:10.1016/j.jaecs.2022.100096

Cited by 6 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 65 publications

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“…To the best of our knowledge, in all studies concerning iron slab oxidation so far, iron remained in its metallic state in the center of the material, while full oxidation is desired when considering iron as a chemical energy carrier. 26,27 When applying the findings obtained for slab oxidation to powders in the low micrometer range, the initial oxidation step will play a much more substantial role, being more relevant the smaller the particles are and the higher the oxidation temperature is. 28,29 Values for rate constants are usually obtained in units of mass gain of oxide layer per surface area and time (k p ), or in units of scale thickness per time (k x ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the oxidation behavior of undiluted and diluted iron particles for energy storage: Mössbauer spectroscopic analysis and kinetic modeling

Spielmann,

Braig,

Streck

et al. 2024

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the oxidation behavior of undiluted and diluted iron particles for energy storage: Mössbauer spectroscopic analysis and kinetic modeling

Spielmann,

Braig,

Streck

et al. 2024

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys.

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“…While numerous studies on hydrogen and hydrogen-based ECs exist [18,[21][22][23][24][25][26][27], similar studies for iron as EC are still very scarce. Kuhn et al [28] calculate a cycle efficiency of 27 % for iron as EC not considering transport. Debiagi et al [15] estimate a round-trip efficiency of 26 %-31 % including transport by ship from Casablanca to Rotterdam.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Techno-economic assessment of long-distance supply chains of energy carriers: Comparing hydrogen and iron for carbon-free electricity generation

Neumann¹,

Rocha²,

Debiagi³

et al. 2023

Preprint

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The effective usage of renewable energy sources requires ways of storage and delivery to balance energy demand and availability divergences. Carbon-free chemical energy carriers are proposed solutions, converting clean electricity into stable media for storage and long-distance energy trade. Among them, hydrogen (H 2 ) is noteworthy, being the subject of significant investment and research. Metal fuels, such as iron (Fe), represent another promising solution for a clean energy supply, but establishing an interconnected ecosystem still requires considerable research and development. This work proposes a model to assess the supply chain characteristics of hydrogen and iron as clean, carbon-free energy carriers and then examines case studies of possible trade routes between the potential energy exporters Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Australia and the energy importers Germany and Japan. The work comprehends the assessment of economic (levelized cost of electricity -LCOE), energetic (thermodynamic efficiency) and environmental (CO 2 emissions) aspects, which are quantified by the comprehensive model accounting for the most critical processes in the supply chain. The assessment is complemented by sensitivity and uncertainty analyses to identify the main drivers for energy costs. Iron is shown to be lower-cost and more efficient to transport in longer routes and for long-term storage, but potentially more expensive and less efficient than H 2 to produce and convert. Uncertainties related to the supply chain specifications and the sensitivity to the used variables indicate that the path to viable energy carriers fundamentally depends on efficient synthesis, conversion, storage, and transport. A break-even analysis demonstrated that clean energy carriers could be competitive with conventional energy carriers at low renewable energy prices, while carbon taxes might be needed to level the playing field. Thereby, green iron shows potential to become an important energy carrier for long-distance trade in a globalized clean energy market.

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“…By connecting various low-cost production regions with users of green ECs through global value chains, the future energy supply security can be ensured [3]. Iron is being considered as a potential alternative to frequently discussed ECs such as hydrogen and hydrogen-based ECs for the global transport and seasonal storage of renewable energy [4][5][6][7]. The energy-iron cycle consists of the storage of electrical energy via thermochemical reduction of iron oxides using green hydrogen, which can subsequently be converted back into electricity through thermochemical oxidation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advanced Exergy Analysis of the Flash Ironmaking Process

Neumann

Dammel

Stephan

2023

36th International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems (ECOS 20

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The growing demand for renewable energy highlights the importance of green energy carriers in mitigating the temporal and geographic imbalances between renewable energy supply and demand. Iron, as a metal fuel, offers a promising solution by enabling the storage of electrical energy from renewables through the thermochemical reduction of iron oxides with green hydrogen. This stored energy can be later converted back into electricity via thermochemical oxidation, such as in retrofitted coal-fired power plants. Transporting the iron/iron oxide in a closed cycle allows for spatial and temporal separation of renewable energy storage and release. To maximize the system efficiency of this energy-iron cycle, it is crucial to achieve high storage efficiencies during the thermochemical reduction of iron oxides. The flash ironmaking process is a promising method for this, as it allows for the reduction of fine iron oxide particles with green hydrogen without the need for pre-or post-treatment. Conventional exergy analyses, as well as advanced exergy analysis, are used to analyze the flash ironmaking process. The results reveal an exergetic system efficiency of 53.7 % for a defined base case, with the largest share of exergy destruction attributed to unavoidable exergy destruction at 82.2 % of the total exergy destruction. Additionally, most of the exergy destruction was endogenous at 89.4 % of the total exergy destruction. These assessments indicate that the overall potential for improvement of the reduction plant is moderate, and component improvements should be prioritized over structural improvements to reduce avoidable endogenous exergy destruction.

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Iron as recyclable energy carrier: Feasibility study and kinetic analysis of iron oxide reduction

Cited by 6 publications

References 65 publications

Exploring the oxidation behavior of undiluted and diluted iron particles for energy storage: Mössbauer spectroscopic analysis and kinetic modeling

Exploring the oxidation behavior of undiluted and diluted iron particles for energy storage: Mössbauer spectroscopic analysis and kinetic modeling

Techno-economic assessment of long-distance supply chains of energy carriers: Comparing hydrogen and iron for carbon-free electricity generation

Advanced Exergy Analysis of the Flash Ironmaking Process

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