HyUT Systems is dedicated to exploring the intersection of hydrogen circularity, systems integration and management, and power electronics within hydrogen systems.
- Circular Economy
Our approach to circularity incorporates hydrogen as both a material and an energy source, transforming traditional industrial and energy systems into sustainable ones. Hydrogen, as an energy carrier, offers a way to store and deliver renewable energy, powering a wide range of supply chain processes from transportation to manufacturing and substituting fossil-based based energy sources in built environment for households. As a material, it is pivotal in chemical processes, such as in the production of ammonia for fertilizers or alternative polymers as well as in the production of e-fuels, such as e-methanol or e-methane. Next to offering direct use opportunities, hydrogen can be used in combination with captured waste streams such as captured CO2 to produce alternative materials such as polyurethane, where it helps close the loop by transforming waste into usable products.
In production of hydrogen via electrolysis, the oxygen is also obtained as a by-product which can be used in wastewater treatment and the treated water can also be used in electrolysis in a closed-loop system. A pioneering project that addresses enhanced production and use of hydrogen in circularity concept is “Sustainable Circular Economy Transition: from Industrial Symbiosis to Hubs for Circularity : IS2H4C”, financed by European Commission. Our commitment extends to developing hydrogen-based solutions that enhance energy efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to a sustainable and resilient circular economy. Join our mission to explore and expand the transformative potential of hydrogen.
Topic Coordinator
- System Integration and Management
Our research focuses on the seamless integration of hydrogen technologies into the energy landscape. Our goal is to develop efficient, sustainable pathways for integrating hydrogen production, storage, and utilization across various sectors. This research is pivotal in identifying optimal decarbonization strategies for both existing and emerging energy systems.
Central to our approach is understanding hydrogen's multifaceted role as an energy carrier, a storage medium, and a fuel within the broader energy matrix. We strive to create models and systems that enhance the efficiency of hydrogen use and ensure its synergy with other energy vectors. Our research involves evaluating the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of hydrogen integration and proposing innovative solutions to challenges in system design and operation.
This work aligns with HydrogenUT's mission of driving cross-disciplinary research and education, contributing to the UT vision of a low-carbon economy. We are committed to 'High Tech - Human Touch', emphasizing the importance of sustainable and practical solutions to meet societal needs.
In collaboration with local and international partners, we are dedicated to shaping a future where hydrogen plays a key role in achieving global energy goals, aligning with the 'Shaping 2030' strategy of the UT. Our research advances the field of hydrogen energy and prepares the next generation of engineers and scientists to lead the transition to a sustainable energy future.
Topic Coordinator
- Power Electronics
Power electronics plays a pivotal role in advancing hydrogen-based technologies, particularly in fuel cells and electrolysers, which are integral to achieving a sustainable energy future. By efficiently managing the conversion and control of electrical energy, power electronics ensures the optimal performance of hydrogen systems across both energy production and utilization.
In electrolysers, power electronics precisely controls the electrical current required to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Powered by renewable sources like solar and wind, this process benefits from DC-DC converters, which regulate the energy supply to match varying input conditions, ensuring high-efficiency hydrogen production. The seamless integration of power electronics allows electrolysers to operate in synchrony with the intermittency of renewable energy, promoting both sustainability and operational longevity. Similarly, in fuel cells, which convert hydrogen into electricity, power electronics ensures efficient DC-AC conversion, making the power usable for grid integration or powering electric vehicles. By managing real-time power fluctuations and optimizing the energy flow, power electronics enhances the reliability of fuel cells, enabling them to perform effectively across a wide range of applications, from transportation to stationary energy systems.
Moreover, bidirectional converters and multi-port systems are essential for integrating hydrogen into hybrid systems. These power electronics solutions facilitate energy flow between hydrogen storage, renewable sources, and the grid, allowing hydrogen to act as a flexible energy carrier. This supports the vision of hydrogen as a key component in balancing energy supply and demand, especially in large-scale energy networks. By incorporating advanced materials like silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), power electronics can achieve higher efficiency, reduced energy losses, and improved thermal management in hydrogen systems. These innovations contribute to making hydrogen technologies more cost-effective and scalable, accelerating their adoption in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The mission of HyUT is to advance the development and deployment of hydrogen technologies as part of the global transition toward a sustainable and low-carbon economy. Power electronics is integral to this mission by ensuring the efficient management of energy conversion processes in hydrogen systems. These systems rely on power electronics to optimize the storage, conversion, and distribution of renewable energy. By enabling real-time control, reducing energy losses, and facilitating seamless integration with renewable energy sources, power electronics ensures that hydrogen technologies operate efficiently and sustainably. This technological synergy directly supports HyUT’s vision of creating a cleaner energy landscape.
Topic Coordinator
The HyUT members are involved in multiple projects regarding the systems of hydrogen, some of which you can find here