The adoption of digital technology

To make the most of digital technology in the hydrogen economy, there are six steps. The first step is a system-level analysis of the hydrogen energy project. In the investment phase of a hydrogen project, determining the best approach is a complex task due to multiple alternative pathways, technology options, new technology risks and weather variables, and this is where digital technologies come into play. Companies can leverage these technologies to make the right decisions for each project, at each location, balancing scale, risk and innovation.

Second, modeling the digital twin of the hydrogen production process will reduce capital costs by 75%. In the hydrogen economy, the digital twin is an important engineering, evaluation and project tool, capable of evaluating thousands of alternative designs, quickly assessing costs and economics, virtual mirroring and continuous performance evaluation of new technologies, continuous feedback on early operating modules and improvement of subsequent modules.

In the field of hydrogen energy, digital twin feedback is essential to adopt the expected progressive implementation strategy. Air Products, the world’s leading hydrogen supplier, has partnered with Saudi ARAMCO to launch the NEOM project and has released a case study that describes how Aspen’s digital twin is being used in its network of 20 hydrogen plants and connected pipelines along the U.S. Gulf Coast. One case study showed that with the help of these models, the operation of one of the plants could save more than $1 million per year.

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Third, by optimizing renewable energy, energy storage and electrolysis processes, load utilization of hydrogen production can be improved and operating costs can be reduced by 10%. More attention is often paid to the capital costs of electrolysis hydrogen production technology, however, reducing the operating costs of hydrogen production is equally important.

Fourth, by monitoring, measuring, and modeling hydrogen storage and transportation, 100% availability can be achieved while ensuring safety. Dr. Robert Socolow, co-author of the Blueprint for a Hydrogen Economy (2003), has consistently emphasized safety as an important factor in the rapid expansion of a hydrogen economy, both in terms of hydrogen delivery and end-use.

Fifth, the hydrogen value chain needs to be optimized. The overall economics of hydrogen often depend on a value chain that often involves multiple companies and industries. Through system-level modeling, participants in the hydrogen economy can make the right investment decisions, both in terms of selecting process technologies and along the value chain path.

Sixth, improve and optimize the final application of hydrogen energy, so that it is economical and safe, and then accepted by the market. These rigorous and accurate models are not only used for technological innovation in electrolytic hydrogen production, but are also highly valuable in the innovation and engineering phase of expanding the hydrogen fuel cell market. South Korea’s Doosan Fuel Cell uses Aspen’s process modeling technology. More than 15 fuel cell and automotive companies are currently using the technology. As usage increases, digital twins are becoming increasingly important for fuel cell version improvements.

Digital technologies are a strategic element in reducing costs along the hydrogen value chain, speeding up roll-out and implementation, and ensuring the safety and reliability of hydrogen solutions.