APRÈN. Portal de la producció docent del professorat de la UPC

The integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, into power grids presents a significant challenge for grid stability and reliability. As renewable energy generation becomes more widespread, the need for efficient and scalable energy storage solutions becomes critical. This thesis explores emerging energy storage technologies aimed at supporting the large-scale deployment of renewable energy, with a focus on hydrogen storage systems. To address this need, a thorough literature review was conducted to assess each technology's potential to store and dispatch energy effectively. The study also includes a detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a seasonal hydrogen energy storage system, applied to two distinct technological scenarios: (1) Type I pressurized aboveground tank storage, and (2) underground hydrogen storage in depleted oil reservoirs. Both systems are assessed from cradle to gate, considering a functional unit of 1 MWh of electricity delivered back to the grid. Inventory data were obtained from a combination of literature sources, expert consultation, and databases such as Ecoinvent, and environmental impacts were evaluated using the ReCiPe Midpoint (H) methodology. The results show that the environmental burden of hydrogen storage is highly dependent on the electricity source used for hydrogen production, with the electrolysis phase (H₂_From_PEM) emerging as the dominant contributor across all impact categories. Among the two storage alternatives, underground hydrogen storage demonstrated clear environmental advantages, including lower CO₂-eq emissions (60 vs. 91.6 kg/MWh), reduced material requirements, lower land occupation, and greater scalability, making it a promising long-duration storage solution. The findings indicate that Li-ion batteries are currently the most viable option for short- to medium-term renewable energy storage due to their maturity, high efficiency, and adaptability. However, their environmental drawbacks—particularly related to mineral extraction—and limited storage duration emphasize the need for complementary solutions. Hydrogen-based storage, especially in geological formations, emerges as a viable pathway to support seasonal energy balancing and ensure system flexibility in high-renewable scenarios. This thesis provides a framework for evaluating the suitability of storage technologies in renewable energy systems and reinforces the importance of life cycle-based decisionmaking to identify sustainable storage strategies. The research highlights the need for continued investment, supportive policy frameworks, and material innovation to unlock the full potential of hydrogen as a strategic enabler of the energy transition.

This thesis investigates the feasibility, efficiency, and environmental impact of implementing aerothermal heat pump systems as sustainable alternatives to conventional heating and cooling systems at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), specifically focusing on the Campus Nord. The study responds to rising energy costs, outdated infrastructure, and UPC's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. A comprehensive analysis of energy consumption at Campus Nord was conducted, utilizing data from the SIRENA and Gemweb platforms. Electricity and gas usage patterns were examined at the building level, with DNC4 selected as a representative case due to its high consumption and typical profile. The technical and regulatory landscape was reviewed to contextualize the role of heat pumps within the European and Spanish energy frameworks. Three use cases were developed to evaluate the performance of heat pumps for heating, cooling, and combined operation. For each scenario, energy demand was modeled using climate-based degree-day methods, and system efficiency was quantified through Coefficient of Performance (COP) and Seasonal COP (SCOP) values. Comparative analyses were conducted against existing gas and electric systems, including cost assessments and CO₂ emissions evaluations. Results demonstrate that replacing traditional gas boilers and cooling systems with aerothermal heat pumps can reduce energy consumption by over 38%, cut emissions by up to 72%, and achieve operational cost savings despite higher electricity tariffs. These findings support the deployment of heat pump technology as a viable and strategic measure for achieving UPC's sustainability objectives, while also contributing to broader climate action goals in the higher education sector.

Este documento ofrece un análisis detallado de los proyectos BeFlexible y Flow, con un enfoque particular en la demo de Menorca, vinculada al proyecto Flow, y en el piloto de Sevilla, parte de BeFlexible. Ambos proyectos se enmarcan dentro de la transición energética y tienen como objetivo mejorar la flexibilidad del sistema eléctrico a través de una gestión más eficiente de la demanda de energía, tanto en hogares como en otros recursos distribuidos. El propósito principal de estos proyectos es demostrar cómo las soluciones de flexibilidad energética pueden optimizar la gestión de la red eléctrica, minimizando los impactos ambientales y reduciendo la necesidad de nuevas infraestructuras. En este sentido, se destacan los dispositivos de control de consumo energético, como los calentadores eléctricos en BeFlexible y los vehículos eléctricos en Flow. Estos sistemas permiten una mejor distribución de la carga y el consumo de energía, lo que contribuye a un sistema eléctrico más sostenible y a la reducción de las emisiones de CO₂. El análisis de los resultados se ha basado en la instalación de dispositivos de monitorización en varios hogares y en la evaluación del impacto de estas intervenciones sobre la eficiencia y la estabilidad de la red eléctrica. Resultados obtenidos en el piloto de Sevilla. En cuanto al proyecto Flow, han surgido ciertos desafíos, como la falta de cargadores V2G y las dificultades para conseguir suficientes vehículos eléctricos dispuestos a participar en la demo, lo que ha retrasado el inicio de la demo. A pesar de ello, se destaca el potencial de esta tecnología para actuar como un recurso de flexibilidad dentro de la red. Los resultados muestran que la implementación de soluciones de flexibilidad energética a pequeña escala puede generar ahorros significativos de energía y mejorar la eficiencia global de la red. Estos proyectos, además, tienen el potencial de avanzar hacia un sistema energético más limpio y sostenible, alineándose con los objetivos de la Unión Europea para la transición energética. No obstante, es fundamental seguir abordando los desafíos técnicos y sociales que pueden surgir para asegurar que la implementación sea equitativa y eficiente en todos los sectores.

The textile industry is known to be an intensive sector, specifically it requires massive quantities of energy, natural gas, and water to produce fabric, the used water ends up being polluted, containing high concentrations of dye, and then is poured into the sewage system. The environmental impact of this industry sector is significant large. This study analyses textile industry data and evaluates the feasibility and potential benefits of integrating an electrochemical system capable of removing pollutants, obtaining hydrogen to be used as a blended fuel, reducing natural gas consumption, and creating a circular economic process with the reintroduction of the treated water back to the system. An Anion exchange membrane electrolyzer is used to remove pollutants and recover hydrogen, the system achieves a dye removal of 99% with and energy increase of 3%, the system produces 1,12 kg of Hydrogen per treated batch of used water, yearly hydrogen production represents a reduction of 2% on natural gas consumption and an overall avoidance of carbon dioxide of 1.3%. An overall economic impact of 3,5% when it comes to resource consumption. The integration of electrochemical technologies proves a feasible and sustainable approach for treating textile wastewater while recovering hydrogen for use as a blended fuel, reducing environmental impact, and promoting a circular economy, while having a small economic increase in resources. These findings highlight the potential dual benefits of water electrolysis to mitigate the environmental impact of textile production while generating a valuable, sustainable energy source.

The hydrogen-based economy emerges as a promising option that promises to revolutionize our energy landscape. This thesis aims to uncover the complexities of this transformation, guided by the principles of the energy trilemma: energy security, energy equity (affordability), and environmental sustainability.The problem addressed in this thesis is the challenge of integrating hydrogen into Germany's energy system to meet its ambitious climate neutrality goals by 2045. This issue is significant due to the critical need for innovative solutions in energy generation, storage, and distribution to achieve sustainability and carbon neutrality. The need to study these supply chains interactively by balancing the complexity of energy security, affordability, and environmental sustainability makes this a suitable challenge for a Master's thesis project. Despite extensive research, a comprehensive solution that addresses these three pillars simultaneously has notyetbeenrealized. Toaddressthisproblem, weemployacombination of analysis and modeling. We explored the system-wide implications of hydrogenproduction, imports, andsectoralintegration, focusing on optimizedinfrastructure planning and cost dynamics in the transport sector. Our methodology included simulations and scenario-specific analyses to provide a holistic assessment of hydrogen integration for Germany's energy transition. Our results demonstrate that the integration of hydrogen into the energy system can be challenging and requires system-wide planning. Key conclusions indicate that leveraging both domestic production and imports, optimizinginfrastructure, andpromotinghydrogentechnologiesinthetransport sector are crucial to achieving Germany's climate goals. This study also provides information on the deployment of renewable energy solutions, enabling more reliable and cost-effective energy systems. Future research can build upon these findings to further enhance hydrogen integration and explore its applications in various sectors, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.

This Master's thesis investigates the feasibility, design, and environmental impacts of implementing a District Heating and Cooling (DHC) system for the industrial port of Tema, Ghana. The study assesses three energy generation scenarios: biomass-based heating, solar thermal integration, and natural gas heating, aiming to identify the most feasible solution based on economic, environmental, and operational factors. Scenario 1, which focuses on biomass, stands out as the most effective choice. It offers cost efficiency and moderate carbon dioxide emissions, amounting to 382 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, alongside favourable energy selling prices of 0.05 €/kWh for heating and 0.06 €/kWh for cooling. This scenario shows the quickest return on investment and ensures a dependable energy supply, marking it as the best option for prompt implementation. Meanwhile, Scenario 2, involving solar thermal energy, records the lowest emissions of carbon dioxide at 153 tonnes annually and boasts high energy efficiency; however, its steep initial costs and elevated energy prices (0.10 €/kWh) present considerable obstacles for near-term viability. Finally, Scenario 3 natural gas is economically competitive but is associated with the highest emissions at 2,706 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, as well as elevated operating costs, limiting its sustainability prospects. The results highlight the critical role of renewable energy in reducing carbon emissions and advancing sustainability objectives. Therefore, I select Scenario 1 (Biomass) as the optimal strategy for the Tema industrial region, effectively reconciling economic and environmental aims. This thesis lays out a solid framework for the implementation of DHC systems. In summary, the project offers a blueprint for adopting sustainable energy practices in industrial areas, presenting a model that can be replicated worldwide to aid decarbonisation and foster the use of renewable energy solutions.