Advancing Hydrogen Flow Measurement: Thermophysical Properties and Advanced Thermodynamic Models

The transportation of hydrogen is a cornerstone of the emerging hydrogen economy. However, accurately measuring hydrogen flow rate presents unique challenges due to its physical properties and potential impurities. This project aims to enhance the understanding of the thermophysical properties of hydrogen in transport systems, aligning measurement accuracy with regulatory and legislative requirements. By examining advanced thermodynamic models, including Helmholtz free energy-based equations of state, this research seeks to develop innovative solutions for industrial-scale hydrogen metering.

The study will focus on state-of-the-art thermodynamic modelling at relevant temperature and pressure ranges and will aim to establish theoretical models for metering under challenging conditions. This will contribute significantly to the reliability and efficiency of hydrogen transport systems, crucial for the successful deployment of a hydrogen economy.

Research Question

How can advanced thermodynamic models improve the accuracy of hydrogen flow measurements in the transportation of hydrogen from production units to storage sites and end users, particularly in the presence of impurities?

Methodology:

• Critically review existing literature on hydrogen flow measurement, focusing on challenges posed by its unique physical properties and the presence of impurities.
• Analyse various advanced thermodynamic models, particularly those based on Helmholtz free energy, for their applicability in hydrogen metering.
• Conduct thermodynamic modelling under field-relevant temperature and pressure ranges to understand the behaviour of hydrogen in transport systems.
• Develop theoretical models tailored for accurate hydrogen metering under challenging conditions, considering factors like impurities and fluctuations in physical condition.
• Validate the proposed models

Some experimental work will be conducted at the University of Edinburgh.

Applications and expressions of interest are invited from prospective researchers with a good background of chemical or mechanical engineering or a closely related field.

How to apply

Formal applications can be submitted via the University of Bradford web site; applicants will need to register an account and select 'Full-time PhD in Chemical and Process Engineering' as the course, and then specify the project title when prompted.

About the University of Bradford

Bradford is a research-active University supporting the highest-quality research. We excel in applying our research to benefit our stakeholders by working with employers and organisations world-wide across the private, public, voluntary and community sectors and actively encourage and support our postgraduate researchers to engage in research and business development activities.

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