Advancing Hydrogen Flow Measurement: Thermophysical Properties and Advanced Thermodynamic Models

About the Project

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.

Funding Notes

This is a self-funded PhD project; applicants will be expected to pay their own fees or have a suitable source of third-party funding. UK students may be able to apply for a Doctoral Loan from Student Finance for financial support. A bench fee may be charged in addition to the tuition fees.