The objectives and approach of the HyInHeat project

HyInHeat is an ambitious project that aims to revolutionize energy-intensive industries by integrating hydrogen as a fuel for high-temperature heating processes. The project recognizes the challenges of adopting hydrogen combustion in heating processes, including the need for redesigning infrastructure, equipment, and processes. As such, it has laid out specific objectives to achieve its goals.

Implementation of 8 demonstrators

The first objective of HyInHeat is to implement eight demonstrators that redesign combustion systems for H₂ firing and optimize burner technology to minimize NO_x emissions. One of these is a greenfield study for steel reheating, which provides a new furnace layout with an adjusted convective zone and off-gas system. These modifications and optimizations of burners and combustion systems will pave the way for the adoption of hydrogen as a fuel source.

Modification and optimization of four burners

The second objective is to modify and optimize four burners for cross-sectorial application for hydrogen operation, and develop measurement equipment for fuel supply and combustion control. This includes implementing H₂ compatible fuel supply lines and monitoring refractory degradation and consumption to maintain TRL 7 standard. The use of pure oxygen in seven out of eight demonstrators will also enable optimized combustion control systems, with potential energy savings up to 40%.

Development of 2 measurement technologies

HyInHeat also focuses on developing two measurement technologies for fuel quality determination, combustion control, and NO_x emission measurement for H₂/air and H₂/O₂ fired processes. Data analysis and data-based digital process control algorithms will be established to promote digitalization of production processes. These solutions will be implemented in demonstrators to provide interdisciplinary guidelines and promote widespread adoption of H₂ heating technologies.

Definition of KPIs and scenario parameters

The project defines KPIs and scenario parameters to compare the developed heating technologies with fossil fuel alternatives. A baseline is set up to quantify the project’s impact on KPIs such as energy consumption, GHG emissions, NO_x emissions, and metal loss. The economic viability of the H₂ heating technologies is evaluated, and individual business cases are developed.

The HyInHeat approach

HyInHeat follows a systemic approach towards the decarbonization of process industries through the integration of hydrogen-based heating technologies. It combines demonstration activities, technological developments, and policy analysis to evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of implementing H₂ heating technologies in the steel and aluminium sectors. The project aims to provide insights into the systemic decarbonization strategies based on hydrogen for the process industries in the EU. To maximize its impact and ensure effective knowledge dissemination, the project adopts a collaborative approach involving stakeholders from industry, academia, and policymakers.

In conclusion, the HyInHeat project aims to revolutionize energy-intensive industries by developing and demonstrating sustainable hydrogen heating technologies. By achieving these objectives, the HyInHeat project will pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future for energy-intensive industries.

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