Feasibility Demonstration of Key Concepts for Reducing Diesel Consumption and GHG Emissions Using Hydrogen in Drilling Rigs

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes the maturation of the product development of an onboard hydrogen production system for diesel engine generators in the offshore industry. This product will optimize combustion, thus increasing engine efficiency and reducing diesel consumption and GHG emissions. In particular, this paper demonstrates the feasibility of the key concepts of the proposed solution. The approach breaks down and tests the main concepts for an onboard hydrogen production system into key concepts. Different experimental methodologies, including tests on an optical access engine and performance and emission tests on a diesel generator, are used to explore the main hypotheses related to the proposed hydrogen production system. The energy balance between hydrogen production requirements and diesel efficiency benefits was estimated and evaluated. The study also employs thermoeconomic analysis using the SPECO methodology and utilizes machine learning models for predictive analysis and to develop optimized hydrogen injection maps. The project substantiates several hypotheses about hydrogen's positive impact on diesel combustion, fuel consumption, and emissions and validates key concepts related to our proposed solution's product development. Hydrogen enrichment improves combustion quality and efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in low and medium engine loads. The solution proved cost-effective from a thermoeconomic perspective, and the energy offset was favorable. Machine learning methodologies accurately predicted performance and emissions, leading to optimized hydrogen injection strategies. The research highlights the need to carefully consider hydrogen flow rates and load parameters for optimized performance. It demonstrates the potential of our proposed solution to reduce fuel consumption and GHG emissions. This paper provides novel insights into the integration of hydrogen into diesel engines and extends the current body of knowledge. It bridges theoretical understanding and practical application, providing valuable guidance for enhancing engine performance through hydrogen technology. This paper demonstrates our project's maturation and feasibility, and investing in it will enable the industry to lead in addressing climate change and contributing to a sustainable future.