Optimizing Power Generation: Integrating Diesel/Biodiesel and Hydrogen in Electric Power Station Generators for Enhanced Sustainability

Abstract

The combination of diesel/biodiesel and hydrogen in electric power station generators presents a promising approach to reducing emissions and enhancing sustainability in power generation. This study explores the performance and environmental impact of utilizing hydrogen alongside diesel and biodiesel in a dual-fuel system. Biodiesel, derived from renewable sources, significantly reduces the carbon footprint compared to conventional diesel, while hydrogen, with its zero-carbon combustion, further decreases greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Quantitative analysis reveals that blending up to 50% hydrogen with diesel or biodiesel leads to a 35% reduction in CO2 emissions, a 20% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx), and a 25% decrease in particulate matter (PM). The system also demonstrated a 10-15% increase in fuel efficiency, attributed to hydrogen’s high energy content and faster combustion characteristics. Real-world applications, such as pilot projects in Brazil and Denmark, have successfully tested this dual-fuel technology, showing significant emissions reductions and improved generator performance. Although challenges remain, particularly with hydrogen storage and infrastructure, the integration of diesel/biodiesel-hydrogen systems offers a transitional pathway to decarbonizing power plants. This approach supports the shift toward cleaner energy sources, contributing to global sustainability efforts and carbon reduction targets in the energy sector.