Towards a zero-emission construction site by utilizing a fuel cell-battery system and renewable energy

Abstract

The construction sector is a large energy consumer, contributes to the global GHG emissions significantly, and is a conservative sector where positive change goes slowly. In addition to that, current diesel-fuelled construction sites have additional negative impacts such as the emission of nitrogen and PMx, as well as excessive noise. Although technical solutions for electrification and increasing energy efficiency are available, however, several socio-techno-economic barriers limit their implementation. This study examined five potential configurations for electrifying a pilot construction site utilizing the Dutch electricity grid, an LFP battery, and a PEM fuel cell (FCPB-system) in different sizes. The results indicate that the electricity grid and a battery are currently the cheapest option; while PEM fuel cells and green hydrogen are very expensive. However, green hydrogen is the most environmentally friendly option compared to the Dutch electricity grid now and in the future. The yearly energy costs from the FCPB-system are significantly higher compared to the fuel costs of current diesel machinery. The LCOS and LCOE of the LFP battery and PEM fuel cell respectively, are mostly sensitive to a change in efficiency, technical lifetime, and electricity/hydrogen price. From an environmental perspective, the FCPB-system can reduce CO2 emissions in the conservative construction sector. Additionally, the FCPB-system does not emit any nitrogen due to the absence of combustion and high temperatures which is currently an important benefit for the construction sector in The Netherlands. One additional advantage of the FCPB-system is the capability of utilizing renewable energy. The results indicate that configurations with a battery have the most potential for utilizing renewable energy on construction sites. The energy cost reduction increases with the increase of battery size and use and the use of expensive green hydrogen; while CO2 emission reduction is mostly found in the grid-connected configurations. Renewable energy is very interesting for reducing energy costs and further a reduction in CO2 emissions.