The design, integration and commissioning of a small-scale prototype of the containerised DRAGON system for H2 storage in stationary applications will be investiguated. 

Starting from the systems and materials studied in WP1-2-3, the objective of WP4.1 is to design and build an H2 storage prototype capable of storing up to 5 kg of H2 (500 kg of metal powders). This prototype will also be built in containerised form to facilitate its shipment (for a more robust and structured experimental campaign in WP6) to the ENEA laboratories.

WP4.1 will therefore proceed to identify the design of the storage system, its integration and prototyping, as well as an initial commissioning phase in which the DRAGON hydrogen storage system will be tested with hydrogen of varying degrees of purity, also to validate the models developed in the WP4 tasks.

The objective of this part is to identify the perfect coupling of hydrogen generation systems with the DRAGON hydrogen storage system, in order to make the most of its unique features. To do this, starting from the information collected by WP1-2-3, UNIGE will carry out simulation and modelling activities that include: 

1. An analysis of system performance and design (for each type of hydrogen generation system);

2.  A dynamic analysis of the system (to study transient compatibility and propose possible operating strategies based on certain dynamic hydride models such as LaNi5, MmNi5, MgH2); 

3. A thermoeconomic analysis;

4. A SWOT analysis.

This seciton involves the thermo-economic analysis of the DRAGON system in different application scenarios and comparison with alternative storage systems. 

The objective of WP4.3 is to identify the most promising areas of application and use for the DRAGON system through (as done in WP4.2) a multi-level simulation activity.

To do this, starting from the information collected by WP1-2-3, but also from the results/models of WP4.2, a thermo-economic and dynamic model of the DRAGON storage system will be created using UNIGE tools (WECoMP/TRANSEO) to study the applicability of the DRAGON system in different contexts, hydrogen production systems and in various integrated system combinations. In all the following cases, a reference case study will be identified on which to carry out a feasibility study and identify correlations between the “design and sizing” of the systems.

This part will provide guidelines for the scale-up and prototyping of the DRAGON system. 

In light of the results of activities WP4.1-4.2 and the testing of the containerised DRAGON system, the objective of WP4.4 is to analyse the drivers and

technological/non-technological barriers (through SWOT and PESTLE analyses) for the future scale-up and applicability of the DRAGON system in the contexts studied, also thanks to the support of external industrial stakeholders such as the members of H2IT (which supports the DRAGON project) and the industrial partners of the network of members of the DRAGON consortium.