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About

About

A driven engineer and researcher, committed to advancing and shaping the transition to a sustainable energy future. Drawing on a solid foundation of 14 years in engineering, including a decade spent navigating the complexities of the Oil and Gas industry, I bring a unique perspective to pioneering research at INESC TEC while pursuing a PhD in Sustainable Energy Systems.

Over the last 4 years, as a Research Assistant at INESC TEC, I have focused on decarbonization solutions, multi-energy systems, and enhanced energy efficiency across diverse sectors, including agri-food, buildings, road transportation, maritime ports, and urban environments. Additionally, as part of my PhD thesis, I am investigating the challenges posed by injecting renewable gases, such as biogas and hydrogen, into natural gas networks. I excel at translating complex challenges into actionable strategies, optimizing energy systems, and developing power-to-gas strategies.

Furthermore, I work effectively in multicultural teams and thrive in collaborative research environments. I am strongly committed to integrity, and I am also flexible, broad-minded, and organized. Combining rigorous analytical skills with a practical approach, I always strive to achieve outstanding results.

Interest
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Details

Details

  • Name

    João Paulo Fontoura
  • Role

    Research Assistant
  • Since

    07th July 2021
006
Publications

2026

Impact of Natural Gas Composition on Green Hydrogen Blending Capacity in the Portuguese High-Pressure Gas Network

Authors
Fontoura, JP; Mouráo, Z; Soares, FJ;

Publication

Abstract
Blending green hydrogen into gas networks is subject to strict quality regulation. As Europe diversifies its Liquefied Natural Gas supply, existing literature often ignores the extreme chemical variability of these sources by assuming a static composition. This study proposes a nonlinear steady-state optimization model, strictly adhering to European standards, to maximize hydrogen injection across eight real-world LNG profiles. Results reveal severe sensitivity to the carrier gas: lean gas (Trinidad and Tobago, USA) restricts maximum hydrogen integration to 8.89% and 11.40% by volume due to insufficient heavy hydrocarbons. Conversely, carbon-rich gas (Nigeria) allows up to 20.10%, although inert gases degrade this capacity. Ultimately, this 20.10% maximum blend yields only a 6.77% emission reduction. The imported chemical profile dictates absolute limits, proving that static universal hydrogen quotas are thermodynamically unachievable year-round without continuous dynamic quality tracking.

2024

Effects of Temperature Variation on the Capacity of Gas Networks to Receive Injections of Green Hydrogen

Authors
Fontoura, J; Soares, FJ; Mourao, Z;

Publication
2024 IEEE PES INNOVATIVE SMART GRID TECHNOLOGIES EUROPE, ISGT EUROPE

Abstract
The literature on the isothermal model gas flow is extensive, but the effect of temperature variation on the hydraulic characteristics has been rarely addressed. Additionally, the impact of hydrogen blending on the thermal condition of NG pipelines is also an emergent topic that requires new approaches to the gas flow problem formulation and resolution. In this paper, a model for the gas flow problem was developed to optimise the operation of natural gas distribution networks with hydrogen injection while maintaining pressure, gas flows, and gas quality indexes within admissible limits. The goal is to maximise the injection of hydrogen and investigate the influences of thermal variations in the gas blending. Also, this model enables the calculation of the maximum permitted volume of hydrogen in the network, quantifying the total savings in natural gas usage and carbon dioxide emissions in different temperature conditions.

2024

Optimising green hydrogen injection into gas networks: Decarbonisation potential and influence on quality-of-service indexes

Authors
Fontoura, J; Soares, FJ; Mourao, Z; Coelho, A;

Publication
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY GRIDS & NETWORKS

Abstract
This paper introduces a mathematical model designed to optimise the operation of natural gas distribution networks, considering the injection of hydrogen in multiple nodes. The model is designed to optimise the quantity of hydrogen injected to maintain pressure, gas flows, and gas quality indexes (Wobbe index (WI) and higher heating value (HHV)) within admissible limits. This study also presents the maximum injection allowable of hydrogen correlated with the gas quality index variation. The model has been applied to a case study of a gas network with four distinct scenarios and implemented using Python. The findings of the case study quantify the maximum permitted volume of hydrogen in the network, the total savings in natural gas, and the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Lastly, a sensitivity analysis of injected hydrogen as a function of the Wobbe index (WI) and Higher Heating Value (HHV) limits relaxation.

2024

Virtual power plant optimal dispatch considering power-to-hydrogen systems

Authors
Rodrigues, L; Soares, T; Rezende, I; Fontoura, J; Miranda, V;

Publication
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY

Abstract
Power-to-Hydrogen (P2H) clean systems have been increasingly adopted for Virtual Power Plant (VPP) to drive system decarbonization. However, current models for the joint operation of VPP and P2H often disregard the full impact on grid operation or hydrogen supply to multiple consumers. This paper contributes with a VPP operating model considering a full Alternating Current Optimal Power Flow (AC OPF) while integrating different paths for the use of green hydrogen, such as supplying hydrogen to a Combined Heat and Power (CHP), industry and local hydrogen consumers. The proposed framework is tested using a 37-bus distribution grid and the results illustrate the benefits that a P2H plant can bring to the VPP in economic, grid operation and environmental terms. An important conclusion is that depending on the prices of the different hydrogen services, the P2H plant can increase the levels of self-sufficiency and security of supply of the VPP, decrease the operating costs, and integrate more renewables.

2023

Optimal Operation of Gas Networks with Multiple Injections of Green Hydrogen

Authors
Fontoura, J; Soares, J; Coelho, A; Mourao, Z;

Publication
2023 International Conference on Smart Energy Systems and Technologies, SEST 2023

Abstract
This paper introduces a mathematical model designed to optimise the operation of natural gas distribution networks, considering the injection of hydrogen in multiple nodes. This proposal is devised to optimise the quantity of hydrogen injected to maintain pressure, gas flows, and gas quality indexes (Wobbe Index (WI) and the Higher Heating Value (HHV)) within admissible limits. The model has been applied to a gas network case study with three distinct scenarios and implemented using Python. The findings from the case study show the maximum permissible volume of hydrogen in the network, quantify the total savings in natural gas, and estimate the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. © 2023 IEEE.