Hydrogen

The electrolysis of 9kg ultrapure water results in 1kg hydrogen, calculated based on the atomic composition of water. Typically, electrolysers consume 45–55 kWh per kg of hydrogen, equating to 0.16–0.2 l of ultrapure water per kWh resulting into 163–200 l/h of ultrapure water per MW of electrolyser capacity.1

1.Henrik Tækker MadsenWater (Oct 2022), Water treatment for hydrogen by EUROWATER, a Grundfos company.

Ion exchanger secures the production of pure process water in industrial settings. They remove unwanted ions through selective resin beads and regenerate them during the process. GF Industry and Infrastructure Flow Solutions provides complete solutions of high-quality piping systems warranting maximum flexibility while ensuring an entirely safe plant operation.

Media filtration is a water treatment process that can be used as a pre-treatment or polishing step in battery production applications. Due to the need for several flow processes, choosing appropriate piping systems, automated valves, and actuators and using adapted measurement and control techniques is important. Doing so will increase your productivity.

Completely controlled processes in industrial or laboratory applications with the highest purity and quality standards in manufacturing require process water of specified qualities at different levels. GF Industry and Infrastructure Flow Solutions provides high-quality systems for these demanding binding and filter processes, meeting all relevant industry standards.

Reverse Osmosis technology is a filtering method by which contaminated water passes through a very fine membrane under high pressure and removes nearly all water pollution, such as minerals, bacteria, and other particles. GF Industry and Infrastructure Flow Solutions products are used as high-quality piping components and monitoring water quality.

Water treatment for electrolysis, specifically for achieving ultrapure quality, involves source-dependent pretreatment followed by various polishing steps. These steps range from softening to deionization, addressing issues like ion content, hardness, TOC, silica, and gases. Reverse osmosis (RO) effectively removes ions and molecules, while a final deionization step ensures low conductivities. Continuous treatment is essential for electrolysers like PEM and AEM, requiring internal side stream polishers for longevity.

Utilizing a liquid electrolyte solution such as potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide mixed with water, alkaline electrolysers (AEL, atmospheric) generate hydrogen in cells composed of an anode, cathode and membrane. These cells are typically arranged in series to produce hydrogen and oxygen simultaneously. The application of current prompts hydroxide ions to move through the electrolyte, producing hydrogen gas on the cathode side and oxygen gas on the anode.

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser employ a proton exchange membrane and a solid polymer electrolyte. Water splits into hydrogen and oxygen upon applying a current, with hydrogen protons passing through the membrane to form hydrogen gas on the cathode side. The efficiency and lifespan of PEM electrolysis depend significantly on the quality of the water input. High-purity water is crucial for optimal performance.

Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolyser (AEM), a low-temperature electrolysis method, utilizes polymeric AEM and cost-effective electrodes in a membrane electrode assembly. The anodic half-cell contains a dilute KOH electrolyte, while the cathodic half-cell, without liquid, produces hydrogen from water permeating the membrane. Oxygen is released from the anodic side. 

Central cooling systems are vital for large-scale green hydrogen production, providing wet, dry, or hybrid cooling solutions. These systems are essential for various processes in green hydrogen facilities, such as rectifier cooling and hydrogen and oxygen gas cooling. Evaporative cooling, a widely adopted method, transfers heat through water, sacrificing a small percentage of water flow into the atmosphere. COOL-FIT, a state-of-the-art technology piping system, offers complete system integrity and a perfect seal, optimized for easy installation and over 25 years of maintenance-free operation, serving as a reliable alternative to metal piping systems.

Paired with a hydrogen storage system, a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems facilitate pollution-free energy generation. Their applications span from sub-kW individual cells to MW virtual power plants, providing building heat, power supply, off-grid applications and propulsion for vehicles, planes and ships. The growing interest in hydrogen’s role in mobility has brought fuel cells into sharp focus.

Cooling loops are essential components within PEM fuel cell systems, serving to regulate the operating temperature of the cells. These loops play a crucial role in dissipating excess heat generated during the electrochemical reactions within the fuel cell stack. By maintaining optimal operating temperatures, cooling loops ensure the efficiency and longevity of the PEM fuel cell system. They prevent thermal issues, ensuring structural integrity and reliability, vital for consistent power output and minimizing overheating risks. 

GF Industry and Infrastructure Flow Solutions provides top-quality high-pressure tank liners (inner pipes) for storage at 700 bar, now a standard pressure in transport applications. Our injection molded and extruded pressurized plastic components, made of polyamide resins, offer superior gas barrier properties and impact resistance compared to high-density polyethylene. These high-quality liners are ideal for various applications, including automotive, hydrogen gaseous transportation, and stationary long-term storage tanks.​