Enhancing the efficiency of electrolysis stands as pivotal in driving down the production costs of green hydrogen. Delicate adjustments to operational variables in electrolyzers, such as temperature and operating pressure, hold the potential to notably enhance energy efficiency. By fine-tuning these parameters, the production of green hydrogen can be maximized while simultaneously curbing renewable energy usage and reducing material wear.
Liquid Analysis
Measuring water quality for efficient electrolysis
The production of green hydrogen involves the electrolysis of water. This process requires a substantial amount of water. A sustainable use of water resources is a valid concern when producing green hydrogen. Pure or ultrapure water has to be used in electrolysis to minimize the presence of impurities that could interfere with the chemical reaction and reduce the efficiency of the green hydrogen production process. High-purity water is obtained through processes like reverse osmosis.
Conductivity is a key measurement parameter in ensuring the purity of water. Our digital conductivity sensor Memosens CLS16E with Memosens 2.0 technology enables precise measurement in lowest conductivity ranges, extended storage of sensor and process data and non-contact data transmission
Flow meters are used for monitoring conductive liquids and ensure the reliability of the electrolyzer's water feed. Promag W 10 is the world's first electromagnetic flowmeter for unrestricted installation measurements
In case of alkaline electrolyzers, typically vortex meters like Prowirl F 200 are used for measuring the pure water
Measuring pressure during the preparation of water for electrolysis is essential to detect blockages in filtration and osmosis. Cerabar PMP51B is a reliable and easy-to-use sensor for reducing systematic faults in green hydrogen production
Measuring level is crucial for maintaining a consistent supply, preventing dry running and promoting resource efficiency. Levelflex FMP51 is suitable for hydrogen and oxygen separators and highly resistant to corrosive substances
Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and Silica content vary based on the source of water (municipal, rivers, ground water, reclaimed water, etc.). Rely on Silica analyzer Liquiline System CA80SI and TOC analyzer CA78 for accurate measurement
In this method, an alkaline solution, typically potassium hydroxide, serves as the electrolyte to facilitate the electrochemical reactions. Alkaline electrolyzers are a mature technology primarily in chemical production getting reconfigured for hydrogen production and suitable for large scale green hydrogen facilities.
For accurate flow measurement of wet hydrogen, a vortex flowmeter such as Prowirl F 200 is a perfect match. Electrolytes based on NaOH or KOH are usually measured using electromagnetic flowmeters like Promag P 10
Managing water level in Anode and Cathode Separators is critical to the safe operation of all electrolyzer technologies, especially important in alkaline due to the caustic, corrosive nature of KOH electrolyte. Liquid level detection with vibrating tuning fork with Liquiphant FTL51B prevents overflow
The temperature of the electrolyzer affects the rate of the electrolysis reaction. Additionally, the electrolyzer can overheat due to low water supply. Our temperature sensor iTHERM Moduline TM131 can be used to optimize the operating parameters of the electrolyzer
PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolyzers stand as another widely used technology alongside alkaline electrolyzers. The technology relies on a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, allowing for compact design and precise control, making it particularly well-suited for applications requiring flexibility and responsiveness in green hydrogen production. PEM electrolyzers offer advantages such as high efficiency, rapid response to changing loads and suitability for decentralized applications.
Coriolis mass flowmeters are highly accurate and reliable in measuring mass flow rates. Promass Q 300 can be used to optimize the operating parameters of the PEM electrolyzer
Levelflex FMP51 is suitable for reliable level measurement in hydrogen and oxygen separators
Cerabar PMC71B with ceramic membrane offers increased robustness in ultrapure feedwater potentially leading to metal leaching and wide changes in operating conditions
High pressures in PEM electrolyzers can lead to thermowell ruptures. iTHERM Moduline TM131 provides reliable measurement and enhanced safety due to its second process barrier and thermowell damage detection
Unlike other types, AEM electrolyzers use an alkaline solution and a membrane that transports hydroxide ions (OH-). At the anode, water splits into oxygen and hydroxide ions. The membrane carries the hydroxide ions to the cathode, where they react with electrons (from the electrical supply) to form hydrogen gas. AEMs have the potential advantage of using lower-cost catalysts than PEM electrolyzers.
Maintaining the delicate balance between water supply and water removal is crucial for membrane stability and efficiency. This can be achieved with Promag P 300 electromagnetic flowmeter
Gas crossover or cross-membrane permeation can be mitigated by operating the cathode (H2) side of an electrolyzer at higher pressure than the anode (O2). Monitoring the differential pressure can be crucial to ensure the electrolyzers are operating correctly, especially when the two sides are operating at similar pressures. This requires careful monitoring with Deltabar PMD75B
High-temperature electrolysis or Solid Oxide Electrolysis (SOEC) is an emerging technology relying on steam, instead of liquid water or electrolyte. Operating at high temperatures (600-1000 °C) greatly increases the efficiency of the electrolysis process, especially when integrated with waste heat or other high-efficiency heat sources.
Extreme operating temperatures require strong and durable sensors
Complex gas mixtures necessitate accurate analysis of the evolving gas compositions. Raman Rxn5 gas analyzer offers reliable in-line spectroscopy
High-temperature steam applications demand precise and robust flow measurement
Hydrogen must meet stringent quality standards depending on the transportation method and end use, particularly in fuel cells (ISO 14687:2019). Optical technologies for moisture (H2O) and oxygen (O2) measurements offer maintenance-free operation due to their inherent robustness and reliability.
Very fast response times for identifying process impurities
No moving parts, no electrolytes and long-lasting optics ensure extremely low maintenance
Easy installation and commissioning with Heartbeat Technology health monitoring
Wildfire Energy relies on measurement technology and support from Endress+Hauser to ensure efficient hydrogen and syngas production from biomass and residual waste.
Messer produces hydrogen in a steam reformer. The facility has a large number of protection and safety devices where pressure values play an important role.
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%20with%20flange%20connections%20for%20process%20applications%20-%20PP01.jpg "Picture of Electromagnetic flowmeter Proline Promag P 300 / 5P3B for process applications")
