Ammonia-Based Systems for Green Hydrogen Production : Fraunhofer Reveals
Here’s an article found in Hydrogen Central that talks about Fraunhofer’s breakthrough in Green Hydrogen Production.
According to the article,
- Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM is developing ammonia-based systems for a mobile, decentralized energy supply in the infrastructure, transportation, and industry sectors.
- Ammonia as alternative to hydrogen for storage and transport
- Ammonia could play a decisive role in transition to climate-friendly alternatives
Let’s delve into the potential of ammonia-based systems for climate-friendly energy supply, as highlighted by the research at the Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems (IMM).
- Ammonia as a Hydrogen Carrier:
- Ammonia (NH3) is gaining attention as an energy carrier due to its ability to store and transport hydrogen efficiently. Unlike compressed hydrogen, which requires high-pressure storage, ammonia can be liquefied at a moderate temperature of -33°C, enabling higher volumetric hydrogen content.
- This means that a smaller volume of ammonia can transport the same amount of hydrogen compared to compressed hydrogen, making it more practical for large-scale transportation.
- Advantages Over Hydrogen:
- The use of ammonia as a hydrogen carrier offers several advantages over hydrogen itself. Ammonia can be liquefied at lower pressures, making storage and transport more feasible.
- Additionally, ammonia does not contain carbon oxides or methane, making it a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
- Applications and Projects:
- Spaltgas Project: In collaboration with partners, Fraunhofer IMM is developing a combustion technology for a gas mixture containing ammonia, hydrogen, and nitrogen. This “Spaltgas” can be used as an energy source, particularly in industrial processes like brick firing, leading to carbon dioxide-free manufacturing.
- AMMONPAKTOR Project: Fraunhofer IMM has developed a cracking reactor technology to produce hydrogen from ammonia efficiently. The reactor achieves a high efficiency of 90% by utilizing off-gas from pressure swing adsorption (PSA) for energy.
- ShipFC Project: Collaboration with European partners to develop ammonia-based fuel cell systems for maritime applications, addressing the challenge of reducing CO2 emissions in the shipping industry.
- Efficiency and Innovation:
- Fraunhofer IMM’s AMMONPAKTOR reactor, financed by the State of Rhineland-Palatinate using ERDF funds, boasts high efficiency and compactness. The second-generation reactor, currently in production, achieves a throughput of 25 kg/hour of ammonia, producing 70 kilos of purified hydrogen per day.
- The innovative technology of the AMMONPAKTOR reactor sets it apart as one of the most efficient and compact reactors internationally, offering significant advancements in hydrogen production from ammonia.
- Future Outlook:
- Ammonia holds promise not only for land-based applications but also for maritime propulsion systems, where conventional fuels fall short in meeting CO2 reduction goals.
- Projects like Spaltgas and ShipFC demonstrate the versatility and potential of ammonia-based solutions across various sectors, paving the way for a more sustainable energy future.
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