Compression Superior in Hydrogen Supply Chain? Provaris Report

Compression said to cause lesser energy loss in supply chain as compared to liquefaction or use of ammonia.

According to an article found in The Maritime Economy, Provaris Energy Ltd has completed its 2023 Hydrogen Marine Transport Comparison Report, revealing the potential of compressed hydrogen in regional transport.

According to the report,

Compression has the potential to revolutionise the regional transport of hydrogen
Compression is the most cost-effective option for regional transport distances from 500 to 4,000 nautical miles, with volumes of up to 500,000 tonnes per annum.

But compression has certain disadvantages that need to be addressed. Compressed hydrogen storage has several disadvantages compared to liquefied hydrogen and ammonia:

Energy Efficiency:
- Compressed hydrogen storage requires more energy than liquefied hydrogen storage due to the need for continuous cooling to maintain the high pressure .
- Liquefied hydrogen and ammonia storage are more energy-efficient due to the lower energy requirements for storage and transport .
Volume and Density:
- Compressed hydrogen storage requires larger volumes due to its lower density compared to liquefied hydrogen and ammonia .
- Liquefied hydrogen and ammonia have higher volumetric energy densities, making them more efficient for storage and transport .
Logistics and Infrastructure:
- Compressed hydrogen storage requires more complex infrastructure and logistics due to the need for high-pressure storage and transport .
- Liquefied hydrogen and ammonia storage can be transported and stored more easily due to their lower pressures and higher densities .
Cost and Scalability:
- Compressed hydrogen storage is generally more expensive than liquefied hydrogen and ammonia storage due to the higher energy requirements and larger volumes needed .
- Liquefied hydrogen and ammonia storage are more scalable and cost-effective for large-scale applications .
Safety and Handling:
- Compressed hydrogen storage requires more careful handling and safety measures due to the high pressure and potential for leaks .
- Liquefied hydrogen and ammonia storage are generally safer and easier to handle due to their lower pressures and higher densities .

Hydrogen Storage: Capacity of Cryogenic Tanks: Cryogenic tanks, maintaining hydrogen at -253°C, offer safer and more efficient storage, with only 35% of total energy required for cooling. Global Cryogenic Hydrogen Tanks Market: Overview and Future Projections: The market is projected to reach $8.96 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.22%. Segmentations include cryogenic liquid, application, and end-user. Cryo-Compressed Hydrogen: The Future of Storage and Refueling Stations: Cryo-Compressed Hydrogen (CcH2) offers cryogenic storage at high pressure, enabling commercialization for trucks and commercial vehicles, with cost implications for industry expansion.