CRL Energy
From coal to fuel cell using a membrane
Pd membranes can become a key technology in converting coal into clean energy. CRL Energy in New Zealand has carried out a unique experiment to demonstrate the complete chain from coal to electricity using an ECN membrane as the final step in bring syngas from a coal gasifier to the purity required by a fuel cell.
The project FRST aims at developing hydrogen production technology based on New Zealand’s widely available coal resources as well as biomass. To demonstrate the chain from coal gasifier to fuel cell, syngas from the gasifier was fed to a gas clean-up system and a water gas-shift (WGS) reactor. In a subsequent step the gas was pressurized and fed to the ECN membrane to produce the clean hydrogen flow. This stream was used to make electricity in an alkaline fuel cell. The objective of integrating the entire system, from gasifier to electricity grid, was fully achieved.
About CRL Energy
CRL Energy is an energy and environmental research and consulting company, with specialist knowledge in new energy technologies such as hydrogen and biomass conversion and a strong history in all aspects of fossil fuel energy, particularly coal-related research.
More information can be found on: www.crl.co.nz
Technip KTI
Application of separation modules in a innovative hydrogen production process
In the Italian FISR project Technip KTI develops a highly innovative hydrogen production process for the petrochemical and refining industry. Membrane modules are used to separate pure hydrogen. By using a sequence of reaction and separation steps, both processes can be operated at optimum conditions while reaching a high conversion. ECN was been selected as a supplier of one of the three hydrogen membrane separation modules for the pilot plant.
The FISR-project is funded by MIUR (Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research) and furthermore involves seven Italian chemical engineering institutes. The objective is to build a 20 Nm3/h pilot hydrogen plant. Although the membrane technology has been demonstrated on lab-scale, this project represents a significant step from the laboratory to its application in industry.
I3D Illustration of 20 Nm3/h pilot hydrogen plant designed by Technip KTI for the FISR project. ECN supplies a hydrogen purification module.
About Technip KTI
Technip KTI is an international process engineering company, with over 35 years experience in designing and implementing plants for the chemical, petrochemical and refining industries.
For more information, please visit www.technipktispa.it
About the FISR project
The FISR-project’s objective is pure hydrogen from natural gas through total conversion reforming obtained by integrating chemical reactions and separation by membranes.
More information can be found at www.fisrproject.com/eng/index.php
N-GHY
Multi-fuel capability for decentralized hydrogen production with CO2 capture
Producing hydrogen for refueling cars locally from a variety of fuels, while capturing the CO2 emitted in the process. This is the vision N-HGY and partners pursue in the GENHSTOK2 program. N-GHY has successfully developed an oxygen fuelled 30 Nm3/h reformer unit and gas clean-up unit. ECN delivers the membrane module which will be used to demonstrate the next step in the process: production of pure hydrogen.
N-GHY develops together with several partners decentralized production units for production of pure hydrogen. Such units, with hydrogen generation capacity in the range of 30 to 100 Nm3/h will be suitable from a wide range of fuels (particularly, from biofuels such as biogas, bioethanol, vegetables oils or esters) and can be used in the future to proved the hydrogen filling stations’ market. Operating under high pressure (60 bar), using pure O2, will allow the CO2 to be captured and liquefied locally.
About N-GHY
N-GHY is a leading private and independent French company committed to the development of hydrogen generating fuel processors. Applications which are developed include hydrogen production for high temperature fuel cells in APU’s (auxiliary power units), for cogeneration systems based on PEM fuel cells and decentralized hydrogen for transport applications.
For more information, please visit www.n-ghy.com
Bilbao
The Faculty of Engineering of Bilbao (University of the Basque Country) carries out research on a wide range of catalytic topics, including steam reforming and autothermal reforming. As part of the research programme focusing on Advanced/Innovative Complex Reaction Systems, the environmental engineering section is investigating complete conversion of methane into hydrogen using a membrane reformer. As part of the on-going collaboration with the University of the Basque Country, ECN has supplied the membrane module for this project.
More about partnership
In addition to the aforementioned partners, ECN has other existing/developing strategic relationships which are not presently public and is always seeking to enter into value-creating relationships.
To discuss partnership and opportunities, please email us at info@hysep.com. Or go to the contact page.