Hydrogen

Efficient technologies for clean energy

The hydrogen portfolio of TEC4FUELS combines various elements in the development and construction of systems and functional modules for the electrolysis of water, consisting, for example, of reformer modules, reversible fuel cells, storage units or, if necessary, fuel cell stacks for the reconversion of hydrogen into electricity.

This includes, for example, the engineering of modules for reforming different energy sources (methanol, paraffinic fuels (HVO, e-fuels, fossil fuels) in fuel cell systems.

In addition, the hydrogen portfolio also includes carrying out test runs on test benches with various media and components under forced conditions to validate the operational safety and service life of the components of complete systems, such as fuel cell stacks, injectors, nozzles, etc.

Blauer Himmel, eine Anlage mit silbernen Rohren und Lagerbehältern für Wasserstoff.
Production of green hydrogen. Photo: Patrick Helmholz – AdobeStock (KI-generated)

Engineering – solutions for climate-friendly energy systems

  • Development of engineering system solutions for power-to-X technologies in SMEs and industry, from construction and installation to system integration. For example, systems and functional modules for the electrolysis of water, consisting, for example, of a reformer module, reversible fuel cells, storage or, if necessary, fuel cell stacks for the reconversion of hydrogen into electricity.
  • Conception, planning and coupling of the peripheral modules (auxiliary systems) of complete systems and ensuring their functionality, for example for the supply and purification of the process media gas and water in electrolyzers. Development of a sensor-based condition monitoring system for monitoring gas and water quality.

Process optimization

TEC4FUELS’ hydrogen portfolio also includes the optimization of processes in the operation of electrolysers and fuel cell systems. This includes auxiliary systems such as the supply and purification of the process media gas and water.

  • Analysis and identification of the specific types of impurities that occur depending on the system and their origin. Analysis of chemical elements using ICP-OES, ion chromatography, TOC (Total Organic Carbon) and photometry.
  • Evaluation of the results of the different purification options to identify the best purification method.
  • Tests and configurations of methods for the purification of electrolyser-specific media, such as process water (EDI cells, electrodeionization) or natural gas (sulphur separation, filtration).
  • Development of a purification system including analysis methods and design of an online sensor system.

Application Research

When using hydrogen and its derivatives such as ammonia or methanol in energy systems, there are still some unanswered questions regarding component and system compatibility, among other things. Undesirable interactions of the media with the metals, alloys and polymers used in system components can occur. The consequences can be effects such as embrittlement and cavitation, which can lead to functional restrictions or even system failures.

In specially developed hardware-in-the-loop test benches, TEC4FUELS assembles system components and circulates a medium under forced conditions through components such as pumps, filters and injectors. This allows any effects that occur to be identified, validated and evaluated comparatively quickly. The results enable the development of suitable measures to increase the operational reliability and service life of systems, such as modifying components, changing material compositions or adding additives to media.