Innovative solutions for hydrogen electrolysis
Electrolyser systems for green hydrogen production in New Zealand need to be as efficient as possible to generate hydrogen with the smallest possible quantity of renewable primary energy. They should also be adaptable to varying water qualities.
Hydrogen is the most common chemical element in the universe, and its production using renewable energy sources creates an emissions-free fuel that stores renewable energy for later use.
While traditional hydrogen production methods exist, the focus has shifted to green hydrogen production using water electrolysis powered by renewable electricity. New Zealand is well-positioned in this space, with abundant renewable resources like wind, solar, and hydro.
New Zealand's government, industries, and researchers are collaborating to unlock renewable hydrogen production opportunities. Various initiatives aim to scale up green hydrogen projects across the country.
Controlling the process
For any industrial process, electrolysis must be highly efficient to generate clean hydrogen using minimal primary energy. This requires precise, reliable control of all critical parameters, like flow rates and pressures on both the anode and cathode sides.
Bürkert offers valve and sensor solutions to ensure low-loss, low-maintenance, and safe electrolysis processes, including:
- Direct-acting motor valves for reliably and safely controlling cooling water flow, with minimal energy demand in holding mode thanks to low power consumption.
- Reliable flowmeters to continuously measure deionised water supply and cooling water flow in the cooling circuit.
- Innovative process control valves for precisely and dynamically controlling outlet back pressure on the anode and cathode sides of the electrolyser.
- Precise pressure sensors to accurately measure oxygen pressure discharged at the stack and hydrogen supplied to the dryer, with corrosion-proof stainless-steel options.
- Solenoid safety shut-off valves for safely shutting off the deionised water supply, as well as oxygen and hydrogen gases, when powered off.
- Digital networking components and gateways for simplified wiring and higher-level control system communications.
Hydrogen production needs clean water
Hydrogen electrolysers require pure, deionised water. The source and purification of this water are critical in plant design. New Zealand has the benefit of an abundance of water sources, but the selection of appropriate treatment will be essential.
All hydrogen generation facilities require appropriate water purification and recycling facilities, making each facility potentially unique.
Bürkert here to help
The field of water treatment demands the best instrument performance and networkability. For many years, Bürkert has been a preferred supplier of innovative, digitalised fluid control solutions to the water industry. Bürkert's Systemhaus, with its forward-thinking and innovative team, can help support hydrogen generation facilities in solving application-specific challenges by utilising the latest advanced digital process control technologies.