Technology News
Solid-oxide electrolyzer produces H 2 at ‘ recordsetting ’ efficiency The initial results of ongoing tests conducted at the Idaho National Laboratory ( INL ) show that high-temperature electrolysis is capable of producing hydrogen more efficiently than other commercially available electrolyzer technologies .
Researchers at the INL have been conducting a variety of tests on Bloom Energy ’ s solid-oxide electrolyzer , including steam and load simulations that replicate nuclear power station conditions . Running at high temperatures and high availability , the pilot results reveal the Bloom electrolyzer is producing hydrogen at 37.7 kWh per kilogram of hydrogen and with 88.5 % lower heating value ( LHV ) to DC . Dynamic testing has also been conducted and included ramping the system from 100 % of rated power to 5 % in less than 10 minutes without adverse system impacts .
John Wagner , Director of Idaho National Labs , said : “ The Bloom Electrolyzer is , without a doubt , the most efficient electrolyzer we have tested to-date at INL . When hydrogen is produced from a clean , 24 / 7 source , like nuclear , it can help us address some of the significant challenges we face around decarbonization . Pairing the research and development capabilities of a national laboratory with innovative and forwardthinking organizations like Bloom Energy is how we make rapidly reducing the costs of clean hydrogen a reality and a real step toward changing the world ’ s energy future .”
New study to explore subsea solutions for green H 2 storage New research conducted at the Aberdeen-based Na- tional Subsea Centre aims to support large-scale subsea storage of pure green hydrogen for grid-level use . The study will explore the design of optimised and safe underwater tanks made of composite materials .
The study is part of the Integrated Energy research programme undertaken at the National Subsea Centre ( NSC ), created in partnership between Robert Gordon University ( RGU ) and the Net Zero Technology Centre .
Professor James Njuguna , Integrated Energy Lead at the NSC , said : “ Using the high-pressure depths of subsea conditions , this project will help to store hydrogen at scale in a clean , efficient , and safe way . It will also help to reduce carbon emissions by decreasing our reliance on fossil fuels to produce hydrogen and support manufacturing opportunities as we increase efforts to meet demand .”
The National Subsea Centre ’ s Integrated Energy portfolio of research aims to design , model , evaluate , and construct leading-edge integrated marine energy grids to support the transition to decarbonised energy using smart materials , robotics , and mixed energy systems .
4 Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 6 | October 2022