Experimental Characterization of an Alkaline Electrolyser and a Compression System for Hydrogen Production and Storage

Andrea Pietra, Marco Gianni, Nicola Zuliani, Stefano Malabotti and Rodolfo Taccani
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Andrea Pietra: Merchant Ship Division, Fincantieri S.p.A., 34123 Trieste, Italy
Marco Gianni: Merchant Ship Division, Fincantieri S.p.A., 34123 Trieste, Italy
Nicola Zuliani: Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
Stefano Malabotti: CEnergy, 34122 Trieste, Italy
Rodolfo Taccani: Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 17, 1-17

Abstract: Storing renewable energy in chemicals, like hydrogen, can bring various benefits like high energy density, seasonal storability, possible cost reduction of the final product, and the potential to let renewable power penetrate other markets and to overcome their intermittent availability. In the last year’s production of this gas from renewable energy sources via electrolysis has grown its reputation as one feasible solution to satisfy future zero-emission energy demand. To extend the exploitation of Renewable Energy Source (RES), small-scale conversion plants seem to be an interesting option. In view of a possible widespread adoption of these types of plants, the authors intend to present the experimental characterization of a small-scale hydrogen production and storage plant. The considered experimental plant is based on an alkaline electrolyser and an air-driven hydrogen compression and storage system. The results show that the hydrogen production-specific consumption is, on average, 77 kWh/kgH 2 . The hydrogen compressor energy requirement is, on average, 15 kWh/kgH 2 (data referred to the driving compressed air). The value is higher than data found in literature (4.4–9.3 kWh/kgH 2 ), but the difference can be attributed to the small size of the considered compressor and the choice to limit the compression stages.

Keywords: alkaline electrolysis; hydrogen production; hydrogen storage; hydrogen compression; power to gas (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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