Enhance efficiency and safety of green hydrogen production
Step up your electrolyzer game with best-fit instrumentation
Introduction
Process instrumentation for water electrolysis
Enhancing the efficiency of electrolysis stands as pivotal in driving down the production costs of green hydrogen. Delicate adjustments to operational variables in electrolyzers, such as temperature and operating pressure, hold the potential to notably enhance energy efficiency. By fine-tuning these parameters, the production of green hydrogen can be maximized while simultaneously curbing renewable energy usage and reducing material wear.
Liquid Analysis
Measuring water quality for efficient electrolysis
The production of green hydrogen involves the electrolysis of water. This process requires a substantial amount of water. A sustainable use of water resources is a valid concern when producing green hydrogen. Pure or ultrapure water has to be used in electrolysis to minimize the presence of impurities that could interfere with the chemical reaction and reduce the efficiency of the green hydrogen production process. High-purity water is obtained through processes like reverse osmosis.
Conductivity is a key measurement parameter in ensuring the quality of water. Our digital conductivity sensor CLS16E with Memosens 2.0 technology enables data storage and contactless data transmission.
Flow meters are used for monitoring conductive liquids and ensure the reliability of the electrolyzer's water feed. The Promag W 10 is the world's first electromagnetic flowmeter for unrestricted installation measurements.
In case of alkaline electrolyzers, typically vortex meters like Prowirl F 200 are used for measuring the pure water.
Measuring pressure during the preparation of water for electrolysis is essential to detect blockages in filtration and osmosis. Our Cerabar PMP51B is a reliable and easy-to-use sensor for reducing systematic faults in green hydrogen production.
Measuring level is crucial for maintaining a consistent supply, preventing dry running and promoting resource efficiency. Levelflex FMP51 is suitable for hydrogen and oxygen separators and highly resistant to corrosive substances.
TOC and Silica content vary based on the source of water (municipal, rivers, ground water, reclaimed water, etc.). Rely on our Silica analyzer CA80SI and TOC analyzer CA78 for accurate measurement.
Transmissor de pressão inteligente com membrana de metal para medições altamente precisas de líquidos e gases
Alkaline electrolyzer
Alkaline water electrolysis
In this method, an alkaline solution, typically potassium hydroxide, serves as the electrolyte to facilitate the electrochemical reactions. Alkaline electrolyzers are a mature technology primarily in chemical production getting reconfigured for hydrogen production and suitable for large scale green hydrogen facilities.
For accurate flow measurement of wet hydrogen, a vortex flowmeter such as Prowirl F 200 is a perfect match. Electrolytes based on NaOH or KOH are usually measured using electromagnetic flowmeters like Promag P 10.
Managing water level in Anode and Cathode Separators is critical to the safe operation of all electrolyzer technologies, especially important in alkaline due to the caustic, corrosive nature of KOH electrolyte. Liquid level detection with vibrating tuning fork with Liquiphant FTL51B prevents overflow.
The temperature of the electrolyzer affects the rate of the electrolysis reaction. Additionally, the electrolyzer can overheat due to low water supply. Our temperature sensor iTHERM Moduline TM131 can be used to optimize the operating parameters of the electrolyzer.
Metric RTD/TC thermometer with welded thermowell for a wide range of industrial applications
PEM electrolyzer
PEM water electrolysis
PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolyzers stand as another widely used technology alongside alkaline electrolyzers. The technology relies on a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, allowing for compact design and precise control, making it particularly well-suited for applications requiring flexibility and responsiveness in green hydrogen production. PEM electrolyzers offer advantages such as high efficiency, rapid response to changing loads and suitability for decentralized applications.
Coriolis mass flowmeters are highly accurate and reliable in measuring mass flow rates. Promass Q 300 can be used to optimize the operating parameters of the PEM electrolyzer.
Levelflex FMP51 is suitable for reliable level measurement in hydrogen and oxygen separators.
Our Cerabar PMC71B with ceramic membrane offers increased robustness in ultrapure feedwater potentially leading to metal leaching and wide changes in operating conditions.
High pressures in PEM electrolyzers can lead to thermowell ruptures. Our TM131 provides reliable measurement and enhanced safety due to its second process barrier and thermowell damage detection.
Metric RTD/TC thermometer with welded thermowell for a wide range of industrial applications
AEM electrolyzer
Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) water electrolysis
Unlike other types, AEM electrolyzers use an alkaline solution and a membrane that transports hydroxide ions (OH-). At the anode, water splits into oxygen and hydroxide ions. The membrane carries the hydroxide ions to the cathode, where they react with electrons (from the electrical supply) to form hydrogen gas. AEMs have the potential advantage of using lower-cost catalysts than PEM electrolyzers.
Maintaining the delicate balance between water supply and water removal is crucial for membrane stability and efficiency. This can be achieved with Promag P 300 electromagnetic flowmeter.
Gas crossover or cross-membrane permeation can be mitigated by operating the cathode (H2) side of an electrolyzer at higher pressure than the anode (O2). Monitoring the differential pressure can be crucial to ensure the electrolyzers are operating correctly, especially when the two sides are operating at similar pressures. This requires careful monitoring with Deltabar PMD75B.
Transmissor de pressão inteligente que detecta anomalias no processo como linhas de impulso obstruídas
SOECs
Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOECs)
High-temperature electrolysis or Solid Oxide Electrolysis (SOEC) is an emerging technology relying on steam, instead of liquid water or electrolyte. Operating at high temperatures (600-1000 °C) greatly increases the efficiency of the electrolysis process, especially when integrated with waste heat or other high-efficiency heat sources.
Extreme operating temperatures require strong and durable sensors such as high-temperature thermocouple TAF16.
Presence of complex gas mixtures require accurate analysis of the evolving gas composition. Our Raman Rxn5 analyzer offers reliable in-line spectroscopy.
Prowirl F 200 is a reliable Vortex flowmeter suitable for high-temperature steam measurement including wet steam detection.
Medidor de vazão/caudal versátil com deteção em condições de vapor húmido e excelente precisão
Optical Analysis
Hydrogen quality measurement
Hydrogen must meet high quality standards depending on the transportation method and end use, especially in fuel cells (ISO 14687:2019). Optical technologies for moisture (H2O) and oxygen (O2) measurements offer maintenance-free operation due to their inherent robustness and reliability.
Very fast response times for identifying process impurities.
No moving parts, no electrolytes and long-lasting optics enable extremely low maintenance.
Easy to install and commission with Heartbeat Technology health monitoring.
Enapter usa a tecnologia de medição analítica óptica da Endress+Hauser para determinar a pureza do hidrogênio produzido. Saiba mais!
História de sucesso
A revolução energética dos resíduos
A Wildfire Energy conta com a tecnologia de medição e o suporte da Endress+Hauser para garantir a produção eficiente de hidrogênio e gás de síntese a partir de biomassa e resíduos.
História de sucesso
Alta disponibilidade da planta na produção de hidrogênio
A Messer produz hidrogênio em um reformador a vapor. A instalação conta com um grande número de equipamentos de proteção e segurança em que os valores de pressão cumprem um importante papel.
Notas finais
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%20with%20flange%20connections%20for%20process%20applications%20-%20PP01.jpg "Picture of Electromagnetic flowmeter Proline Promag P 300 / 5P3B for process applications")
