Teesside University collaboration to innovate hydrogen production
Published by Jessica Casey,
Editor
Energy Global,
Stockton-based Torvex Energy Ltd, an independent research and development company, has developed a novel method of producing hydrogen which utilises a ‘hybrid electrolysis’ concept, to generate green hydrogen from natural seawater.
Unlike conventional electrolysis, in Torvex’s process oxygen is not co-produced. As a result, there is a significant reduction in the energy consumption per kilogram of hydrogen produced.
This type of technological innovation supports the development of a hydrogen economy, helping meet the growing demand for the fuel as government and businesses try to meet net zero targets.
Existing electrolysis technology is expensive, with specific electrical energy consumption (kWh/kg H2) being in the range of 55 – 60 kWh/kg H2 produced. The Torvex method for producing hydrogen is almost twice as efficient, consuming about 25 kWh/kg H2, due to its hybrid approach.
Normal electrolysers also require highly purified water as a feedstock or strongly alkaline feed, and are incapable of operating with seawater due to the production of chlorine, which is a poisonous gas. Given the crucial importance of fresh water for drinking and irrigation, a process that utilises natural seawater directly is vital.
The ERDF-funded Tees Valley Hydrogen Innovation Project (TVHIP) at Tees-side University helped Torvex Energy to understand the electrochemistry of its process and to verify its specific energy consumption and the amount of hydrogen it would produce. Hudson said: “Teesside University has supported us in validating the electro-chemical process, confirming its game changing efficiency and identifying optimum routes to scaling the design. “Having access to highly specialised equipment and support from a very knowledgeable team who are experts in their field has enabled us to have a clear understanding of the process so that we can progress to commercialisation. “We can move forward with scaling up with confidence and, with the benefits of the expertise of the TVHIP, in refining the designs for a commercial unit.” The TVHIP helps businesses across the region to identify growth opportunities within the hydrogen and decarbonisation economies and to explore the potential application of hydrogen solutions for business growth. Dr Venkatesan Krishnan, Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering and TVHIP team member, added: “Teesside University is committed to helping businesses reduce their environmental impact and helping facilitate a just transition to a green economy.
“We are already involved in key projects in hydrogen production, hydrogen storage and hydrogen as a tool for decarbonising the local industry and we're delighted to use this expertise to help Torvex Energy. “Supporting this innovative company is helping transition Tees Valley to a greener and more sustainable means of energy production and establish the region at the centre of the UK’s green revolution.” The Spring 2023 issue of Energy Global hosts an array of technical articles focusing on offshore wind, solar technology, energy storage, green hydrogen, waste-to-energy, and more. This issue also features a regional report on commodity challenges facing Asia’s energy transition.For more news and technical articles from the global renewable industry, read the latest issue of Energy Global magazine.
Energy Global's Spring 2023 issue
Read the article online at: https://www.energyglobal.com/other-renewables/30032023/teesside-university-collaboration-to-innovate-hydrogen-production/?yptr=yahoo
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