Technology
What is it?
Hydrogen is produced via solid oxide electrolysis, then fed into a second reactor in which it is used as an input for ammonia synthesis. The heat from the ammonia production step is then fed back to the solid oxide electrolysis cell for further hydrogen production.
Why is it important?
Integrated hydrogen production and ammonia synthesis presents an opportunity to make use of the heat generated from ammonia synthesis step, reducing the amount of input energy required for the solid oxide electrolysis step.
Characteristics
- Volumetric hydrogen density: High (10.7kg H2 / m3 at 10 bar and 25°C)
- Gravimetric hydrogen density: High (17.8% by mass)
- Storage conditions: Liquid at ambient temperature, 10-11 bar pressure
Benefits
- Downstream process well established
- Heat integration makes use of heat from exothermic downstream reaction, supplies it back to hydrogen generation reaction
- No air separation unit required to provide a nitrogen input for ammonia synthesis
Limitations
- Limitations largely dependent on type of ammonia synthesis method employed. Conventional synthesis is carried out via the Haber-Bosch process, which would necessitate an intermediate compression of hydrogen between steps
RD&D priorities
- Develop means to economically manufacture and implement cells at scale
- Prevent degradation of solid oxide electrolysers
- Develop system integration concepts to engineer a complete integrated system
- Reduce system capital cost
Known active organisations
- No active institutions found in study