What is the outlook for reversible electrolysis devices (electrolyzer/fuel cells); i.e., single devices capable of both charging by making H2 and O2 and discharging to make electricity and H2O?

by admin | Mar 27, 2021 | Production

Reversible devices do exist, but it in most applications there is more value to optimizing the operation for either hydrogen production (electrolyzers) or electricity production from hydrogen (fuel...

Oxygen is a co-product of electrolyzer operation. Is any of the oxygen produced utilized or is it routinely vented to the atmosphere?

by admin | Mar 27, 2021 | Production

Oxygen is routinely, but not always vented to the atmosphere. Because oxygen can be separated from air at relatively low cost, economics generally dictates that it be vented. Where there are local uses of oxygen such as in wastewater treatment, it may have an...

It is commonly stated that renewable (i.e., biogenic) natural gas is not scalable to play a significant role in decarbonizing the economy. Are there factors that similarly limit renewable hydrogen’s potential to play a significant role in decarbonization?

by admin | Mar 27, 2021 | Production

No. The limiting factor may be the rapidity with which manufacturers can expand their electrolyzer manufacturing capacity....

How does renewable hydrogen production efficiency vary with scale? That is, are there reasons why renewable hydrogen may not make sense to produce at very small scale, or conversely, why it may not be economic at very large scale?

by admin | Mar 27, 2021 | Production

The efficiency of hydrogen production is largely unaffected by scale. Electrolyzer efficiencies are normally quoted at their rated input level, but the efficiency at power levels below the rated level can actually be higher. Commercial electrolyzers are quoted in a...

What periodic servicing do electrolyzers require? Does servicing require extended outages? What percentage of the time is industrial-scale electrolyzer equipment typically available?

by admin | Mar 27, 2021 | Production

Regular maintenance requirements are about one day per...

One of the challenges in the past with the process of electrolysis of water has been fouling of electrodes. Has this problem been solved with modern electrolyzers?

by admin | Mar 27, 2021 | Production

Today’s electrolyzers are expected to have a minimum of ten-year lifetime with routine maintenance. Fouling is primarily controlled by purifying feedstock water into the electrolyzer stack. Work continues to improve both membrane materials in PEM electrolyzers and...