Technology & application
Interesting facts about the technology and use of H₂
Hydrogen is a key component of the energy transition – not only for industry, but also for logistics, aviation and private applications. As a storable energy carrier based on renewable sources, hydrogen opens up new possibilities for a clean, resilient and decentralized energy supply. This knowledge section provides an easy-to-understand overview of the technologies, processes and possible applications along the hydrogen value chain – regardless of whether you are interested in an emission-free power supply, sustainable mobility or CO₂-free process heat.
Producing, storing and using hydrogen
Hydrogen technologies encompass a broad spectrum of processes and components that are interlinked along a multi-stage process chain. This chain begins with the provision of renewable energy and extends through the generation, storage and transportation to the diverse use of hydrogen in various fields of application. Each stage requires specialized technical solutions that have a modular structure and can be flexibly combined. This structure allows hydrogen to be efficiently integrated as an energy carrier both on a small scale – for example in buildings – and in large-scale industrial applications. The central technological building blocks of the hydrogen process chain are systematically presented in the following sections.
1. energy supply: the foundation of the hydrogen economy
The hydrogen process chain starts with energy – ideally from renewable sources such as photovoltaics, wind power or hydropower. Power quality (voltage, frequency stability) and availability are crucial, as electrolysis systems – the central technology for hydrogen production – are dependent on a continuous or flexible power supply.
Technology in use:
- Inverters and grid interfaces for connecting the generation systems.
- Energy management systems (EMS) for controlling and optimizing electricity use.
- Direct coupling of PV systems to electrolysers (especially for off-grid systems or in microgrids).
2. hydrogen production: Electrolysis as a key step
At the heart of the process chain is electrolysis, in which water (H₂O) is broken down into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) using electricity. Production can be scaled up – from container modules to industrial electrolysis plants. Different electrolysis processes are used depending on the requirements and operating conditions.
Technology in use:
- AEM electrolyzers: low material costs, high efficiency, compact design, low susceptibility to corrosion
- PEM electrolyzers: Compact, dynamically controllable, suitable for fluctuating PV or wind power
- ALK electrolyzers: Technically mature, long service life, good for continuous operation
- SOEC: High efficiency through waste heat recovery, especially in industrial applications with high temperature requirements
3. storage: buffering hydrogen as needed
Hydrogen can be stored chemically and physically in different ways. The choice of storage technology depends on the intended use, the volume and the requirements in terms of pressure, temperature or mobility.
Technology in use:
- Compressed gas storage tanks (200-1000 bar): Widely used, quickly available, standardized
- Liquid hydrogen (LH₂, -253 °C): High energy density, technically more complex, especially for aerospace applications
- Metal hydride storage: For stationary applications, high safety
- Cavern storage: Large-volume, geological storage for long-term buffering (e.g. salt caverns)
- LOHC storage: Liquid, non-volatile form of storage with high energy density, suitable for long-term or long-distance transportation, cost-efficient integration into existing energy systems
4. transportation: from the production site to the application
The transportation solution depends largely on the distance, volume and infrastructure. Short distances can be served locally by trailer or pipeline, while international trade requires other solutions.
Technology in use:
- Pipelines: Useful for distances, even existing natural gas networks can be partially converted
- Pressure and cryogenic trailers: Flexible for decentralized supply (filling stations, small industry)
- LOHC technology (Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers): Chemical storage in organic carrier liquids, high level of safety, can be used with existing tank infrastructure
- Ammonia as a transport medium: For global hydrogen trading, as it can be easily liquefied and reconverted
5. use: cross-sector application possibilities
Hydrogen offers a wide range of possible applications and can play a central role in almost all areas of energy and raw material supply. Depending on the requirements – whether electricity, heat, mobility or chemical use – hydrogen can be used in a targeted manner. The most important areas of application can be divided into the following sectors:
- Industry: reducing agents in steel production, process heat, replacement of fossil fuels
- Mobility: Refueling fuel cell vehicles
- Energy: reconversion to electricity in fuel cells or turbines, seasonal storage
- Building energy: combination with heat pumps or as a replacement for natural gas in hybrid heating systems
Hydrogen technologies
Wide range of applications for hydrogen
Hydrogen impresses with its versatility and cross-sector applicability. As a clean energy carrier and raw material, it can replace fossil fuels in almost all areas – both in existing infrastructures and in newly developed systems. Its modular usability makes it particularly interesting for different scale levels – from private households to energy-intensive industry. The most important fields of application can be differentiated as follows:
Hydrogen applications
Worth knowing
Technical articles and background information on hydrogen
Hydrogen as an energy carrier is as versatile as it is complex. In order to better understand the technological principles, challenges and possible applications, this section offers a selection of in-depth specialist articles. Whether you are looking for basic knowledge or specialized application reports, here you will find sound information for a technical, economic and practical introduction to the world of hydrogen.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about hydrogen
Hydrogen offers companies a path to greater independence, efficiency and climate protection. In this FAQ, we answer key questions about the use of modular complete hydrogen systems for industrial and commercial enterprises.
- Specialist knowledge on the topic
- Hydrogen glossary
How is green hydrogen produced?
Green hydrogen is produced by electrolyzing water, with the electricity required coming entirely from renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics or wind power. In the process, water (H₂O) is broken down into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) – emission-free and sustainable.
What advantages does hydrogen offer over batteries?
Hydrogen offers a higher energy density, short refueling times and is particularly suitable for applications with high energy requirements, continuous operation or limited space for energy storage. In contrast to batteries, the storage loss is low, which makes it ideal for seasonal storage or mobility.
Where can hydrogen be used in everyday life or in business?
Hydrogen can be used in various areas: to generate electricity and heat in buildings or commercial operations, as a fuel for vehicles, as a buffer for fluctuating electricity generation or to safeguard critical infrastructure. It also makes sense to use it in mobile systems or remote regions.
How safe is the use of hydrogen?
Hydrogen is safe to handle if it is used properly. The technology is based on decades of experience – for example in industry or transportation. Modern systems have multi-level safety concepts, automatic leak monitoring and standardized tank technology.
What requirements must be met for the use of hydrogen?
Depending on the application, a renewable power source (e.g. PV system), space for the electrolysis and storage unit and possibly permits (e.g. for pressurized tanks) are required. For mobile applications, refueling infrastructure or approvals are also required.
Is a hydrogen system economically viable?
Hydrogen systems can be economical if there is high self-consumption, volatile electricity prices or CO₂ costs. Subsidy programs, CO₂ savings and falling technology prices improve economic efficiency. The benefits increase significantly, especially in combination with PV or in off-grid scenarios.
Can I expand the system if my energy requirements increase?
Yes, that is a key advantage of the modular design: components such as electrolyser output, storage capacity or utilization units can be easily added as energy requirements grow. This means that the system remains adaptable and investment-proof in the long term.
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