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We are currently developing a method for the production of sustainable hydrogen in which we treat methane by plasma dissociation. It is a pyrolysis process in which we rely on renewable energy and biomethane as feedstock, enabling the production of green hydrogen – cheaper and more efficient than with conventional electrolysis.
In plasma dissociation processes, we decarbonize biogas (CH4) and break it down into hydrogen (H2) and carbon (C) on a molecular basis.
This is done with the help of a plasma arc, which does not burn the methane, but merely breaks it down into its individual components, avoiding any harmful CO2 emission.
Using electricity and biomethane from renewable sources, plasma dissociation is as climate-friendly as electrolysis – but at a much lower cost and with additional environmental benefits.
The initial product biogas, is broken down to CH4 and CO2 in a gas treatment plant. The separated CO2 can be further utilized. The CH4 , also known as methane, is then broken down into hydrogen and carbon black by means of plasma dissociation. This produces thermal energy that can be further utilized.
Alternatively, natural gas can also be decomposed to hydrogen and carbon black using our process.
In its pure form, hydrogen is an odorless, invisible and non-toxic gas that is lighter than air. It is the most abundant chemical element in the universe and is a valuable commodity for the energy industry.
Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier and is currently used mainly as an energy storage medium and as a generator of electricity and heat. The main advantages of hydrogen are that it can store and release energy without emitting CO2. This makes it particularly interesting as a fuel for the automotive industry, for example.
In 2020, Airliquide prepared forecasts for global hydrogen demand up to the year 2050. The analysis was carried out taking into account global warming of +2 °C. According to the study, there will be a global demand for hydrogen of 117 million metric tons as early as 2030.
From today’s perspective, this demand cannot be met sustainably and efficiently with conventional electrolysis.
That is why we have developed our sfi plasma methane pyrolysis process. An innovative and sustainable process for generating hydrogen from bio- or natural gas.
The hydrogen produced can be used directly for CO2-free heat and power generation in hydrogen CHP units or fuel cells. The additional carbon black produced in the process can be used as a raw material, e.g. for the production of steel, carbon fibers and other carbon-based structures and materials.
Our process also requires significantly less energy than comparable electrolysis processes.
Electrolysis is currently considered the most efficient solution for the production of green hydrogen. Hydrogen is produced from renewable energy (electricity) and water. From an economic point of view, however, this process offers a decisive disadvantage:
To produce 1 kg of hydrogen (calorific value 33.33 kWh), electrolysers require about 53 kWh of electricity. If this 1 kg of hydrogen is now converted into electricity by means of a fuel cell, about 25 kWh of energy are obtained.
This corresponds to an energy loss of more than 53%!
In addition, a water consumption of 9 l ultrapure water (up to 21 l water) has to be added.
Our plasma methane pyrolysis process requires only 10 kWh of electrical energy for the same amount of hydrogen.
By focusing on new technologies and thinking outside the box, we are developing one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly methods of producing hydrogen. Emission-free and cost-effective.
Choose hydrogen from the sfi plasma dissociation process and start into a more sustainable future!
sfi Solutions for Innovations GmbH
Zeile 87
A-2020 Aspersdorf
Austria
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© 2021 sfi Solutions for Innovations GmbH
© 2021 sfi Solutions for Innovations GmbH
