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H2 production by photocatalysis

H2 production by photocatalysis

The direct generation of hydrogen from sunlight has long been considered the most elegant solution for H2 production, if then scalable. Until now, there has still been a deficit of suitable materials and large-scale system solutions. Researchers at the University of Cambridge in England have now found an approach that from salt or waste water, directly with the help of solar energy, can produce drinking water and hydrogen.

For this, chemist Chanon Pornrungroj has combined a solar vapor generator (SVG) with a photocatalyst (PC). Normally, pure water is required for photocatalysis. In order to be able to use dirty water as well, he designed a water evaporator powered by solar heat, which removes impurities. This condensed water can then (after mineral addition) be used for drinking and cooking, and also for subsequent H2 production.

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The research group of Erwin Reisner deposited a photocatalyst for this on a nanostructured carbon mesh that absorbs both light and heat and generates water vapor. The photocatalyst then uses this water vapor to generate H2. Especially in regions without access to clean water could this be an important advancement.

University of Stuttgart orders FC power plant

University of Stuttgart orders FC power plant

The University of Stuttgart has ordered a fuel cell power plant from the Bavarian manufacturer Proton Motor Fuel Cell. The so-called HyShelter system has an output of up to 240 kW. The stationary and grid-autonomous H2 fuel cell is to be integrated into an industrial research site, where it will generate electricity and feed it into the grid as of the second quarter of 2024.

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research had commissioned the University of Stuttgart to set up an H2-based industrial research platform. A total of 36 million Euro will flow into this platform over three years. The goal of the so-called WAVE-H2 project is to push the reduction of CO2 emissions in the industrial sector. The university includes the area of “Energy technology of the future”, where the potential of hydrogen for universal decarbonisation is a focal point.

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The container power plant can supply mobile refuelling units for HGVs with electricity. Typical areas of application for the HyShelter system are off-grid or also grid-connected installations to ensure a secure energy supply where no or only insufficient electrical infrastructure is available or withdrawal of power from the grid has to be reduced.

Industrial trade fair with H2 focus

Industrial trade fair with H2 focus

Basilios Triantafillos, Global Director for Hannover Messe

Basilios Triantafillos, Global Director for Hannover Messe

The trade fair company Deutsche Messe AG appears confident that in 2022 it will be holding an in-person Hannover Messe once again. The organization made clear already in fall 2021 that hydrogen will play a central role in the industrial trade show of 2022, taking place April 25th to 29th. Deutsche Messe together with Hydrogen + Fuel Cells Europe is holding a networking event centered around hydrogen (see photo) in November at the Landesvertretung Niedersachsen in Berlin. It will be followed soon after by the traditional press conference, this time with Ove Petersen, CEO of GP Joule, which explicitly indicates the future importance of hydrogen. (more…)

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Guide to H2 Safety

Guide to H2 Safety

Safety plays a decisive role when it comes to the topic of hydrogen. However, not because H2 gas is exceptionally dangerous, but because there are many questions and uncertainties in dealing with this energy storage. For this reason, the HYPOS network has developed a guideline within the framework of the project, which summarises safety-related and organisational instructions that enable the safe operation of plants for hydrogen production, transport, storage and utilisation. (more…)

Put it on the agenda

Put it on the agenda

Christoph von Knobelsdorff

Interview with NOW chief executive Kurt-Christoph von Knobelsdorff

As of May 15, 2020, the National Organization for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NOW) has a new chief executive. Formerly Klaus Bonhoff, who has moved to the German transportation ministry, his successor is Kurt-Christoph von Knobelsdorff. Now is the time to take stock and ask what the future holds.

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