Hydrogen is produced by electrolysis – a process in which water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. The following applies to green hydrogen production: the electricity used must come from renewable sources.
In contrast, for example:
Electrolysis is therefore the first – and decisive – step in the hydrogen value chain.
The starting point in the hydrogen value chain is electrolysis. Water is broken down into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity from renewable energy sources. Different electrolyzer technologies are used depending on the framework conditions:
An automated control system ensures that the temperature, pressure and media flow are always within the optimum range – for maximum efficiency and system availability.
Freshly produced hydrogen is rarely immediately pure. It often contains moisture, oxygen residues, or other impurities. Special systems for hydrogen treatment bring it to the required quality – up to 99.999% pure. This is a decisive factor in preventing corrosion, loss of efficiency, or damage to downstream systems. Automated systems monitor all relevant process parameters in real time, react to deviations, and optimize the use of energy and operating resources. This not only increases security, but also makes the entire process more efficient and easier to scale.
Hydrogen has a very low energy density at normal pressure. There are several ways to transport or store it efficiently:
Pressure control, filling, and monitoring must be seamless and reliable. Precise valve technology and reliable sensors ensure stable, safe operation.
The route from the production site to the place of use can look very different: from pipelines or trailers through to on-site production, anything is possible. In any event, transportation must be safe, economical, and involve low losses. Automated monitoring systems detect leaks or pressure fluctuations at an early stage, and control the flow rate and valve positions in real time.
Green hydrogen has a wide range of applications. It can be used directly as a molecule in the chemical industry and for steel production, and is employed in the production of synthetic natural gas or fuels. Hydrogen can then be used again in fuel cells to generate electricity and thus contribute to a reduction in CO2 emissions from mobility in corresponding vehicles. Every application brings its own challenges – automation technology helps to master these reliably and flexibly. Processes can thus be adapted to changing conditions and load profiles at any time and fulfill important safety requirements.
Green hydrogen is only competitive if it can be produced and used safely, reliably, and efficiently. Automation solutions with valve manifolds and modular control units in combination with real-time diagnostic functions make this possible. Among other things, they help to:
Festo supports companies along the entire hydrogen value chain with industry-specific automation solutions. Whether in electrolysis, gas treatment, or mobile applications such as trailer control systems – with scalable systems, digital diagnostic functions, and certified components, Festo helps to make processes safe and provides scope for future developments.
It is already a reality today, and its importance is growing all the time. Those who understand the entire chain can make well-founded decisions and integrate suitable solutions at an early stage.
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