Automation for green hydrogen

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies must succeed in order to achieve the goal of net zero. Sustainably produced hydrogen is therefore playing an increasingly important role in energy-intensive production facilities such as in the chemical, steel or cement industries. Manufacturing the gas with electricity from renewable resources is paramount, but it must also be as efficient as possible and, above all, safe. With our many years of experience in the field of gas processing and our automation solutions for the production, infrastructure and use of hydrogen, we provide you with support along the entire value chain.

Efficient solutions for the hydrogen economy

Many industries cannot simply be operated CO₂-free. For processes involving high temperatures or special chemical reactions, hydrogen is an important step towards replacing fossil fuels with sustainable energy sources, and thus initiating the energy transition. These industries account for a high proportion of total global CO₂ emissions. This makes it all the more important for H₂ to be available in large quantities and as cost-effectively as possible.

"Comprehensive advice from our experts, the right product portfolio for potentially explosive environments and a passion for such an important topic – that is our recipe for success for the next step into a green future," says Alexander Vargas, summarizing our offering. "With us, you can automate your applications along the entire hydrogen value chain efficiently, safely and scalably. Whether centralized or decentralized automation solutions, space-saving control cabinets or modular concepts – we tackle your challenges with you."

Safety in every process step

Is hydrogen dangerous? It is a colorless, volatile and non-toxic gas, but it is extremely flammable and must be handled at high pressure. Hydrogen has already been produced for decades, the processes are well-known and the risk can be controlled with appropriate safety precautions. We offer you both the necessary expertise in the areas of explosion prevention and protection and functional safety (SIL), as well as a matching product portfolio. Together, we discuss your requirements and develop concepts that ensure reliable and safe operation of your system even in the event of faults and malfunctions.

Valve Terminals and panels for Harzardous Locations - Easy to configure, easy to order, easy to use!

VTUG with plug-in and fieldbus connection

Amazingly simple, highly modular and flexible with fielbus connection CTEU. It has never been easier to connect fieldbuses to valve terminals like the VTUG, and never easier to change the fieldbus type: attach the fieldbus node and you´re done! It can also be easily expanded into a small installation system. The VTUG with plug-in is also available with an IO-Link interface.

Ideas for your automation

Green hydrogen production with electrolysis

Green hydrogen production with electrolysis

Electrolysers are essential for the production of green hydrogen. The carbon-neutral conversion of water into oxygen and hydrogen is carried out here using renewable energies. Make the most of our expertise and increase the efficiency of your hydrogen production with our automation solutions.

Efficient compressor stations for hydrogen

Efficient compressor stations for hydrogen

But in order to get the produced green hydrogen to where it should be used, whether as a raw material for industry or as an energy carrier, it must be made transportable. It can, for example, be compressed in a compressor station. We offer a wide range of Ex and SIL-certified products for the safe automation of the processes in your plant.

Enclosure solutions for high requirements

Enclosure solutions for high requirements

Whether you need a control cabinet for potentially explosive atmospheres or want to simplify the maintenance of your automation components, we can help you plan and implement your solution to meet your needs. If the focus is on safety, a central automation concept can be the ideal solution. Of course, we can also subject your control cabinet to a functional safety assessment (SIL) if required.

FAQ

What is green hydrogen?

Water can be split into oxygen and hydrogen by electrolysis. If the energy required for this comes from renewable resources such as wind or solar energy, it is referred to as green hydrogen. CO₂ emissions can thus be avoided in contrast to conventional production methods using fossil fuels.

What can hydrogen be used for?

Hydrogen can be used to store surplus energy from wind or solar power plants and feed it back into the power grid when needed. The gas can also be used to operate fuel cells.

How important is safety when handling gas?

The right automation technology plays an important role in ensuring safety, e.g. through explosion protection. It is of central importance if applications with hydrogen are to be automated. For electrolyzers and hydrogen filling stations, it is crucial to comply with the required functional safety level (SIL) and limit the risk. This can be supported by the use of suitable components and solutions.

What do you have to consider when using H₂?

The cost of hydrogen production can be high, so it is important to use it economically. Efficient automation can help to optimize processes and make them secure. A suitable infrastructure for production, storage and distribution is also important. As hydrogen is a highly flammable gas, appropriate safety precautions are necessary.

What is Power-to-X?

Power-to-X refers to technologies that are used to produce fuel, power and raw materials from electrical energy. These processes can be used to store surpluses of renewable energy. This means that the energy can also be used in industries and processes where this would otherwise not be possible without further ado. The X stands for different forms of energy or uses, such as power-to-gas, power-to-liquid or power-to-heat.

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