GEECO Developing Higher Efficiency H2 Liquefaction
15 June 2008
Gas Equipment Engineering Corporation (GEECO), in partnership with MIT, Avalence LLC and R&D Dynamic, is developing a new hydrogen liquefaction cycle that promises an increase in efficiency from the current 30%-35% of Carnot in state-of-the-art systems to 44% resulting in a decrease in power use from 9.7 kWh/kg to 7.4 kWh/kg.
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Final design of the single-pass, high-pressure H2 liquefaction system. Click to enlarge. |
The main features of the approach in the DOE-funded project include:
Once-through H2 liquefaction with 100% yield;
A Collins-style cycle with He as the refrigeration loop working fluid;
Constant, supercritical pressure in H2;
Components use established technology and facilitate scalability; and
Efficiency through effective staging of expanders.
The development of catalytic heat exchangers would further increase efficiency and lower cost.
While storing hydrogen in a liquid state offers greater energy density than compressed storage schemes, the energy requirement for hydrogen liquefaction is high; currently, typically 30% of the heating value of hydrogen is required for liquefaction.
23% improvement is not insignificant.
Still maintaining H in this state is (just)one of the bigger issues.
Posted by: arnold | 15 June 2008 at 09:09 AM
Seriously, I don't understand the push for hydrogen for motive energy. Electricity in the form of Lithium-polymer batteries is much more efficient. Hell, compressed air is much more efficient, if we are to believe some of the claims coming out of France...
Posted by: The Scoot | 15 June 2008 at 11:40 AM
Li-ion is more efficient -- I don't know about Li polymer -- but with that higher efficiency duly accounted for, 500 kg of lH2 tank, even though it includes only ~30 kg of hydrogen, still yields about as much driveshaft work as two tonnes of Li-ion battery. Or anyway, with the lH2 tanks BMW is using, that is true.
Posted by: G.R.L. Cowan, H2 energy fan 'til ~1996 | 15 June 2008 at 07:44 PM
Might find this interesting
Posted by: Michael | 16 June 2008 at 10:19 AM
@Michael
Unfortunately I found it extremely boring as I am unable to read your mind.
Posted by: NCyder | 16 June 2008 at 10:36 AM
@ NCyder:
My turn to thank you buddy - I got chest pain from LOL at your post.
Posted by: sulleny | 16 June 2008 at 11:41 AM