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GEECO Developing Higher Efficiency H2 Liquefaction

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.

Geeco
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.

Comments

arnold

23% improvement is not insignificant.
Still maintaining H in this state is (just)one of the bigger issues.

The Scoot

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...

G.R.L. Cowan, H2 energy fan 'til ~1996

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.

Michael

Might find this interesting

NCyder

@Michael

Unfortunately I found it extremely boring as I am unable to read your mind.

sulleny

@ NCyder:

My turn to thank you buddy - I got chest pain from LOL at your post.

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