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July 26, 2023
By
Jijo
Malayil
This tech can produce hydrogen on-demand by using more
efficient Zinc batteries
It promises 50 percent efficiency when storing power
and 80 percent when producing hydrogen –
with an estimated life expectancy of ten years.
![](images/images_07_27_2023/pic1.jpg)
Green Hydrogen renewable energy production
facility.
Across the world, countries are scrambling to transition to greener
forms of energy generation to meet their net-zero goals. Advanced
nations have leapfrogged in this regard, primarily helped by
innovations that have made such technologies more affordable and
reaching the potential to one day supply enough power for long
periods.
However, one thing is stopping some European nations like Germany from
fully transitioning to renewable energy like solar and wind, which is
finding efficient means to store green energy.
A team led by researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and
Microintegration IZM in Germany has found a practical and affordable
solution with Zinc batteries
with double efficiency and the ability to produce Hydrogen. According
to the team, "first tests promise 50 percent efficiency when storing
power and 80 percent when producing hydrogen – with an estimated life
expectancy of ten years," said a statement by
the institute.
Such long-term storage solutions are necessary, given the
unpredictable nature of such resources. Such uncertainty has prompted
authorities to maintain conventional power plants, sustain a "complex
dual power infrastructure, burn fossil fuels, and hold back the
transition to renewables."
![](images/images_07_27_2023/pic2_SM1.jpg)
The Zn2H2 project
Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM
A more affordable and sustainable solution
The beginning point for the research was the conventional zinc anode
battery designs. Using alkaline water electrolysis, the team devised a
method that, compared to the standard lithium batteries, is far less
expensive and uses readily accessible, 100% recyclable ingredients
(steel, zinc, and potassium hydroxide).
Furthermore, the technology ensured that the system could produce
Hydrogen on demand. The researchers aspire to develop an electrically
rechargeable hydrogen storage device that can store energy in metallic
zinc and convert it back into electrical power and Hydrogen when
needed after their job.
During charging, the water oxidizes into oxygen while the zinc oxide
is reduced to metallic zinc. During discharge, this reverts to zinc
oxide. The water is reduced once more, releasing Hydrogen.
"This is a unique combination of a regular battery and a source for
hydrogen, with a total electrical storage efficiency of 50%, which is
double the efficiency of other, currently preferred power-to-gas
systems," Dr. Robert Hahn of Fraunhofer IZM, who is in charge of
coordinating the work on the project.
Because the material cost is orders of magnitude
lower than lithium batteries, the new technology promises to be a
financially appealing option for storing green energy.
A more efficient way to produce Hydrogen
In conventional electrolysis, electricity is used to split Hydrogen
and oxygen; the former is then cooled, compressed, and stored in
high-pressure tanks (350-700 bar) or deep cooled and liquified. In
this process, the total electricity demand is about 73 kWh/kg of
Hydrogen. Hydrogen provides about 33kWh/kg once cooling and
compression losses are considered. In short, electrolysis is less than
50% efficient.
The new system uses energy stored during charging in metallic zinc,
with Hydrogen being held in the water of the electrolyte at ambient
pressure and significantly higher density than pressurized or liquid
hydrogen gas. "During discharge, the metallic zinc is converted into
zincate, and the cell releases hydrogen and 8.3 kWh of electricity per
kg of hydrogen released – improving net efficiency and reducing total
power demand," said the ZnH2 project website, which is a commercial
partner on the project.
According to the team, when the energy in the module is depleted, it
may be recharged (52.3 kWh per kilogram of hydrogen capacity),
similarly to a battery, by depositing zinc at the negative electrode
and releasing oxygen. Net power consumption is 44 kWh per kilogram of
Hydrogen generated (80% efficiency - with negligible load dependency).
For each hydrogen generation cycle, the consumed water must be
replenished.
The researchers demonstrated the novel system's survivability in the
lab and assessed individual cells for efficiency and stability through
several cycles. The end-of-year aim is to have a demonstration unit
for running tests in a dedicated configuration. In the end, eight
cells will be linked, each with a roughly 12 V and 50 Ah capacity.
"First tests promise 50 percent efficiency when storing power and 80
percent when producing hydrogen – with an estimated life expectancy of
ten years." If the promises hold true, we may have an "economical
solution for an ecological revolution."
Green Play Ammonia™, Yielder® NFuel Energy.
Spokane, Washington. 99212
www.exactrix.com
509 995 1879 cell, Pacific.
Nathan1@greenplayammonia.com
exactrix@exactrix.com
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