China has unveiled a new hydrogen alkaline electrolyser with double the capacity of most currently in use in the country.
The electrolyser — developed by China's 718th Research Institute — can produce 2,000 normal cubic meters per hour (Nm³/h) of hydrogen, according to the institute's subsidiary Peric Hydrogen Energy Technologies. This is equivalent to 2,000 m³/h of hydrogen under normal conditions of 0 °C and standard atmospheric pressure. The electrolyser also has the potential to be upgraded to a capacity of 3,000 Nm³/h.
This compares with current capacities of around 1,000 Nm³/h for most alkaline electrolysers in China. An electrolyser with higher capacity can produce more hydrogen within the same timespan, which can also increase hydrogen production efficiency by reducing investment costs per unit of hydrogen produced.
The new electrolyser also has an advanced energy consumption system that can deliver 30pc lower operating costs compared with traditional alkaline technology, according to Peric. The new electrolyser's current density is also 30pc higher compared with previous technologies, Peric added, while its electrolytic cell weight is 40pc lower. The electrolyser's higher density will cut hydrogen production time, and its lower weight will allow it to have greater applicability and be utilised in more equipment.
Several Chinese firms have been vying to roll out successively higher-capacity alkaline electrolysers this year. Chinese equipment manufacturer Shanghai Electric earlier this month announced new technology with a capacity of 1,500 Nm³/h. Chinese new energy firm Minyang Smart Energy also in October unveiled equipment which can produce between 1,500-2,500 Nm³/h of hydrogen.
The 718th Research Institute, which is a subsidiary of state-controlled China State Shipbuildings, was one of the contractors selected in May to supply state-run oil giant Sinopec's New Star Xinjiang Green Hydrogen New Energy project with alkaline-based hydrogen electrolysers.
