FUTURE ENERGY LANDSCAPE

Hydrogen combustion technology

Hydrogen is a clean, carbon-free fuel and a key element for the energy transition. A clean combustion system will offer a low carbon solution to support the stability of the energy grid.

OPRA is working on the development of the next generation hydrogen combustion technology to meet the future requirements of a cost-effective, ultra-low emission combustion system that can operate on 100% natural gas and 100% hydrogen, and any mix thereof. The OP16 gas turbine is and will remain a key solution in the future decentralized energy landscape.

HYDROGEN FAQ

What is Hydrogen and how can it be used?

Hydrogen is a chemical element with symbol H and atomic number 1. Hydrogen is the most abundant chemical substance in the Universe. On Earth, hydrogen occurs mainly in combination with oxygen as water, as well as in organic matter such as living plants, petroleum and coal.

A large portion of hydrogen is produced by steam reforming of natural gas. A more sustainable option is electrolysis of water using excess renewable energy such as solar or wind energy.

Electrolysis is the process by which direct current is passed through an ionic substance producing chemical reactions at the electrodes and decomposition of materials.

Compressed gas storage of hydrogen at pressures at 10-70 MPa is the most common form of storage used today. It can also be stored in liquid form under cryogenic conditions and chemical storage where hydrides are stored

Two main methods of transporting hydrogen are over-the-ground compressed transport in trucks and in underground gas pipelines.

Power-to-Gas or P2G is a method by which surplus energy from renewable energy grid is utilized for electrolysis to split water into gaseous hydrogen and oxygen. This hydrogen can be used in other processes.

Even though hydrogen is colorless, grey, blue and green hydrogen refer to hydrogen produced from different sources and methods. Grey hydrogen is produced from steam reforming of natural gas where CO2 is released into atmosphere. When the CO2 is captured by carbon capture technology, it is known as blue hydrogen. Green hydrogen is produced from electrolysis of water using 100% renewable energy

Hydrogen is a low-cost fuel if it is produced from excess energy from renewable sources. Conventional fuels such as coal and petroleum are much more expensive than hydrogen when you consider the environmental costs due to pollution.

Hydrogen is used in different industries, from energy, chemical, refining, food, glass and electronics. Due to its lightweight and high energy density, they are used as primary fuel in gas turbines, propellant in space applications and clean fuel in fuel cells.

Hydrogen is used for metallic ore reduction, hydrochloric acid production, fossil fuel processing, ammonia production, welding, weather balloons and much more.

Hydrogen is very safe and stable. Even though hydrogen burns very quickly, the risk of explosion cannot be neglected and proper precautions should be taken.

General safety measures involve proper design of gas systems and equipment in combustion applications. Whenever possible hydrogen should be stored outside with natural ventilation. When storing indoors, proper ventilation with explosion proof exhaust fans and gas detection systems should be installed.

Hydrogen is the lightest element in the universe. This means that, in the event of a leak it rapidly rises into the atmosphere nearly at a speed of 20 m/s. It dissipates quickly into the atmosphere and reduces the risk of any disasters.