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Expert consultants evaluate potential locations and support on judging the feasibility. Additionally, they deliver the design of the hydrogen production solutions from the selection of the right and site-specific system technology to the dimensioning of the components. Services also include the full governance of public approval processes.

This is the first step in making NEUMAN & ESSER the general contractor for turnkey hydrogen production solutions.

NEUMAN & ESSER has ample experience in tailormade plant engineering solutions. This strength is transferred into the renewable H₂ value chain by optimizing the interfaces of the individual components. As a one-stop shop NEUMAN & ESSER uses its deep insights of the sweet spots of the components like electrolyzers, gas treatment as per use case requirement, compressors, storage concepts and fuel cells to achieve the global optimum.

In the water electrolysis process an electrical energy is used to split water molecules (H₂O) into their constituent parts (2 H₂ and 1 O₂).

Currently two main electrolyzer technologies are employed on a broad industrial scope – alkaline (AEL), which uses a liquid electrolyte (potassium or sodium hydroxide) as a feedstock, or spolymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzers​ working on purified water.

The core of each electrolyzer unit is formed by the stack(s). These stacks must be supplied with electricity and lye (AEL) or purified water (PEM). As electrolyzers work on direct current (DC) at a specific voltage, transformers and rectifiers must be employed to ensure the correct operating current and voltage. Additionally, lye-management units are needed for AEL type electrolyzers whereas high quality water polishing is needed for PEM. With a stack efficiency at around 75% thermal management systems to ensure the right process and outlet temperatures are also of high importance.

Finally, ensuring and maintaining the desired gas quality is of paramount importance. For this a gas purification (DeOxo & Dehumidification) and quality measuring system is employed. 

Within the framework of the EU’s Carbon Neutrality Targets, on-site production of hydrogen via electrolysis from renewable energy sources is an attractive solution. The use of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier, enables storage of large quantities of energy for longer periods of time, and can play an important role in stabilizing the grid when the contribution of highly volatile energy sources like wind and photovoltaics increases.

If this electricity is produced from renewable energy, the resulting hydrogen is “green” and “zero-emission” from well to wheel.

Entering the market with the NEA|HYTRON PEM, NEUMAN & ESSER broadens its product portfolio with an electrolyzer. The decision was taken to use PEM technology as it does not involve harmful chemicals and thus represents a clear statement towards making green hydrogen even cleaner. Combining it with further OEM components – specifically compressor systems – the efficiency of the overall hydrogen production solution can be brought to the maximum.

For future high flow demands of more than 10 tons of hydrogen per day, high pressure reciprocating compressors with more than 500 bar discharge pressure operating oil-free are of growing importance.

The benefit from remotely supervising the full value chain from electrolyzer to dispenser lies at hand: Detecting unusual behavior of involved components helps avoiding emergency stops. It allows to analyze and diagnose HRS performance and draw conclusions on the asset health before damage occurs. This makes service visits more efficient and gives relief to customer organizations. With measurable impact on operating cost.

And once hydrogen production availability onsite is combined with knowledge about HRS usage patterns, the foundation for operating the full plant smartly is laid – which offers even more cost saving potential.

Actions initiated by dedicated service teams prior to operational exceptions becoming critical, give customers a high degree of confidence and the freedom to focus on what really matters for their business.