Design and analysis of a hydrogen compression and storage station

Abstract

This research investigates the use of an electrochemical hydrogen compressor in an energy storage station. The electrochemical hydrogen compressor, as a solid-state device, offers the ability to continuously operate for long periods without the need to replace mechanical seals, lubricants, or filters. The two-part study consists of station design and performance testing of a commercial-off-the-shelf electrochemical hydrogen compressor. Station design used American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and Compressed Gas Association (CGA) standards for risk mitigation and determination of feasibility for Department of Defense (DOD) and Navy application. Analysis of the compressor includes a comparison of actual field performance to ideal isothermal and adiabatic compression of hydrogen. Performance characteristics are investigated over a range of variable inputs for use during future optimization of the compression and storage station. The hydrogen compression and storage station is one subsystem of a multi-system demonstration of solar energy storage using hydrogen as the primary storage medium. The larger system integrates commercial-off-the-shelf photovoltaic solar panels, solid-state hydrogen electrolyzers, solid-state electrochemical compressors, and proton exchange membrane fuel cells to demonstrate renewable energy storage. The compression and storage station design allows for reconfiguration and further research in hydrogen technologies. Similar systems could be used on Navy shore installations, on expeditionary bases, and at sea to increase resiliency and reduce logistical demand for fuels.