Pumps of the Future Series – Ep 2 Hydrogen Pumps

What is Hydrogen?

Hydrogen (H₂) is the lightest and most abundant element on Earth. It is a gaseous, odorless, and invisible element that has high energy density per unit weight, more than three times that of natural gas and diesel. With no carbon atoms in its molecular structure, hydrogen does not produce CO₂ when used as fuel, making it a promising energy carrier for sustainable systems.

Hydrogen can be produced in various ways, each with different environmental impacts. Common methods include gray hydrogen (produced from fossil fuels), blue hydrogen (which captures and stores CO₂), and green hydrogen (produced through electrolysis using renewable electricity).

Benefits of Hydrogen as an Energy Source

• No CO₂ Emissions: Hydrogen combustion does not emit CO₂, which makes it an essential option for industries looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
• Energy Density: Hydrogen provides a high energy density per unit weight (141 MJ/kg), offering more energy compared to fossil fuels like diesel and natural gas.
• Versatile Applications: Hydrogen can be used across various sectors, including high-temperature industries, energy storage, fuel for heavy vehicles, and as a raw material in the chemical industry.
• Energy Storage: Hydrogen can store surplus electricity, helping balance the supply-demand gap, especially in renewable energy systems where there is excess generation in summer and shortages in winter.

Hydrogen Applications

Hydrogen is increasingly being used across multiple sectors: 

1. Chemical Industry: Hydrogen is essential for ammonia production, which is a key ingredient in fertilizers. The chemical industry is a primary user of hydrogen.
2. High-Temperature Industries: Industries like steel production, which require high temperatures (above 600 °C), can replace fossil energy with hydrogen.
3. Energy Storage: Hydrogen can be used for seasonal storage of electricity, enabling it to be converted back into energy or used as a raw material when needed.
4. Heavy Transport: Hydrogen is a promising fuel source for heavy vehicles like trucks, buses, and construction machinery, offering an alternative to diesel-powered engines.
   
   

 BBA Pumps Hydrogen Innovations

BBA Pumps innovation in hydrogen technology is making strides. They have developed mobile pumps powered by hydrogen, starting with combustion engines and moving towards fuel cells. Their hydrogen-powered pumps eliminate CO₂ emissions, provided the hydrogen used is green.

• BA150KS D285 Sewage Pump: A hydrogen-powered pump using a KVT E22 H2 combustion engine, delivering 25.6 kW of power at 1800 RPM.
  
  

• BA180E D328 Multifunctional Hydrogen Pump: Powered by the larger KVT E44 H2 hydrogen combustion engine, delivering 67.5 kW.
  
  

Both models have external tank connections, and special safety features are incorporated, including a vent tube and LEL sensors to ensure the safe use of hydrogen.

Hydrogen Combustion Engines: Practical Considerations

Hydrogen combustion engines, like those used in BBA Pumps mobile pumps, are similar to natural gas engines. Key features include:

Ignition: A spark plug ignites the hydrogen-air mixture, ensuring efficient combustion.

Emission Standards: Hydrogen combustion engines produce fewer emissions than fossil-fuel engines and meet Stage V emission standards. Certification for hydrogen engines is not yet standardized but is expected to evolve.

Maintenance: Maintenance is similar to that of diesel engines, with no special certification required for technicians. We recommend maintenance intervals every 500 hours of operation.

Engine Longevity: Hydrogen combustion engines have an expected lifespan greater than that of diesel engines, with some engines running for over 40,000 hours.

When Will Hydrogen Pumps Be Available?

While hydrogen infrastructure is currently more developed in Europe, New Zealand is still building the systems needed to support hydrogen as a fuel source.

Once that infrastructure is in place, Prime Fluid Management and BBA Pumps are ready to roll out hydrogen pump solutions locally. Visit our website for more information on the products and how to access them when hydrogen becomes viable in your region.

Conclusion: The Future of Hydrogen

Hydrogen has the potential to be a key player in achieving climate neutrality, particularly when produced sustainably through green methods. It offers various applications across industries and can be an essential component in balancing energy supply and demand. BBA Pumps is at the forefront of adopting hydrogen technology, providing a clean, sustainable solution for mobile pump systems.