Hydrogen Storage Research Highlights Importance of Efficient Compression Techniques

Strategic Insights -

Scientists at Polytechnic University Milan are working on developing effective compression methods for storing hydrogen, a crucial component in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. According to their research, efficient compression techniques are essential to overcome the low volumetric energy density of hydrogen at atmospheric pressure. The researchers emphasize the need for reliable compression methods, especially for hydrogen refueling stations, where the diaphragm compressor is a promising option. This technology can deliver high-pressure hydrogen gas, but it also poses operational challenges that require understanding and improvement.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hydrogen is considered a key solution for reducing carbon dioxide emissions due to its ability to be obtained from renewable energy and stored for long periods with no greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Hydrogen has the lowest volumetric energy density at atmospheric pressure, hindering its storage phase, making efficient compression techniques necessary.
  • The diaphragm compressor is a promising option for delivering high-pressure hydrogen gas, with the potential to provide up to 2000 Nm3/h of hydrogen at 100 MPa or more.
  • The current research aims to provide a systematic overview of diaphragm compressors for hydrogen service and discuss their operational limits.
  • Engineers and scholars are facing challenges to improve the efficiency and reliability of these compressors, which require a deeper understanding of their specific features and operational challenges.
  • Thermodynamic calculations are used to assess the energy performance of diaphragm compressors based on technical data from a few commercial diaphragm compressors.

Statistics:

  • Hydrogen has the lowest volumetric energy density at atmospheric pressure, which makes efficient compression techniques necessary.
  • The diaphragm compressor can deliver up to 2000 Nm3/h of hydrogen at a pressure of 100 MPa or more.
  • The research aims to provide a systematic overview of diaphragm compressors for hydrogen service, including their capacity, discharge pressure, and operational challenges.
  • The current work involves assessing the energy performance figure of diaphragm compressors based on technical data from a few commercial diaphragm compressors.

Sources:

  • Overview of Diaphragm Compressors for Hydrogen Service: Capacity, Discharge Pressure and Operational Challenges. Journal of Energy Storage, 2025;129.
  • Elsevier, Radarweg 29, 1043 Nx Amsterdam, Netherlands.
  • Antonio Giuffrida, Polytechnic University Milan, Dipartimento Energia, Via R Lambruschini 4A, I-20156 Milan, Italy.