Electrolysis is a method that produces carbon-free hydrogen from nuclear and renewable resources. The process uses electricity to split water into oxygen and hydrogen molecules in the electrolyzer unit. Electrolyzers come in a range of sizes, from small appliance-sized units for small-scale hydrogen production to large-scale units for production facilities in the renewable energy production sector.
Learn more about the main types of electrolysis and how Enerquip’s solutions serve this market.
Types of Electrolysis Processes for Hydrogen Production
Electrolyzers are made of a cathode and anode with an electrolyte separating them, similar to a fuel cell. There are several types of electrolyzers, each with different functions based on the material of the electrolyte and the ionic species it conducts.
Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Electrolyzers
A polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzer has an electrolyte made of a specialty plastic. When water is introduced to the anode, it reacts to form oxygen and hydrogen ions with a positive charge. The electrons move through an external circuit system, and the hydrogen ions are drawn across the PEM to the cathode. There, the hydrogen ions and electrons combine to form hydrogen gas. The reactions are as follows:
- Anode: 2H2O → O2 + 4H+ + 4e-
- Cathode: 4H+ + 4e- → 2H2
Alkaline Electrolyzers
In alkaline electrolyzers, hydroxide ions (OH-) in the cathode move through the electrolyte to the anode, and hydrogen gas is generated in the cathode. Alkaline electrolyzers typically use a liquid alkaline electrolyte solution of potassium or sodium hydroxide. However, newer alkaline electrolyzers that use electrolytes made of solid alkaline exchange membranes (AEMs) are being developed and show promising results in lab environments.
Solid Oxide Electrolyzers
A solid oxide electrolyzer uses a solid ceramic electrolyte to conduct oxygen ions (O2-) selectively under elevated temperatures to produce hydrogen. Steam in the cathode and electrons from the external circuit combine to create hydrogen gas and oxygen ions with a negative charge. These oxygen ions transfer through the ceramic membrane, reacting at the anode to generate oxygen gas and electrons for the external circuit.
The Role of Thermal Process Equipment in Electrolysis
Electrolysis offers a unique opportunity to align hydrogen production with renewable energy sources, like wind power, by using excess electricity for hydrogen generation when energy supply exceeds demand. This process provides operational flexibility that enhances the overall efficiency of renewable energy systems.
Enerquip supports hydrogen production by designing and fabricating industrial heating and cooling equipment essential for electrolysis processes. All our products are made in the U.S. and play a crucial role in hydrogen generation. Our heat exchangers and heaters—such as shell and tube heat exchangers, waste heat economizers, and thermal fluid heaters—are vital in these applications.
Heat exchangers are critical in hydrogen production as they recover and recycle heat from the process, improving overall energy efficiency. For instance, in high-temperature electrolysis, heat exchangers capture waste heat and transfer it back to preheat incoming water or steam, reducing energy consumption. This heat recovery system is essential for optimizing the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of hydrogen production.
Additional applications for Enerquip’s heat exchangers include:
- HVAC systems
- Chemical processing
- Ethanol production
- Feedwater heaters
- Fuel gas heaters
- Suction heaters
- Oil coolers
- Kettle reboilers
- General service condensers
Partner With Enerquip
Due to its ability to produce carbon-free hydrogen, electrolysis will continue to grow in popularity to support worldwide sustainability goals. There are several types of hydrogen production electrolysis systems available to meet the needs of your operation. Enerquip offers a variety of heat exchangers and other temperature control solutions for hydrogen production.
Enerquip has delivered industrial heating, cooling, and sanitary solutions made in the USA since 1985. Contact us or request a quote to get started with your unique solution today.