Liquefaction of hydrogen requires cooling to a temperature of -253 °C and subsequent storage in cryogenic containers. Liquefaction is an energy intensive process and can consume up to 35% of the energy in the stored hydrogen.
In some specific cases, a hydrogen refuelling station is located nearby or on top of a hydrogen pipeline. In that case, the hydrogen only needs to be compressed, cooled and dispensed.
The vast majority of hydrogen produced worldwide is generated by a process of breaking up hydrocarbon molecules into H2 and CO – this process is called reformation. Reformation is performed on an industrial scale, typically using natural gas (methane, CH4) as a feedstock.
Several electrochemical processes in industry, such as the production of chlorine, produce hydrogen as a “waste” or by- product . This by-product is a very clean A-Grade product that is very well suited for fuel cell vehicles and applications.
The refueller delivers hydrogen to the vehicle’s tank in a controlled manner and to the correct pressure. Hydrogen is dispensed to the vehicle through a flexible hose and nozzle connected to the vehicle’s tank, in a similar fashion to refilling with petrol or diesel.
Also some smaller companies for example H2Logic, a Danish Company famous for its’ containerised solutions, whom is only focussed on building and operating hydrogen refuelling stations, throughout Europe.
Different concepts for refuelling infrastructure exist that are suitable for different levels of hydrogen demand, from refuelling a single car to large refilling stations able to refuel multiple cars and buses on a daily basis. All hydrogen refuelling stations include the following basic components:
