PC-MAR23-PG24.1_Layout 1 06/03/2023 11:50 Page 24
PUMPS, VALVES & ACTUATORS
unique hydrogen properties, current fragmented supply chains present a challenge. As a result, difficult to manage supply chains place upward pressure on the total cost of ownership for the refuelling station’s lifecycle.
One area – component integration – can help with some of the issues outlined. With the typical hydrogen refuelling station requiring the specification and purchase of many fittings, including valves, fittings, tubes, pipes and general assemblies, there is an opportunity to potentially eliminate a percentage of the multiple parts that increase complexity. At Norgren, our range of proven valve and pressure control solutions, together with our industry expertise, is helping customers to tackle the issues facing hydrogen infrastructure development. A prime example is the benefit of manifolds
COMPONENT INTEGRATION IS ‘HYDROGEN-READY’
Darran Heath, Hydrogen Director from Norgren, highlights some of the installation and operational challenges facing hydrogen refuelling station OEMs and operators, and how a strategy of component integration can unlock performance efficiencies and cost savings
emand for hydrogen as an alternative sustainable fuel source is on the rise. But the establishment of an effective supporting infrastructure, including refuelling stations, is critical to widespread adoption and long-term success.
D
Sustainability sits at the centre of efforts to ensure industry can play its role in achieving a net zero future. Moving away from current dependencies on fossil fuels, and instead embracing alternative fuel sources that can continue to support industrial applications. Hydrogen is one such fuel. Its use today is dominated by industry in sectors such as oil refining, ammonia production, methanol production, and steel production. It is also being used in power generation and is one of the leading options for storing renewable energy, while hydrogen and ammonia are also used in gas turbines to increase power system flexibility. In fact, according to the International Energy Agency, supplying hydrogen to industrial users is already a major business globally, with demand having grown more than threefold since 1975. The supporting infrastructure that supplies the hydrogen industry is complex, including the essential refuelling station network that is required to distribute the fuel in an operationally efficient and safe manner. Three prime challenges commonly dominate the design and operation of
24 MARCH 2023 | PROCESS & CONTROL
hydrogen refuelling stations, but technical solutions are available to mitigate complexities and provide support to industries looking to transition to a hydrogen future. Complex system and component overload: Design engineers are faced with complex station designs which are required to satisfy certification and functionality requirements. With stations using numerous substations such as compressor, dispenser and storage panels, hundreds of components are required to ensure the holistic system works. There is also a significant amount of pipelines needed. In addition, as hydrogen infrastructure building time scales come under pressure due to demand escalation, time constraints become more of an issue.
Hydrogen ready components: Once the station is up and running, the operations team may have to deal with unreliable and difficult to service components, which can lead to unplanned and expensive station downtime. In many cases, key components such as valves, regulators and filters have not been designed specifically for hydrogen use and, subsequently, suffer from limited operational lifespans. As components fail, the resulting replacement and servicing can be complex, time-consuming and costly. Seamless procurement: Finally, it is a reality that for those looking to procure quality components that can successfully handle
equipped with modular functionality. Through the integration of different functions such as valves, regulators, and filters, it is possible to reduce the overall quantity of fittings and piping required without compromising operational efficiency.
Such an integrated approach eliminates potential leak points, delivers installation timescale optimisation, and reduces the overall footprint of the refuelling station section. The component integration strategy has already gained traction in the development of CNG refuelling stations, as well as traditional hydraulic applications. Demand for hydrogen as a ‘go-to’ alternative fuel is predicted to continue to grow, and, with it, the requirement to create a supporting fuelling infrastructure that is optimised, serviceable and cost-effective. Against this background, adopting a strategic approach to sourcing, installing, and operating the array of essential components that will drive hydrogen refuelling success makes good business sense. Norgren offers access to simplified system designs and integrated high-quality fluid and process controls components specifically developed for the hydrogen refuelling station sector.
Norgren
www.norgren.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62
