Alkaline Electrolysis:

The Key to Green Energy and a Sustainable Future

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Structure and Function of Alkaline Water Electrolysis

Alkaline electrolysis is a method for generating hydrogen and oxygen through the electrolytic decomposition of water. Alkaline electrolysis is known for its robustness and cost-effective hydrogen production, especially when combined with renewable energy sources. This makes it a key technology for sustainable energy production and storage. Here's a simplified explanation of how this process works:

1. Electrolysis Cell

The heart of alkaline electrolysis is the electrolytic cell, which consists of two electrodes—an anode (positive electrode) and a cathode (negative electrode)—immersed in an alkaline solution, usually a diluted potassium hydroxide (KOH) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution.

2. Alkaline Solution

The alkaline solution acts as an electrolyte, conducting the electrical current between the electrodes. The alkaline environment helps facilitate electrode reactions and increase electrolysis efficiency.

3. Power Supply:

When an electrical current is passed through the electrolysis cell, chemical reactions occur at the electrodes. The current splits water molecules (H2O) into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen gas (O2).

4. Reactions at the Electrodes:

  • At the Anode (oxidizing electrode): Water is oxidized, producing oxygen gas and hydrogen ions (H+).
  • At the Cathode (reducing electrode): Hydrogen ions (H+) are reduced to form hydrogen gas.

5. Gas Separation:

The resulting gases, hydrogen and oxygen, rise to separate areas of the cell and can then be collected and utilized.

 

In a world increasingly striving for sustainable energy sources and eco-friendly technologies, alkaline electrolysis cells are in the spotlight as a powerful solution. This technology, established for decades in hydrogen production, uses the principles of electrolysis in alkaline solutions to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Its potential to efficiently and cost-effectively produce clean hydrogen makes it an important part of the future energy infrastructure. By optimizing these electrolytic cells, we can not only reduce environmental impact but also pave the way for a sustainable energy future.

AEL: Low-Temperature Electrolysis Process for Green Hydrogen Production

Alkaline electrolysis (AEL) has established itself as a versatile technology in hydrogen production and is used in various sectors, ranging from industrial processes to renewable energy. Alkaline electrolysis is often employed in large-scale hydrogen production, especially for the manufacture of hydrogen used as a feedstock in the chemical industry, for example in ammonia production. The technology is particularly suited to these applications due to its robustness and cost-efficiency.

In an energy system increasingly reliant on renewable sources, alkaline electrolysis continues to play a key role in energy storage. By converting excess renewable electricity (e.g., from wind or solar plants) into hydrogen, it can be stored for later use and converted back into electricity when needed, contributing to grid stabilization. In the transport and mobility sector, hydrogen can serve as a clean energy source for fuel cell vehicles, including both passenger cars and commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks. Hydrogen’s high energy density and its emission-free use in fuel cells make it an attractive alternative to fossil fuels.

In so-called combined heat and power plants (CHP) or fuel cell CHP systems, hydrogen produced by alkaline electrolysis can also be used to generate both heat and electricity. This offers an efficient way to produce both electric power and thermal energy from a single process, which is especially beneficial in industrial applications. Besides ammonia production, hydrogen is also needed in other chemical processes, such as hydrogenation and metal synthesis. Alkaline electrolysis provides the necessary hydrogen for these processes, further strengthening its role in the chemical industry.

Lastly, the integration of alkaline electrolysis into power plants and energy grids can help increase the flexibility and efficiency of energy generation and distribution. By offering hydrogen as an energy storage medium and as a grid stabilization tool, it supports the transition to a more sustainable energy system. Overall, alkaline electrolysis demonstrates its potential across various sectors and applications by providing a cost-effective and reliable method for hydrogen production. Its role in the sustainable energy future and the support of renewable energies underscores its importance for developing a low-carbon economy.

Your Contacts

Philipp Kühne

DILICO CURR TEMP Technical Lead

Michael Wenske

DILICO cell voltage Technical Lead

Advantages and Disadvantages of Alkaline Electrolysis

AEM electrolysis and alkaline electrolysis are two different hydrogen production technologies that differ in their working principles and operating conditions.

Advantages of Alkaline Electrolysis:

1. Established and Reliable: 
Proven for decades, alkaline electrolysis has established itself as a reliable method for hydrogen production. The technology is well understood and widely used, making it a stable choice for industrial applications.

2. Cost-Effective: 
The materials used, such as nickel and steel, are more cost-effective compared to those used in other electrolysis processes. This helps reduce the overall cost of the system.

3. Efficient Hydrogen Production: 
Alkaline electrolytic cells offer good efficiency in hydrogen production, especially at higher current densities, leading to efficient conversion of electrical energy into hydrogen.

4. Robustness: 
This technology is less susceptible to corrosion and other operational issues compared to other electrolysis processes, extending its lifespan and reducing maintenance requirements.

Disadvantages of Alkaline Electrolysis:

1. Energy Demand: 
Alkaline electrolysis requires relatively high amounts of energy to run the electrolysis process. This can affect cost-efficiency, especially when electricity prices are high.

2. Slower Reaction Speed: 
Compared to newer technologies like proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis, alkaline electrolysis has a slower reaction speed. This can limit the production rate and scalability for very large hydrogen facilities.

3. Space Requirements: 
The plants for alkaline electrolysis often require more space than other electrolysis technologies, leading to higher infrastructure demands.

4. Susceptibility to Contamination: 
The alkaline solution can be affected by impurities, reducing the efficiency of electrolysis and adding costs for cleaning and maintenance.

In summary, alkaline electrolysis is a proven technology with clear advantages in terms of cost and reliability, though it also presents challenges related to energy consumption, reaction speed, and infrastructure requirements. Ultimately, the choice of the right technology depends on the specific needs and conditions of the application.

The Role of Electrolysis in the Energy Transition

Electrolysis plays a central role in the energy transition, enabling the production of hydrogen from renewable energy sources. Hydrogen generated through electrolysis can be used as a versatile energy carrier in various sectors. It serves as a fuel for fuel cell vehicles, a fuel for power plants, and an important feedstock in the chemical industry.

By using renewable energy such as solar and wind power for electrolysis, hydrogen can be produced without CO2 emissions. This reduces dependence on fossil fuels and significantly contributes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Electrolysis is thus a crucial building block for a sustainable and low-carbon energy future.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Although electrolysis is promising, some challenges must be overcome to enable its large-scale use. The main challenges include the high costs of electrolyzer systems, the efficiency of the processes, and the scalability of the technologies.

Nevertheless, there are many future prospects. Advances in material research and the development of new electrolysis technologies could lower costs and improve efficiency. Additionally, government funding programs and investments in research and development could drive the commercialization of electrolysis. In the long term, electrolysis has the potential to play a central role in a sustainable energy infrastructure and significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Solutions for Your Electrolysis Systems with DILICO

As a leading provider in energy and plant engineering, DILICO understands how valuable alkaline electrolysis is for the efficient and reliable production of hydrogen. Our tailored services are designed to optimally integrate this proven technology into your processes. From detailed planning and implementation of state-of-the-art analysis technology to the continuous monitoring of cell voltage, we provide comprehensive solutions for your electrolysis systems.

By partnering with DILICO, you benefit not only from the advanced technology of alkaline electrolysis but also from our years of expertise and tailored service. We ensure seamless implementation, supporting your industrial processes, renewable energy projects, and other applications. Let's shape a more sustainable and efficient energy future together—with the innovative technology and outstanding measurement products DILICO offers.