Technology transfer from fuel processing for fuel cells to fuel synthesis from hydrogen and carbon dioxide

Abstract

Improving the energy efficiency of existing technologies such as the on-board power supply of trucks, ships, and aircraft is an important endeavor for reducing primary energy consumption. The approach consists of using fuel cell technology in conjunction with hydrogen production from liquid fuels. However, the energy transition, with the goal of complete climate-neutrality, requires technological changes in the use of hydrogen produced from renewable energy via electrolysis. Synthetic fuels are an important building block for drive systems that will continue to require liquid energy carriers in the future due to their range. This study addresses the question of whether technical devices that were developed for the generation of hydrogen from liquid fuels for fuel cells to generate electricity are now suitable for the reverse process chain or can play an important role in it. The new process chain produces hydrogen from sustainable electricity, combining it with carbon dioxide, to create a synthetic liquid fuel.