Hydrogen Supply System Advances Power Generation Efficiency

Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Kobe Steel have announced the start of operation of a next-generation hydrogen fuel supply system for power generation. The system marks the first use of a hydrogen Intermediate Fluid Vaporizer (IFV) combined with a liquefied hydrogen pump capable of pressurizing hydrogen above its critical pressure for supply to a power generation facility.

The demonstration is being conducted at the Kobe Hydrogen Energy Center in Japan as part of a project supported by NEDO.

Liquefied Hydrogen Pump Improves Efficiency
A key innovation in the system is the use of a liquefied hydrogen pump to increase pressure before vaporization. Conventional systems typically compress hydrogen in gaseous form, which requires significant energy input.

By pressurizing hydrogen in its liquid state, the system reduces the need for high compression force, improving the overall energy efficiency of hydrogen-based power generation.

This approach is designed to support more efficient fuel supply for hydrogen gas turbines used in distributed power systems.

IFV Technology Utilizes Cold Energy
Kobe Steel has developed the hydrogen Intermediate Fluid Vaporizer (IFV), which converts liquefied hydrogen into gas while recovering the cold energy generated during vaporization.

This recovered energy can be used in multiple applications, including cooling gas turbine intake air, refrigeration systems, data center cooling and air conditioning for industrial or commercial facilities.

The integration of IFV technology adds an additional efficiency layer to the hydrogen supply system by utilizing energy that would otherwise be lost.

Demonstration with Hydrogen Gas Turbines
Initial demonstration tests began in January and successfully supplied hydrogen fuel to a wet-type combustion gas turbine.

Future testing phases will include supplying hydrogen to dry-type combustion gas turbines, evaluating system performance under high-temperature summer conditions and assessing the long-term reliability of liquefied hydrogen pumps.

These tests aim to validate the system for real-world operating environments.

Scalable System for Hydrogen Power Generation
The hydrogen supply system is designed to be scalable for larger power generation applications. It supports the development of hydrogen-based combined heat and power systems (CGS) for use in industrial complexes, factories and communities.

By improving efficiency and simplifying hydrogen handling, the system contributes to the development of practical hydrogen energy infrastructure.

Supporting Hydrogen Economy Development
Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Kobe Steel aim to establish a hydrogen supply model centered on liquefied hydrogen as part of a broader effort to build a hydrogen supply chain.

The development supports the expansion of hydrogen as an energy source and contributes to long-term goals for carbon-neutral power generation and industrial decarbonization.

Edited by Industrial Journalist, Romila DSilva, with AI assistance.