The event commenced with a warm welcome by the project coordinator, followed by informative presentations by EIFER and the coordinator himself. These presentations shed light on the principles of the MHC and its significant advantages compared to traditional Mechanical Compressors (MC). The coordinator emphasized the nearly decade-long journey of research and development that has led to the techno-economic maturity of the MHC.
During the presentation, specific research areas were highlighted, such as the exploration of materials that avoid the use of rare earths, particularly Lanthanides, which are sourced from China and come with high costs. Challenges related to system integration, achieving real-scale implementation, and addressing aspects like costs, efficiency, temperature, and scalability were also discussed. Additionally, the necessity for high purity hydrogen was emphasized as a key requirement for successful MHC operation.
The presentation shared valuable insights gained from the COSMHYC XL Prototype, including lessons learned and areas for improvement. The research team highlighted the successful combination of different stages, the achievement of nearly constant flows, and the validation of low noise disturbance.
Furthermore, EIFER expressed its commitment to addressing other research and development priorities beyond compression. These include resolving infrastructure bottlenecks, ensuring hydrogen purity, integrating different hydrogen production and infrastructure systems, standardizing filling protocols, and developing accurate hydrogen metering techniques.
The event then moved to the prototype site at Fraunhofer ICT in Pfinztal, Germany, where participants could witness the full integration of the metal hydride compressor and ask further questions about the technology.
We hope the visit to the COSMHYC XL MHC prototype provided an enriching experience for the participants, offering valuable insights into the advancements made and challenges encountered during the development of this cutting-edge technology. As we continue to push boundaries and innovate within the realm of hydrogen compression, the future of the MHC appears promising, paving the way for enhanced hydrogen storage and distribution capabilities.
