Demonstration of novel hydrogen generation process

The alternative process for hydrogen production from biological waste consists of three process steps:

1. Per-treatment and biomass conversion to formic acid
2. Hydrogen production from formic acid
3. Purification of product gas stream.

The novel process for continuous hydrogen generation from biomass residues will be demonstrated by operating a technical demonstration plant under real conditions. The respective technology plant for one or two-step hydrogen production from formic acid will be coupled to the biomass oxidation plant of the industrial partner OxFA GmbH.  Based on the research results of both reaction pathways for hydrogen production, either the one-step or two-step procedure will be implemented in the process chain. Production rate, catalyst stability, technical feasibility as well as hydrogen purity are used as selection criteria.  High hydrogen purity is crucial for utilizing the generated biogenic hydrogen energetically in technical applications such as PEM fuel cell. The novel post-treatment approach presents a promising method for purifying hydrogen, suitable for decentralized plants, achieved through the cyclic hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of organic carrier compounds. The BMBF project enables the demonstration of the innovative technology for the production of biomass-derived hydrogen and subsequent hydrogen purification. Starting from the third year of the project, the technical feasibility of the entire process will be demonstrated with a 500-hour long-term test.