Highlights 2025

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Highlights 2025

With the help of this expertise, ZSW was recently able to successfully transfer a modular alkaline electrolysis demonstrator from test operation to regular operation. Endress+Hauser also relies on innovative Heartbeat Technology to further optimize process efficiency and avoid potential issues such as quality changes or pressure drops at an early stage. This allows for continuous self-diagnosis of the appliances and supports long-term safe and efficient operational management through predictive maintenance measures. “The trend, particularly with PEM electrolysers, is to measure direct para- meters for stack service life. In addition, hydrogen quality is becoming increasingly important – 99.999% can only be achieved if you have the water treatment and the process under control.” Jens Hundrieser, Regional Industry Manager In addition to alkaline electrolysis (AEL), proton exchange membrane electrolysis (PEM) is an important process, such as that used by the hydrogen company Quest One (formerly H-TEC Systems). Precise measuring instruments from Endress+Hauser are also used here, such as the Coriolis F300 thermal mass flowmeter. The FMP51 level sensor and the Cerabar PMP51B pressure transmitter also ensure safe and reliable control of the gas separators. In the future, new technologies such as high-temperature electrolyzers will also play a greater role, which will require even more sophisticated measurement technology. With its precise instruments, Endress+Hauser is well positioned to meet the growing demands of hydrogen technology and therefore bridge the gap to a climate-neutral industry. Sustainable use of water as a resource In addition to the technical requirements for an electrolyzer, a considerable volume of water is also needed to produce hydrogen. For example, nine kilograms of ultrapure water are required to produce one kilogram of hydrogen. In water-scarce, particu larly dry regions, seawater is therefore used instead of fresh

Scalable, production-ready system demonstrator for alkaline pressure electrolysis with an output of 1 MWel.

and surface water. For one kilogram of hydrogen, around 30 kilograms of seawater must therefore be treated using reverse osmosis. To avoid wasting this valuable resource, it is crucial to use precise measurement technology in the upstream processes of electrolysis. This ensures that effi ciency is monitored, cleaning or regeneration is initiated in good time, and the optimum water quality for electrolysis is guaranteed. Focus on quality assurance After the production of hydrogen, the focus shifts to quality assurance and then to safe transportation. At the outlet of the electrolysis cells, the hydrogen must be continuously checked for purity to ensure efficient further processing. Modern optical analyzers measure the trace oxygen content and trace moisture in real time to ensure that the hydrogen meets the required specifications. Depending on the infrastructure, the hydrogen can then be transported via repurposed natural gas pipelines, blended systems or newly constructed pipelines. Advanced technologies such as TDLAS technology from Endress+Hauser are used here, which minimize the risk of corrosion in the pipelines with the help of real-time measurements of specific molecules. Liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) are an alternative method for storing and transporting hydrogen over long