For hydrogen applications, such as electrolytic cells and fuel cells – systems involving less challenging operating conditions than hydrogen refueling systems with PCHE printed circuit exchangers – our partner Kaori has developed, through years of experience in the sector, a complete range of brazed plate exchangers, ideal for the production of green hydrogen through electrolysis and for fuel cells.
Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert the chemical energy of hydrogen into electrical energy with high efficiency, producing water and heat as a byproduct. Green hydrogen (green H2) is therefore hydrogen generated from renewable energy sources, with no carbon emissions. Water electrolysis is the most commonly used method for hydrogen generation, using a chemical reaction that separates hydrogen from oxygen.
As a green energy, green hydrogen can therefore be used in a variety of sectors, replacing fossil fuels and promoting the energy transition. Green hydrogen can be used for fuel cells, but it can also serve as a direct energy source for aviation, marine, automotive, and heavy-duty transportation, as well as for on-site industrial power generation.
Regardless of the type of electrolytic cell technology – be it PEMEC (proton exchange membrane electrolyzer), AEMEC (anion exchange membrane electrolyzer), AEL (alkaline electrolyzer), SOEC (solid oxide electrolyzer), or any other electrolysis technology – brazed exchangers offer high-value, high-efficiency solutions for electrolysis equipment, electrolytes, reaction water and gas preheating, working fluid cooling, and system energy recovery.
For these hydrogen applications, Kaori offers two types of brazed plate exchangers: the high-nickel alloy exchangers are the ideal solution for high-temperature SOEC/SOFC applications, capable of operating at temperatures up to 900°C. The new full-stainless steel brazed exchangers use stainless steel as the brazing filler material. This makes them suitable for hydrogen generation via PEM electrolysis and for fuel systems, or for low-conductivity deionized water that does not allow the passage of copper ions.
