1-What is hydrogen energy?

Hydrogen energy is the sustainable alternative to tomorrow's energy and is playing an increasingly important role in the global energy transition. As a colorless, odorless and non-toxic gas, hydrogen is considered a potentially crucial player in national and international strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It has the highest energy content per unit mass and is seen as a key energy carrier in future low-carbon scenarios, promoting the development of a hydrogen economy. Hydrogen can be produced using renewable and waste materials as energy sources, making it an environmentally friendly option for providing electricity, heat, and fuel for various sectors such as industry, transportation, and energy storage. Although hydrogen is promising, overall environmental sustainability remains a question to be answered. Its broad applicability and versatility make hydrogen a valuable resource in combating climate change and promoting sustainable energy solutions.

2-Application of hydrogen in industry

Industrial application of hydrogen energy:

Hydrogen is used to produce ammonia, methanol and other chemicals used in the chemical industry, among others. In addition, hydrogen is used in refineries among other things to remove sulfur and in the steel industry as a reducing agent to reduce CO2 emissions. In the food industry, hydrogen is used in refining sugar and producing margarine, among other things. Hydrogen is also increasingly seen in the transportation and construction industries as an alternative fuel for heavy vehicles such as cranes, trucks, buses and trains.

• Application of hydrogen in the transportation sector:

To meet the needs of hydrogen vehicles, it is necessary to build hydrogen refueling stations to supply hydrogen energy. This includes both the development of vehicles suitable for hydrogen and the construction of hydrogen refueling stations

• Application of hydrogen in hybrid

energy systems: Although hydrogen is currently used primarily in industry, additional research is taking place on broader application of hydrogen in energy storage and delivery. A number of processes precede a hydrogen energy storage system.

During the first stage, water (H2O) is split into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) by electrolysis. Electrolysis uses electricity to separate water molecules from their individual components. This electricity can come from renewable solar or wind energy.

The hydrogen gas produced is then stored in suitable storage systems. This takes place under pressure (compressed hydrogen) or in liquid form (liquid hydrogen).

• Hydrogen energy cogeneration joint supply:

The relationship between hydrogen energy and cogeneration (also known as CHP or combined heat and power) lies in the potential of hydrogen to produce both electricity and heat in an integrated energy system.

By coupling hydrogen energy with cogeneration, systems can use energy resources more efficiently while providing electricity and heat for hydrogen application. This contributes to a more sustainable energy supply.

3-Technology of hydrogen production, hydrogen storage and hydrogen transportation

The technology of hydrogen production is constantly evolving, with a focus on finding sustainable and efficient methods. Technologies such as biomass gasification, biogas steam reforming and water electrolysis are gaining popularity for their ability to utilize renewable resources and produce clean hydrogen. These developments are essential for achieving a sustainable energy economy and reducing the impact of climate change.

Storage, transportation and distribution of hydrogen are essential challenges to the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier. Because hydrogen has a very low density (contains less energy per unit volume than conventional fuels) and also has the ability to permeate metallic materials, development of safe, reliable and cost-effective hydrogen storage and transportation is of paramount importance.

Explanation illustration:

Depending on specific needs, hydrogen can be transported in different ways. On the left side, physical storage options are shown (compressed hydrogen gas, liquid hydrogen and cryo-compressed hydrogen). On the right side, chemical storage options are shown, so-called LOHCs (liquid organic hydrogen carriers), carbon nanotubes and MOFs (metal-organic structures).

4- Safe and reliable condition for hydrogen production, hydrogen storage and hydrogen transportation

Safe and reliable conditions for hydrogen production, storage and transportation are essential for promoting the growth of the hydrogen economy. Indispensable here is accurate measurement and control of temperature and pressure throughout the process.

In hydrogen production, temperature and pressure conditions must be carefully monitored. This is to maintain optimal reaction conditions and ensure safety. Thus, unwanted incidents are prevented and the production process runs as efficiently as possible.

In hydrogen storage, controlling temperature and pressure is important to maintain the required condition in the storage containers and minimize the risk of leaks or explosions. Through continuous monitoring of temperature and pressure, potential safety hazards can be identified in a timely manner. Moreover, accurate level measurement of hydrogen when applied in storage tanks, filling and emptying them, is essential to prevent overflow and pressure buildup.

When hydrogen is applied in the transportation sector, temperature and pressure conditions must be closely monitored en route to ensure safe and efficient transportation. Reliable measurements of temperature and pressure in transport lines are essential to detect and correct any anomalies or failures in a timely manner. Through advanced flow, temperature and pressure sensors, operators can monitor the transportation process in real time and adjust it as needed, ensuring the safety and reliability of hydrogen transportation.

For example, the hydrogen storage application uses storage tanks pressurized from about 200 bar to as high as 690 bar, while transport via pipelines, ships and trains also has specific pressure requirements. In addition, temperature monitoring uses precise sensors ranging from -253 °C for liquid hydrogen to -233 °C for cryo-compression hydrogen transport.

5-What valuable contribution is JUMO making to this industry?

Hydrogen is a highly combustible gas that requires only a small amount of ignition force to ignite. This is why it is so important to monitor pressure and temperature continuously and accurately. At JUMO, we understand that hydrogen technologies require sophisticated sensors and measurement equipment to work with them safely and efficiently.

Our extensive product portfolio for temperature measurement includes more than 40 different sensors, including RTD temperature sensors and thermocouples suitable for a wide range of hydrogen applications. Certified up to SIL 3, these sensors provide reliable and accurate measurement even under extreme conditions. With more than 70 years of experience in temperature and pressure measurement technology, JUMO has the knowledge and expertise to provide the right measurement solution for most hydrogen applications.

Our pressure transmitters, such as the JUMO MIDAS S05 and the JUMO dTRANS p20, are designed with reliability and durability in mind. Suitable for both relative and absolute pressure measurements, these transmitters can be used in a wide range of applications, from industrial processes to explosive environments. Our high-quality sensors and measurement equipment provide the accuracy, reliability and durability required for the successful implementation of hydrogen technologies.

In addition, JUMO offers data management solutions that allow users to accurately track and analyze the performance of their hydrogen systems. Our sensors feature advanced technologies, such as HART interface, Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) and IO-Link, which allow users to easily adjust settings and optimize the performance of their systems.

Contact us today and find out what valuable contribution JUMO can make in supporting your hydrogen project for a more sustainable future.

1-Level measurement and control in hydrogen technology

JUMO's solutions and sensors:

JUMO NESOS R01 LS Typ 408301, 408302

This float switch for level measurement is ideally suited for energy systems such as hydrogen applications. Thanks to its horizontal design, the NESOS is suitable for wall mounting in tanks and containers. The switch provides up to 2 switching contacts for redundant level measurement.

2-Temperature measurement and control in
hydrogen technology

JUMO's solutions and sensors:

JUMO VIBROtemp Typ 902040

The screw-in resistance sensors in the JUMO VIBROtemp series reliably measure temperature in commercial vehicles, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, engines and compressors, even under pressure. The sensors are excellent for hydrogen applications

2-Temperature measurement and control in hydrogen technology

JUMO's solutions and sensors:

JUMO VIBROtemp Typ 902040

The screw-in resistance sensors in the JUMO VIBROtemp series reliably measure temperature in commercial vehicles, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, engines and compressors, even under pressure. The sensors are excellent for hydrogen applications

• JUMO thermokoppels Typ 901250

De (mantel) thermokoppels van JUMO, voorzien van een drukfitting, kunnen worden gebruikt in waterstoftoepassingen tot meer dan 1000 bar. De thermokoppels zijn uitgevoerd met een flexibele, dunwandige omhulde mantel waarin de thermokoppeldraden zijn ingebed in geperst vuurvast magnesiumoxide. De goede warmteoverdracht tussen de mantel en het thermokoppel zorgt voor korte reactietijden en een hoge meetnauwkeurigheid.

3. Pressure measurement and control in hydrogen technology.

JUMO's solutions and sensors
- JUMO MIDAS S05 Typ 401005
This pressure sensor is mainly used in machine and plant engineering and is suitable for hydrogen applications in electrolyzers, synthesis plants and mobile fuel cells. JUMO MIDAS S05 records relative and absolute pressure. The measuring system is fully welded and can be used in all media. Even at the lowest measuring range, the silicon sensor is available.
- JUMO dTRANS p20 Typ 403025
This process pressure sensor measures the relative and absolute pressure of gases, vapors and liquids and is suitable for hydrogen applications in electrolysers, synthesis plant and mobile fuel cells. The recessed process connection is also suitable for hygienic application.

4-Conductivity measurement for hydrogen applications

JUMO's solutions and sensors

JUMO tecLine CR Typ 202924and JUMO ecoTRANS Lf 03

Type of application: electrolyzer, ultra pure water, Osmosis, fuel cell cooling circuit

The reliable production of ultra pure water from drinking water, purified spring water or sea water is a fundamental prerequisite for water electrolysis. Indeed, all minerals and salts must first be removed by reverse osmosis or other techniques to produce hydrogen of the required purity. The combination of ecoTRANS Lf 03 conductivity transmitter/switch with the tecLine CR conductivity sensor is an excellent analog solution for this process.

In combination with JUMO digiLine CR ST10, the JUMO ecoTRANS Lf sensor (RS485, IO-Link) forms a digital solution for the above process.

5-Motion measurement and control in hydrogen technology.

JUMO's solutions and sensors

Temperature and humidity sensor type 907023

Application type: moisture measurement in anode circuit and cathode circuit fuel cell

Fuel cells are used in both stationary and mobile applications on a very wide scale. To ensure maximum safety, approvals, precision and reliability when working with fuel cells, JUMO offers a wide range of temperature and humidity sensors for precise process control. The robust metal housing is IP65 designed.

6-Safety monitoring, up to SIL 3

JUMO's solutions and sensors

JUMO safetyM STB/STW Ex type 701155

Type of application: safety monitoring, up to SIL 3, hydrogen pressure monitoring and hydrogen temperature monitoring

Due to the high flammability of hydrogen, functional safety in hydrogen applications should not be taken lightly. This is where JUMO Safety Performance (JSP) comes into play; a brand that stands for the highest level of plant safety. It includes equipment with SIL and PL certification, as well as passive elements for use in SIL and PL measurement chains.