A patented Technology
Advantages of the ERGOSUP process:
- Safely store large quantities of hydrogen over the long term
- Produce pure hydrogen directly at high pressure without mechanical compression
The Zhyncelec split electrolysis:
Our patented technology is based on an innovative electrolysis process carried out in two successive steps:
- Step 1: the electric current generates a zinc deposit on one electrode and the production of dioxygen O2 on the other electrode. This step consumes electricity but does not yet produce hydrogen gas.
- Step 2: without any electric current, the zinc dissolves spontaneously in the electrolyte and hydrogen H2 gas is produced. At the end of step 2, just add water and the cycle can repeat.
After step 1, it is possible to store the zinc and the electrolyte for a very long period of time
During step 2, hydrogen is released at pressures between 10 and 400 bar without mechanical compression
La vidéo ci-dessous illustre l’emploi d’un électrolyseur ERGOSUP dans une application pour drones à hydrogène.
Why choose the ERGOSUP technology?
Our process differs from conventional water electrolysis and offers many advantages:
Seasonal energy storage
After step 1, it is possible to stop the cycle and store the zinc and the electrolyte (containing hydrogen in ionic form) over long periods of time. It will then be possible to restore the hydrogen in large quantities on demand. It is an integrated and flexible seasonal energy storage solution.
Production of hydrogen directly at high pressure
Production of hydrogen directly at high pressure: the generation of hydrogen being isolated in step 2, and in the absence of a membrane, it is possible to let the pressure in the electrolyser increase freely. Hydrogen is therefore produced at the desired pressure without using any mechanical compressor thanks to electrochemical compression
Purity of the hydrogen
Unlike conventional electrolysis, hydrogen is produced alone during step 2, and its purity will be inherently very high regardless of the current density used during step 1.
Decoupling the need for electricity and hydrogen production
Electricity consumption is decoupled from hydrogen production. In particular, this allows efficient coupling with intermittent renewable energies since the hydrogen can be released outside of electricity production periods.
Electrical flexibility
During step 1, it is possible to modulate the supply of electricity if necessary, for example, in the event of coupling with a renewable energy source, variation in the price of electricity, or load shedding and management of the electrical network.
Simplicity and safety
Oxygen is not produced at the same time as the production of hydrogen, which increases safety and avoids the use of separation membranes as in conventional electrolyzers.
Regulatory aspects
ERGOSUP’s split electrolysis technology involves sulfuric acid and hydrogen, substances which are subject to ICPE regulations (classified installations for environmental protection) as soon as they are used in equipment and depending on the quantities:
- Use of acid electrolyte (20% sulfuric acid): the installation will not be subject to the ICPE 1611 regulation, which concerns the use or storage of acids (including sulfuric acid) with a concentration greater than 25%
- Hydrogen production (ICPE 1415): possible exemption from the ICPE declaration by negotiation with the local DREAL for systems with a production capacity of less than 2 kg of H2 / day.
- Storage (ICPE 4715) or use of hydrogen: not subject to declaration for storage systems below 2 kg.