Hydrogen and Heat Integration

The research field “Hydrogen and Heat Integration” focuses on the efficient coupling of energy flows along hydrogen-based process chains - from production and storage through to utilisation. These chains involve several conversion steps during which significant energy losses occur, particulary in the form of heat.
A key approach to improving efficiency is the combination of a holistic systems perspective and thermal process integration. Rather than optimising individual components in isolation, the overall system is viewed as an interconnected energy system. Heat generated im individual process steps is systematically captured, exchanged between processes, temporarily stored and brought to suitable temperature levels to make it reusable. Through this integrated approach, interactions between subsystems canbe specifically relevant from an economic perspective, as it enables the cost of hydrogen production to be lowered. The combination of systematic analysis and consistent thermal integration thus represents a key factor in the development of high-performance, sustainable and cost-effective hydrogen energy systems.