Energy

The move to hydrogen power has been boosted following the release of details about a new hydrogen production device, developed by a Shanghai-based technology R&D group, and available in Australia and New Zealand through ITSG.

The catalytic dehydrogenation process uses bioethanol as a renewable resource to produce hydrogen and has the potential to revolutionize the way in which power is supplied and vehicles refueled.

For many years there have been significant challenges associated with the storage and distribution of hydrogen, principally for safety reasons. However, our Shanghai-based technology partners have developed an effective solution to these issues, whilst also satisfying the demands of a low carbon energy future.
The technology revolves around the construction of a small device that generates hydrogen instantaneously through a catalytic conversion of liquid fuels with high density energy. Tests carried out in China successfully demonstrated that the process of converting industrial ethanol by chemical plant, and ethanol raw materials by biological fermentation remains stable when run
continuously through the device.

This catalytic dehydrogenation process for producing hydrogen compares favourably against other hydrogen production methods, with low energy required, no carbon monoxide recovery or carbon
dioxide emissions, or other environmental pollution problems. The by-product, ethyl acetate, is also easy to be recovered and has a high utilization value as an important chemical raw material. The
small hydrogen production device is especially suitable for power stations in remote areas and potentially for the future refuelling of hydrogen-powered vehicles.