Hydrogen Usage

Energized Solutions: Refuelling the future with thermoplastic piping systems transporting divers media within hydrogen fuel cell systems. We produce injection molded and extruded plastic components for safe and reliable hydrogen type IV storage tanks.

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Powering Tomorrow

Hydrogen boasts high versatility as one of its key strengths. It can be used for stationary applications for heat generation or introduced into fuel cells to directly generate electricity via an electrochemical process – all with high efficiency and low power losses. Hydrogen fuel cells are an extremely environmentally friendly technology, emitting only water and heat as byproducts. Storing compressed hydrogen in lightweight composite cylinders allows for enhanced payload capacity and facilitates large-scale storage and transportation. We provide inner pipes for high-pressure tank liners, ensuring superior gas barrier properties and impact resistance. Our hydrogen tank components, made from polyamide resins, accommodate various diameters and lengths for applications in hydrogen. 

Applications for Tank IV Hydrogen Tanks

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Energised Hydrogen Storage

Hydrogen, as the lightest element, naturally exists in a gaseous state under ambient conditions, albeit with low volumetric energy density. Despite the advantages of various storage methods, challenges persist. Compressed Gaseous Hydrogen (CGH2), stored in high-pressure vessels, emerges as a viable option for both stationary and transport applications, such as buses and trucks.​

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High Pressure Inner Liner Tank Components

GF Piping Systems specializes in high-quality, high-pressure tank liners for storage at 700 bar, suitable for transport applications. Crafted from different grades of PA and PE, our products offer both - unparalleled gas barrier properties but also exceptional impact resistance. Furthermore, we are dedicated to producing domes for Type IV hydrogen tanks, ensuring dependable storage solutions for a wide range of applications such as automotive, hydrogen transportation, and stationary storage.

Applications for Proton-Exchange-Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell Systems

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Cooling Circuits in a PEM Fuel Cell System

The presence of cooling loops is of utmost importance within PEM fuel cell systems, as they serve to regulate the operating temperature of the cells. These loops play a pivotal role in dissipating excess heat generated during the electrochemical reactions within the fuel cell stack. A coolant, typically a liquid such as water or a water-glycol mixture, circulates through the fuel cell stack to absorb excess heat generated during operation. By maintaining optimal operating temperatures, cooling loops ensure the efficiency and longevity of the PEM fuel cell system. They prevent thermal issues, provide structural integrity and reliability, are vital for consistent power output, and minimize the risk of overheating.

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Efficient Media Transport in a PEM Fuel Cell

When combined with a hydrogen storage system, Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems have the capacity to facilitate the generation of environmentally friendly energy. These versatile systems can be applied across a spectrum of uses, ranging from small-scale individual cells to large-scale virtual power plants, providing heat and power for buildings, off-grid applications, as well as propulsion for vehicles, planes, and ships. It is evident that there is a growing interest in the potential of hydrogen in the realm of transportation, which has consequently drawn significant attention to fuel cells.

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FAQs

What is a hydrogen fuel cell and how does it work?

A hydrogen fuel cell is adevice that transforms hydrogen's chemical energy into electricity via an electrochemical reaction. In essence: 

  1. Hydrogen Supply: Hydrogen is fed into the anode. 
  2. Electrochemical Reaction: The hydrogen splits into protons and electrons. Protons move to the cathode, while electrons flow through a circuit, generating electricity. 
  3. Oxygen Supply: Air's oxygen reaches the cathode. 
  4. Water Formation: Combine at the cathode, protons, electrons, and oxygen form water and release heat. 

This process not only produces electricity but also produces water and heat, branding hydrogen fuel cells as an exceptionally sustainable and effective power source. 

  • Our contribution: At the heart of this ecosystem, GF Piping Systems excels by offering superior polymer piping solutions critical for transporting media. 

What role do cooling loops play in PEM fuel cell systems and how might GF Piping Systems' solutions add value?

In PEM fuel cell systems, the cooling loops are of utmost importance as they serve to prevent overheating, maintain optimal operating efficiency, and ensure consistent performance and longevity. The solutions provided by GF Piping Systems offer valuable contributions in this regard, with their corrosion-resistant, high-durability polymer pipes facilitating reliable and efficient coolant circulation. This safeguards the fuel cell stack and improves overall system reliability. 

How does GF Piping Systems produce the inner liner and dome components of Type IV tanks?

The inner liner and dome components for Type IV hydrogen storage tanks at GF are produced using  advanced extrusion techniquess made from high-performance polymers such as different grade of polyamide and PE. These materials offer excellent gas barrier properties and impact resistance. 

Here are some benefits of using extrusion: 

  • Precision and Consistency: Our extrusion techniques allow for a higher quality and uniformity of the tubes. The challenge is to keep the exact same (very small) wall thickness all over the length of the tank.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Extrusion is a cost-effective mass manufacturing process, reducing material waste and production costs while maintaining high quality. 

GF Piping Systems' expertise in extrusion technology ensures the inner liner components meet the stringent requirements for hydrogen storage, contributing to the safe and efficient use of hydrogen as a clean energy source. For more information about the process, visit GF DEKA.

What technology GF offers for cooling loops in hydrogen PEM fuel cell systems?

GF Piping Systems provides polymer piping solutions for air and cooling loops in PEM fuel cell systems. The cooling circuit typically includes a coolant (such as water or a water-glycol mixture), a pump for circulating the coolant, a radiator for dissipating heat, and sensors for monitoring temperature. 

The advantages of using polymer piping systems from GF Piping Systems include: 

  • Corrosion Resistance:  Polymer piping systems from GF Piping Systems are highly resistant to corrosion, unlike traditional metal pipes, ensuring a longer lifespan and reducing maintenance costs. 
  • No Metallic Residue:  Since polymer pipes do not corrode, there is no risk of metallic residue contaminating the coolant, maintaining the purity and efficiency of the cooling system. 
  • Lightweight and Durable: Polymer pipes are significantly lighter than metal pipes, making them easier to install and handle. Despite their lightweight nature, they are durable. 
  • Energy Efficiency:  Liquid cooling systems with polymer piping are more energy-efficient as they provide better thermal management, which is crucial for precise temperature control applications, proven in industries like microelectronics or data centers and also applicable for fuel cell systems. 
Georg Fischer Piping Systems (Switzerland) Ltd. - GF International

Amsler-Laffon-Strasse 9

8200 Schaffhausen

Switzerland

GF logo on the headquarters building