HydrAPlas: Green ammonia using plasma technology

Green hydrogen is seen as a promising way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving fossil resources. However, there are still a few hurdles to overcome, for example in the transportation of hydrogen. In this context, ammonia is being discussed as a hydrogen carrier for transportation over long distances due to its properties, such as low liquefaction temperature and higher volumetric energy density. However, catalytic systems and high temperatures have so far been necessary to convert it back into hydrogen. In "HydrAPlas", an innovative system for ammonia splitting by cold plasma is being developed, which is intended to achieve a reconversion to hydrogen with a high degree of efficiency. To implement the system, ceramic and metallic material systems are being selected, design concepts developed, plasma systems designed, constructed and evaluated and requirement profiles for input gas flows for ammonia decomposition developed.

In addition, ammonia sources from wastewater are to be used to generate hydrogen in order to leverage regional energy potential and simultaneously reduce further emissions. Ceramic membranes are used to extract and process ammonia gas from aqueous media. For this purpose, wastewater samples are characterized, membrane contactors are developed, adapted test stands are created and laboratory tests are carried out.

As part of a system evaluation, cross-thematic application scenarios and associated market potentials are being developed, techno-economic assessments carried out and upscaling strategies developed. Fraunhofer IKTS is coordinating the work and acting as an interface between the work of the joint partners. The project results are an important intermediate step on the path from pilot plant-based research and development work to practical, industrial implementation.

HydrAPlas: Green ammonia using plasma technology

Contact Press / Media

Dr.-Ing. Steffen Ziesche