Current and future research in Wels, presentation of the hydrogen research centre

Description

As part of the HyBRID project, an innovative research and testing infrastructure for hydrogen technologies is being developed and established to advance the industrial application of hydrogen in Upper Austria. The hydrogen research center is intended to serve as a central platform for testing and further developing technologies essential for successful decarbonization across various industrial sectors. In this context, the needs of the regional industry, the technological expertise of the FH OÖ at the Wels Campus, and the relevant political and ecological frameworks are particularly considered.

The focus of the research center is on four key areas that are particularly relevant for the use of hydrogen in industry:

· Thermal Use of Hydrogen in High-Temperature Processes: This research area examines how hydrogen can be utilized as an energy source, especially in the steel and metal industries, as well as other energy-intensive sectors that could benefit from the transition to hydrogen.

· Interactions of Hydrogen with Materials and Components: This aspect investigates how hydrogen can chemically influence materials and compromise the structural integrity of components, necessitating a deep understanding of material properties and potential corrosion mechanisms.

· Application of Hydrogen in Electrical Grid Integration: The framework for fundamental research on fuel cell systems as an energy source for grid coupling and storage options with electrolyzers is being established. Necessary infrastructure is being built, and initial foundational research questions are being addressed. Stabilizing grid fluctuations is especially crucial during the transition to renewable energy supplies.

· Process Engineering Use of Hydrogen: This area involves a thorough investigation of the purity and composition of hydrogen obtained from renewable sources, as well as the examination of potential contaminants arising from storage and transport. Furthermore, methanization processes using zeolite and the storage of hydrogen in solid materials are being explored. A 3D simulation of hydrogen processes is also conducted, closely coordinated with combustion simulations.

The presentation will detail specific research focuses of the project and describe the current status, particularly regarding infrastructure development and ongoing tests. The goal is to establish a research center that promotes both academic research and industrial development, advancing the use of hydrogen in various industries and applications.

Period	4 Nov 2024
Event title	Wasserstoff.Brücke Wels
Event type	Conference
Location	Wels, AustriaShow on map
Degree of Recognition	National