Elektrolyzers

Green hydrogen is produced through water electrolysis and green electric energy. The water molecule, which consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, is split, resulting in hydrogen and oxygen gases.

There are different types of electrolyzers. The most common today is the alkaline type, followed by PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane). Now, there is also our own Electron Beam electrolyzer, a completely new and revolutionary method for producing hydrogen.

Alkaline Elektrolyzers

This is the oldest and most common technology. An alkaline electrolyte is used, usually a water solution with potassium hydroxide (KOH) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH), to conduct electricity between the plates.
It has been used for several decades and is the technology employed in large-scale projects due to its economies of scale. One advancement is pressurized alkaline electrolyzers, which make them more flexible.
The downside is that energy consumption is higher. Normally, just over 50 kWh is needed to produce one kilogram of hydrogen.

PEM Elektrolyzers

PEM Electrolyzer, or Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer, uses a solid polymer membrane as the electrolyte.
This type of electrolyzer has higher efficiency and shorter startup time compared to alkaline electrolyzers. They are somewhat more energy-efficient than alkaline electrolyzers and can operate at higher pressures.
However, they are also more expensive, use precious metals like iridium, ruthenium and palladium, and have higher maintenance costs.
Additionally, they require the use of ultra-purified water.

SCL E-beam elektrolyzer

This is a completely new method of producing hydrogen from water. Instead of relying on ion migration with accompanying oxidation and reduction, water molecules are broken apart using an electromagnetic field with a precise energy and wavelength.
Significantly less energy is required to split water this way—only 10 kWh is enough to produce 1 kg of hydrogen!
It has a fast startup time, operates at room temperature, at normal pressure, and produces no excess heat. Another advantage is that no electrolyte is needed—just regular water, which doesn’t even need to be specially purified. You can even use seawater!

Advantages of SCL's E-beam Electrolysis

The biggest and most remarkable advantage of SCL's technology is the low amount of energy required for hydrogen production. The electrical energy needed is only one-fifth compared to other electrolysis methods. It’s so astonishing that you have to see it to believe it.
Another advantage is that any type of water can be used. Since 10 liters of water are needed for every kilogram of hydrogen, water consumption is high, and if the water needs to be purified, it adds extra steps and costs.
An additional benefit is that the process has no energy losses. Energy losses typically produce heat that needs to be cooled. In this case, the water stays around 40°C the entire time, and no cooling is required.

The World’s Cheapest Green Hydrogen

Several companies are investing heavily in research to produce hydrogen with lower energy losses. The large hydrogen projects being planned require vast amounts of electricity. This makes the projects expensive, and it may be difficult to supply all the electricity needed.

That the technology from SCL and Professor Lee can produce 1 kg of hydrogen using only 10 kWh/kg sounds too good to be true. This opens up completely new possibilities for achieving profitability and reduces dependence on available green electricity.