Ayrton Energy Develops Innovative Way to Safely Store Hydrogen
Hydrogen, as a fuel, has numerous advantages, such as being able to replace coal for heat, generate electricity through an electrolyzer, and refuel vehicles rapidly. However, storing hydrogen safely and efficiently poses a challenge due to its lightweight nature. Hydrogen tends to leak through tiny cracks and can break down certain metals by diffusing into them. Typically, compression or liquefaction is used for transportation, both of which require significant energy. Ayrton Energy has introduced an alternative method by attaching hydrogen atoms to a carrier molecule for easier transportation.
Ayrton Energy's liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) can be transported and processed at room temperature and pressure, unlike traditional carriers that rely on volatile and toxic organic compounds. The company's non-toxic alternative to traditional LOHC can be handled safely and resembles water in appearance.
The founders of Ayrton Energy initially aimed to replace diesel generators with clean hydrogen-powered ones but faced the challenge of finding a suitable hydrogen storage solution. Drawing inspiration from the process of turning canola oil into margarine, the company stores hydrogen in a manner similar to hydrogenation of oil. This innovative approach allows for efficient storage and release of hydrogen using commercially available equipment.
Ayrton Energy's transportation method for their hydrogenated LOHC does not require specialized infrastructure and can utilize existing pipelines, rail cars, and trucks. The company's process is energy-efficient and cost-effective compared to other methods like liquefaction or compression. With recent seed funding, Ayrton Energy plans to scale up its technology to produce two to three tons of hydrogen per day by 2027.