February 27, 2022
As part of a joint project with Japanese TDK, it has developed technology for producing ammonia directly from water at very low pressure and temperature relative to existing processes. TDK will invest additional capital in the project
GenCell Energy, which develops backup and power supply systems based on the use of alkaline fuel cells, announced today (Sunday) in a report to the stock exchange that as part of its joint development project with TDK, which began about a year ago, the company achieved a breakthrough Significantly scientific when it comes to ammonia production in a clean process with no emissions. The company did not give many details about the breakthrough, but noted that it allows the production of green ammonia directly from water at very low pressure and temperature relative to the ammonia production processes known today. That is, the production process requires less investment of energy, and therefore also less polluting. Jencel shares are soaring following the announcement by about 7% as of Sunday afternoon.
About a year ago, Jensel and TDK signed a collaboration project to develop a system for the clean production of ammonia, without carbon dioxide emissions. TDK has invested $ 1.5 million in the project in exchange for being the first to acquire the prototype and enter into a commercial agreement. Magnesl said TDK had considered the breakthrough, and decided to exercise its right and continue to invest in the project.
Ammonia is a hydrogen-rich compound, and therefore it is a raw material for feeding hydrogen fuel cells. Gencel’s development goal is to produce green ammonia at sites where its fuel cells will be used to generate clean electricity, thus overcoming the logistical challenges involved in transporting and storing hydrogen and ammonia. Ammonia is currently used as a raw material for fertilizers in the agricultural industry, for marine propulsion, for the semiconductor industry and as mentioned, as a carrier of hydrogen for the energy economy. According to Gencel, the value of the ammonia market is currently estimated at about $ 70 billion, and it is expected to grow in the coming years, to a market value of about $ 350 billion.
Ammonia is produced through a reaction between the elements hydrogen and nitrogen, in a process called Haber – Bosch. The process is carried out at a high temperature of about 500 degrees and under high pressure conditions and therefore requires a lot of energy. According to estimates, due to the many uses of ammonia, as a percentage of total global energy consumption is used to produce ammonia. Today, heat generation for the production process is done by burning polluting fuels like coal and oil. That is, even if hydrogen fuel cells do not emit carbon dioxide, the process of producing ammonia and hydrogen for nail polish cells involves a lot of pollution. There are many entities in the United States, Japan, Australia and the UK that are trying to develop alternative processes for ammonia production, through the use of renewable energies like solar, wind, nuclear and the like.
Clean electricity production using hydrogen and oxygen
A fuel cell is an alternative method of generating electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, which causes the generation of electric current and the emission of heat energy. This method is considered clean because the only by-product in the process is water, with no emission of polluting gases. Gencel has been able to significantly lower electricity production costs through the development of fuel cell technology that allows hydrogen to be used at an industrial level, which is cheaper, and without the use of precious metals like platinum as a catalyst.
The company has so far launched three main products. The G5 Long Duration UPS is a non-stop system, based on fuel cells, which serves as a backup system, with a power of 5 kilowatts, for critical infrastructure facilities and emergency systems, in order to ensure the continuous power supply even in cases of outages and power outages. .
The G5rx system is essentially similar to the G5, but it includes a protective cage that ensures its function even in cases of earthquakes. The system recently received an earthquake resistance certification in the United States (IEEE 693), which will allow it to be marketed to facilities in earthquake-prone areas. Unlike the two G5 systems, which are used as backup systems, the A5 is a primary system for continuous power supply for facilities in remote areas that are not connected to the power grid.
Posted in categories: Energy and Environment, News, Cleantech
Posted in tags: TDK, Ammonia, Gensel
