The hydrogen economy is an emerging concept that envisions hydrogen playing a key role alongside renewable electricity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve a sustainable energy future. While most hydrogen today is produced from natural gas, emitting CO2 in the process, the goal is to transition to low-carbon hydrogen made using renewable power or natural gas with carbon capture. Hydrogen holds the potential to decarbonize sectors that are challenging to electrify, including heavy industry, long-distance transportation, and long-term energy storage. In heavy industry, hydrogen could replace fossil fuels in high-temperature processes, serve as a feedstock for green ammonia and chemicals, and potentially replace coal in steelmaking. Hydrogen is envisioned for transportation in shipping, aviation, and heavy trucks via hydrogen-derived synthetic fuels and fuel cell technology.
Role of Valve in Hydrogen
Economy
Valves play a crucial role in the
hydrogen economy by ensuring the safe and efficient handling of hydrogen gas.
Hydrogen valves are engineered to endure the distinctive characteristics of
hydrogen, such as its low density and high diffusivity. They are used
throughout the hydrogen value chain, from production and transportation to
end-use applications. Emerson's Fisher control valves have been used in a
variety of hydrogen applications, gaseous as well as liquid. Control valve
designs are available for cryogenic to high-temperature hydrogen applications
from ANSI CL150-2500 with higher pressures possible depending on the
application. These control valves are designed to be used in any blend
application from low natural gas blend rate to 100% hydrogen. One of the key
considerations in designing hydrogen valves is the operating pressure. Valves
used in hydrogen applications can be subjected to extremely high pressures,
ranging from 413 bar for high-pressure ball valves to even higher pressures in
specialized applications. To ensure safety and reliability, these valves must
be made from materials compatible with hydrogen and can withstand the expected
temperatures and pressures without leaking or deformation.
Below are the typical
conditions that a hydrogen
valve should have:
Pressures: H2 must be
stored in on-vehicle tanks at pressures ranging from 350 to 700 bar to attain
the desired density.
Stress and vibration:
Systems must endure high speeds, rough terrain, and adverse weather conditions.
Safety: Refueling stations
must be designed to be safely operable by the average consumer.
Maintenance: Ability to
effortlessly recreate leak-tight joints during servicing.
Type of Valve Used in Hydrogen
Application
Hydrogen valves come in various
types, each designed to handle the unique challenges of hydrogen gas. The most
common types include:
Ball valves: Provide quick
on/off control of hydrogen flow. They are often trunnion-mounted with
direct-load stem seals to ensure leak-tight performance.
Needle valves: Allow
precise adjustment of hydrogen flow. They are typically all-metal construction
and require significant force to seal properly. High-quality stainless steel is
preferred to resist hydrogen embrittlement.
Check valves: Prevent
backflow in hydrogen refueling systems. Ball check valves are commonly used in
hydrogen compressors due to their resistance to rapid temperature and pressure
changes.
Other valve types like gate,
globe, and butterfly valves are also used in various hydrogen applications.
Factor driving and challenging
the market
The hydrogen valve market is set
for substantial growth, propelled by the rising demand for clean energy
solutions and the necessity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Two key factors
driving the market are:
Growing adoption of hydrogen
fuel cell systems: The demand for on-board hydrogen supply fuel cell
systems in vehicles is rising, particularly in heavy-duty applications like
buses and trucks. This fuels the need for reliable and efficient hydrogen
valves to ensure safe and controlled gas flow.
Expansion of hydrogen
refueling infrastructure: As countries invest in building hydrogen
refueling networks, the need for hydrogen valves in hydrogenation stations is
increasing. Valves are critical components in these stations, ensuring the
proper handling and dispensing of hydrogen fuel.
However, the hydrogen valve
market also faces several challenges:
Material compatibility and
embrittlement: Hydrogen can cause embrittlement in certain materials,
leading to valve failures. Choosing the correct materials is vital to guarantee
long-term reliability and safety.
Lack of standardization and
regulations: The absence of global standards and regulations for hydrogen
valves can create uncertainty and slow market adoption. Developing common
guidelines and certifications will help build confidence in the technology and
drive further growth.
Overcoming these challenges
through continued innovation, material research, and policy support will be key
to unlocking the full potential of the hydrogen valve market and accelerating
the transition to a clean hydrogen economy.
The hydrogen valve market is
experiencing significant growth, driven by factors such as the growing adoption
of hydrogen fuel cell systems and expanding hydrogen refueling infrastructure.
The market is expected to reach around USD 1 billion by 2030, with growth at a
CAGR of more than 10%. Companies such as Parker, Emerson, Flowserve, and others
are dedicatedly involved in the ecosystem by providing dedicated valves for
hydrogen applications.
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