MESOWAS

The production of green hydrogen as an energy vector for a sustainable and climate-neutral society can be realised via different synthesis paths. The MESOWAS project focuses on the experimental realisation of a membrane reactor in which the required heat is provided by solar thermal energy.

The driving factor for oxygen transport through the membrane is an oxygen partial pressure gradient across the membrane. This can be achieved by using a reducing gas, e.g. methane, which consumes the oxygen on one side of the membrane. This method allows the water separation process to be coupled with a partial oxidation reaction, resulting in the production of pure hydrogen and synthesis gas. The synthesis gas can be further processed to produce other chemicals and fuels.

In addition to methane, industrial waste gases can also be used to utilise the oxygen on the low oxygen partial pressure side. Using these gases as a starting material for the production of pure hydrogen allows the waste gases to be recycled into valuable chemicals, which is beneficial for the development of a sustainable industry.

At ZEA-1, a concept for a scalable oxygen membrane reactor has been developed to increase the efficiency of hydrogen production. In addition, a mathematical model is being developed to estimate hydrogen production, energy consumption and the composition of the reduction gas at the reactor outlet. This model can be used to optimise the operating conditions of the reactor, such as temperature and flow rates, and to predict the performance of the reactor using different reducing gases.

More informations (in German):
https://www.wasserstoff-leitprojekte.de/mesowas