Vesti Novosibirsk. Technology of Hydrogen Production from Diesel Fuel Developed in Novosibirsk

Everything starts with diesel, water steam, and air. The mixture is loaded into reactor where it is transformed into hydrogen-containing gas. The driving force of the process is the catalyst with nanoparticles of rhodium. Diesel fuel reacts with water steam and oxygen, explained Vladislav Shilov, junior researcher of Boreskov Institute of Catalysis.

The chemists isolate hydrogen in order to obtain a source for generation of electric power. At first glance, it is an intricate way from diesel fuel to energy, as the standard diesel-generators successfully solve this problem for years. However, including hydrogen into the chain provides a number of advantages. The basic difference of this power plant from a classic diesel-generator is its environmental friendliness. Instead of polluting emissions it produces water and carbon dioxide. Besides, it is absolutely noiseless, and its efficiency is twice higher.

The authors of the idea are to present the compact mobile plant in five years. It can be used, for example, in detached houses. Such generators can be even more needed in the Arctic.

The project is realized within NTI Competence Center “Hydrogen as the Basis for Low-Carbon Economy”. This is a large association uniting more than 30 scientific institutes, universities, and companies. The Center’s aim is to develop and improve the technologies of obtaining, storage, and transport of hydrogen.

“The global aim is to increase the readiness of technological solutions to the level attractive for industrial companies”, explained Oleg Martyanov, Deputy Director for Science of Boreskov Institute of Catalysis.

There is also a problem of designing hydrogen filling stations, new types of fuel elements. Besides, the scientists will develop the methods of utilizing carbon dioxide, improve the manufacturing of biofuel: this process also involved hydrogen. The Competence Center established for making hydrogen technologies available will receive more than half billion rubles for its development in the next five years.

Source: Vesti Novosibirsk