By Drew Robb
Mitsui E&S has launched a new line of high-flow hydrogen compressors that are tailored for hydrogen station facilities and hydrogen production equipment. The Mitsui E&S VD4-250GH-OL reciprocating compressor can compress hydrogen to up to 50 MPa at a flow rate of 95 kg/h, which is much higher than other products available for this sector. One compressor can handle the pressurization of the amount of hydrogen generated by a 5 MW water electrolysis unit. Even with this flow rate, it is physically smaller than existing compressors. It can be used in a range of processes along the hydrogen value chain, primarily in the transportation sector.
“Mitsui E&S is committed to the realization of a carbon-neutral society by providing various products and services with superior cost-effectiveness and reliability for the high-pressure hydrogen gas manufacturing, transportation, and utilization sectors, where the market is expected to expand,” said Masaki Takemoto, assistant manager for the hydrogen value chain team at Mitsui E&S.
These compressors form a key link in the hydrogen supply chain. It begins with electrolysis units that produce green hydrogen from electricity generated from renewable sources. Takemoto explains that this hydrogen is compressed, stored, and filled into tube trailers or tanks, and subsequently delivered to consumer hubs such as hydrogen refueling stations. Upon arrival, the hydrogen is once again compressed and stored in tanks at these stations, after which it is supplied to trucks and vehicles via dispensers.
Given Japan’s investments in the hydrogen economy, Mitsui E&S is targeting its domestic market first before exploring other opportunities.
Mitsui’s Hydrogen Compressor
This new Mitsui VD4-250GH-OL compressor is an upsizing of high-pressure hydrogen compressors produced by Kaji Technology, which is part of the Mitsui Group. Kaji already has the largest market share of the high-pressure hydrogen compressors for hydrogen stations market in Japan.
The design of the Mitsui VD4-250GH-OL compressor was based on Kaji’s expertise in high-pressure hydrogen compression technology and its track record in large-scale high-flow compressors for petroleum refining and chemical plants. This oil-free reciprocating compressor underwent testing at Mitsui’s Tamano factory in November 2023, which confirmed its reliability and durability capabilities.
“This is a new type of compressor that achieves a flow rate up to twice that of conventional compressors,” said Takemoto. “Our reciprocating, high-flow rate compressor excels at compressing hydrogen gas generated by electrolyzers, ensuring optimal pressure levels for storage and transportation.”
The company’s general specification for the compressor is a discharge pressure of … click here to continue reading this article in the December issue of Gas Compression Magazine.
