Comparative analysis of hydrogen production technologies: Hydrothermal oxidation of the carbonless aluminum and water electrolysis

The paper deals with the technical and economic comparison of methods of hydrogen production by means of water electrolysis and hydrothermal oxidation of aluminum. Technological chains required for the realization of these methods are analyzed, costs of equipment and maintenance are evaluated. It is demonstrated that for the large-scale production of hydrogen aluminum-water technology is competitive with electrolysis option under the cost of electricity up to 0.02 USD/kWh. The conditions of the maximal feasibility of hydrogen generation using aluminum are specified. Metal hydride thermal sorption compressor is proved to be the best device to commercialize the generated hydrogen. Its application lowers the cost of compression 5-10 times.

Automated summary

This paper compares the technical and economic aspects of hydrogen production methods using water electrolysis and hydrothermal oxidation of aluminum. It demonstrates that aluminum-water technology is competitive with electrolysis when the cost of electricity is below 0.02 USD/kWh, and specifies conditions for optimal hydrogen generation using aluminum.