HPH® the New Hydrogen Technology

Rethinking the future of hydrogen production

HPH is an innovative Italian start-up, which has designed and built a catalyst, which subjected to particular chemical treatments allows the reaction within the steam reforming production system in a continuous and non-stop way, with the peculiar ability to direct use from production and thus avoiding the transport and storage phase, drastically reducing the risks deriving from its treat ability.
 
The fundamental element of the hydrogen production process is the catalyst which is located inside the methane or ethanol steam reforming reactor where the plasma torch reaction takes place. 
 
Our mission is to be able to produce green hydrogen using biomethane (a process carried out by microorganisms that leads to the degradation of the organic substance in conditions of anaerobiosis, i.e. in the absence of oxygen) with electricity produced from renewable sources (photovoltaic, wind, etc.). 


CURRENT SITUATION OF GLOBAL EMISSIONS 

The potential of hydrogen derives from the fact that its production can contribute to the decarbonization process of the coming decades.

For this reason it is estimated that hydrogen can enter multiple sectors, finding its application both in a state of purity (100% H₂) and not, with the support of regulation and infrastructures and enabling systems, and that the market as a whole can reach the value of one billion trillion dollars by 2050 (BCG estimates).

The challenges, on the production side, that today hydrogen producers have to face in order for it to truly represent a potential, are mainly two and both must be overcome:

– The creation of a low-cost system
– The creation of a low-emission / low-carbon system 

THE FUNDAMENTAL ROLE OF HYDROGEN
KEY TO THE ENERGY TRANSITION 

THE DEMAND FOR HYDROGEN
IT WILL INCREASE BY 10X BY 2050 

TODAY’S TECHNOLOGIES ARE EXPENSIVE AND INEFFICIENT 

Elettrolysis 

Electrolysis is the process of using electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

This reaction takes place in a unit called an electrolyzer, that can range in size from small, appliance-size equipment to large-scale, central production facilities. 

PROs 

Production of pure hydrogen
from a primary material that is readily available (water)

CONs

Costly

Bulky

Use of noble gases such as platinum and iridium, or nickel, which reduces efficiency

CONSUMPTION

50-60 kW/h
per Kg of hydrogen produced

Steam Reforming

Syngas (hydrogen and carbon monoxide) is produces by reaction of hydrocarbons with water, commonly using natural gas as the feedstock.

The reaction is conducted in a reformer vessel where a high-pressure mixture of steam and methane are put into contact with a catalyst. 

PROs 

Most extensive industrial experience and high yield of hydrogen

CONs

Expensive ballasts are needed

High CO₂ production

High temperatures (over 1000 °C) and high pressures required

Slow production start times

CONSUMPTION

38-42 kW/h
per Kg of hydrogen produced

HPH Technology 

Vaporization of a mixture of water and methane through a reactor heated by a high temperature plasma.

The gases then pass over a catalyst (HPH proprietary
know-how) which operates at low temperature (450/500 °C), obtained directly from the plasma

PROs 

High conversion efficiency

Low energy consumption and low temperature needed

Fast startup times (few minutes) 

Compatibility with traditional steam reforming plants

CONSUMPTION

9-10 kW/h
per Kg of hydrogen produced