Chinese electrolyser original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Shuangliang claims to have set a new industry record for current density in its 5,000Nm3 alkaline system.
When operating at 90oC, the OEM says the electrolyser can reach 10,600A/m2 as a maximum current density, with an energy consumption of 4.7kWh/Nm3.
Higher current density means greater hydrogen production capacity, but maintaining this with low energy consumption is difficult, with most electrolysers operating at lower current densities.
When the current density of the Shuangling system is reduced to 3,000A/m2, energy consumption can be as low as 3.875kWh/Nm3.
Furthermore, the company says the alkaline electrolyser has an operating range of 10-110% of nominal load while keeping the hydrogen content in oxygen to less than 1.5% and reducing the risk of explosion.
This means the electrolyser will be able to adjust to fluctuating renewable energy supply effectively without having to shut down or risk an explosive hydrogen-oxygen gas mixture.
Read more: Geopolitics and quality challenges limit China’s electrolyser market reach
“Looking back at the century-long development history of alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production technology, Shuangliang is now standing at the most critical historical node,” the OEM stated.
“In response to user needs, Shuangliang continues to overcome technical barriers, actively carry out technological innovation, and continuously reduce the power consumption per unit of hydrogen production.”
The new electrolyser comes as Western OEMs grapple with rapidly changing geopolitical dynamics in the clean technology space.
Read more:Europe’s hydrogen ambitions tested: Can electrolyser OEMs compete?
Shuangliang’s technological advancements could intensify concerns in the West that China’s rapid innovation and mass production capabilities may allow it to outpace Western electrolyser manufacturers, potentially leading to Chinese dominance in the green hydrogen market.
This, in turn, might erode market share and competitive advantage for Western firms, which have traditionally focused on quality and performance.
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