Mitsui E&S has unveiled its VD4-250GH-OL reciprocating hydrogen compressor, designed specifically for hydrogen station facilities and hydrogen production equipment. The compressor is capable of compressing hydrogen up to 50 MPa at a flow rate of 95 kg/h, surpassing current industry standards. This cutting-edge design provides a significant performance boost, enabling one unit to handle the hydrogen output of a 5 MW water electrolysis unit—all while maintaining a smaller physical footprint compared to existing products.
The VD4-250GH-OL is tailored for use across various stages of the hydrogen value chain, with particular emphasis on applications in the transportation sector. This includes hydrogen production, storage, and transportation to refueling stations and consumer hubs.
Key Features of the Mitsui VD4-250GH-OL Hydrogen Compressor:
High Flow Rate: The VD4-250GH-OL achieves a flow rate of 95 kg/h, which is up to twice the capacity of conventional hydrogen compressors.
Compression Pressure: Capable of compressing hydrogen to 50 MPa, suitable for high-pressure applications.
Compact Design: Despite its high flow rate, it is physically smaller than other compressors, making it more versatile for various processes along the hydrogen supply chain.
Target Market: Initially focused on Japan, where hydrogen infrastructure investments are significant, with plans to expand to international markets.
Masaki Takemoto, Assistant Manager for the Hydrogen Value Chain Team at Mitsui E&S, emphasized the company’s commitment to creating a carbon-neutral society through its products, stating, “Our goal is to provide superior cost-effectiveness and reliability across the high-pressure hydrogen gas manufacturing, transportation, and utilization sectors, where the market is rapidly expanding.”
The Mitsui VD4-250GH-OL compressors are integral to the hydrogen supply chain. Starting with green hydrogen production via water electrolysis powered by renewable energy, hydrogen is compressed and stored for transportation. It is then further compressed at hydrogen refueling stations before being dispensed to hydrogen-powered vehicles.
The VD4-250GH-OL is an evolution of the high-pressure hydrogen compressors already produced by Kaji Technology, a member of the Mitsui Group, which holds a dominant share of Japan’s hydrogen station compressor market. Leveraging Kaji’s extensive expertise in high-pressure compression for industries like petroleum refining and chemicals, the VD4-250GH-OL has been rigorously tested at Mitsui’s Tamano factory to ensure its reliability and durability in demanding conditions.
Takemoto further highlighted, “This new compressor achieves a flow rate up to twice that of conventional models, offering superior efficiency in hydrogen compression and optimizing the pressure levels necessary for storage and transportation.”
As Japan accelerates its efforts in the hydrogen economy, Mitsui E&S is initially targeting the domestic market with plans to expand globally as demand for hydrogen infrastructure increases.
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