(110c) Hydrogen Storage and Transportation using SPERA Hydrogen Process for realizing Low-Carbon Society

Chiyoda Corporation proposes a global hydrogen supply chain concept using Organic Chemical Hydride technology, based on a toluene (C7H8) / methylcyclohexane (MCH: C7H14) system, named “SPERA Hydrogen” Process. This process is a highly promising technology for large-scale and long distance hydrogen storage and transportation, aimed at realizing a low-carbon society.
In this process, hydrogen reacts with toluene and is converted to MCH that is transported to demand sites by chemical tankers. At the demand sites, hydrogen is generated from MCH by dehydrogenation reaction and toluene is recovered for recycling.
Toluene and MCH exist as liquid under ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure.
Thus, toluene/MCH can be transported anywhere to supply hydrogen to the demand sites in requisite amounts.
Since the 1980’s, commercialization of MCH dehydrogenation has been limited by severe
catalytic deactivation. However, we have developed a high-performance, long-life catalyst and a new dehydrogenation process by scale-up engineering technology.
In April 2013, SPERA Hydrogen Process was tested in a 50 Nm3/h-H2 capacity demonstration plant and we have already achieved around 10,000 hours of successful operation, thereby confirming that the process is technically established.
The next target is to conduct a demonstration of the global supply chain, between the hydrogen resource side and demand side. Furthermore, for realizing a low carbon society, producing hydrogen from renewable energy sources, as well as downsizing of dehydrogenation plant for hydrogen refueling stations have been planned.
In the presentation, we introduce the SPERA Hydrogen Process, results of the operation and future plans for realizing a low-carbon society.