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Fluidic solutions for electrolysers

Produced without carbon emissions from renewable energy sources, green hydrogen is an energy source that represents a clean future. It is mostly generated through electrolysis, whereby electrical energy is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.  Electrolysers make this process both sustainable and economical. Precise closed-loop control of the gas and liquid flows in the electrolyser is essential for ensuring optimal operating conditions and maximising process efficiency.

KeyVisual with inscription Hydrogen meets fluid experience

What are the critical factors when it comes to closed-loop control of fluids? And how can Bürkert help you maximise efficiency while keeping maintenance to a minimum?

An electrolyser should aim for as high efficiency as possible in order to generate clean hydrogen using the lowest possible amount of renewable primary energy. This requires precise, reliable closed-loop control of all essential parameters on both the anode and the cathode side. Our automation, valve and sensor solutions ensure that your processes are low-maintenance and your electrolyser is operated safely and efficiently.

Rendering Elektrolyseur

 

Bürkert products and solutions comply with the necessary approvals and meet very stringent safety requirements. Long maintenance intervals and energy-saving solutions contribute to the efficient utilisation of your electrolysis system. Our components are suitable for use with hydrogen and guarantee reliable operation.

Reliable &function

by providing certified and high-quality components

Precise&reliable

thanks to the use of modern technologies

Durable & resistant

thanks to hydrogen-compatible, pressure- & temperature-resistant materials

Broad portfolio and comprehensive advice

Our broad portfolio covers a wide range of balance-of-plant (BoP) processes. We not only offer products, but also comprehensive consulting services and tailored system solutions. With our local support and on-site services, such as the construction of plant components and local logistics, you can count on us to support you every step of the way.  

Bürkert Competences for Electrolysers

Electrolysis Process Flow Chart

Color Stripes Green

Open-loop and closed-loop control of cooling water, DI water/steam, electrolyte (KOH), and recirculate

The open-loop and closed-loop control of cooling water, fresh water, and recirculate in electrolysers are essential for their efficient operation. The cooling water circuits prevent the system from overheating, while fresh water is supplied in precise doses to stabilise the electrolysis process. Any process water that is not used up during electrolysis, known as recirculate, can be fed back into the water cycle. This helps reduce water consumption and conserve resources.

Bürkert provides the ideal components and system solutions for these processes. Our solutions are designed to regulate processes precisely and ensure the optimal performance and safety of the electrolyser. 

Measurement and closed-loop control of pressure, flow rate & conductivity

pressure monitoring 

Type 8325

Pressure transmitter for general applications, 0…25 bar

Type 8325
  • Available with hygienic flush-mounted diaphragm
  • Housing and wetted parts in corrosion-resistant stainless steel
  • Standard signal 4…20 mA for connection to automation systems
  • Plug for quick installation and service
  • Many pressure ranges available

 

quality monitoring of ultrapure water 

Type 8222

Conductivity meter, ELEMENT design

Type 8222
  • Perfect for clean water and slightly concentrated liquids
  • Compact measuring device for direct connection to the control level (PLC) via analogue 4…20 mA signal or digital IO-Link or Bürkert system bus (büS)/CANopen communication
  • Parametrisation, calibration and transfer of parametrisation data all possible thanks to a removable display/configuration module
  • Simulation of process values for diagnostics
  • Universal process connection, three different cell constants to cover a wide range of applications such as reverse osmosis

 

flow measurement of liquids& gases 

Type 8030

Inline flowmeter for continuous measurements

Type 8030
  • Economical integration into pipe systems
  • 3-wire frequency-pulse variant for direct connection to a PLC (PNP and NPN)
  • Simple connection to Bürkert evaluation devices in a separate variant
  • HT variant available for high temperatures and pressure (max. 125°C/max. 40 bar)

 

switching and proportional control of DI water, cooling water, recirculate & gases

Type 6240

Servo-assisted 2/2-way piston valve

Type 6240
  • Servo-assisted and compact piston valve with diameter of up to DN 13
  • Vibration-resistant , screwed coil system
  • Energy-saving double coil technology with kick and drop variant
  • Safe opening with hard-coupled piston system
  • Explosion proof variants
Type 3281

Electromotive 2-way proportional valve

Type 3281
  • Actuator is not wetted
  • Excellent setting range and fast reaction time
  • Connection orifice DN 15
  • Medium temperature up to 130 °C
  • Variants: positioner, process controller
Type 2875

Direct-acting 2 way standard solenoid control valve

Type 2875
  • Excellent range
  • Very good response
  • Compact valve design
  • Orifice sizes 2...9.5 mm
  • Optional: Explosion-protected coil

 

Color Stripes Orange

Back pressure control for cathode and anode, inertisation

The backpressure regulation at the cathode and anode outlets of electrolysers is crucial for efficiently and safely controlling hydrogen production. A proportional open-loop control system ensures that the pressure of both gases – hydrogen at the cathode and oxygen at the anode – is precisely regulated. This prevents loss of efficiency and minimises safety risks. By maintaining stable pressure, the system optimises gas production, maximising the performance of the electrolyser.

Proportional open-loop or closed-loop control of gases

Type 3361

Electromotive 2-way globe control valve

Type 3361
  • Hydrogen variant available
  • Highly precise, dynamic closed-loop control
  • Weather, impact and vibration resistant design
  • Several Kvs values per port size due to removable valve seats
  • Position controller and process controller available
Type 8802

ELEMENT continuous control valve systems – overview

Type 8802
  • Integrated automation with leading technology
  • High service life and maintenance-free operation
  • Excellent control characteristics, especially for angle seat and globe valve

 

Color Stripes Green

Electrical open-loop control of the gases produced

Solenoid valves for shutting off gases

Type 0290

Servo-assisted 2/2-way diaphragm valve

Type 0290
  • Servo-assisted diaphragm valve up to DN 50
  • Fix-coupled diaphragm opens without differential pressure
  • Vibration-proof, block screwed coil system
  • Energy-saving power reduction for all DC variants
Type 6240

Servo-assisted 2/2-way piston valve

Type 6240
  • Servo-assisted and compact piston valve with diameter of up to DN 13
  • Vibration-resistant , screwed coil system
  • Energy-saving double coil technology with kick and drop variant
  • Safe opening with hard-coupled piston system
  • Explosion proof variants

 

Process valves for shutting off gases 

Type 2100

Pneumatically operated 2/2-way angle seat valve ELEMENT for decentralized automation

Type 2100
  • High flow rates
  • Long service life
  • Easy integration of automation units with ELEMENT
  • Flow-optimised stainless steel valve body with sleeve, clamp or weld connection
  • Suitable for steam
Type 8805

Ball valve / Butterfly valve with pneumatic rotary actuator

Type 8805
  • Pneumatic rotary actuator
  • Accurate end position setting
  • High flow values
  • High medium pressures
  • Long service life

 

Smart connectivity for fluidic components

Automated open-loop control of gases in electrolysers, whether electrically or pneumatically, significantly contributes to the efficiency and safety of the plant as a whole. With automation, parameters like gas pressure and flow can be continuously and precisely monitored, and adjusted in real-time.

Electrical open-loop control systems enable operators to respond quickly to changing conditions and are ideal for containerised systems and plants in the low megawatt range. Pneumatic automation solutions reliably control gas flow and pressure, making them ideal for electrolysers in the higher megawatt range, either freestanding or installed in buildings. Automation solutions for hydrogen applications lead to increased process stability, improved energy efficiency, and longer service life for the hydrogen plant.

Automation – Pneumatic pilot control of compressed air-operated process valves, such as ball valves or seat valves

Type 8647

AirLINE SP – electropneumatic automation system

Type 8647
  • Direct connection to the I/O systems SIMATIC ET 200SP and SIMATIC ET 200SP HA
  • Integration in Siemens PCS7 possible
  • Siemens Product Partner for SIMATIC Automation Systems
  • Easy diagnostics by LC display
  • Safety-related shut-off of valves possible
Type 8652

AirLINE – the valve island optimised for process automation

Type 8652
  • Safety-related shut-off of valves possible
  • Higher plant availability with PROFINET S2 (system redundancy)
  • Process reliability through pneumatic functions
  • Optimised for installation at the bottom of the control cabinet
  • EX-variants: ATEX / IECEx Zone 2, CCC, cURus HazLoc CL I, II, III Div 2

 

Control heads and positioners for decentral automation

Type 8791

Digital electropneumatic positioner SideCONTROL

Type 8791
  • Compact and robust design
  • Easy start-up using X.TUNE function
  • Integrated diagnostic functions for valve monitoring
  • Dynamic actuating system with no air consumption in controlled state
  • IO-Link Port Class A & B, AS interface or Bürkert system bus (büS)
Type 8691

Control head for decentralised automation of ELEMENT process valves

Type 8691
  • Contact-free inductive valve position registration (Teach function)
  • Colour illuminated status display
  • Integrated pilot air duct in the actuator
  • Fieldbus interface AS-Interface, IO-Link or Bürkert system bus (büS)
  • With ATEX II cat. 3G/D / IECEx approval

 

Automation

Type ME63

Industrial Ethernet gateway, IP65/ IP67/ IP69k

Type ME63
  • Gateway for Industrial Ethernet standards, incl. OPC UA, for use in environments requiring a high degree of protection
  • Simple configuration via Bürkert Communicator software
  • "Batch controller" functionality for precise dosing of liquids
  • Connection of up to eight end devices or junction box modules, connection of up to 126 CANopen participants
  • Integrated central configuration management for easy device replacement
Type 8605

PWM control electronics for electromagnetic proportional valves

Type 8605
  • Programmable digital electronics
  • Converts an analogue input signal into a PWM output signal
  • Adjustable PWM frequency
  • Digital communication (büS) possible
  • Optional integrated time control and digital/analogue inputs

 

Fluidic solutions for your electrolysers

A comprehensive overview of Bürkert solutions and further useful information can be found  in our hydrogen catalogue. Download here.

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Valves play a critical role in hydrogen applications. The variety of valves in this area is impressive, ranging from simple shut-off valves to precise flow controllers, all of which must afford safety, reliability and efficiency. From hydrogen production to fuel cell technology, the correct selection and application of these valves is crucial for the success of hydrogen applications.

Need help? – As your fluidics expert in the field of hydrogen applications, Bürkert is at your service.

Selecting the optimal automation solution or the right hydrogen valves is often not easy. We will be pleased to help you speed up your decision-making process and find the right solution for your hydrogen application quickly and efficiently.