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.
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.
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.
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
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
Pressure transmitter for general applications, 0…25 bar
- 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
Conductivity meter, ELEMENT design
- 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
Inline flowmeter for continuous measurements
- 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
Servo-assisted 2/2-way piston valve
- 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
Electromotive 2-way proportional valve
- 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
Direct-acting 2 way standard solenoid control valve
- Excellent range
- Very good response
- Compact valve design
- Orifice sizes 2...9.5 mm
- Optional: Explosion-protected coil
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
Electromotive 2-way globe control valve
- 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
ELEMENT continuous control valve systems – overview
- Integrated automation with leading technology
- High service life and maintenance-free operation
- Excellent control characteristics, especially for angle seat and globe valve
Electrical open-loop control of the gases produced
Solenoid valves for shutting off gases
Servo-assisted 2/2-way diaphragm valve
- 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
Servo-assisted 2/2-way piston valve
- 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
Pneumatically operated 2/2-way angle seat valve ELEMENT for decentralized automation
- 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
Ball valve / Butterfly valve with pneumatic rotary actuator
- 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
AirLINE SP – electropneumatic automation system
- 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
AirLINE – the valve island optimised for process automation
- 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
Digital electropneumatic positioner SideCONTROL
- 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)
Control head for decentralised automation of ELEMENT process valves
- 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
Industrial Ethernet gateway, IP65/ IP67/ IP69k
- 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
PWM control electronics for electromagnetic proportional valves
- 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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hydrogen valves?
What valves are available, and what are the important factors to consider when choosing a hydrogen valve?
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.