Automation for Green Hydrogen
October 30, 2024
Festo at the Hydrogen Expo in Hamburg
Generating energy sustainably is one of the great challenges of our time – and green hydrogen is a building block of the solution. Hydrogen will play a key role in the future energy landscape and in the decarbonization of energy-intensive industries. Festo offers comprehensive automation solutions along the entire hydrogen value chain – on show at Hydrogen Expo in Hamburg from October 23 to 24, 2024 (booth 1I20, hall A1).
At the beginning of the hydrogen value chain is the production of hydrogen by means of electrolysis. In order to produce hydrogen with zero emissions, electrolysis using sustainable electricity is already used as an established technology. An automation concept that is perfectly matched to the electrolyzer is the key to its efficient, safe and long-term operation. Festo offers an extensive portfolio for this purpose, which covers the entire automation pyramid from the control level to the field level. Festo provides its own remote I.O. modules (CPX-E, CPX-AP) and valve terminals (VTUG) for control and communication between the controller and process valves.
All components are modular and freely configurable. This means that both input/output modules (digital, analog) and the fieldbus module can be adapted to the field devices and PLC.
Controlling processes with a positioner or proportional valve
Various types of process valves are used to control flow rates, gases and liquids, temperature, etc. In the classic case, the actuators – and thus indirectly the process valves – are controlled by means of a positioner. These use different methods to measure the position of the actuator or valve and control it to the position desired by the main controller. Festo offers the CMSH positioner for this purpose. Another control device is the I/P transducer, a current/pressure transducer. This is used primarily in linear systems – but only when the position of the valve plays a subordinate role for the safety-related consideration.
Proportional valves such as the VPPM from Festo can take over the function of an I/P transducer. In doing so, they usually exceed the control quality and ease of use of the transducer.
Safety is paramount
Hydrogen is a colorless, volatile and non-toxic gas that is highly flammable and must be handled at high pressure. Numerous safety regulations must therefore be observed when setting up production and the necessary infrastructure. To get the green hydrogen produced to where it is to be used, it must be made transportable. This can be done, for example, by compressing it in a compressor station. The safety of a plant is also important in the event of malfunctions or faults. Festo’s portfolio includes numerous products that are specially designed for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and are certified according to the IEC 61508 SIL standard, such as the VOFC and VOFD valves.
The functional safety of electrolysers is therefore essential to making industrial processes safe, efficient and environmentally friendly.
Customer-specific and ready to install
Festo also offers control cabinet solutions that meet the SIL standard. These protect components against environmental influences and foreign bodies. Regardless of whether pneumatic, electric or electro-pneumatic components are used, the end result is a fully designed control cabinet that centrally controls the actuators and sensors in the container. For applications in explosion-prone areas, the control cabinets can be planned, assembled and certified according to regional and international regulations.
Related Story
Festo Sees Good Growth Prospects
After years of strong growth, 2023 was a year of consolidation. Turnover was just below the previous year’s level (- 4.3% to around 3.65 billion euros). Festo continued to invest heavily in research and development and the expansion of regional market supply. The company sees good opportunities for growth again in the medium term. The automation of future markets, but also the qualification of the specialists required for this, offers Festo great potential for sustainable growth in the Automation and Didactic business. This includes segments such as battery and electric vehicles, green hydrogen and the semicon industry.
