2022.03.11
Elliott Group (Elliott)*, a wholly owned subsidiary of EBARA CORPORATION (EBARA), has developed a new, configurable compressor arrangement designed to enhance operational flexibility in hydrogen applications.
Natural disasters spawned by global warming have caused increasingly severe damage in countries around the world. Tackling global warming requires transitioning to carbon-neutral energy sources. In our long-term vision, E-Vision 2030, the EBARA Group has a goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In the transition to a decarbonized society, hydrogen is expected as a new energy source. In August of 2021, EBARA launched the Hydrogen Business Project under the direction of EBARA’s President.
The Flex-Op® compressor arrangement developed by Elliott can be applied to meet expected future demand for hydrogen. The Flex Op is available in various configurations for the Hydrogen supply chain including “Production”, “Transportation”, “Storage” and “Usage.” of Hydrogen. Flex-Op compressor arrangements are based on Elliott’s existing advanced compression technology.
“Hydrogen compression requires a large number of compression stages to achieve a reasonable head for a very light gas,” said Dr. Klaus Brun, Elliott’s Director of Research and Development. “With the Flex-Op arrangement of three to four casings, up to 40 impeller stages can fit into a footprint that traditionally only fit up to 10 stages. This shrinks the linear footprint of the compressor section from 40 feet or more to about 10 feet, and offers up to four times the compression capability within the approximate linear footprint of one compressor.”
In the Flex-Op arrangement, individual compressors can be run in series or in parallel, or both. The Flex-Op arrangement has many advantages over reciprocating or high-speed centrifugal compressors. It uses standard Elliott designed compressors and impellers, and is compact and easy to maintain and repair. It can engage or disengage individual compressors, switch between series and parallel operation, and run each compressor at different speeds.
Most importantly, for pure hydrogen compression, the process gas is safe from risk of oil contamination. Finally, the Flex-Op design is not limited to hydrogen applications, but is also suitable for energy storage and other process compression, refining, and petrochemical applications. Elliott’s research and development efforts are focused on advancing the technology for faster, smaller, and lighter compressor designs for the coming hydrogen economy.
The EBARA Group aims to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing material issues identified in its long-term vision and executing the medium-term management plan to increase corporate value.
Elliott Group designs, manufactures, and services technically advanced centrifugal and axial compressors, steam turbines, power recovery expanders, and cryogenic pumps and expanders used in the petrochemical, refining, oil & gas, and liquefied gas industries, as well as in power applications.