NEUMAN & ESSER GmbH & Co. KG (DE22)

MAPEVA (DE22):

The project MAPEVA (‘Modular Agile Produktion von Elektrolyse-Verdichter-Anlagen‘ – ‘Modular, Agile Production of Electrolysis Compressor Plants’) is being carried out by NEUMAN & ESSER  (NEA GROUP) within the Hy2Move Wave. NEUMAN & ESSER is a developer and manufacturer of compressor and electrolysis systems. The German family business combines both areas of expertise within the project to overcome the main challenges in the hydrogen industry. One of them is the growing number of fuel-cell vehicles which will displace fossil-based mobility in the next years.

To meet the expected demand for fuel cell-grade hydrogen in the European Union, decentralised refueling stations with a distribution capacity of two tons of hydrogen per day are required, which meet mobility requirements such as pressure and purity. Research shows that on-site hydrogen production is economical even when compared to a centralised production approach with transport by truck and pipeline. Furthermore, complementary storage capacity is crucial to provide hydrogen if the electrolyser is shut down (e.g. due to emergency or regular maintenance). This leads to the need of further research and development into integrated, modular, electrolyser, compressor and storage systems to fulfil mobility requirements. 

The technical solution for this will be an integrated solution containing the electrolyser system, the compressor to pressurise the hydrogen and high-pressure storage. In the areas of electrolyser system components, interface development, and system integration in particular, NEUMAN & ESSER has identified an industry-wide gap in terms of knowledge and innovation. Due to rapidly advancing stack technology and a resulting greater variety in size, shape and technical requirements, there must be a suitable Balance of Plant (BoP). That BoP must accept different stacks that can also fit on a small footprint next to a refuelling station. As the intensity of hydrogen demand will fluctuate throughout any given day, an additional requirement of a mobility-specific BoP is a fast ramp-up and ramp-down. In addition, special potential for innovation lies in creating a highly digital BoP, which will include a larger introduction of sensors and digital solutions instead of purely mechanical ones.

The MAPEVA project is being carried out in Übach-Palenberg, Germany and has a time horizon from 2024 to 2027.

Website:
https://www.neuman-esser.com/

Contact person:
Roman Zuendorff
roman.zuendorff@neuman-esser.com