Alfa Laval announces the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding with Shell for the development of a Gas Combustion Unit (GCU).
A technical solution
Alfa Laval says the MOU is for a new gas combustion unit for liquid hydrogen transporters. The objective is to pave the way for the safe transport ofhydrogen by sea. In addition, this project is an important step on the road to global decarbonization.
Alfa Laval’s system will burn hydrogen evaporative gas (BOG) from a ship’s storage tank. The project is part of a new liquid hydrogen carrier. A GCU provides a means to control tank pressure/temperature when the BOG poses safety risks.
Safety as an objective
Carl Henrickson, general manager of marine transportation technologies at Shell, says:
“Renewable hydrogen is likely to be a key fuel in tomorrow’s decarbonization mix, but it is accessibility that will determine its impact. By enabling the safe shipping of liquid hydrogen, we can help accelerate the global transition to clean energy and Shell’s goal of becoming a net zero emissions energy company by 2050. Alfa Laval shares our ambition and is the partner we have chosen.”
The design of the new hydrogen GCU system is based on the company’s existing LNG GCU. In just over ten years, the company installed more than 200 of these units.
David Jung, Business Development Manager, Alfa Laval, says:
“With its boiling point of -253°C, hydrogen is expected to have a higher evaporation rate than methane, which will make the use of a GCU or similar means of BOG treatment on hydrogen carriers crucial. In addition, hydrogen is light, highly flammable and easily ignited. Safety will be paramount when transporting it on board, so there are critical safety considerations when designing the GCU system.
Thus, the challenges of hydrogen combustion are significantly greater than those associated with LNG. Alfa Laval will design and develop the new hydrogen GCU in order to obtain an approval in principle.
