The Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) is working on innovative solutions for more economical hydrogen production. Current research is focusing on glass fibre-reinforced plastic pipes, which could be used in future as a replacement for conventional steel pipes. These novel pipe systems are designed to withstand high operating pressures while significantly reducing system costs.
Particular attention is being paid to the pipe systems at the so-called periphery of electrolysers. These components are essential for the operation and control of hydrogen production – including purification, compression and feeding the gas into supply networks. Currently, these pipes account for around 50 per cent of the total cost of an electrolyser, mainly due to the use of expensive special steels.
In this research project, BAM is investigating the extent to which glass fibre reinforced plastic pipes can meet industrial requirements. The aim is to develop systems that can withstand operating pressures of up to 50 bar and burst pressures of over 150 bar. To this end, different pipe geometries, manufacturing techniques and material combinations are being tested.
In order to improve the gas tightness of the plastic pipes, the research team is also developing special coatings designed to prevent hydrogen leakage. The work is being carried out in close cooperation with small and medium-sized enterprises in order to make innovations more accessible to this group of companies.
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Another focus is on the development of connection technologies that ensure a permanently tight and stable connection between individual pipe sections at high pressure. Practical tests of the new components are being carried out by the PolyH2Pipe research consortium, which is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy as part of the Industrial Collective Research (IGF) programme.
With this project, BAM is contributing to the further development of hydrogen infrastructure and thus to the expansion of a sustainable energy supply in Germany. Close cooperation between science, industry and small and medium-sized enterprises is intended to bring innovations to market more quickly and strengthen the competitiveness of German hydrogen technologies.
Further information: https://www.bam.de/Navigation/DE/Themen/Energie/Wasserstoff/energietraeger-der-zukunft.html
