Green Hydrogen Production Compression Solutions

Green hydrogen (H₂) is produced through water electrolysis using electricity from renewable energy sources. It is expected to play an important role in decarbonizing industrial processes and applications where direct electrification is technically or economically challenging.

Hydrogen compression is an essential part of green hydrogen production plants. Depending on the electrolyzer technology, outlet pressure and downstream process, hydrogen must be compressed for storage, transportation or further processing. Compressor solutions must ensure high hydrogen purity, efficiency and reliable operation while addressing hydrogen’s low molecular weight and high diffusivity.

With decades of experience in hydrogen compression and more than 80 years of expertise in reciprocating high pressure compressor technology, LMF develops tailor-made compressor solutions for green hydrogen production. From electrolyzer outlet compression to downstream process integration, every compressor package is individually engineered according to the specific requirements of the project.

The Role of Compression in Green Hydrogen Production

Green hydrogen is produced through water electrolysis using renewable electricity. Depending on the electrolyzer technology, hydrogen is typically generated at low or medium pressures that are insufficient for most downstream process requirements.

To enable further processing, storage or transportation, the hydrogen pressure must be increased to the required operating level. Reliable hydrogen compression therefore bridges hydrogen production and downstream process requirements, ensuring continuous operation throughout the entire production process.

Compressor solutions must operate reliably under varying operating conditions while providing high availability, process safety and long service life. As every green hydrogen production plant has unique process requirements, including electrolyzer technology, flow rate and discharge pressure, compressor solutions are individually engineered to match each project’s specific operating conditions.

Recommended Compression Solutions by LMF

ISO 13631 Compressors

Recommended solution for demanding green hydrogen production applications requiring continuous high-speed operation. Pressure-tight crankcase designs for suction pressures of up to 25 bar are available for applications requiring advanced gas containment.

  • Capacity:
    up to 15 100 Nm³/h
  • Pressure:
    up to 500 bar (lubricated)
    up to 200 bar (non-lubricated)
  • Power consumption:
    up to 6 MW

API 618 Compressors

Recommended solution for demanding green hydrogen process applications requiring high reliability, availability and project-specific engineering according to API 618.

  • Capacity:
    up to 27 000 Nm³/h
  • Pressure:
    up to 500 bar (non-lubricated)
  • Power consumption:
    up to 6 MW

Selected References 

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FAQs

Electrolyzers produce hydrogen at an outlet pressure determined by the respective electrolyzer technology and system design. This pressure may be below the level required for storage, transportation, pipeline injection or downstream industrial processes.

Hydrogen compression increases the gas pressure to the required operating level and connects hydrogen production with the next stage of the hydrogen value chain.

LMF provides ISO 13631 and API 618 reciprocating high pressure compressor solutions for green hydrogen production. The appropriate configuration depends on the electrolyzer outlet conditions, required discharge pressure, capacity, hydrogen purity, operating profile and downstream application.

Every compressor solution is individually engineered according to the complete project requirements.

Yes. LMF develops both oil-free and lubricated reciprocating high pressure compressor solutions. Oil-free compression is particularly relevant for applications requiring high hydrogen purity or where any risk of oil contamination in the hydrogen stream must be avoided.

The appropriate configuration depends on the required purity, operating pressure, process conditions and downstream application.

Due to hydrogen’s low molecular weight and high diffusivity, gas containment is particularly important. Pressure-tight crankcase designs can help minimize fugitive hydrogen emissions, reduce gas losses and improve operational safety.

The required sealing and containment concept is selected according to the suction pressure, gas composition, compressor configuration and project requirements.

Yes. LMF develops tailor-made compressor solutions for integration with alkaline, proton exchange membrane (PEM) and solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC) technologies.

Every compressor package is individually engineered according to the electrolyzer outlet pressure, hydrogen capacity, expected operating profile, required discharge pressure and downstream process.