Researchers validate Aurora's technology
Toronto, ON (October 13, 2021) Based on some novel insights and proof-of-concept modelling performed in late 2020, Aurora Hydrogen has spent most of 2021 developing a bench-scale pyrolysis reactor for CO2-free hydrogen production. Pyrolysis is the process of thermal decomposition in an inert atmosphere. In simpler terms, this means heating something without burning, so molecules break apart and form something new. In Aurora's case, methane (molecular formula CH4) is broken apart to form hydrogen gas (H2) and solid carbon (C) without generating any CO2 emissions. In contrast, the most common method of hydrogen production is Steam Methane Reforming (SMR), where the methane in natural gas is reacted with steam to produce hydrogen gas and large amounts of CO2.
Aurora's process is unique because it uses highly efficient microwave energy to heat methane indirectly. Aurora can produce hydrogen with a much lower electricity requirement than other emission-free or low-emission hydrogen production techniques, including green hydrogen produced by water electrolysis and turquoise hydrogen technology using plasma arcs or molten metal to decompose methane. "This technology only came into existence because of the collaboration between two researchers from completely different fields. Dr. Thomson is a world-leading expert in methane pyrolysis, and Dr. Bobicki is a world-leading expert in innovative applications of microwave energy for industrial processes. Without these two people meeting and interacting, I'm not sure how this technology would have been developed," said Aurora Hydrogen's CEO, Andrew Gillis.
Earlier this month, researchers at the University of Toronto validated Aurora Hydrogen's proprietary hydrogen technology. A bench-scale reactor produced hydrogen for over four hours with 100% conversion of methane to hydrogen. "We had some challenges getting the reactor assembled, but everything worked as expected once we resolved them. We have been investigating the effect of temperature on methane conversion, and the results may be a bit more favourable than the initial modelling," said Dr. Thomson. Dr. Bobicki added, "I think these results demonstrate the potential for microwave energy to play a significant role in the decarbonization of hydrocarbon fuels. Overall, we believe that hydrogen produced by Aurora's technology will have a lower GHG impact than green hydrogen in most regions because of the much lower electricity demand."
Aurora plans to design and construct a pilot plant that can produce up to 40 kg of hydrogen per day. Experts estimate 40 kg per day is enough hydrogen to supply a modest fuelling station for heavy vehicle transportation.
ABOUT AURORA HYDROGEN
Aurora Hydrogen is developing a technology that uses efficient microwave energy to heat natural gas in the absence of oxygen and water (pyrolysis) to produce hydrogen and solid carbon while avoiding the generation of CO2. The technology is highly scalable and modular; units can be installed anywhere there is natural gas and electricity. Hydrogen production using Aurora's technology has the potential to reduce global CO2 emissions by over 500 million tonnes per year.