CSU System for Hydrogen
Hydrocompression with the CSU System
Hydrogen plays a crucial role in the transition to a greener energy future. Straen Energy’s CSU technology offers a groundbreaking solution for compressing large volumes of hydrogen to high pressures (>100 bar) with minimal energy use and without dynamic mechanical seals in gas handling.
Hydrogen as an Energy Source and Production
Using hydrogen as fuel for transportation or for combustion-based heating in buildings and industry are examples of how hydrogen can serve as an energy source. Hydrogen production is primarily carried out through water electrolysis or natural gas reforming. Transport and storage of hydrogen require compression to high pressures, liquefaction, or synthesis into ammonia or other liquid hydrogen carriers. Hydrogen compression using CSU technology can be a game changer.
Compression Technologies for Hydrogen
Large flow rates of hydrocarbon gas are typically compressed through several stages of centrifugal compressors with inter-stage coolers and scrubbers for liquid removal. However, these cannot be used for pure hydrogen at high pressure ratios due to hydrogen’s low molecular weight.
Rotary screw compressors can moderate pressure but require large silencers and face efficiency challenges. Reciprocating compressors are suitable for moderate flow rates but become very large at low inlet pressures and have limited durability of piston seals, which can lead to increased leakage. Suction coolers and scrubbers are required for every compression stage.
Increased Efficiency and Flexibility
The shift to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar creates a need for effective solutions for storing energy when demand is low. While building large battery farms is one option, this is often constrained by shortages of critical materials such as lithium and other rare resources.
Hydrogen production—whether by electrolysis or natural gas reforming—is a promising solution. However, both methods require gas compression to enable practical storage and transport. Today’s conventional gas compression technologies have significant limitations for hydrogen, including low efficiency and challenges related to safety and durability.
Straen Energy’s CSU technology represents a breakthrough approach to these challenges. A CSU system provides a safe, cost-efficient, and reliable solution for high-volume hydrogen compression, storage, and transport—supporting a sustainable energy future.
Our Technology
Benefits of CSU for Hydrogen Compression
Efficient and Safe Hydrogen Compression
CSU technology is one of the most efficient methods for compressing large volumes of hydrogen to high pressures above 100 bar. The technology offers superior process safety by eliminating the need for dynamic mechanical seals in gas handling, reducing leakage risk and increasing operational reliability.
Cost Savings (CAPEX & OPEX)
The solution provides significant cost reductions in both capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operating expenditures (OPEX). Reduced equipment requirements and a lightweight, compact design lower investment costs. Meanwhile, near-isothermal compression processes and simplified maintenance reduce operating costs and improve economic efficiency.
Compact and Flexible Design
With its compact and flexible design, CSU technology has a small footprint that makes it easy to integrate into existing systems. The technology also eliminates the need for coolers and scrubbers at individual compression stages, further simplifying installation.
Simplified Maintenance and Increased Reliability
Maintenance is significantly simpler compared to conventional solutions. The technology requires less equipment and fewer demanding dynamic seals, which are only used in water handling. This reduces maintenance costs and failure risks while increasing overall reliability.
CSU as a driver of green energy
Hydrogen plays a key role in the transition to a greener energy future, and efficient compression is essential to unlocking its potential. Straen Energy’s CSU technology provides cutting-edge solutions for hydrogen compression with a focus on safety, efficiency, and flexibility.
With CSU technology’s advanced methods, Straen Energy offers a complete solution for hydrogen compression that meets tomorrow’s requirements for safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Whether for storage, transport, or integration with existing infrastructure, the CSU provides a reliable platform for a greener energy future.
Isothermal compression
One of the biggest challenges in hydrogen compression is the heat generated during the process. Isothermal compression solves this by keeping the temperature stable throughout the operation. This not only increases energy efficiency but also reduces equipment wear, resulting in lower maintenance costs and improved operational reliability.
Spray cooling
To maintain the stable temperatures required for isothermal compression, CSU technology uses spray cooling. Small amounts of water are continuously injected into the compression chamber to remove heat efficiently. This protects the system while ensuring optimal performance when compressing hydrogen to high pressures.
Multi-gas compatibility
Hydrogen has unique properties—such as low molecular weight and high flammability—that place special demands on compression systems. CSU technology is engineered to handle these challenges safely and effectively. With multi-gas compatibility, the system is specifically adapted for hydrogen and ensures a reliable solution for both storage and transport.
Pressure-stage–independent compression
Traditional compression systems often require multiple stages with coolers and scrubbers to handle varying pressures. CSU technology eliminates this requirement. The system can compress hydrogen directly from low pressures—such as the 4 bar typically produced through electrolysis—to high pressures for storage or transport. This provides a more streamlined, cost-efficient, and flexible solution.
Explore the remarkable benefits of CSU technology
The Carbon Compression & Seperation Unit (CSU) unit provides a compact, lightweight platform that combines superior process safety standards with lower costs and reduced carbon footprint.
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