Dr.-Ing. Fabian Hagen

Chemical engineering/process engineering students with a passion for process engineering challenges in the field of energy storage and a preference for experimental work.

Location: CS

Motivation:

Climate-neutral hydrogen production is one of the keys to achieving global climate goals. Basically, the iron-steam-hydrogen cycle (3 Fe + 4 H₂O <-> Fe₃O₄ + 4 H₂) allows direct production of hydrogen from water, without the use of fossil fuels. Since iron is a widely available and low-cost element, the reaction route could be a cost-effective and sustainable method for hydrogen production - compared to other processes that rely on expensive or rare raw materials. Moreover, the hydrogen can be both produced and stored as needed. Thus, the reaction cycle holds the potential for a continuous energy supply, which is particularly important for balancing fluctuations in renewable energy production.

Task:

The aim of this work is to experimentally investigate the cyclic oxidation and reduction of iron structures and their oxides in a fixed bed reactor. For this purpose, the hydrogen concentration as a function of the reactor temperature and other process boundary conditions is to be analyzed using suitable gas phase diagnostics. Moreover, morphological changes and evolution of oxidation states of the iron oxide structures are to be investigated by solid state analysis. The results should help to optimize the reaction conditions and design a more efficient process.

Responsible:

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dimosthenis Trimis