Teststand für Ammoniak-Craccker in großem Labor

NH3-HRS – High-Purity Hydrogen for Gas Stations via Ammonia Cracking

The NH3-HRS project is developing a modular and scalable system capable of converting ammonia directly into high-purity hydrogen at hydrogen refueling stations.

Future hydrogen demand in North Rhine-Westphalia will significantly exceed domestic production capacity. NH3-HRS is therefore developing a flexible solution that will allow imported hydrogen in the form of ammonia to be utilised for decentralised applications as well.

Decentralised Hydrogen Production from Ammonia

Ammonia is relatively easy to transport and store and is therefore considered an important hydrogen carrier. However, for decentralised applications such as hydrogen refueling stations, there are currently no efficient and commercially available systems that convert ammonia into hydrogen on site.

The project involves the development and demonstration of a fuel-gas-heated cracker-membrane module with a production capacity of 1.5 kilograms of hydrogen per hour. The ammonia cracker converts ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen. A membrane then separates the hydrogen and ensures it meets the purity requirements for the refueling station.

Teil eines Teststands für Ammoniak-Anwendungen

Cracker, membrane, and burner as an integrated system

The focus of this project is on the development of a modular and scalable ammonia cracker, as well as an ammonia-compatible lean-gas burner that provides the heat required for the cracking process. The cracker, membrane, and burner will be technically coordinated and tested as an integrated system in the ZBT laboratory under conditions that closely resemble real-world applications.

The analysis covers, among other things, efficiency, dynamics, emissions, hydrogen purity, and scalability. Simulation models support the development of optimal operating strategies and are validated based on the test results. The goal is to develop a modular and scalable technology that can be adapted in the future to meet varying hydrogen demands and support decentralized supply structures.

ZBT Laboratory Ammonia Cracker Plant Camp Fire Project

Project information

  • Project Acronym: NH3-HRS

  • Project Title: Development of a Scalable Ammonia Cracker Module for the Production of High-Purity Hydrogen for Hydrogen Refueling Stations

  • Duration: April 2026 through September 2029

  • Grant Reference Number: EFRE-20802113

  • Total grant amount / ZBT share: €1,369,064 / €895,990

  • Project partners:

This project is funded by the European Union.

European Union ERDF/JTF NRW funding logo

Contact

Dr. Lena Engelmeier

Skills

The project builds on the ZBT’s extensive expertise in the fields of hydrogen technologies, thermochemical processes, measurement and testing technology, and modeling and simulation. The existing infrastructure enables the development, testing, and characterisation of technologies for hydrogen production and delivery under conditions that closely mimic real-world applications. This expertise and infrastructure are also available to industry partners through development services and contract research.

  • Development Services -Development and optimisation of components and systems for the production, processing, and utilisation of hydrogen.
  • Measurement and Testing Services – Experimental investigation and evaluation of hydrogen technologies and components under real-world operating conditions.
  • Modeling and Simulation – Simulation and modeling for the analysis, design, and optimization of hydrogen systems and thermochemical processes.

 

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