{"id":16701,"date":"2026-08-03T13:11:09","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T13:11:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/projects\/nh3-hrs\/"},"modified":"2026-10-01T10:54:21","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T10:54:21","slug":"nh3-hrs","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/en\/projects\/nh3-hrs\/","title":{"rendered":"NH3-HRS \u2013 Scalable Ammonia Cracker for Hydrogen Fueling Stations"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n \"Teststand\n
\n <\/div>\n <\/figure>\n
\n

NH3-HRS \u2013 High-Purity Hydrogen for Gas Stations via Ammonia Cracking<\/h1>\n

The NH3-HRS project is developing a modular and scalable system capable of converting ammonia directly into high-purity hydrogen at hydrogen refueling stations.<\/p>\n<\/h4>\n

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. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
\n

Decentralised Hydrogen Production from Ammonia<\/h2>\n

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. <\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"Teil\n
\n <\/div>\n <\/figure>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
\n
\n

Cracker, membrane, and burner as an integrated system<\/h2>\n

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. <\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"ZBT\n
\n <\/div>\n <\/figure>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
\n
\n

Project information<\/h2>\n