Researchers want to improve hydrogen compression

02.04.2026

Source: E & M powernews

Hydrogen compression is seen as the key to the energy transition, but is reaching its limits. A new compressor concept aims to make processes more efficient and use less energy.

Hydrogen compression is becoming increasingly important for municipal utilities and energy suppliers. It plays a central role in the transportation and storage of hydrogen. More efficient technologies can therefore help to reduce operating costs and make the development of a hydrogen infrastructure more economical.

A research team from Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg and the Helmholtz Center Hereon is working on this. The work focuses on a metal hydride compressor that compresses hydrogen and simultaneously uses it as a heat transfer medium.

The new concept addresses a well-known problem. Metal hydride compressors are regarded as an alternative to mechanical systems, as they are low-wear, cause hardly any noise and can be operated using heat instead of electrical energy. However, their performance has so far been limited, as heat is only distributed slowly in the metal hydride. As a result, the systems have not yet been able to fully exploit their potential, according to a statement from the Helmholtz Center Hereon, based in Geesthacht near Hamburg.

The research team is now pursuing a different approach. It feeds hydrogen in a closed cycle through the metal hydride - a material that can absorb hydrogen and release it again. The gas performs two tasks. It serves as a working medium for compression and also transports the heat in the system. A cold circuit supports the absorption of the hydrogen in the metal hydride. A hot cycle ensures that the material releases the hydrogen again.

According to the scientists, this principle circumvents the previous limitations of heat transport. At the same time, complex internal heat exchangers can be avoided. The system thus combines thermal and mechanical compression.

Performance increases significantly

According to Hereon, simulations show that higher power densities can be achieved with the new process. According to information from Geesthacht, the productivity of the system increases significantly compared to conventional metal hydride compressors. At the same time, the additional demand for electrical energy remains low, as the majority of the energy is still introduced as heat.

This also improves electrical efficiency. Mechanical compressors work reliably, but according to Hereon, they require more maintenance, cause noise emissions and potentially contaminate the hydrogen. Metal hydride compressors, on the other hand, are virtually silent and low-wear. According to the researchers, the new concept offers several advantages for operators of hydrogen plants. The more efficient compression reduces energy consumption and can lower operating costs. At the same time, more robust operation facilitates use along the entire process chain.

Contribution to the hydrogen infrastructure

The development was part of the "Digitalized hydrogen process chain for the energy transition" (DigiHyPro) project. The Bundeswehr's Digitalization and Technology Research Center (dtec.bw) is funding the project. Funding is provided by the European Union in the "NextGenerationEU" programme.

The researchers published their results in the journal Nature Communications Engineering. They have also applied for a patent for the process. The work is thus also aimed at potential industrial use.

Author: Davina Spohn