About this Report

This technical brief by Transition Accelerator provides a thorough analysis of hydrogen compression technologies, focusing on their role in enabling a low-cost hydrogen value chain for heavy transport applications like buses, trucks, trains, and ships. It reviews different compressor types, including mechanical and emerging non-mechanical designs, and explains the thermodynamics behind compression energy requirements. The report includes detailed methods for calculating power consumption, capital costs, operating expenses, and levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) related to compression. Key insights emphasize the challenges of hydrogen’s low density, compressor efficiency, and reliability, while highlighting innovative solutions such as ionic liquid compressors. This brief is an essential resource for engineers, scientists, and stakeholders involved in developing Canada’s hydrogen infrastructure.

What you will find inside the report:

• Overview of mechanical compressors (reciprocating piston, diaphragm, ionic liquid, centrifugal) and emerging non-mechanical compressors (electrochemical, metal hydride)
• Detailed thermodynamic models for power calculation of single and multistage compressors, including isentropic efficiency considerations
• Guidance on compressor selection based on flow rate, pressure, and prime mover types (electric motors, gas turbines, reciprocating engines)
• Comprehensive capital cost estimation, operating costs including energy consumption, labor, maintenance, and their impact on hydrogen compression economics
• Case studies analyzing large-scale centrifugal compressors for pipelines and small-scale diaphragm compressors for fueling stations, with sensitivity analysis on design capacity, suction pressure, and efficiency