Alternative Energieträger für den Einsatz in der Fördertechnik

With increasing awareness of the need for sustainable energy solutions, hydrogen is gaining significance as a key component of the global energy transition. However, current hydrogen storage technologies remain technically underdeveloped and present an ongoing challenge for research. This thesis introduces a promising approach that offers an efficient alternative to high-pressure or cryogenic hydrogen storage: chemical storage in sodium borohydride (NaBH₄).
Hydrogen is chemically bound in powdered sodium borohydride until needed and is released on demand by adding water in the presence of a catalyst. The hydrogen released in the reactor is extracted, and the by-product dissolved in water is separated through a heat exchanger for storage in preparation for subsequent rehydrogenation. A rehydration unit for sodium metaborate (NaBO₂) is not within the scope of this work.
To demonstrate the feasibility of the concept, a small combustion engine is operated using the released hydrogen. This engine was previously tested with pure hydrogen from a gas cylinder to determine the optimal operating settings, such as ignition timing, intake amount, pressure, and timing. The engine was modified to allow operation with both gasoline and hydrogen.
As part of this work, the combustion engine was successfully operated with hydrogen, although the feeding unit for the sodium borohydride did not function properly, and further work is necessary. Based on the results of the conducted experiments, a new concept was developed, though it was not tested further. The construction and repeated execution of experimental trials would exceed the scope of this thesis.