A new solar module has set a world record for producing green hydrogen completely autonomously. Developed by scientists at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) in Belgium, the module has been in development for a decade and is now being produced by the spinoff company Solhyd. The system draws water directly from the air, making it ideal for use in dry regions. The hydrogen produced can be used for a range of applications, including heavy-duty transport, industry, and emergency power generators.
The innovative system uses three fans to draw air into the device, where it passes through tubes containing a hygroscopic material that collects water molecules. A conventional photovoltaic cell on the top of the device generates the electricity needed to split the water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is stored in a tank, while the oxygen is released into the atmosphere. The system is completely self-contained and requires no external water or power supply. It is also scalable, with multiple modules able to be combined to produce larger quantities of hydrogen.
The developers of the system believe that it has significant advantages over conventional electrolysis systems, which require an external water supply. The system is also expected to be cost-effective, as it uses no exotic materials in its construction. The laboratory version of the system achieved a world record efficiency of 15%, and the developers expect the industrial version to achieve a similar level of efficiency. The system has the potential to revolutionize the production of green hydrogen, making it a viable alternative to fossil fuels in a range of applications.
