Precision Steam Generation for High-Temperature Electrolysis
Closed Special Notice Posted
- Solicitation number
- BA-1588
- Agency
- Department of Energy
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 335999 All Other Miscellaneous Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing
- PSC
- S112 Utilities- Electric
- Place of performance
- Idaho Falls, Idaho 83415, United States
- Points of contact
-
- Andrew Rankin td@inl.gov
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Department of Energy has issued a Special Notice for a federal contract opportunity focused on Precision Steam Generation for High-Temperature Electrolysis. The opportunity, posted on January 13, 2025, with a due date of January 13, 2026, seeks innovative solutions for creating efficient hydrogen-steam mixtures for industrial applications. Specifically, the notice addresses challenges in steam generation for electrolysis systems, where inconsistent flow rates and pressure variations can significantly impede efficiency. The contract falls under the NAICS category of Miscellaneous Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing and is classified under the Utilities-Electric PSC category. The notice highlights the current limitations of traditional steam generation methods, which often consume high energy and fail to effectively utilize low-temperature waste heat.
The primary objective of this Special Notice is to solicit solutions for the Hydrogen Enhanced Evaporation System, a novel approach to creating precise hydrogen-steam mixtures. The proposed system involves controlled hydrogen flow through a packed column with a carefully managed thermal gradient, enabling steam generation at sub-boiling temperatures. Contractors are expected to demonstrate a method that can address the critical industry need for reliable steam generation without adding substantial thermal load. While the notice does not specify explicit set-aside requirements, it appears open to potential contractors with expertise in hydrogen production, thermal engineering, and advanced industrial process design. The opportunity represents a significant initiative in advancing hydrogen production technologies and improving overall energy efficiency in industrial settings. Interested contractors should carefully review the technical specifications and be prepared to showcase innovative approaches to steam generation and hydrogen mixture technologies.
Notice text
Precision Steam Generation for High-Temperature Electrolysis
Efficient, Low-Temperature Hydrogen-Steam Mixtures for Industrial Applications
The Challenge
Consistent and stable steam generation is a cornerstone of high-temperature electrolysis systems, where fluctuating flow rates, pressure variations, and imprecise fuel compositions can severely hinder efficiency. Traditional methods, such as boilers, bubblers, or hot plate vaporizers, often fall short due to their high energy demands and inability to utilize low-temperature waste heat effectively. For industries advancing hydrogen production and energy efficiency, there’s a critical need for a solution that ensures reliability without adding significant thermal load.
How It Works
The Hydrogen Enhanced Evaporation System offers an innovative method for creating hydrogen-steam mixtures:
- Hydrogen Injection: Controlled hydrogen flow enters a packed column designed for maximum surface area contact.
- Thermal Gradient Control: A temperature-controlled gradient is established along the column, from cooler inlets to heated outlets, using electric heaters or embedded heat exchangers.
- Water Integration: Water is introduced at specific column points, mass flow-controlled, and evaporated into the hydrogen stream via contact with heated surfaces, achieving precise mixture compositions.
- Low-Temperature Efficiency: Steam is generated at sub-boiling temperatures (<100°C), significantly lowering the energy threshold and enabling the use of low-grade waste heat.
This method marries the precision of vaporization with the stability of evaporation while eliminating the pitfalls of condensation or pressure fluctuations.
Key Advantages
- Reduced Energy Demands: Operates with low-grade heat sources, reducing thermal energy costs.
- Exact Control: Achieves precise hydrogen-steam ratios through controlled flow and temperature management.
- Minimized Pressure Variations: Evaporation-based process prevents pressure inconsistencies common in traditional methods.
- Enhanced Efficiency: Fully evaporates water without boiling, optimizing heat utilization and stability.
- Versatility: Works with various thermal energy sources, including renewable and waste heat systems.
Market Applications
- Hydrogen Electrolysis Systems: Supporting consistent fuel input for optimal electrolyzer efficiency in hydrogen production plants.
- Industrial Heating Systems: Enabling better integration of low-grade heat sources in processes requiring controlled steam mixtures.
- Energy Recovery Systems: Utilizing waste heat from industrial operations to produce hydrogen-steam mixtures economically.
- Renewable Energy Integration: Supporting green hydrogen initiatives by reducing dependency on high-temperature energy inputs.
INL’s Technology Deployment department focuses solely on licensing intellectual property and collaborating with industry partners who can commercialize our innovations.
We do not engage in purchasing, procurement, or hiring external services for technology development. Our objective is to connect with companies interested in licensing and bringing our technologies to market.
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