Hydrogen Pump: Revolutionising Hydrogen Technology

Hydrogen as a Clean Energy Source:

Hydrogen, a clean and versatile energy carrier, is considered a key component in achieving global carbon neutrality. Despite its potential, challenges in production, storage, and transportation have hindered its widespread adoption. However, recent advancements are paving the way for a sustainable hydrogen economy.

Torishima’s Breakthrough

Torishima, in collaboration with Kyoto University, has made a groundbreaking achievement by developing the world’s first high-flow, highly efficient liquid hydrogen pump powered by a superconducting motor. This innovation is a significant step towards realising a sustainable hydrogen economy.

Key Innovations:

  1. High-Speed Rotation Technology: The team has developed a pump operating at a high-speed rotation of 5,000 min-1, essential for pressurising and transporting low-density liquid hydrogen.
  2. Superconducting Motor: Utilising a superconducting motor, the pump drastically reduces heat generation, preventing the gasification of liquid hydrogen and ensuring efficient transport.
  3. Fusion of Expertise: The project combines Torishima’s expertise in pump technology with Kyoto University’s pioneering research in superconducting motors.

Global Impact

This technology has the potential to revolutionise the global hydrogen supply chain by reducing the cost and complexity of hydrogen transportation. By lowering the costs associated with hydrogen, this innovation could accelerate the transition towards a hydrogen-based energy system.

Operational Test Success

Operational tests conducted on March 6th and 7th at JAXA’s Noshiro Rocket Testing Center in Akita Prefecture confirmed the pump’s performance, achieving the world’s highest flow rate and pressure for a liquid hydrogen centrifugal pump. These results highlight the pump’s innovative design, marking a significant breakthrough in addressing technological and cost challenges.

Achieved Specifications:

  • Flow rate: 30.5 m³/hr
  • Pressure: 1.6 MPa
  • Speed: 5,000 min-1

Tests at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency confirmed record-breaking performance in handling the -253 °C cryogenic liquid, marking a significant step towards a sustainable hydrogen economy.

Torishima’s Commitment

Torishima Pump Mfg. Co., Ltd. has formed a research team for the Development of Large Flow Rate, High Pressure, High Efficiency Liquefied Hydrogen Boosting Pump. This project is supported by the Japanese Government Body, NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization), as part of an initiative to develop technologies for a competitive hydrogen supply chain.

Project Goals:

  • Timeframe: FY2023 to FY2027
  • Focus: Develop suitable new pumps and motors for a 200,000 m³ class large tank base to accommodate larger-scale hydrogen receiving terminals.
  • Collaboration: Torishima is responsible for pump R&D, while JAXA supports performance testing. Motor development is a collaborative effort with Kyoto University, Sanyo-Onoda City University, and NIMS (National Institute for Materials Science).

By bringing together technologies and expertise from these organisations, Torishima is committed to contributing to the realisation of a large-scale hydrogen supply chain as an essential service provider to society.