EUBCE 2026 - Cristopher GRAF-KICK - Green Hydrogen from Pyrolysis - Pathways for Maximization

Green Hydrogen from Pyrolysis - Pathways for Maximization

Short Introductive summary

This study explores an approach to maximize hydrogen production using a pyrolysis-based technology known as Thermo-Catalytic Reforming (TCR®), developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology (UMSICHT). During standard operation, this technology not only generates biochar and bio-crude but also produces a gas with hydrogen content reaching up to 40 vol.%. The objectives of this work are a) to experimentally optimize a TCR® unit with a feedstock capacity of 2 kg/h to enhance hydrogen yield through parameter variation, and b) to develop a novel process step to modify the gas composition in favour of hydrogen. The optimization and plant modifications achieved a remarkable 60% increase in absolute H2 output and elevated the H2 concentration in the gas from approximately 35 vol.% to around 44 vol.%, resulting in a specific hydrogen output of about 2.5 m% relative to the dry matter of the initial feedstock. This unprecedented hydrogen output marks a significant milestone in optimizing pyrolysis as a versatile and powerful platform for sustainable energy solutions.

C. Graf-Kick, Fraunhofer UMSICHT, Sulzbach-Rosenberg, GERMANY
A. Wernthaler, Fraunhofer UMSICHT, Sulzbach-Rosenberg, GERMANY
A. Apfelbacher, Fraunhofer UMSICHT, Sulzbach-Rosenberg, GERMANY
R. Daschner, Fraunhofer UMSICHT, Sulzbach-Rosenberg, GERMANY