HERC

Energetically Enhanced Reforming Process

Professor Manousiouthakis and colleagues have developed a method of generating hydrogen through steam reforming that does not require the large amounts of applied heat needed in conventional reforming processes. This presents the opportunity to greatly reduce operational costs associated with hydrogen generation.The method does not introduce air or oxygen to the reforming mixture, thereby avoiding the explosion hazard that is introduced by autothermal reforming.

Gas Fill-up Process System and Methodology with Minimal or No Cooling

Professor Manousiouthakis and colleagues have developed a novel system and method of filling-up gas into storage vessels. An important lineup of applications includes the fill-up of gases used for energy, such as hydrogen and natural gas. The technology speeds up the fill-up process without compromising safety, and eliminates the need for an expensive cooling system commonly employed by current systems. The proposed methodology also allows the temperature of both the gas and the vessel itself to be controlled by the user.

Hydrogen Production by a Novel Thermochemical Water Splitting Cycle

UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemical Engineering have developed a new approach to produce hydrogen by decomposing water. The process takes place significantly below current thermochemical cycle temperatures. It can be used for the simultaneous generation of pure hydrogen, oxygen and electricity and can use a variety of energy sources, including fossil fuels, nuclear and solar.