The STARS hydrogen generator uses leading edge, microchannel technology and additive manufacturing (3D-printing) to mass produce modular chemical reactor systems that convert water (50%) and methane (50%) into Hydrogen in a process called steam methane reforming. With this disruptive technology1 it is now possible to transform the natural gas grid into the hydrogen grid without costly pipelines or delivery vehicles. It is no longer necessary to invest in massive central hydrogen production plants and create new infrastructure for collecting and transporting waste to make hydrogen. Distributed systems, using biomethane will enable gas distribution companies and end users to make the clean hydrogen they need on site.
The STARS’ mass-produced technology is 1/100 the size of conventional steam methane reformers. This will revolutionize the chemical processing industry the way microcircuits revolutionized the electronics industry. Smaller size and 3D-printing minimize production waste and material costs to lower capital costs. Miniaturization also results in safer operation because of smaller volumes (source terms) of hydrogen in the processing hardware. The Compact design reduces the footprint, allowing onsite installation at most locations. Onsite levelized costs of hydrogen are projected to become less than $2.50 per kilogram with moderate quantities of mass production (~1,000 units per year).2
Today, the STARS’ hydrogen generator provides the fastest, cheapest, and cleanest pathway to the hydrogen3 grid by using the natural gas and electrical grid.
1. The STARS inductively heated chemical reactor holds a world record electrical energy to chemical conversion efficiency of 80%.
2. When production quantities exceed 50,000 reactor/heat exchanger units per year the cost is projected to be below $2.00. This would be increase total hydrogen production capacity by about 57,000 tons per year.
3. The STARS hydrogen generator, when powered by renewable electricity, and supplied with biomethane feedstock has a negative carbon dioxide equivalency. This is because hydrogen production using steam methane reforming creates a market for waste biomethane that might otherwise be released to the environment.