The use of membrane technologies for the separation of hydrogen from gas mixtures in power systems

Currently, in the world energy storage methods are developed. One of the energy storage method is hydrogen production and further use which is named Power-to-Gas. In the near future, without high-efficiency, reliable and cheap energy storage solutions, the power industry, especially in Poland, may have a problems for the climate protection. In the paper, the possibilities of using membranes technologies in the reforming fuel process are describes. The membrane separation technology is used for separation of mixtures gases, e.g. H₂, CO, CO₂ or CH₄. Selected issues of computational analysis of H₂/CO₂ separation process for reforming in IGCC system using two types of polymer and composite ceramic membranes were presented, and the advantages of this technology as well as some limitations resulting from the use of membranes were indicated. Moreover, brief sketch of potential applicability and challenges for hydrogen-based technologies and membrane separation for H₂/CH₄ separation processes in natural gas distribution systems, are presented, emphasizing possibility of utilization of hydrogen as an intermediate energy carrier. Furthermore, the paper shows assumptions and potential applicability of hydrogen use in both distributed energy systems and transport sector.