Fuel cells will play an important role in the global transition to green energy. Alfa Laval has therefore developed the AlfaNova GL50, the first heat exchanger specifically for fuel cell systems. By releasing the energy stored in hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives such as ammonia, methanol and methane, fuel cells can accelerate decarbonization. Maximizing system efficiency and minimizing energy losses are critical to profitability.
Exceptional performance at extreme temperatures
AlfaNova GL50 is an asymmetric gas-liquid plate heat exchanger made of 100% stainless steel. It can handle gas flows of up to 250 m³/h and gas inlet temperatures of up to 750 °C. The patented AlfaFusion joining technology makes the heat exchanger particularly robust and enables it to be used in even the most demanding processes.
A compact powerhouse
"The AlfaNova GL50 is small enough to hold in one hand, but it gets the job done with very little pressure loss," says Tue Johannessen, Vice President Business Development Fuel Cells and Energy Storage at Alfa Laval. "Its ability to condense water vapor makes it ideal for systems where fuels such as ammonia or methanol need to be reformed." In addition to fuel cell systems, the AlfaNova GL50 is ideal for applications such as waste heat recovery, biogas after-treatment and cooling hydrogen and oxygen from electrolysers.
High efficiency for the green energy value chain
"More and more carbon-neutral fuels are being produced using power-to-X processes. Fuel cells enable the conversion of X into electricity without combustion," explains Malgorzata Moczynska, President Business Unit Brazed & Fusion Bonded Heat Exchangers at Alfa Laval. "To get the most out of these fuels, you have to minimize energy losses at every step. This is the task of the AlfaNova GL50 heat exchanger: it helps fuel cell manufacturers to fully exploit the system potential," says Malgorzata Moczynska.
New focus area fuel cells
Alfa Laval is committed to supporting the expansion and commercialization of carbon-neutral energy systems. The company offers a wide range of technologies relevant to fuel cell manufacturers and other applications in the hydrogen value chain. The launch of AlfaNova GL50 signifies an increased focus on the requirements of fuel cells.
"The time is right," says Tue Johannessen. "The demand for net-zero solutions is increasing. Fuel cells are more expensive than conventional engines, but the high efficiency of fuel cell systems makes them very attractive. If you can reduce the total cost of ownership of your systems even further, you will improve the profitability of your processes. With our innovations, our large-scale production and our global infrastructure, we are a reliable partner for the fuel cell industry."
The AlfaNova GL50 was first introduced at the "Alfa Laval Net-zero launch event #3", mid-February 2023 - a regular online event where new products and initiatives in the fields of energy efficiency, clean energy and circular economy are presented.
