Ayrton Energy, a pioneering Canadian startup, is on a mission to make hydrogen as easy to transport and use as traditional fossil fuels like gasoline and diesel. This Calgary-based company has developed a novel liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) technology, which bonds hydrogen molecules to stable, reusable carrier molecules. This innovative approach enables hydrogen to be transported and stored under ambient conditions, a significant advancement over current high-pressure or cryogenic storage requirements.
Imagine pulling up to a fueling station and filling your vehicle's tank with a safe, liquid hydrogen fuel, without the need for specialized, pressurized tanks. Ayrton Energy aims to make this vision a reality. Their LOHC technology could seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure, from pipelines and fuel tankers to rail cars and trucks, offering a feasible pathway for hydrogen to replace fossil fuels in energy transportation and storage.
The secret lies in Ayrton's specially formulated LOHC fluid. Unlike conventional LOHCs, such as those based on toluene or dibenzyltoluene, Ayrton’s oil-based carrier captures and releases hydrogen with lower input energy requirements, achieving an efficient storage density of 55 kg of hydrogen per cubic meter. Moreover, the reaction process for hydrogenation and dehydrogenation occurs at relatively low temperatures and pressures, making it cost-effective and compatible with current energy systems.
Founded in 2021, Ayrton Energy stands among a growing global field of companies dedicated to developing practical hydrogen storage solutions. While competitors like Chiyoda in Japan, Covalion in Germany, and Hynertech in China have also explored LOHCs, many face challenges related to toxicity and energy requirements. Ayrton’s formula mitigates these issues, promising a cleaner, safer, and more practical hydrogen transport solution.
Natasha Kostenuk, Ayrton's CEO, explains that traditional hydrogen solutions, such as compressed or cryogenic storage, have posed barriers to broader hydrogen adoption. She emphasizes that Ayrton’s technology not only overcomes these hurdles but also offers high hydrogen purity, making it suitable for fuel cells without the intensive demands of cryogenic conditions. Kostenuk and co-founder Brandy Kinkead originally pursued hydrogen generators to enhance grid stability but pivoted to LOHC storage upon recognizing its potential to address critical limitations in hydrogen transport.
Ayrton’s approach recently garnered significant recognition. The U.S. National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) honored the company at its Industry Growth Forum, naming it an “outstanding early-stage venture.” Judges acknowledged the potential impact of Ayrton’s LOHC technology for scaling hydrogen adoption and facilitating clean energy transitions worldwide.
The company is currently collaborating with hydrogen producers and industrial operators to expand LOHC applications for long-distance, multimodal hydrogen transport and seasonal energy storage, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional storage methods. As Ayrton scales its technology, it could play a crucial role in global efforts to decarbonize transportation and create a sustainable hydrogen economy.
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