Hydrogen production assembly and method for producing hydrogen

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hydrogen production assembly comprising a hydrogen production device, a container containing an aqueous electrolyte solution, a storage container for storing the produced hydrogen, an input for providing the aqueous electrolyte solution from the container to the hydrogen production device, and an output for transferring the produced hydrogen from the hydrogen production device to the storage container. The invention further relates to a method for producing hydrogen by means of a hydrogen production assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a hydrogen production assembly, comprising: a hydrogen production device; a container containing an aqueous electrolyte solution; a storage container for storing the produced hydrogen; an input terminal for supplying the aqueous electrolyte solution from the container to the hydrogen production device; and an output terminal for transferring the produced hydrogen from the hydrogen production device to the storage container. The invention further relates to a method for producing hydrogen using the hydrogen production assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier with applications in various fields, including transportation, power generation, and industrial processes. Currently, most of the world's hydrogen is produced from natural gas through a process called steam methane reforming (SMR), which releases carbon dioxide as a byproduct. These SMR systems use natural gas as feedstock and steam to produce hydrogen through a catalytic process. However, several other methods exist for hydrogen production, such as biomass gasification, nuclear energy, microbial processes, and water electrolysis.

[0003] In biomass basification, biomass such as sawdust or agricultural waste can be gasified to produce a hydrogen-rich gas, which can then be purified and used as fuel. This method is also carbon-neutral because the carbon released during gasification is balanced by the carbon absorbed by the biomass during its growth. In nuclear energy processes, nuclear reactors can be used to produce hydrogen through high-temperature electrolysis, where the heat generated by the reactor is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. In microbial processes, bacteria can produce hydrogen through a process called dark fermentation, which involves breaking down organic matter in the absence of light.

[0004] Water electrolysis is a sophisticated method for producing hydrogen gas by using electricity to break down water into its constituent elements, hydrogen and oxygen. Water electrolysis technology focuses on improving efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing process scalability. There are two main types of electrolytic cells: alkaline electrolysis and proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis. Alkaline electrolysis is a more mature technology, while PEM electrolysis is a newer and rapidly developing technology.

[0005] Alkaline electrolytic batteries use a liquid alkaline electrolyte, typically potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, and operate at high temperatures and pressures. These batteries are generally cheaper than PEM batteries and have higher efficiency on a larger scale. The main challenge with alkaline electrolysis is that it is unsuitable for intermittent operation or operation with varying loads due to its slow response time.

[0006] PEM electrolytic cells use a solid polymer electrolyte and operate at lower temperatures and pressures than alkaline cells. PEM cells have a fast response time, making them suitable for intermittent or variable load applications. They are also more efficient at small to medium scales, making them ideal for decentralized hydrogen production. However, the technology is more expensive than alkaline cells, and the durability of the membrane can be a concern.

[0007] Efforts are underway to improve two types of cells. For example, researchers are exploring new materials for electrodes and membranes, as well as ways to reduce the amount of energy required to split water. Furthermore, efforts are being made to integrate water electrolysis with renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power to produce carbon-free and sustainable “green hydrogen.” Research is ongoing to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these methods, and to develop new technologies for hydrogen production. Emerging technologies for hydrogen production, such as high-temperature electrolysis, solar thermochemical water splitting, and biohydrogen production, are still in the development and testing phase, but these technologies are not yet commercially available. In addition, efforts are being made to develop and improve infrastructure for storing, transporting, and using hydrogen as an energy carrier, including the development of fuel cells to power vehicles and other applications.

[0008] In light of the above, there is a need in the art for hydrogen production systems that can minimize energy consumption to improve yield hydrogen production and provide improved economic and operational efficiency. Furthermore, there is a need in the art for methods to improve hydrogen production through electrolysis. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Among other things, the object of this invention is to address the above-mentioned needs in the art. Among other things, the object of this invention is achieved by means of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0010] Specifically, according to the first aspect, among other things, the above objectives are achieved by the present invention through a hydrogen production assembly (1), which includes: - Power supply (10), connected to hydrogen production unit (20), - Container (30) containing an aqueous electrolyte solution (31). - Storage container (40) for storing the produced hydrogen (60). - Providing an aqueous electrolyte solution from a container to at least one input (input) of a hydrogen production apparatus (21) and at least one output (output) for transferring (transferring) the produced hydrogen from the hydrogen production apparatus to a storage container (23). The hydrogen production apparatus includes a plurality of electrode catalyst layers (22), wherein adjacent to each of the plurality of electrode catalyst layers and on any side of each of the plurality of electrode catalyst layers, there is a layer (24) of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane for decomposing water and generating hydrogen from an aqueous electrolyte solution. This solid polymer electrolyte membrane layer and the electrode catalyst layers are located between at least two current collector layers, thereby providing a membrane electrode unit. The hydrogen production apparatus includes at least one membrane electrode unit. - At least one controller unit (12) for controlling circuitry including the current value and current frequency applied to the plurality of electrode catalyst layers, and - At least one cooling element (50) for cooling at least one controller unit and circuit.

[0011] The hydrogen production apparatus of the present invention comprises multiple layers of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (ion exchange membrane) for splitting water and producing hydrogen (and oxygen) adjacent to multiple electrode catalyst layers on any side to provide a membrane electrode assembly. Preferably, each membrane electrode assembly comprises about ten layers of electrode catalysts, which are controlled by a controller unit. In known hydrogen production units, the electrolysis process for producing hydrogen generates a large amount of heat due to the use of relatively high currents within a closed system, resulting in poor operating efficiency. However, the assembly of the present invention balances the electrical input when producing hydrogen and further includes a cooling module to control temperature variations and reduce recovery time, thereby increasing and optimizing the production yield of the assembly. Since the multiple layers of electrode catalysts are controlled and managed by the controller unit, each layer has its own specific current and specific current frequency and voltage, thus optimizing hydrogen production.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen production assembly, wherein the hydrogen production apparatus of the present invention may include two or more, preferably at least three, and more preferably at least four membrane electrode units. The hydrogen production apparatus of the present invention may include multiple membrane electrode assemblies, wherein the membrane electrode assemblies are stacked or connected to each other (cell stacking), wherein a voltage is applied to each end of the cell stack in the stacking direction, and an aqueous solution (such as seawater) is supplied to the anode-side current collector. Then, on the anode side of the membrane electrode assembly, water is decomposed to generate hydrogen ions. The hydrogen ions permeate in the direction of the cathode side and combine with electrons to generate hydrogen gas. Simultaneously, on the anode side, oxygen generated simultaneously with hydrogen is discharged from the membrane electrode assembly stack along with residual water.

[0013] According to another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen production assembly, wherein at least one membrane electrode unit comprises a layer of solid membrane polymer of 5 to 15, preferably 6 to 14, more preferably 7 to 13, and most preferably 8 to 12.

[0014] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen production assembly, wherein at least one membrane electrode unit comprises a plurality of electrode catalyst layers, wherein the number of electrode catalyst layers is n-1, where n is the number of layers of solid membrane polymer.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen production assembly, wherein a layer of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane covers 1 to 25%, preferably 5 to 20%, more preferably 10 to 15% on either side of each of the plurality of electrode catalyst layers, and preferably the layer of the solid polymer electrolyte covers the outer periphery (outer circumference) of the electrode catalyst layer surface on both sides.

[0016] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen production assembly, wherein each of at least two current collector layers (25) and a plurality of electrode catalyst layers (22) includes two or more apertures (35) for allowing an aqueous electrolyte solution to flow within the hydrogen production apparatus and for allowing the produced hydrogen to flow within the hydrogen production apparatus. The apertures (35) present in the current collector layers (25) are connected to an inlet (21) of the aqueous electrolyte solution and an outlet (23) of the produced hydrogen for entry and exit from the apparatus. The current collector layer (25) of the hydrogen production apparatus (20) includes apertures (35) for allowing an aqueous electrolyte solution to flow within the hydrogen production apparatus and for allowing the produced hydrogen to flow within the hydrogen production apparatus. The upper apertures convey the produced hydrogen from the apparatus toward a storage container, and the lower apertures convey the flow of the aqueous electrolyte solution through the apparatus. Each layer of the electrode catalyst layer (22) located between the layers (24) of the polymer electrolyte membrane includes two or more pores (35) for allowing the aqueous electrolyte solution to flow within the hydrogen production unit and for allowing the produced hydrogen to flow within the hydrogen production unit.

[0017] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen production assembly in which the solid membrane polymer is ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). EPDM is a synthetic rubber material widely used in a variety of applications, including roofing, automotive seals, and electrical insulation. Given the electrolysis process, EPDM is particularly suitable for use in hydrogen production plants due to its excellent ozone resistance, heat resistance, and weather resistance, along with its good electrical insulation properties. EPDM membranes can withstand the corrosive properties of electrolyte solutions and maintain their integrity and performance over long periods. EPDM also maintains its mechanical properties and flexibility over a wide temperature range, making it suitable for electrolysis processes that may involve relatively high temperatures.

[0018] According to another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen production assembly in which the solid membrane polymer layer has a thickness of about 2 to 15 mm, preferably 2.5 to 10 mm, more preferably 3 to 6 mm. When the polymer layer is less than 2 mm, the material begins to deform during hydrogen production. A thick layer, i.e., greater than 15 mm, reduces the efficiency of the hydrogen production assembly and increases the cost and weight of the unit.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen production assembly in which multiple electrode catalyst layers each have a thickness of about 0.2 to 4 mm, preferably 0.4 to 3 mm, more preferably 1 to 2 mm. Thicker plates can withstand higher currents and temperatures and increase hydrogen production yield, but reduce the efficiency of the hydrogen production unit. Experiments have shown that, when combined with the current and frequency used with the hydrogen production assembly of the present invention, an electrode catalyst layer thickness between 0.2 and 4 mm is optimal. The goal is to produce hydrogen as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible, while also providing a lightweight, relatively small hydrogen production assembly that delivers a relatively high hydrogen output.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen production assembly, wherein at least two or more current collector layers each have a thickness of about 1 to 10 mm, preferably 2.5 to 7.5 mm, more preferably 3.5 to 5 mm.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen production assembly in which multiple electrode catalyst layers and / or current collector layers comprise stainless steel or titanium, more specifically stainless steel selected from the group consisting of austenitic stainless steel, martensitic stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, and duplex stainless steel, preferably austenitic stainless steel. Austenitic stainless steel is a type of stainless steel containing high levels of chromium, nickel, and sometimes other elements such as molybdenum or nitrogen. It is named for its predominantly austenitic microstructure at room temperature. Austenitic stainless steel is characterized by its excellent corrosion resistance, high ductility, good toughness at both high and low temperatures, and non-magnetic properties, making it excellent for use in the hydrogen production apparatus of the present invention. Due to its aesthetic qualities and durability, it is also commonly used in architectural applications, such as for exterior cladding and roofing. The most common grades of austenitic stainless steel are 304 and 316, but many other available grades offer varying levels of corrosion resistance, strength, and other properties. Besides austenitic stainless steel, ferritic and martensitic stainless steels or combinations thereof (duplex stainless steel) can be used; however, these types are less preferred because they are more magnetic and, although less corrosion resistant, do not exhibit the same level of corrosion resistance as austenitic stainless steel in milder environments. Martensitic stainless steel has low ductility and is therefore less suitable in this invention.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen production assembly, wherein the hydrogen production apparatus is a compact device having an overall length between 5 and 60 cm, preferably 10 to 50 cm, more preferably 20 to 40 cm, and an overall width between 5 and 60 cm, preferably 10 to 50 cm, more preferably 20 to 40 cm. Surprisingly, despite its compactness, the assembly of the present invention is able to produce a relatively high hydrogen production output compared to known systems due to its specific construction and the components used and / or the specific conditions under which production takes place, such as the settings of current, voltage, frequency, etc.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen production assembly, wherein the assembly enables hydrogen output to be between 2 and 40 L of hydrogen (H2) per minute, preferably 5 to 30, and more preferably 10 to 25 L of H2 per minute.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen production assembly, wherein the hydrogen production assembly further includes a gas-liquid separation unit (70) connected to an output end (23) to further purify the generated hydrogen (60) from any residual aqueous electrolyte solution, thereby further reducing the water content of the hydrogen, wherein the hydrogen preferably contains up to 5 ppm of water. The hydrogen produced by the apparatus of the present invention may still contain water. However, hydrogen used, for example in fuel cell vehicles, requires a desired dry state. Therefore, further treatment of the hydrogen may be necessary to reduce or even remove excess water. For example, the final product of the hydrogen preferably contains up to 5 ppm, more preferably up to 2.5 ppm, and more preferably up to 1 ppm of water.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen production assembly in which at least one controller unit is present for every ten electrode catalyst layers. Up to ten electrode plates are controlled by a single controller element to reduce the possibility of system overheating. Each controller element is preferably also connected to a cooling element to ensure optimal operating temperature and prevent overheating. This also ensures optimal yield in hydrogen production and reduces wear and tear, thus improving the durability of the hydrogen production apparatus of the present invention.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a hydrogen production assembly, wherein the assembly comprises a plurality of said hydrogen production devices connected to or stacked on top of each other. The amount of hydrogen that can be produced per minute by water electrolysis depends on several factors, including the size and efficiency of the electrolysis system, the voltage and current used, and the purity of the water being electrolyzed.

[0027] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing hydrogen using a hydrogen production assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein a current is applied to each electrode catalyst layer to the hydrogen production apparatus, wherein the voltage of each electrode catalyst layer is between 1 and 5 volts, preferably between 1.5 and 2.5 volts, more preferably between 1.8 and 2.2 volts.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for producing hydrogen, wherein the current in each electrode catalyst layer is between 3 and 15 amperes, preferably 5 to 12 amperes, most preferably 6 to 11 amperes, and most preferably 7 to 10 amperes.

[0029] According to another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for producing hydrogen, wherein a current is applied to each electrode catalyst layer at a current frequency between 350 and 550 kHz, preferably between 380 and 480 kHz, and most preferably between 350 and 450 kHz.

[0030] According to another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for producing hydrogen, wherein the temperature in the hydrogen production assembly, more preferably the temperature of the controller unit and circuitry, is maintained between 15 and 90°C, more preferably between 20 and 80°C, and more preferably between 25 and 40°C.

[0031] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for producing hydrogen, wherein the hydrogen production apparatus is filled with an aqueous electrolyte solution at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, most preferably at least 99%, and most preferably 100%.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for producing hydrogen, wherein the aqueous electrolyte solution is one or more selected from the group consisting of aqueous solution, water, such as seawater, wastewater, and urine (urine), preferably seawater.

[0033] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of hydrogen production components for producing hydrogen. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The invention will be further described in detail in the following embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1The diagram illustrates a schematic overview of a preferred embodiment of the hydrogen production assembly (1) of the present invention. The assembly includes a power source (10) connected via electrodes to a hydrogen production device (20), the device comprising a plurality of electrode catalyst layers (22) and a layer (24) of a polymer electrolyte membrane. The hydrogen production device (20) is connected to a container (30) containing an aqueous electrolyte solution (31), preferably seawater, which is fed into the device via an input (21) supplying the aqueous electrolyte solution from the container to the hydrogen production device. An output (23) is further connected to the hydrogen production device (20) for transferring the produced hydrogen (60) from the hydrogen production device to a storage container (40) for storing the produced hydrogen (60). The hydrogen production assembly may further include a gas-liquid separation unit (70) connected to the output (23) to further purify the generated hydrogen (60) from any residual aqueous electrolyte solution, thereby further reducing the water content of the hydrogen, wherein the hydrogen preferably contains up to 5 ppm of water. The component further includes at least one controller unit (12) and at least one cooling element (50), the controller unit being used to control a circuit including the current value and current frequency applied to the plurality of electrode catalyst layers (22), and the cooling element being used to cool the device, preferably maintaining the temperature within the optimal operating temperature range (preferably 15 to 40°C). An aqueous electrolyte solution (31) is pumped into the hydrogen production unit (20) via a pump (100) connected to the input terminal (21).

[0035] Figure 2 The following describes a hydrogen production apparatus (20) of the present invention, comprising a plurality of electrode catalyst layers (22), wherein adjacent to each of the plurality of electrode catalyst layers and on either side of each of the plurality of electrode catalyst layers, there is a layer (24) of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane for decomposing an aqueous electrolyte solution (31), preferably seawater, to produce hydrogen (60). The solid polymer electrolyte membrane layer and the electrode catalyst layers are located between at least two current collector layers (25), thereby providing a membrane electrode unit (26). The hydrogen production apparatus (20) includes at least one membrane electrode unit (26), and preferably includes at least three membrane electrode units (26) as shown.

[0036] Figure 3The diagram shows a front view of the current collector layer (25) of a hydrogen production apparatus (20), which includes holes (35) for allowing the aqueous electrolyte solution to flow within the hydrogen production apparatus and for allowing the produced hydrogen to flow within the apparatus. The upper holes transport the produced hydrogen from the apparatus toward a storage container, and the lower holes transport the flow of the aqueous electrolyte solution through the apparatus. Holes in the periphery of the current collector layer serve to connect the various layers of the apparatus to each other (via screws, etc.). Behind the current collector layer, a layer (22) of electrode catalyst is shown, through which a power source can be connected to provide current and current frequency to the electrode catalyst layer.

[0037] Figure 4 : An enlarged view of a portion of a hydrogen production apparatus (20) comprising the various layers: a current collector layer (25), an electrode catalyst layer (22), and a polymer electrolyte membrane layer (24). A hole (35) in the current collector layer (25) connects to the inlet (21) of the aqueous electrolyte solution and the outlet (23) of the produced hydrogen to enter and exit the apparatus.

[0038] Figure 5 The diagram shows electrode catalyst layers (22) between layers (24) of a polymer electrolyte membrane, each layer (22) comprising two or more pores (35) for allowing the aqueous electrolyte solution to flow within the hydrogen production apparatus and for allowing the produced hydrogen to flow within the hydrogen production apparatus. A layer of solid polymer electrolyte membrane covers either side of each of the plurality of electrode catalyst layers, preferably with the solid polymer electrolyte layer covering the outer periphery of the electrode catalyst layer surface on both sides. The electrode catalyst layers may be provided with attachment means (28) for electrodes and for applying specific current, voltage, and frequency to the hydrogen production apparatus. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Example

[0040] Example 1 - Efficiency of Hydrogen Production

[0041] The hydrogen production assembly of the present invention was tested at different frequencies, currents, and voltages (see [reference]). Figure 1The hydrogen production efficiency (HPE) was measured. The hydrogen production unit used comprised three membrane electrode units, each containing ten 2 mm thick electrode catalyst layers. Adjacent to each side of these layers was a 5 mm thick EPDM polymer electrolyte membrane layer. The hydrogen production unit was connected to a container containing an aqueous electrolyte solution, which was brine (seawater) used herein, and fed into the unit. The hydrogen production unit produced hydrogen upon startup (activation), with the amount of hydrogen produced measured over time. The water content of the hydrogen was reduced to a maximum of 5 ppm. Seawater was pumped into the hydrogen production unit, which was filled with at least 5 L of the fluid to be electrolyzed. Various currents and current frequencies were tested on the hydrogen production unit, and the unit was cooled to an average temperature of approximately 20 to 25°C, and the gas output was measured (see Table 1).

[0042] Table 1. Test results of H2 gas production

[0043] At currents above 15 amps and / or 5 volts per electrode catalyst layer, the device temperature becomes difficult to control and rises significantly to 160°C or higher, which is unsuitable for hydrogen production and maintaining a stable system. Furthermore, very little hydrogen is produced (less than 1 L / min) above 550 kHz. At currents below 3 amps and / or 1 volt per electrode catalyst layer and below 200 kHz, hydrogen production drops sharply to approximately 6 to 8 L / min. At currents between 3 and 15 amps and voltages between 1 and 5 volts, and at frequencies between 350 and 550 kHz, approximately 20 L / min of hydrogen is produced.

Claims

1. A hydrogen production assembly (1) comprising: - a power supply (10) connected to a hydrogen production device (20), - a container (30) containing an aqueous electrolyte solution (31), - a storage container (40) for storing produced hydrogen (60), - at least one input (21) for providing the aqueous electrolyte solution from the container to the hydrogen production device and at least one output (23) for transferring produced hydrogen from the hydrogen production device to the storage container, wherein the hydrogen production device comprises a plurality of electrode catalyst layers (22), wherein adjacent to each of the plurality of electrode catalyst layers and adjacent to either side of each of the plurality of electrode catalyst layers, there is a layer of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (24) for splitting water and producing hydrogen from the aqueous electrolyte solution, the layer of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and the electrode catalyst layers being located between at least two current collector layers (25), thereby providing a membrane electrode unit, wherein the hydrogen production device comprises at least one membrane electrode unit, and - at least one controller unit (12) for controlling an electrical circuit comprising a current value and a current frequency applied to the plurality of electrode catalyst layers, and - at least one cooling element (50) for cooling the at least one controller unit and the electrical circuit.

2. The hydrogen production assembly according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen production device of the invention can comprise two or more, preferably at least three, more preferably at least four membrane electrode units.

3. The hydrogen production assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one membrane electrode unit comprises between 5 and 15, preferably between 6 and 14, more preferably between 7 and 13, most preferably between 8 and 12 layers of solid membrane polymer.

4. The hydrogen production assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one membrane electrode unit comprises a plurality of electrode catalyst layers, wherein the number of electrode catalyst layers is n-1, wherein n is the number of layers of solid membrane polymer.

5. The hydrogen production assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two current collector layers (25) and each of the plurality of electrode catalyst layers (22) comprise two or more holes (35) for enabling the aqueous electrolyte solution to flow within the hydrogen production device and for enabling the produced hydrogen to flow within the hydrogen production device.

6. The hydrogen production assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the solid membrane polymer is an ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM).

7. The hydrogen production assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the layers of solid membrane polymer have a thickness of about 2 to 15 mm, preferably 2.5 to 10 mm, more preferably 3 to 6 mm.

8. The hydrogen production assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of electrode catalyst layers each have a thickness of about 0.2 to 4 mm, preferably 0.4 to 3 mm, more preferably 1 to 2 mm.

9. The hydrogen production assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two or more current collector layers each have a thickness of about 1 to 10 mm, preferably 2.5 to 7.5 mm, more preferably 3.5 to 5 mm.

10. The hydrogen production assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of electrode catalyst layers and / or current collector layers comprise stainless steel or titanium, more particularly stainless steel selected from the group consisting of austenitic stainless steel, martensitic stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel and duplex stainless steel, preferably austenitic stainless steel.

11. The hydrogen production assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrogen production device is a compact device having a total length of between 5 to 60 cm, preferably 10 to 50 cm, more preferably 20 to 40 cm and a total width of between 5 to 60 cm, preferably 10 to 50 cm, more preferably 20 to 40 cm.

12. The hydrogen production assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly enables a hydrogen output of between 2 to 40 L of hydrogen (H2) per minute, preferably 5 to 30 L of H2 per minute, more preferably 10 to 25 L of H2 per minute.

13. The hydrogen production assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrogen production assembly further comprises a gas-liquid separation unit (70) connected to the output (23) to further purify the generated hydrogen gas (60) from any residual aqueous electrolyte solution, thereby further reducing the water content of the hydrogen gas, wherein the hydrogen gas preferably comprises an amount of water of at most 5 ppm.

14. The hydrogen production assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein there is at least one controller unit per at most 10 electrode catalyst layers.

15. The hydrogen production assembly according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of the hydrogen production devices connected or stacked to each other.

16. A method for producing hydrogen gas by means of a hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, applying a current to the hydrogen production device, wherein the voltage per electrode catalyst layer is between 1 to 5 Volts, preferably 1.5 to 2.5 Volts, more preferably 1.8 to 2.2 Volts.

17. The method for producing hydrogen according to claim 16, wherein the current per electrode catalyst layer is between 3 to 15 Amperes, preferably 5 to 12 Amperes, most preferably 6 to 11 Amperes, most preferably 7 to 10 Amperes.

18. The method for producing hydrogen according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the current per electrode catalyst layer is applied at a current frequency of between 350 to 550 kHz, preferably 380 to 480 kHz, most preferably 400 to 450 kHz.

19. The method for producing hydrogen according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the temperature in the hydrogen production assembly, more preferably the temperature of the controller unit and the circuitry, is maintained between 15 to 90 °C, preferably between 20 to 80 °C, more preferably between 25 to 40 °C.

20. The method for producing hydrogen gas according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the hydrogen gas production device is filled with an aqueous electrolyte solution of at least 90%, more preferred at least 95%, most preferred at least 99%, most preferred 100%.

21. The method for producing hydrogen gas according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the aqueous electrolyte solution is one or more selected from the group consisting of an aqueous solution, water, such as sea water, waste water, urine, preferably sea water.

22. Use of the hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for producing hydrogen gas.

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