Hydrogen gas production assembly and method for production of hydrogen gas

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hydrogen gas production assembly comprised of a hydrogen gas production device, a container comprising an aqueous electrolyte solution, a storage container for storing produced hydrogen gas an input providing the aqueous electrolyte solution from the container to the hydrogen gas production device and an output for transferring produced hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas production device to the storage container. The present invention further relates to methods for the production of hydrogen gas via the hydrogen gas production assembly.

Description

[0001] HYDROGEN GAS PRODUCTION ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR PRODUCTION OF

[0002] HYDROGEN GAS

[0003] Description

[0004] The present invention relates to a hydrogen gas production assembly comprised of a hydrogen gas production device, a container comprising an aqueous electrolyte solution, a storage container for storing produced hydrogen gas an input providing the aqueous electrolyte solution from the container to the hydrogen gas production device and an output for transferring produced hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas production device to the storage container. The present invention further relates to methods for the production of hydrogen gas via the hydrogen gas production assembly.

[0005] Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier that can be used in various sectors, 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 by-product. These SMR systems use natural gas as a feedstock and steam to produce hydrogen gas through a catalytic process. However, there are several other methods for producing hydrogen, such as biomass gasification, nuclear energy, microbial processes and water electrolysis.

[0006] In biomass basification, biomass, such as wood chips 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, as 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.

[0007] Water electrolysis is a well-established method for producing hydrogen gas by splitting water into its constituent elements, hydrogen and oxygen, using electricity. Water electrolysis technology is focused on improving efficiency, reducing cost, and increasing the scalability of the process. There are two main types of electrolysis cells: alkaline electrolysis and proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis. Alkaline electrolysis is the more established technology, while PEM electrolysis is a newer and rapidly developing technology.

[0008] Alkaline electrolysis cells use a liquid alkaline electrolyte, typically potassium or sodium hydroxide, and operate at high temperatures and pressures. These cells are typically less expensive than PEM cells and have higher efficiency at larger scales. The main challenge with alkaline electrolysis is that it is not suitable for intermittent operation or operation with varying loads due to slow response times.

[0009] PEM electrolysis cells use a solid polymer electrolyte, and operate at lower temperatures and pressures than alkaline cells. PEM cells have fast response times, making them suitable for intermittent or variable load applications. They are also more efficient at small to medium scales, making them well-suited for decentralized hydrogen production. However, the technology is more expensive than alkaline cells, and the durability of the membrane can be a concern.

[0010] There are ongoing efforts to improve both types of cells. For example, researchers are exploring new materials for the electrodes and membranes, as well as ways to reduce the amount of energy required to split water. Additionally, there are efforts to integrate water electrolysis with renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power, to produce "green hydrogen" that is carbon-free and sustainable. Research is ongoing to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these methods, as well as to develop new technologies for producing hydrogen. There are emerging technologies for hydrogen production that are still in the development and testing phases, such as high-temperature electrolysis, solar thermochemical water splitting, and biological hydrogen production, but these are not yet commercially available. Additionally, there are ongoing efforts to develop and improve the infrastructure for storing, transporting, and using hydrogen as an energy carrier, including the development of fuel cells for powering vehicles and other applications.

[0011] Considering the above, there is a need in the art for hydrogen production system capable of minimizing energy consumption for improved yield hydrogen production, providing an improved economic efficiency and operational efficiency. In addition there is a need in the art for a method for improved yield hydrogen production via electrolysis.

[0012] It is an object of the present invention, amongst other objects, to address the above need in the art. The object of present invention, amongst other objects, is met by the present invention as outlined in the appended claims.

[0013] Specifically, the above object, amongst other objects, is met, according to a first aspect, by the present invention by a hydrogen gas production assembly (1) comprised of

[0014] - a power source (10) in connection with a hydrogen gas production device (20),

[0015] - a container (30) comprising an aqueous electrolyte solution (31),

[0016] - a storage container (40) for storing produced hydrogen gas (60),

[0017] - at least one input (21) providing the aqueous electrolyte solution from the container to the hydrogen gas production device and at least one output (23) for transferring produced hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas production device to the storage container, wherein said hydrogen gas production device is comprised of multiple electrode catalyst layers (22), wherein adjacent to and to either side of each layer of said multiple electrode catalyst layers, a layer of solid polymer electrolyte membrane (24) is present for decomposing water and to generate hydrogen gas from an aqueous electrolyte solution, the layers of solid polymer electrolyte membrane and electrode catalyst layer are located between at least two current collector layers thereby providing a membrane-electrode unit, wherein the hydrogen gas production device is comprised of at least one membrane electrode unit, and

[0018] - at least one controller unit (12) for controlling an electric circuit including an electric current value and an electrical current frequency being applied to said multiple electrode catalyst layers, and

[0019] - at least one cooling element (50) for cooling the at least one controller unit and the electric circuit.

[0020] The hydrogen gas production device of present invention is comprised of a multiple layers of solid polymer electrolyte membrane (an ion-exchange membrane) for decomposing water and to generate hydrogen (and oxygen), adjacent to the multiple electrode catalyst layers on either side to provide a membrane-electrode assembly. Preferably each membrane electrode assembly comprised about ten layers of electrode catalyst, which are controlled by a controller unit. The electrolysis process producing hydrogen gas generates a lot of heat due to the relative high currents being used within the closed system resulting in poor operational efficiency in known hydrogen gas production units. However, the assembly of present invention when producing hydrogen gas balances the electrical input and further comprises a cooling module to control the temperature changes and reduce recovery time and increase, optimizes the production yield of the assembly. Due to the multiple layers of electrode catalyst layers, each having their respective specific electrical current and specific current frequency and voltage, being controlled and managed by a controller unit, the hydrogen production is optimized.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the hydrogen gas production assembly, wherein the hydrogen gas production device of present invention may be comprised of two or more, preferably at least three, more preferably at least four membrane electrode units. The hydrogen gas production device of present invention may be comprised of multiple membrane-electrode assemblies, wherein the membrane-electrode assembly are stacked or connected to each other (cell stacking), wherein voltage is applied to respective ends of the cell stack in the stacking direction, and the aqueous solution (such as sea water) is supplied to the anode-side current collector. Then, the water is decomposed to generate hydrogen ions at the anode side of the membrane-electrode assembly. The hydrogen ions permeate in the direction of the cathode side, and become bonded with electrons to produce hydrogen gas. Meanwhile, at the anode side, oxygen generated simultaneously with the hydrogen is discharged together with residual water from the membrane-electrode assembly stack. According to another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the hydrogen gas production assembly, wherein the at least one membrane electrode unit is comprised of between 5 to 15, preferably between 6 to 14, more preferably between 7 to 13, most preferably between 8 to 12 layers of solid membrane polymer.

[0022] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the hydrogen gas production assembly, wherein the at least one membrane electrode unit comprises multiple electrode catalyst layers, wherein the number of electrode catalyst layers is n-1, wherein n is the number of layers of solid membrane polymer.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the hydrogen gas production assembly, wherein the layer of solid polymer electrolyte membrane covers 1 to 25 %, preferably 5 to 20%, more preferably 10 to 15% of either side of each layer of said multiple electrode catalyst layers, preferably the layer of solid polymer electrolyte covers the outer circumference of the electrode catalyst layer surface on both sides.

[0024] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the hydrogen gas production assembly, wherein each layer of the at least two current collector layers (25) and multiple electrode catalyst layers (22) comprise two or more apertures (35) for enabling a flow of aqueous electrolyte solution and a flow of produced hydrogen gas within the hydrogen gas production device. The apertures (35) present in the current collector layer (25) are in connection with the input (21) of aqueous electrolyte solution and output (23) of the produced hydrogen gas, to and from the device. The current collector layer (25) of the hydrogen gas production device (20), comprised of apertures (35) for enabling a flow of aqueous electrolyte solution and a flow of produced hydrogen gas within the hydrogen gas production device. The upper aperture transports the produced hydrogen gas from the device towards the storage container, the lower apertures transports a flow of aqueous electrolyte solution trough the device. Each layer of the electrode catalyst layers (22) in between the layers of polymer electrolyte membrane (24) comprise two or more apertures (35) for enabling a flow of aqueous electrolyte solution and a flow of produced hydrogen gas within the hydrogen gas production device.

[0025] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the hydrogen gas production assembly, wherein the solid membrane polymer is of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber material that is widely used in a variety of applications, including roofing, automotive seals, and electrical insulation. EPDM is particularly suitable for use in the hydrogen production device in view of the electrolysis process due to its excellent resistance to ozone, heat, and weathering, as well as its good electrical insulation properties. The EPDM membrane is able to withstand the corrosive nature of the electrolyte solutions and can maintain its integrity and performance over a long period of time. EPDM is also able to maintain its mechanical properties and flexibility over a wide temperature range, making it suitable for use in this electrolysis process that may involve relative high temperatures.

[0026] According to another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the hydrogen gas production assembly, wherein the layer of solid membrane polymer 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 starts to deform during hydrogen production. Thick layers, i.e. more than 15 mm will decrease the efficiency of the hydrogen production assembly and increase costs and weight of the unit.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the hydrogen gas production assembly, wherein the 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 endure higher electrical currents and temperatures and will increase the hydrogen production yield, however will decrease the efficiency of the hydrogen production unit. Experiments showed that a thickness of between 0.2 to 4 mm of the electrode catalyst layers to be the most optimal in combination with the current and frequency used with the hydrogen gas production assembly of present invention. The goal is producing the hydrogen gas as efficient and low cost as possible, also providing a low weight, relative small hydrogen gas production assembly, providing relatively high hydrogen gas outputs.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the hydrogen gas production assembly, wherein the at least two or more current collector layers each have a thickness of about 1 to 10mm, preferably 2.5 to 7.5 mm, more preferably 3.5 to 5 mm.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the hydrogen gas production assembly, wherein the multiple electrode catalyst layers and / or current collector layers are comprised of 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 that contains high levels of chromium, nickel, and sometimes other elements such as molybdenum or nitrogen. It is named after its microstructure, which is predominantly austenitic at room temperature. Austenitic stainless steel is characterized by its excellent corrosion resistance, high ductility, and good toughness at both high and low temperatures, non-magnetic, making it excellent for use in the hydrogen gas production device of present invention. It is also commonly used in architectural applications, such as for exterior cladding and roofing, due to its aesthetic qualities and durability. The most common grades of austenitic stainless steel are the 304 and 316 grades, but there are many other grades available that offer different levels of corrosion resistance, strength, and other properties. Next to Austenitic stainless steel, ferritic and martensitic stainless steel may be used or a combination (duplex stainless steel), however these types are less preferred since they are more magnetic and have good although lower corrosion resistance in mild environments, but is not as corrosion resistant as austenitic stainless steel. Martensitic stainless steel has low ductility and is therefore less suitable in present invention.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the hydrogen gas production assembly, wherein the hydrogen gas 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. Surprisingly, although being very compact the assembly of present invention is capable of producing a relatively high hydrogen gas production output in comparison to known systems due to its specific build up and elements used and / or the specific set of conditions, such as current, voltage, frequency, etc. under which the production takes place. .

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the hydrogen gas production assembly, wherein the assembly enables a hydrogen gas output of between 2 to 40 L of hydrogen gas (H2) / min, preferably 5 to 30, more preferably 10 to 25 L of H2 / min.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the hydrogen gas production assembly, wherein the hydrogen gas production assembly is further comprised of a gasliquid separation unit (70) in connection with the output (23), to further purify the produced 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 at most a water amount of 5 ppm. Hydrogen gas generated by the device of present invention may still comprise water. However, hydrogen gas for example to be used in a fuel cell vehicle or the like is required to be in a desired dry state. Therefore further processing of the hydrogen may be needed to reduce or even remove the excess of water. For example, the end product being hydrogen gas preferably comprises at most a water amount of 5 ppm, preferably at most 2.5 ppm, more preferably at most 1 ppm.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the hydrogen gas production assembly, wherein at least one controller unit is present per at most 10 electrode catalyst layers. A maximum of ten electrode plates is controlled by one controller element to reduce the chances of overheating the system. Each controller element is preferably also linked to a cooling element to ensure optimal operating temperatures and avoid overheating. This also ensures an optimal yield in hydrogen gas production and reduces the wear and improves the durability on the hydrogen gas production device of the present invention.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the hydrogen gas production assembly, wherein said assembly is comprised of a multitude of said hydrogen gas production devices connected or stacked to 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.

[0035] The present invention, according to a second aspect, relates to a method for production of hydrogen gas via a hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of the claims 1 to 14, wherein an electric current per electrode catalyst layer is applied to the hydrogen gas production device, wherein the voltage per electrode catalyst layer is between 1 to 5 volt, preferably 1.5 to 2.5 volt, more preferably 1.8 to 2.2 volt.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the method for production of hydrogen gas, wherein the electric current per electrode catalyst layer is between 3 to 15 Ampere, preferably 5 to 12 Ampere, most preferably 6 to 11 Ampere, most preferably 7 to 10 Ampere.

[0037] According to another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the method for production of hydrogen gas wherein the electric current per electrode catalyst layer is applied at a current frequency between 350 to 550 kHz, preferably 380 to 480 kHz, most preferably between 350 and 450 kHz.

[0038] According to another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the method for production of hydrogen gas, wherein the temperature in the hydrogen gas production assembly, more preferably of the controller unit and electric circuit, is maintained between 15 to 90 °C, preferably between 20 to 80 °C, more preferably between 25 to 40 °C..

[0039] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the method for production of hydrogen gas, wherein the hydrogen gas production device is filled with aqueous electrolyte solution for at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% most preferably at least 99%, most preferably 100%.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the method for production of hydrogen gas, wherein the aqueous electrolyte solution is one or more selected from the group consisting of aqueous solutions, water, such as seawater, wastewater, urine, preferably seawater.

[0041] The present invention, according to a further aspect, relates to the use of a hydrogen gas production assembly, for the production of hydrogen gas.

[0042] The present invention will be further detailed in the following examples and figures wherein:

[0043] Figure 1: shows a schematic overview of a preferred embodiment of the hydrogen gas production assembly (1) of present invention. The assembly is comprised of a power source (10) in connection via electrodes with a hydrogen gas production device (20), the device is comprised of multiple electrode catalyst layers (22) and layers of polymer electrolyte membrane (24). The hydrogen gas production device

[0044] (20) is in connection with a container (30) comprising an aqueous electrolyte solution (31), preferably seawater, that is being fed into the device via an input

[0045] (21) providing the aqueous electrolyte solution from the container to the hydrogen gas production device. Further connected to the hydrogen gas production device (20) is an output (23) for transferring produced hydrogen gas (60) from the hydrogen gas production device to a storage container (40) for storing produced hydrogen gas (60). The hydrogen gas production assembly may be further comprised of a gas-liquid separation unit (70) in connection with the output (23) to further purify the produced 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 at most a water amount of 5 ppm. The assembly further comprises at least one controller unit (12) for controlling an electric circuit including an electric current value and an electrical current frequency being applied to said multiple electrode catalyst layers (22), and at least one cooling element (50) for cooling the device, preferably maintaining the temperature within optimal operating temperature (preferably 15 to 40 °C). The aqueous electrolyte solution (31) is being pumped into the hydrogen gas production device (20) by a pump (100) in connection with the input (21).

[0046] Figure 2: Shows the hydrogen gas production device (20) of the assembly of present invention, wherein the device is comprised of multiple electrode catalyst layers

[0047] (22), wherein adjacent to and to either side of each layer of said multiple electrode catalyst layers, a layer of solid polymer electrolyte membrane (24) is present for decomposing the aqueous electrolyte solution (31), preferably seawater, and to generate hydrogen gas (60). The layers of solid polymer electrolyte membrane and electrode catalyst layer are located between at least two current collector layers (25) thereby providing a membrane-electrode unit (26). The hydrogen gas production device (20) comprises at least one membrane-electrode unit (26), and as shown preferably is comprised of at least three membrane electrode units (26).

[0048] Figure 3: shows frontal view of a current collector layer (25) of the hydrogen gas production device (20), comprised of apertures (35) for enabling a flow of aqueous electrolyte solution and a flow of produced hydrogen gas within the hydrogen gas production device. The upper aperture transports the produced hydrogen gas from the device towards the storage container, the lower apertures transport a flow of aqueous electrolyte solution trough the device. The apertures in the circumference of the current collector layer function to connect the various layers of the device to each other (via screws or the like). Behind the current collector layer a layer of electrode catalyst (22) is shown, wherein the power source can be connected to providing an electric current and an electrical current frequency to the electrode catalyst layer.

[0049] Figure 4: shows a blow up of part of the hydrogen gas production device (20) comprised of the various layers; the current collector layer (25), the electrode catalyst layers (22), and the layers of polymer electrolyte membrane (24). The apertures (35) present in the current collector layer (25) are in connection with the input (21) of aqueous electrolyte solution and output (23) of the produced hydrogen gas, to and from the device.

[0050] Figure 5: Shows the electrode catalyst layers (22) in between the layers of polymer electrolyte membrane (24) wherein each layer of the electrode catalyst layers (22) comprise two or more apertures (35) for enabling a flow of aqueous electrolyte solution and a flow of produced hydrogen gas within the hydrogen gas production device. The layer of solid polymer electrolyte membrane covers either side of each layer of said multiple electrode catalyst layers, preferably the layer of solid polymer electrolyte covers the outer circumference of the electrode catalyst layer surface on both sides. The electrode catalyst layers may be provided with attachment means (28) for electrodes and applying a specific electrical current, voltage and frequency to the hydrogen gas production device.

[0051] Example

[0052] Example 1 - Efficiency of hydrogen production

[0053] The hydrogen gas production assembly of present invention (see figure 1) is tested for its hydrogen production efficiency at different frequencies, electrical currents and voltages. The hydrogen gas production device used is comprised three membrane electrode units, each comprised of 10 electrode catalyst layers of 2 mm thick, with adjacent to each side of these layers a 5 mm thick layer of polymer electrolyte membrane of EPDM. The hydrogen gas production device is connected to a container comprising the aqueous electrolyte solution, herein used salt water (seawater), that is being fed into the device. The hydrogen gas production device is producing hydrogen gas when activated, wherein the amount of hydrogen gas produced is being measured over time. The water content of the hydrogen gas is reduced to comprise at most a water amount of 5 ppm. Seawater is being pumped into the hydrogen gas production device, wherein the device is filled with at least 5 L of fluid to be electrolyzed. Various electric current and an electrical current frequency were tested to the hydrogen gas production device and the device was cooled to an average temperature of about 20 to 25 °C and the gas output was measured, see table 1.

[0054] Table 1. Test Results H2 gas production

[0055] Above an electrical current of 15 Ampere and / or 5 volt per electrode catalyst layer, the temperature of the device was difficult to keep under control and increase dramatically to 160 °C or higher, which was unsuitable to produce hydrogen and maintain a stable system. Also above 550 kHz very little hydrogen gas (less than IL per minute) was being produced. Below an electrical current of 3 Ampere and / or 1 volt per electrode catalyst layer and below 200 kHz, the out of hydrogen gas being produced dropped dramatically to about 6 to 8 L / min. About 20 L of hydrogen gas per minute was produced at a current of between 3 to 15 Ampere and voltage of between 1 to 5 Volt, at a Frequency of between 350 and 550 kHz.

Claims

Claims1. A hydrogen gas production assembly (1) comprised of- a power source (10) in connection with a hydrogen gas production device (20),- a container (30) comprising an aqueous electrolyte solution (31),- a storage container (40) for storing produced hydrogen gas (60),- at least one input (21) providing the aqueous electrolyte solution from the container to the hydrogen gas production device and at least one output (23) for transferring produced hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas production device to the storage container, wherein said hydrogen gas production device is comprised of multiple electrode catalyst layers (22), wherein adjacent to and to either side of each layer of said multiple electrode catalyst layers, a layer of solid polymer electrolyte membrane (24) is present for decomposing water and to generate hydrogen gas from an aqueous electrolyte solution, the layers of solid polymer electrolyte membrane and electrode catalyst layer are located between at least two current collector layers (25) thereby providing a membrane-electrode unit, wherein the hydrogen gas production device is comprised of at least one membrane electrode unit, and- at least one controller unit (12) for controlling an electric circuit including an electric current value and an electrical current frequency being applied to said multiple electrode catalyst layers, and- at least one cooling element (50) for cooling the at least one controller unit and the electric circuit.

2. The hydrogen gas production assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the hydrogen gas production device of present invention may be comprised of two or more, preferably at least three, more preferably at least four membrane electrode units.

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

4. The hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one membrane electrode unit comprises multiple 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 gas production assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each layer of the at least two current collector layers (25) and multiple electrode catalyst layers (22) comprise two or more apertures (35) for enabling a flow of aqueous electrolyte solution and a flow of produced hydrogen gas within the hydrogen gas production device.

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

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

8. The hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the 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.

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

10. The hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the multiple electrode catalyst layers and / or current collector layers are comprised of 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.

11. The hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrogen gas 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 gas production assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly enables a hydrogen gas output of between 2 to 40 L of hydrogen gas (H2) / min, preferably 5 to 30 H2 / min, more preferably 10 to 25 L of H2 / min.

13. The hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrogen gas production assembly is further comprised of a gas-liquid separation unit (70) in connection with the output (23), to further purify the produced 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 at most a water amount of 5 ppm.

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

15. The hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprised of a multitude of said hydrogen gas production devices connected or stacked to each other.

16. A method for production hydrogen gas via a hydrogen gas production assembly according to any one of the claims 1 to 15, wherein an electric current is applied to the hydrogen gas production device, wherein the voltage per electrode catalyst layer is between 1 to 5 volt, preferably 1.5 to 2.5 volt, more preferably 1.8 to 2.2 volt.

17. Method for production hydrogen gas according to claim 16, wherein the electric current per electrode catalyst layer is between 3 to 15 Ampere, preferably 5 to 12 Ampere, most preferably 6 to 11 Ampere, most preferably 7 to 10 Ampere.

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

19. Method for production hydrogen gas according to any one of the claims 16 to 18, wherein the temperature in the hydrogen gas production assembly, more preferably of the controller unit and electric circuit, is maintained between 15 to 90 °C, preferably between 20 to 80 °C, more preferably between 25 to 40 °C.

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

21. Method for production hydrogen gas according to any one of the claims 16 to 20, wherein the aqueous electrolyte solution is one or more selected from the group consisting of aqueous solutions, water, such as seawater, waste water, urine, preferably seawater.

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

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