Achieving Carbon Neutrality With Electric Air Heaters

137 countries have joined in the race to net–zero carbon emissions. So far, only two countries, Bhutan and Suriname have achieved it. Most target 2050 as their goal date for carbon neutrality and some, like Australia and Singapore, have dates as
far away as 2100.

While having concrete dates is a step in the right direction, scientists say achieving net–zero by 2050 is too late. At the rate global warming is increasing the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and ocean stratification may have done irreversible damage. Devastating the ecosystem and creating instability that could threaten civilization with a sixth
mass extinction.

To reach carbon–neutral goals sooner, there is a need to evolve and adapt new technologies and fuel alternatives. The Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC), a clean fuel offering easy storage and an alternative to batteries is one such technology.

To create these carbon–neutral fuel cells efficiently and reliably, producers are turning to electric air heaters.

Electric Air Heaters

Electric air heaters are perhaps best known for their use in manufacturing composites, plastics, and other nonwoven materials. They are used to increase efficiency by improving manufacturing cycle times, and ensuring the final quality and aesthetics of the product.

In the effort to create a carbon–neutral future, however, electric air heaters are taking on a new role. SOECs need high temperatures to run at a steady–state, requiring preheating from an electric heater. Electric heaters are not only carbon–friendly but also can achieve the high temperatures the fuel cells require faster and more efficiently.

Researchers hope to eventually make the fuel cell fully self–sustaining. This would mean that once the initial temperature is achieved, outside heating is no longer required, as the cell would generate enough energy to preheat gases entering the cell.

While this process is becoming more efficient, electric air heaters are currently still necessary to support this heat recovery mechanism. While not fully self–sustaining, this minimizes the energy required to keep up the process.

Electrolysis

One of the main uses of air heaters to achieve carbon neutrality is through supporting electrolysis. The heat is used in the electrolysis of water. This process separates hydrogen gas and oxygen.

Pure hydrogen gas can be used as an alternative fuel, capable of fuelling zero–emission FCEVs (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles). Pure hydrogen fuel cells are highly efficient, offer fast filling times, and are a clean energy. This is one potential replacement for traditional, emission–heavy fuels.

The process of electrolysis through electric air heaters is more efficient and less damaging to the environment. A lot of electricity can be produced with little energy, and there are fewer by–products, like CO2 and NOx, created.

Energy Storage

Hydrogen fuel cells produced with electric air heaters not only create an alternative energy source but also a way to store energy. SOECs offer an alternative to reliance on batteries.

Batteries are an important piece of many carbon neutral plans, such as the Tesla battery revolutionizing the HVAC industry with the Model Y heat pump. While batteries remain important, relying on one technology alone may just be trading one problem for another. Materials, such as lithium, used in high–quality batteries are in finite supply and require significant resources and potentially harmful mining processes to extract.

Hydrogen fuel cells offer an alternative to batteries, with powerful energy storage capabilities. This allows for less reliance on a single resource or on creating new environmental challenges. A greater variety of alternative energies is necessary for improving stability.

High–Temperature Heating

Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells require enough operational heat to allow high–temperature electrolysis. This usually occurs between 500°C and 850°C, creating similar conditions to those found in a solid oxide fuel cell.

To achieve this, electric flanged heaters can support the SOEC process. Flanged heaters are extremely efficient heaters capable of achieving high temperature quickly through direct immersion. Electric air heaters can provide support through indirect heating.

SOEC Electric Heater Quotes

Wattco custom–manufactures electric heaters designed for a carbon–neutral future. Our team of engineers helps select the right heater type, designs, and configurations to meet the specific needs and budget of your project. From flanged heaters to electric air heaters, we have a reputation for reliability, efficiency, and capability.

Contact Wattco today for electric air heater quotes and information.

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