Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ New Compressor Unites Hydrogen Supply Chain

Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) recently began constructing a demonstration facility to test its hydrogen technology: a centrifugal hydrogen compressor for liquefaction facilities, dubbed the KM Comp-H₂. A KHI spokesperson detailed the technology and its impact on the global hydrogen supply chain from production to utilization and offered insight into future hydrogen-related technology development.

KM Comp-H₂ centrifugal hydrogen compressor; image credit: KHI

TURBO: How will the KM Comp-H₂ compressor be demonstrated at the new facility in Harima Works?

KHI: We will operate using hydrogen gas continuously for one year, from November 2025 to November 2026. The operation will be conducted on a 24-hour basis. The test will include performance measurements with pure hydrogen, verification of load-following capability simulating a liquefier, and reliability evaluation through long-term continuous operation.

TURBO: How does the operation of hydrogen centrifugal compressors differ between liquefaction plants and pipelines?

KHI: The pressure and flow rate ranges required for compressors differ between liquefaction plants and pipelines. Liquefaction plants often operate near their rated points, whereas pipelines experience significant fluctuations in processing flow rates due to the balance of energy supply and demand. Consequently, the flow-control range required for compressors also varies.Additionally, the pressure needed for compressors differs between liquefaction plants and pipelines when processing flow rates fluctuate and, as a result, the flow characteristics required for compressors also vary.

TURBO: How did KHI achieve an 86% smaller installation footprint than other hydrogen compressors?

KHI: Traditionally, reciprocating compressors commonly used for hydrogen compression could only handle small flow rates, necessitating the parallel installation of multiple units to process large flow rates. However, KHI has developed a centrifugal hydrogen compressor capable of processing large volumes of hydrogen with a single unit, achieving an installation footprint that is 86% smaller (one-seventh) compared to reciprocating compressors handling the same flow rate.

TURBO: What are the process, material, and design considerations for a centrifugal hydrogen compressor for 100% pure hydrogen?

KHI: We focused on simultaneously developing the key technologies required for high-speed and high-efficiency operation in a hydrogen environment, including impeller strength, aerodynamic performance, rotordynamics, and materials. We have developed an impeller capable of withstanding super-high-speed rotation to achieve a high-pressure ratio.

TURBO: What are the latest trends in hydrogen compressor technologies? What about hydrogen technology as a whole?

KHI: The pipeline compressors for large-scale hydrogen transportation are expected to see significant demand, particularly in Europe. Major competitors manufacturing compressors for the oil and gas industry are likely focusing on developing these compressors. Additionally, KHI has launched and began selling a "high-capacity hydraulic booster hydrogen compressor" for large-scale hydrogen stations.

Regarding hydrogen technology, KHI is advancing the development of small hydrogen engines for aircraft, hydrogen-fueled ships, hydrogen co-firing gas engines, and hydrogen-only gas turbine cogeneration systems.

TURBO: How else is KHI working to build out the global hydrogen economy?

KHI: We are developing hydrogen gas turbines, hydrogen gas engines, hydrogen aircraft, liquefied hydrogen carriers, hydrogen compressors for stations, hydrogen gas tanks, hydrogen liquefiers, and fuel cells. We are committed to contributing to the hydrogen economy by supporting all aspects of the hydrogen supply chain: production, transportation, storage, and utilization.