Which hydrogen processes use V-type dry coolers in Hydrogen Energy Applications?

In hydrogen energy projects, V-type dry coolers are used wherever reliable, water-free heat rejection is required for auxiliary cooling circuits. They do not cool hydrogen directly; instead, they remove heat from secondary fluids (water or glycol) serving hydrogen equipment. The main hydrogen processes include:

1. Water Electrolysis Systems

V-type dry coolers are widely applied in:

• Alkaline electrolysis (ALK)

• PEM electrolysis

• Solid Oxide electrolysis (SOEC)

Cooling duties:

• Electrolyzer stack cooling

• Electrolyte or deionized water loop cooling

• Rectifiers and power electronics

Benefit: Stable stack temperature improves efficiency and extends electrolyzer lifetime.

2. Hydrogen Compression Systems

Used in hydrogen refueling stations and storage facilities.

Cooling duties:

• Inter-stage and after-cooling of compressors

• Cooling of hydraulic oil and bearing systems

Benefit: Protects compressors from overheating and supports continuous operation.

3. Hydrogen Storage & Conditioning

Applied in systems using:

• High-pressure gas storage

• Liquid hydrogen auxiliary systems

• Metal hydride storage (auxiliary cooling)

Cooling duties:

• Heat removal during compression and conditioning

• Cooling of control skids and auxiliary equipment

4. Fuel Cell Power Generation Systems

Common in stationary and test-bench fuel cell installations.

Cooling duties:

• Fuel cell stack cooling loops

• Power converters and inverters

• Balance-of-plant (BoP) thermal management

Benefit: Maintains optimal fuel cell operating temperature and electrical efficiency.

5. Hydrogen Refueling Stations (HRS)

V-type dry coolers are standard equipment in modern HRS.

Cooling duties:

• Compressor cooling

• Chiller condenser heat rejection

• Precooling system heat dissipation

Benefit: Water-free operation and compact layout suit urban and remote locations.

6. Hydrogen Power Electronics & Auxiliary Skids

Used across hydrogen plants.

Cooling duties:

• Rectifiers

• Transformers

• DC/DC converters and control cabinets

Benefit: High heat density removal in compact, modular layouts.

7. Containerized & Modular Hydrogen Systems

Especially suited for:

• Skid-mounted electrolyzers

• Mobile hydrogen units

• Pilot and demonstration plants

Benefit: V-type configuration delivers high capacity with a small footprint and easy scalability.

Summary

V-type dry coolers are used in nearly all hydrogen energy processes, including:

• Electrolysis

• Compression

• Storage

• Fuel cells

• Refueling stations

• Power electronics cooling

Their water-free operation, compact V-shape, and scalability make them a preferred cooling solution for modern hydrogen energy facilities.