During ammonia cracking, ammonia (NH₃) is converted into its components nitrogen (N₂) and hydrogen (H₂). To enable this chemical reaction efficiently at moderate temperatures, catalysts are used. The process is endothermic and therefore requires a continuous heat supply. This heat can be provided electrically or chemically via the partial oxidation of NH₃ to N₂ and water. In large-scale industrial plants, heating is typically provided by burners that heat the reactor walls and thus indirectly heat the catalyst. ISE is experimentally investigating well-integrable, compact reactor concepts suitable for dynamic operation.

At the World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition, the exhibited eCracker features a modular reactor design with an electrically heated catalyst carrier, enabling fast start-up in under two minutes (with further optimization in progress). With a hydrogen production capacity of up to 0.8 kg/h and an electrical power supply of approx. 4–5 kW, it can be easily integrated into existing systems and scaled via numbering-up for different power classes. 

Research and development services for:

• Engine, turbine & fuel cell manufacturers

• Plant engineering / EPCs & system integrators

• PtX project developers