A startup Fourierbased in the US, is betting on a bold and highly technological approach to one of the greatest energy challenges today: produce hydrogen in a clean, accessible and commercial scale.
Inspired by the architecture of server and data centers, the company has created a modular electrolysis system that fits the space equivalent to two server racks, offering a compact and efficient solution for local hydrogen production.
The project caught the attention of heavy investors, as General Catalyst e Paramark Ventureswho led a Series A round of US $ 18.5 million. Also participating in Airbus Ventures, Borusan Ventures, Gsbackers, MCJ Collective and Positive Ventures.
A new vision for an old equation
Despite being the most abundant element in the universe, hydrogen still faces technical and economic obstacles in its production and distribution.
According to Fourier’s CEO and co -founder, Siva yellamrajutwo problems persist: Efficiency in Generation e Delivery logistics.
The startup proposal is to transform both into Software problemsapplying concepts similar to those used in ion-bylit batteries and cloud servers.
System Heart: Software -controlled blades
Within each module of Fourier are about 20 small electrolytesnicknamed blades (blades). Such elements share a central water pump and receive power from modified sources, originally developed for data center servers.
The sources are reprogrammed to operate electrolysis efficiently, taking advantage of its availability in large scale and reduced cost. The thin control of each blade’s operation is done by intelligent software, which monitors health, performance and degradation of each unit, adjusting production in real time.
The idea is similar to Battery Management Systems (BMS) Used by companies such as Tesla, which transform sets of small cells into large data optimized batteries.
We transform the efficiency of hydrogen production into a digital optimization problem, using sensors and algorithms as allies of performance
Siva yellamrajuCEO da Fourier.
Laboratory tests and first commercial pilots
Fourier has already conducted two bench tests capable of producing about 1 kg of hydrogen per hourin partnership with a pharmaceutical company and a solar energy supplier. Now, the company is preparing for Two pilots on an industrial scaleexpected to operate until June 2025.
Testing locations include a Petrochemical Plant in Ohio and one Aeronautical Component Factory in Fremont, California. The goal is to serve companies that need 6 to 20 kg per hour of hydrogenwhich is equivalent to electrolysis systems with Power between 300 kW and 1 MW.
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Direct economy and commercial attractiveness
According to Yellamraju, Fourier’s potential industrial customers, as manufacturers of Ceramics, pharmacists and petrochemicalstoday they pay on average $ 13 to $ 14 per kilo of hydrogen. With the startup solution, this cost can Fall to $ 6 to $ 7, without considering government subsidies.
Even with embedded profit margin, the CEO guarantees that customers would still save up to 50% in current costs. Significant reduction places Fourier in a strategic position to accelerate the adoption of green hydrogen in the industrial sector.
Fonte: Fourier
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Source: https://www.adrenaline.com.br/tech/startup-fourier-eletrolise-inspirada-em-data-center/
