The hydrogen is created from the distilled water in the reverse osmosis facility. It is then pumped into facilities that separate the water into its elemental forms of oxygen and hydrogen. The oxygen is bottled and sold or if there is no market released back into the atmosphere. The hydrogen is stored in large vessels for burning in generators to create power during night time hours.
There are two methods of electrolysis for production of the hydrogen. PEM electrolysis is used primarily in small plants and alkaline electrolysis which is faster and less expensive is used in larger installations.
The alkaline electrolyzers require only 1 to 2 volts of electricity in the molecular process of dividing the water into hydrogen and oxygen. The current demand is significantly higher. The heat generated during the process is dissipated by a supply of cooling water from a mechanical chiller or cooling pond. The hydrogen gas is dispensed from the electrolyzer at 400 to 500 psi.