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. Fraunhofer ISE is investigating compact, easily integrable reactor concepts suitable for dynamic operation.

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.