[ storage ]
Initial small-scale tests
Initial small-scale tests of the H-Battery have shown that it can operate without a membrane . This is crucial because membrane-based systems typically operate in the 80 – 90 ° C temperature range . The above results are based on 200 mA / cm ², which is low compared to PEM and SOFC , but because the materials are relatively simple , the overall price is lower . High temperatures are the next step ; as a rule of thumb , voltage decreases by 5 mV per degree , relative to 1.48V ( HHV ), meaning a 10-degree increase results in approximately 3 % higher efficiency .
Applications of the H-Battery
The flexibility of the H-Battery opens up a wide range of potential applications across various different industries . Below are four key areas where the system can be used .
Energy storage and grid stability The most immediate use of the H-Battery is as a large-scale energy storage solution for balancing renewable energy grids . With its ability to efficiently store excess energy and return it to the grid when needed , the H-Battery provides a critical buffer for intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar . Its high efficiency in both electrolysis and fuel cell modes ensures minimal energy loss during storage cycles . This makes it particularly well suited to seasonal storage , where energy captured in the summer can be stored and used in the winter when renewable generation may be lower .
DAC-FC for ships One of the most promising applications for DAC-FC technology is in the maritime sector . Shipping is responsible for around 3 % of global CO 2 emissions , and the industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint . Hydrogen-powered ships , combined with on-board carbon capture , offer a compelling solution to this problem .
The DAC-FC system is particularly suited to this application because it can be integrated directly into a ship ’ s power system , using hydrogen as a fuel to generate electricity while capturing CO 2
. Initial calculations suggest that it would be cheaper to run ships on hydrogen than on heavy fuel oil , making the DAC-FC a cost-effective option for the industry .
Infrastructure for remote energy production Another important use case for the H-Battery is remote energy infrastructure . Hydrogen pipelines , which are significantly cheaper than DC grids ( at 1 / 8 the cost ), make it possible to locate renewable energy installations such as wind turbines and solar panels in remote areas where grid connections are expensive or impractical . The hydrogen produced at these sites can be transported to urban centres for use in electricity generation , heating , and even water production .
Energy security and redundancy The H-Battery provides a high level of energy security by using hydrogen as a redundant energy source . Hydrogen-based energy systems are typically buried underground , providing protection and long-term storage for both short-term and long-term energy needs . This feature is particularly valuable for critical infrastructure such as hospitals , childcare centres , data centres , and other facilities that require a reliable and stable power supply . The ability to store hydrogen and convert it to electricity on demand ensures that these essential services can continue to operate even in the face of power outages or grid instability .
In addition , the H-Battery ’ s ability to buffer energy helps to stabilise these decentralised energy systems , allowing energy producers
20 Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 19 | December 2024