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Installation of the MP100 at the Swinkels Brewery in 2020 . Photo by Bart van Overbeeke Photography
flame – a milestone that marked the initiation of a transformative journey .
First industrial demonstration Recognition of the potential of Iron Power also led to the formation of Student Team Solid . This team consists of about 30 students from different disciplines who work on scaling up the Iron Power technology as a voluntary extracurricular activity alongside their studies . Supported by TU / e and Metalot , they worked on the first industrial-scale Iron Power system . In 2020 , they unveiled the MP100 , a 100-kW iron combustion system . This system , a testament to the collaborative spirit between academia and students ( TU / e , Team Solid , Metalot , EM Group , Romico , and HeatPower ), had its first demonstration at the Swinkels brewery . Here , iron powder was combusted , and the heat released during combustion was used to generate steam . This steam was utilized in the beer brewing process , resulting in zero CO 2 impact .
The successful MP100 demonstration sparked the birth of startups in Eindhoven dedicated
to commercializing this groundbreaking technology . Two startups , RIFT and Iron +, emerged to harness the commercial potential of Iron Power . These ventures , born out of the ecosystem nurtured by Metalot , symbolized a transition from theoretical possibilities to tangible , scalable solutions .
First megawatt After the demonstration of the MP100 , it was decided to further improve this system . A redesign of the combustion chamber allowed for experimentation at higher power throughput . Thorough testing of the MP200 , the upgraded system operating at 200 kW , was conducted in the Metalot Future Energy Lab facility . Subsequent modifications resulted in the MP500 , a 500-kW powerhouse showcased again at the Swinkels brewery in the summer of 2023 . Simultaneously , RIFT developed a 1-MW pilot plant in which they provided heat to 500 households in Helmond , showcasing the adaptability of Iron Power beyond industrial settings . This initiative mirrored the ecosystem ’ s commitment to exploring diverse applications and making a tangible impact on local communities .
34 Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 16 | June 2024