March 28, 2024

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Essen: This is how electricity and heat are generated using innovative technology

Essen: This is how electricity and heat are generated using innovative technology

A new technology is being tested in Essen to generate electricity from gas or hydrogen. At the same time, the system also produces heat. So far, these devices are only available in Asia. This is how technology works.

© Dirk Bannert

Essen builds on progress – a new technology for power generation

A new power generation technology is now being tested and researched at Essen on Hafenstrasse in Bergeborbeck. The hybrid SOFC system was commissioned at the Gas and Heat Institute (GWI). This is an efficient power generator that uses solid oxide fuel cells and small gas turbines. Electricity is generated from gas mixed with hydrogen through an electrochemical reaction. This produces hot exhaust gases, from which small gas turbines generate heat. Electricity and heat will be used in the institute in the future. If the system generates a lot of electricity, it will be released into the public power grid.

Test process in Essen

GWI is now testing the process using different fuels such as LNG, biogas and renewable fuel gases. About 20% hydrogen has been added today, but GWI is looking into how to increase that percentage in collaboration with the plant’s manufacturer, Mitsubishi.

In the long term, such systems can fill in the gaps in the power supply that arise when there is too little wind or solar systems generate too little energy. However, they can also be used to continue to supply hospitals and businesses with electricity in the event of a power outage. As long as there is enough fuel like gas or hydrogen, they can produce electricity and heat.

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Essen with a power generation that is unique in Europe

The technology was developed by the Japanese company Mitsubishi and so far these systems are only available in Asia. The plant at Bergeborbeck is the first outside of Asia and therefore unique in Europe. The system is also of interest if other companies are interested in such a system. The factory took about a year to build and is considered a pioneering project. It should also help save more carbon dioxide in the future. The system was funded with funding from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The establishment of the facility cost about 6 million euros.

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