The Multi-SOFC hydrogen demonstration project at Hermann-Josef Hospital in Erkelenz has gained a strong new partner. Reverion GmbH will supply a state-of-the-art fuel cell system for the scheme. The project, which focuses on climate-friendly energy supply, is therefore progressing as planned. At the same time, it further strengthens cooperation between research institutions, spin-offs and practical applications.
Reverion is a German technology company and a spin-off from the Technical University of Munich. It develops highly efficient power plants based on solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology. This ceramic fuel cell technology generates electricity from hydrogen and other gaseous fuels with remarkable efficiency. It also provides a usable quantity of heat. This combined heat and power capability is of particular relevance to Erkelenz Hospital. As part of the Multi-SOFC project, Reverion will supply and further develop the next generation of fuel cell systems. In doing so, it will join the Helmholtz Cluster for Sustainable and Infrastructure-Compatible Hydrogen Economy (HC-H2), coordinated by Forschungszentrum Jülich. The other partners in the Multi-SOFC project are Erkelenz Hospital and Hydrogenious LOHC NRW GmbH.
Exploration of synergies
At the hospital, the SOFC technology will demonstrate how renewable energy sources and hydrogen can contribute to the climate-friendly and cost-effective provision of electricity and heat under real infrastructure conditions. A key element of the project is the exploration of synergies with the LOHC technology developed by Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies in Erlangen. LOHC stands for Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier. The LOHC used in Erkelenz is a recyclable heat-transfer oil. Hydrogen can be chemically stored within it and released again when required, rather like a returnable bottle system. When bound to LOHC, hydrogen can be safely stored at ambient temperature and pressure. It can also be transported using existing infrastructure for liquid fuels. To supply the hospital with electricity and heat, the hydrogen is released from the LOHC on site through a chemical process. This process requires heat. One of the project’s longer-term objectives is to examine whether waste heat from Reverion’s SOFC system can be used for this purpose.
“We are delighted to welcome Reverion as a new technology partner,“ says Dr Michael Alders, Project Manager at the Institute for a Sustainable Hydrogen Economy (IHE) at Forschungszentrum Jülich. “With such a strong partner alongside us, we can further advance the demonstration of SOFC technology in combination with LOHC technology and gain valuable insights for future industrial-scale applications.“
Dr.-Ing. Michael Alders, Senior project engineer at HC-H2
The Multi-SOFC demonstration project aims to showcase the practical use of hydrogen-based energy systems. Reverion’s contribution enhances the existing technical infrastructure and reinforces the shared commitment to sustainable energy supply. Further information about the project and its partners is available on the HC-H2 project page.
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