IMI has supplied a PEM electrolyser to a pioneering research project examining the viability of using the by-product of hydrogen power generation in district heating systems.
The project, which will be delivered by the Fraunhofer-Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Systems in Zittau, Germany, is part of the IntegrH2ate research project funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research within the flagship project H2 Giga in cooperation with Linde.
It involves setting up a test facility at the Stadtwerke Zittau site to investigate the real-scale extraction of heat from hydrogen generation.
Using PEM electrolysis, the project will transfer the waste heat generated through the process using a high-temperature heat pump. This will be fed into the municipal district heating network at the Stadtwerke Zittau, to assist with the research into the viability of the technology.
The IMI VIVO electrolyser is ideally suited for this project, as it requires a system with smaller, flexible and scalable outputs sizes and a high amount of instrumentation, which are ideal for research purposes. IMI was also able to offer relatively short delivery times, exceptional flexibility in order processing, and access to replacement parts.
Roby Buyung, President of Process Automation at IMI, said: “Naturally, a lot of research surrounding hydrogen is focusing on its capabilities in power. However, this project is looking at the potential by-products of hydrogen generation, specifically within the district heating sector. District heating is a strong candidate for the future of heating in Germany, with the government seeking to connect more than 100,000 properties annually . Hydrogen offers a promising avenue in which to achieve this aim.
“Providing an electrolyser for a project like this is essential for advancing hydrogen's role in sustainability programs and the future of district heating technologies.”
IMI to supply groundbreaking German hydrogen research project with PEM electrolyser
