Fuel cell focus |
long, with cooling systems on the roof and a hydrogen tank. The size of the container solution is similar to that of existing diesel generators and can easily be built into existing port infrastructure. Here, too, their modular nature means that fuel cell systems can be adapted step-by-step as requirements change.
Above: Demand response solution using PEM fuel cells in combination with batteries is ideal for stabilising grids and cushioning power peaks. Consumers can use the system to cover their requirements even when generation output from renewables is low. The PEM fuel cell generator can be connected to a local microgrid
energy sources because generation and demand have to be balanced, and security of supply cannot be compromised. Especially in central Europe, the sun does not shine all the time and wind power is also limited by weather patterns. So there are times when nature does not allow enough green electricity to be produced to meet all demands. Equally, there are times when more power is generated from renewables than is needed at that moment. In such a case, it is important, first, for consumers to be able to react quickly and reduce demand immediately, possibly for a longish period of time. Second, power suppliers have to be able to supply (more) electricity at short notice or reduce their supply. Surplus electricity can also be stored in the form of hydrogen and, if required, made available again at short notice in the form of electricity with the aid of a fuel cell system. This load management or “demand response” activity using smart grids will be one of the key factors for converting energy systems to sustainable methods of production.
Onshore power
Ports and harbours suffer from high levels of environmental pollution. This is due to the exhaust fumes not only from shipping traffic, but also from vessels tied up in ports, because these mostly meet their power requirements by running their own on-board diesel generators. This too causes high levels of air pollution and noise emissions, which is a particular burden for local residents when port facilities are located in densely populated areas.
Essentially, it is also possible to source on- board power via a shore connection. However, many ports do not currently have adequate shore power facilities for supplying large vessels, requiring several hundred kW or even several MW of on-board electricity. Alternatively, this shore power can be provided using hydrogen-powered PEM fuel cells – with zero emissions. The silent and entirely emission-free fuel cell system could be built into a container no more than 14 meters
16 | July/August 2021 |
www.modernpowersystems.com
emissions reduce to zero where green hydrogen is used. The hydrogen strategies in various countries for example the EU Green Deal indicate that infrastructure expansion is on the political agenda and is being tackled with vigour. At the Friedrichshafen site of Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems division a 250 kW demonstrator is in the process of being set up to test future zero-carbon energy systems and present these to customers. Much has already happened at Rolls-Royce Power Systems’ Friedrichshafen Plant 1 in recent months, with the complex hydrogen infrastructure – which requires a lot of investment – now installed and the container fully set up complete with its four low-temperature PEM fuel cell modules. Indeed, this took quite a lot of work by engineers across a variety of sites. Designed at the company’s plants in Ruhstorf (Bavaria) and Friedrichshafen, safety reasons dictate the container has two separate compartments, for fuel cells and for batteries, plus a host of power electronics. The control system has now been fully refined, cooling and air conditioning are on the roof, and a rack system enables simple maintenance, allowing individual system modules to be replaced as required.
Rolls-Royce fuel cell demonstrator Fuel cell technology is increasingly gaining traction in view of pollutant emissions and climate protection requirements. The big advantage of hydrogen-powered fuel cells is that CO2
The energy systems using fuel cell modules from the automotive sector have been put through their paces on the test stand, and Rolls-Royce engineers are more than happy with
Benefits of fuel cells, at a glance
● High electrical efficiency (around 50%, compared to around 40% for diesel gensets)
● When run on pure hydrogen, no emissions except water vapour – no carbon dioxide, and no NOx
particulate matter
● Low-noise operation ● Low-maintenance technology (no moving parts in the fuel cell stack)
● No vibrations ● Key technology for independent distributed energy systems
● Key technology for long-range electric mobility with high power requirements and short refueling times
● Climate-neutral when generating using renewable energy sources or when run on “green” hydrogen
or
the results. Power flexing characteristics and performance are excellent, and as expected, there are no vibrations or loud noises. The next step is to connect all four demo modules together in the container and hook up the batteries and power circuit. Commissioning is slated for the second half of 2021. The demonstrator will be used for test purposes, and to show interested parties which applications the system is suitable for. These include standby power, prime power, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and black start capability, allowing the system to be started from scratch without a mains connection. The system consists of fuel cell modules, batteries, fire protection, air conditioning and safety systems, cooling, gas supply and automation.
Above: Work underway on the Rolls-Royce Power Systems PEM demonstrator at Friedrichshafen
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