Wolf Energetik, Mabanaft has successfully commissioned and tested a reversible fuel cell for storing electricity
The commissioning of the reversible solid oxide fuel cell (RSOC) together with the research company Tec4Fuels GmbH was preceded by an intensive test phase in which Wolf Energetik adapted the operating mode to its own FEREDOX® technology.
Together with the FEREDOX® hydrogen storage tank, it forms the core element of a pilot plant that Wolf Energetik has been operating in Freiberg since May 2024. This pilot plant has a storage capacity of around one megawatt per hour and it is particularly suitable for decentralised energy storage applications. It could, for example, serve as an interim storage for a photovoltaic system on the roof of a supermarket or an apartment block.
“The fuel cell system adapted to the process has been running smoothly so far and is providing us with findings that will help us to further optimise the entire electricity storage process,” explains Claudia Hain. With FEREDOX® technology, a process for chemical energy storage using hydrogen and water vapour, the company has developed an innovative and flexible electricity storage concept with additional benefits.
“The electricity storage concept has a high capacity and particularly good efficiency for decentralised base-load supply with electricity from innovative energy sources,” says Oleksandr Siromakha. ” At the same time, the storage of hydrogen with Wolf Energetik’s storage concept is particularly safe compared to many other storage methods.” Other applications for the FEREDOX® technology include efficient interim storage of hydrogen with integration of waste heat, production of synthesis gas, hydrogen refuelling stations and other transport applications.
As part of a minority investment, Mabanaft is funding the development of innovative electricity storage systems, together with Wolf Energetik. Wolf Energetik plans to build a demonstration plant with a FEREDOX® storage system with a capacity of about two tonnes of hydrogen in 2025. This will be based on Wolf Energetik’s recently commissioned pilot plant with a full-scale test reactor.
From 2 to 5 July 2024, Wolf Energetik will present the energy storage concept with the reversible SOC fuel cell and as a system integrator at the world’s largest conference for high-temperature fuel cells, electrolysers and hydrogen applications, the EFCF in Lucerne.
The Mabanaft Group is a leading independent and integrated energy company providing its customers with innovative energy solutions for their transportation, heating, industrial and agricultural needs. The group is active in import, distribution and marketing of petroleum products, natural gas liquids, chemicals and biofuels, and supports its customers’ transition to cleaner fuels by providing alternative long-term solutions.
