Hydrogen is coined by many as the fuel of the future, and it is now possible to create it at home. This fuel, already produced in Spain, will be available to any domestic unit thanks to an invention that no one saw coming. This form of energy production promises to revolutionize the energy sector. H is clean, light and abundant.
Although hydrogen is the most abundant element on Earth, it is not usually found free in large quantities naturally. It is usually combined with other elements. To use it as a fuel, it must first be generated. There are several ways to achieve this, such as electrolysis of water and steam reforming, its most popular options.
Once H has been created, it must be stored and transported to the location where it will be used. Since it is a gas at ambient temperature and pressure, it can be stored in several ways: as a compressed gas in tanks at high pressure, as a liquid at extremely low temperatures, or absorbed in metallic materials or chemical compounds.
Creating hydrogen at home is now possible: Say goodbye to solar panels with this new invention
Panasonic Corporation is preparing a new 10 kW pure hydrogen fuel cell generator for Europe, Australia and China. The company has already announced that its Electric Works business will release a new pure hydrogen fuel cell generator later this year. This produces energy through a chemical reaction between high-purity hydrogen and oxygen from the air. It will be available in the European, Australian and Chinese markets.
In October 2021, Panasonic released a 5 kW pure hydrogen fuel cell generator, known as PH1 (three-wire single-phase type). Now, the corporation is launching to introduce a new item, the PH3 (DC type), aimed at overseas markets, with the goal of fully extending its H business outside Japan.
The PH3 is a cogeneration method capable of producing a maximum of 10 kW of DC power and about 8.2 kW of heat, which can be used to heat water up to about 60°C. It is a product designed to spread direct current (DC) power to support power voltages in a wide variety of countries and areas.
It has an electrical efficiency of 57% (DC, LHV), a heat recovery efficiency of 47% (LHV) and an overall efficiency of 104%*3. Its high efficiency helps operating costs decrease due to lower hydrogen usage. In addition, the overhaul shutdown period has been mapped to be 15 years, guaranteeing a long operating life, which can lower life-cycle costs.
Hydrogen, the fuel of the future, at your fingertips: That’s how you generate it at home
The PH3 can even be installed in compact areas, since maintenance access points are located at the front. In addition, it can operate in different environmental conditions, withstanding cold temperatures (down to -15ºC) and high altitudes (up to 1,000 m). Likewise, the power output can be adjusted in 1 kW increments between 4 kW and 10 kW per module.
In terms of connectivity, up to 250 pure hydrogen fuel cell generator modules can be connected, allowing flexible energy production plans. Maintenance access points are located on the front, making it easier.
With the research done so far, Japan plans to do several similar demonstrations at its own factories in Wales and Germany. This new article, from the hand of Panasonic GREEN IMPACT, wants to extend the use of H as a viable alternative for renewable energy, contributing to the process of decarbonization in which the world is immersed.
In short, the fuel of the future (hydrogen) is coming to homes, a news almost as striking as that of the first solar panel that produces hydrogen.
