HyGrid
The Referenzfabrik.H2 has developed several tryout areas to use hydrogen systems: electrolyzers and fuel cells, as well as to substantially intensify the relevant knowledge and technology transfer.
The projects in South Africa (HyTrA) and Namibia (HygO) are divided into three main areas of activity. These are HyGrid, HyWindow and HyFrame.
HyGrid is a virtually autonomous, hydrogen-based microgrid, consisting primarily of an electrolyzer and fuel cell. In principle, the microgrid uses renewable energy to split water into its components with the use of an electrolyzer. The resulting hydrogen is stored in a tank and thus enables a reconversion to electricity with a time interval using an integrated fuel cell. The individual system components for hydrogen generation, storage and reconversion are analyzed during operation. During this process, data is recorded to provide information regarding operating behavior. These findings are continuously incorporated into new technology solutions for the next generation of products and their production ensuring that the systems will gradually have a longer service life, higher efficiency and lower costs.
Hydrogen Tryout Areal (HyTrA)
The tryout area (HyTrA) was installed on the Alu-Cab site in Cape Town, South Africa. At this site, the existing solar plant is used to generate green hydrogen and thus " store" energy for when it is needed. In addition to the microgrid's core functionality, HyWindow and HyFrame extend the HyGrid with offers and services. This ensures that the local population is involved in the hydrogen activities and that local added value can also be created.