AEG Deliver High Efficent Rectifiers For E.ON Power-To-Gas Pilot Plant

The 2 MW power-to-gas pilot plant is being constructed by E.ON in Falkenhagen in the north-eastern part of Germany and is part of a wind power generation compound. In this plant any surplus power generated by wind will be converted into pure hydrogen via electrolysis process. The hydrogen is then fed directly into a nearby natural gas pipeline, as German gas grid can contain up to 3% hydrogen. Up to 360 m3 per hour of hydrogen can now be fed directly into the gas grid with the hydrogen serving as a green energy storage solution. This enables a flexible adaptation to actual energy demand and avoids losing surplus energy. Currently, windmills still have to be turned off when there is an oversupply of energy. For this innovative project, AEG PS supplied customized high efficient rectifier units to Hydrogenics. Together with the electrolyzer and further important components, the rectifiers were mounted in special containers and tested at the Hydrogenics site in Belgium. The complete plant should be operational in Q 3 2013.

”We have chosen the rectifiers from AEG PS as they comply ideally with the grid connection requirements. Moreover, the AEG PS systems provide premium technology which is reflected by their high energy efficiency, lowest harmonics and highest availability,” states Ruben Daneels, Electrical Designer at Hydrogenics.

”We are very proud that both the general contractor and the operator of this prestigious power-to-gas project rely on our expertise and competence in power management and energy storage. All customer-specific requirements have been implemented promptly by our engineering team in Warstein-Belecke, so that we could ship all systems in time,” explains Gladwyn De Vidts, Chief Strategy Officer at AEG Power Solutions. “Energy storage is one of the key challenges of renewable energy. Hydrogen as a storage solution is one of the most promising paths currently being explored. We’ve been a key part in several Power-to-Gas installations and have now developed an expertise in a new market and in a technology which is very likely going to develop quickly. It’s an important strategic step.” adds Gladwyn De Vidts.