However,
hydrogen and the fuel cell have clear strengths in applications other than just
for mobility: for example, as a derivative for conventional generators for
(emergency) power supply – a technology for which Mercedes-Benz is already able
to relate to with solid experience in area of development. On the basis of
automotive fuel cells, a holistic concept for future sustainable and
independent (emergency) power supply is expected to be established over the
coming months. This is a prime example of the symbiosis of battery and
fuel-cell technology and a key step on the road to CO2 neutrality.
Fuel-cell
technology is an integral part of the Mercedes-Benz’s powertrain strategy. Like
no other company, it has vast experience across generations of hydrogen-powered
electric vehicles. Mercedes-Benz has completed millions of test kilometres
around the globe and, with the Mercedes-Benz GLC F-CELL fuel-cell plug-in
hybrid (weighted hydrogen consumption: 0.91 kg/100 km, weighted CO2 emissions:
0 g/km, weighted power consumption: 18 kWh/100 km)1, it has recently set a
further technological milestone.
"Innovation
was and remains one of the main drivers of our sustainable success.
Cross-sector dialogue and cooperation are absolutely crucial here. We are
extremely delighted that as part of the pilot project we are able to support
Rolls-Royce Power Systems on a further key step towards a successful energy
revolution outside the car itself, too", says Susanne Hahn, Head of Lab1886
Global.
On
the basis of automotive fuel cells, in the coming months Rolls-Royce will
develop a holistic concept for future sustainable and independent emergency
power supply under its MTU product and solutions brand. It is intended
primarily for safety-critical areas of application, for example data centres -
an area which today is covered by conventional engines. The project is already
in the development phase. Construction of plants for the pilot project is
planned to begin at the start of next year.
"As
a provider of integrated solutions, the de-carbonisation of the drive system
and energy supply is one of our strategic goals which we are pursuing in a
technology-neutral manner. As part of this, fuel-cell technology is a key
technology for us", says Dr Martin Teigeler, Head of R&D of the
Rolls-Royce Power Systems business unit. "The principle of the fuel cell
is as ingenious as it is simple, the technology is well-known but nevertheless
demanding in terms of its application. Now it is ready for series production
and therefore ready for the commercial market", continues Teigeler.
Along
with fuel-cell technology, Rolls-Royce is involved in the production of
hydrogen and other synthetic fuels with energy from renewable sources – also
for use in fuel cells. "In this combination, the fuel cell is making an
even more important contribution to the energy revolution", according to
Teigeler. "We are delighted that in Lab1886 we have a partner whose
technological excellence is an outstanding match for us. We are convinced that
the fuel-cell module from Mercedes-Benz will open up new application options in
stationary operation, namely in our markets, too."
Fuel
cells as the ideal choice for micro-grids in computer centres
Computer
centres are among the largest energy consumers in the new economy, and this
consumption is showing considerable growth rates. The increasing energy
requirement must be met with a sustainable and environmentally compatible power
supply. Fuel cells are a very promising technology in this sector. No other
energy technology offers such high reliability, modular scalability and all the
advantages of renewable energy without dependence on the conventional energy
market. When constantly supplied with hydrogen, fuel-cell systems continuously
generate electrical power. Synergies can also be used in the cooling system:
the output temperature of the computer coolant is the same as the input
temperature of the fuel-cell coolant.
Back
at the end of 2017, Lab1886 and Mercedes-Benz Fuel Cell extended their
development portfolio to include the field of stationary fuel-cell systems in
cooperation with Mercedes-Benz Research and Development North America (MBRDNA).
Together with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Power Innovations (PI) and the
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in the USA the company is testing
automotive fuel cells in stationary energy supply systems for (emergency) power
supply of computer centres, thus reinforcing the potential of hydrogen and fuel
cells within the framework of a future sustainable overall energy system.
Source: Daimler AG