“In just one hour, the sun radiates enough energy onto the Earth to cover the world’s energy demand for an entire year. We simply need to find the technical solutions to harness it,” said Hamburg’s First Mayor, Peter Tschentscher, at the launch of Zeppelin Power Systems’ first fuel cell system.
At the company’s headquarters in Hamburg-Bahrenfeld, representatives from politics, industry and associations gathered to witness the inauguration of the new system.
The solution is a standardised container-based unit that can be used wherever environmentally friendly, emission-free electricity is needed. As an example, Tschentscher mentioned festivals or concert events. Anywhere diesel generators are currently used, this new fuel cell system can serve as a cleaner alternative.
MB Energy Supplies Green Hydrogen
The project, known internally as the “PEM Demonstrator,” began around three years ago. The entire system fits into half of a 20-foot container and is equipped with a control cabinet, a cooler, a lithium-ion battery, hydrogen cylinders and a PEM fuel cell. By combining multiple technologies, this hybrid system contributes to the sustainable diversification of energy sources.
The hybrid fuel cell and battery system was first presented at last year’s Hydrogen Technology Expo in Hamburg. Since then, it has been developed into a fully operational fuel cell power generator. It has a rated output of 50 kVA and can store around 30 kg of hydrogen in bundled cylinders.
The hydrogen used during the demonstration for the official launch was provided by Hamburg-based energy company Mabanaft Deutschland. At the same time, it was announced that the company has rebranded as MB Energy.
Maritime Application
“We see ourselves as a system integrator that analyses drive and energy solutions with a focus on ecology and economic efficiency. This enables us to offer our customers customised combinations of combustion engines, fuel cells and energy storage for ships, stationary applications, as well as rail and special-purpose vehicles,” explained Keno Leites, Head of the Fuel Cell Competence Centre at Zeppelin Power Systems.
In the maritime sector, the system is particularly well-suited for inland vessels and nearshore ships, Leites told HANSA. These types of vessels are ideal because hydrogen storage still requires considerable space on board. Inland and coastal ships, which can refuel more frequently, do not need to carry large hydrogen reserves.
Deployment in deep-sea shipping is also conceivable – although likely as a supplementary energy source, for example in pump systems.
The new fuel cell system will undergo extensive testing before further emission-free products are derived from it.
