AMBARtec-H2-Speicher erfolgreich auf 250-kWh-Speicherkapazität skaliert

Highly efficient H2 storage system successfully scaled up to 250 kWh storage capacity

Test operation demonstrates the efficiency, safety and durability of AMBARtec's H2 storage systems

DRESDEN, 19 August 2024. AMBARtec AG has successfully completed and evaluated the multi-month field test of its H2compact 100 iron oxide-based hydrogen (H2 ) storage system. The results confirm the excellent energy balance of the entire process, from H2 production to storage charging and hydrogen discharge. By an optimal system integration of a high-temperature electrolysis (SOEC), efficiencies of over 80 % can be achieved. When the conversion to electricity via a high-temperature fuel cell (SOFC) is included in the analysis, the electricity-to-electricity analysis shows unprecedented energy efficiencies of around 60 %. The results also show the high cycle stability of the iron oxide nuggets.

Multi-month field test  

Since September 2023, AMBARtec has been testing its 7.5 kg H2 storage system in full operation with hydrogen. The aim was also to optimise the plant control and find the best system configuration in terms of energy balance.  

Maximum energy efficiency: AMBARtec's storage system + SOEC
The energy balance analysis shows that the AMBARtec storage system is ideally suited for combination with a SOEC. The determined efficiency is over 80 % - a very high value compared to other H2 storage systems. This is due to the system integration of electrolysis and storage.

The H2 produced in the electrolysis process leaves at a temperature level of over 500°C, which is also required for storage - this significantly reduces the heating energy required.

The water vapor produced during the reduction of the iron oxide can be fed back into the high-temperature electrolysis. This means that water evaporation is no longer required in the electrolysis process. This greatly increases the efficiency of the electrolysis process.

Use case: Electricity storage
If the SOEC/AMBARtec storage system combination is supplemented with a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), the efficiency for the entire electricity-to-electricity process is around 60%. By comparison, the efficiency of electricity-to-electricity-systems using PEM electrolysis and conventional storage systems such as liquid hydrogen, LOHC or pressurized hydrogen is less than 40%.  
Durable storage material
Examinations of the iron oxide nuggets used show the high mechanical and chemical stability of the material. There are no changes in the storage capacity or other signs of wear.  

Safety concept validated
AMBARtec has updated all tests and documents required for explosion protection. The basic plant safety concept is applicable to all storage tank sizes up to the planned 6,000 litre storage tanks and does not require any significant changes.  

Further development of the system design
The test operation also served to improve the plant control, the heating system and the flow conditions in the storage system. AMBARtec used the results to derive an optimized design and optimized operating conditions for the next generation of storage tanks.  

Outlook
AMBARtec is currently scaling up the hydrogen storage system to a volume of 1,000 litres. It has a storage capacity of 90 kg of hydrogen. Commissioning and testing will take place in the coming months. In the future, AMBARtec will integrate its 1,000-litre modules into a standard 20-foot container that can be handled and transported using standard transport logistics such as cranes, trucks, trains and ships, with a capacity of 600 to 900 kg H2 (20 to 30 MWh) per container.

Press contact:  

Dr. Ines Bilas

AMBARtec AG

Head of Marketing and Communication

Phone:  +49 172 234 11 00

Email: ines.bilas@ambartec.de

Website: www.ambartec.de 

Handelsblatt: Hydrogen transport with standard containers made by AMBARtec

The intercontinental transport of hydrogen (H2) using our iron pellets offers many advantages over conventional solutions (liquid H2, compressed gas H2, H2 derivatives).

Scientists also favour the method of storing and transporting H2 using the reactivity of iron respective iron oxide – as the Handelsblatt article ‘Wenn der Wasserstoff per Container ins Werk kommt’ (‘When hydrogen arrives at the plant by container’) shows.

You can download the full article here (available in German only): Download

Green Hydrogen Innovation Congress: Saxony’s Minister of Economic Affairs in dialogue with AMBARtec

Saxony's Minister of Economic Affairs, Martin Dulig (in picture left), used his visit to the Green Hydrogen Innovation Congress in Dresden to learn more about how our alternative hydrogen storage technology works and its numerous advantages. Speaking to Uwe Pahl, AMBARtec's Technical Director, he was particularly impressed by the maturity of the technology and its practicality. After all, the storage systems can be used immediately - without the need for lengthy and costly adjustments to the infrastructure. Speaking to Uwe Pahl, AMBARtec's Technical Director, he was particularly impressed by the maturity of the technology and its practicality. After all, the storage systems can be used immediately - without the need for lengthy and costly adjustments to the infrastructure.
The Saxon Minister of Economic Affairs was also very interested in the various hydrogen storage and hydrogen transport projects that AMBARtec is currently working on with local partners. Ultimately, these will further advance the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy in Saxony.

Enormous Interest in Our Storage Solutions

During the Hannover Messe, we engaged in discussions with many interested parties, potential partners, and stakeholders. The feedback was consistently very positive. At this point, we would like to thank the numerous visitors to our booth as well as the organizers of the Lower Saxony joint booth.

AMBARtec Develops Compact 1000-liter Storage Unit for Storage and Transport of 90 kg of Hydrogen (H2) per Storage Unit

 DRESDEN, April 22, 2024. AMBARtec AG is scaling up its field-tested iron oxide-based hydrogen storage unit to a volume of 1000 liters. Its storage capacity, at 90 kg of hydrogen, is more than 10 times larger than the capacity of conventional 300 bar pressure gas H2 storage units of the same size. The stored energy of 3 MWh enables initial applications in the industry. For more information, visitors of the Hannover Messe can visit the AMBARtec booth, located at the Niedersachsen Pavilion, Hall 13, Booth C61.

The potential applications of the AMBARtec storage unit are diverse, ranging from highly efficient energy storage to the secure transportation of hydrogen over considerable distances, and even to hydrogen propulsion in maritime shipping. Looking ahead, AMBARtec plans to integrate its 1000-liter modules into standard 20-foot containers, facilitating handling and transportation via conventional logistics means such as cranes, trucks, trains, and ships. Each container will boast a capacity of 600 to 900 kg of H2 (equivalent to 20 to 30 MWh).

Improved efficiency with zero safety riskso

Beim Speichern erneuerbarer Energie und ihrer bedarfsgerechten Bereitstellung vor Ort lässt sich der Strom-zu-Strom-Wirkungsgrad gegenüber herkömmlichen - When storing renewable energy and ensuring its tailored provision on-site, the electricity-to-electricity efficiency can more than double compared to traditional H2-based systems by optimally integrating the storage unit with a Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC) and a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC). With rapid charging and discharging times of around 30 minutes, the 1000-liter storage unit is ideal for a self-sufficient energy supply for small businesses and residential properties with 20 or more units. Due to the use of iron as the energy storage medium, no H2 can escape. Therefore, the storage unit is not classified as hazardous material and is easy to approve. Thanks to its very high energy storage density of around 3 kWh per liter, energy from sources like solar and wind parks can be transported cost-effectively over long distances.

Sustainable materials with minimal water consumption

Using iron oxide and water ensures the use of sustainable, readily available, and cost-effective materials. During the storage loading process, the water required for electrolysis can be efficiently recovered. With a 90% reduction in water consumption, the storage unit is especially beneficial for deployment in sun-rich regions with limited water resources. .

A realistic alternative for maritime shipping

Thanks to a considerably reduced space requirement by a factor of 10, straightforward handling, and top-notch safety measures, our storage units can effortlessly fit into the ship's hull and be paired with a hydrogen engine or fuel cell. This makes AMBARtec's storage solutions a viable and eco-friendly alternative for propulsion in the maritime industry.

Outlook

The next stages of expansion for the storage unit are already underway. This includes the development of two 6000-liter storage units with capacities of 600 and 900 kg of hydrogen, integrated into 20-foot containers. These units are designed specifically for industrial use.

Press Contact:  

Dr. Ines Bilas

AMBARtec AG

Head of Marketing and Communication

Phone:  +49 172 234 11 00

Email: ines.bilas@ambartec.de

Website: www.ambartec.de 

22.-26. April: Our highlight at the Hannover Fair: storage unit for 90 kg of H2

AMBARtec develops compact 1000-liter storage unit for storage and transport of 90 kg of hydrogen (H2) per storage unit.

At the Hannover Fair, we will report about the numerous possible applications of the storage system – from highly efficient energy storage to the secure transportation of H2, and even to H2 propulsion in maritime shipping.

Visit us at the Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen) joint Stand, Hall 013, Booth C61. Or attend our presentation on April 26, 2024, at 10:20 on the Energy 4.0 Conference Stage.

Happy New Year

Team AMBARtec wishes you a happy, peaceful and successful new year.

We are well prepared for the tasks that lie ahead of us and look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with our partners and companions. We are particularly looking forward to reach important milestones in the coming months, such as the completion of our H2compact 1000 storage system with a storage capacity of 3 MWh.
Stay up to date and visit our website regularly or follow us on LinkedIn.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

From the team at AMBARtec, we gratefully reflect on a remarkable 2023, filled with achievements and substantial progress. Following the successful multi-month test campaign of our HyCS storage system prototype, the 250-kWh storage has been operational since autumn, marking the next phase of expansion. We are currently working diligently on scaling up to the 3 MWh storage system.

As Christmas approaches, we take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to our valued business partners, steadfast companions, and interested parties. Your support fuels our commitment, and we look forward to channelling this energy into collaborative projects in the coming year.

We wish you a Merry and Blessed holiday season and a prosperous and healthy 2024.

Sustainable H2-Future: CEO Matthias Rudloff at CHC Forum Science, Dresden

On the 25th of October 2023, our CEO, Matthias Rudloff, had the honor of representing the business perspective at the CHC Forum Science panel discussion. The key takeaways from the discussion:
1. To advance the growth of the hydrogen economy, we urgently need economically viable business cases for #hydrogen applications.

2. It’s vital for policymakers to establish straightforward and practical regulatory frameworks to support this transition.

3. While fundamental research is essential, #Germany has made significant progress. Our challenge now is fostering companies that turn this research into value for the German economy.

> Clean Hydrogen Convention

25.–26. October: AMBARtec at Clean Hydrogen Convention

25.–26. Oktober: AMBARtec's Threefold Engagement at the Clean Hydrogen Convention Clean Hydrogen Convention.

- Presentation: "Alternative Hydrogen Storage from Saxony – Efficient, Portable, and Safe" - Panel Discussion: "Fundamental Research or Business Models - What Accelerates Market Uptake?" - Exhibition Booth: Hall 3, A23

  Would you like to learn more about highly efficient hydrogen-based energy storage solutions that not only exhibit high efficiency but are also characterized by their high storage density, reduced space requirements, and minimal water usage? Then, visit us at the joint booth of the Paper Technology Foundation in Hall 3, Booth A23.

 During Matthias Rudloff's presentation on "Alternative Hydrogen Storage from Saxony" on October 25, you'll discover why our storage solutions are not classified as hazardous materials. They contain only non-hazardous, readily available materials and can be transported over longer distances using conventional means.

At the CHC Forum Science, gain insights into the opportunities and challenges that technology companies in the hydrogen industry face.
For the organizers, Energy Saxony e. V. and HZwo e. V., this hydrogen and fuel cell technology conference marks a premiere. "We are excited to establish a new event format with the Clean Hydrogen Convention, bringing together all technology enthusiasts and forward-thinkers from the hydrogen community in Dresden," says Karl Lötsch, HZwo Managing Director. "The conference combines discussions, an exhibition, B2B sessions, and networking events."

> Clean Hydrogen Convention