Cooperation between DEUTZ and RheinEnergie: hydrogen engine generates energy.
Two Cologne-based companies with a long tradition, DEUTZ AG as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of engines and drive technology, and RheinEnergie AG as a regional energy service provider with a clear commitment to the energy transition, are pooling their know-how for a first pilot test of stationary energy generation based on a hydrogen-powered engine.
In its roadmap for climate protection, RheinEnergie has also formulated clear goals for climate-neutral energy generation. Hydrogen will play an important role in this in the future, replacing fossil fuels such as natural gas in the long term.
From the beginning of 2022, such a hydrogen engine in combination with a generator will deliver around 200 kilowatts of electrical power. The location for this pilot test will be RheinEnergie’s Cologne-Niehl combined heat and power plant. The hydrogen is procured by the energy supplier and is already secured.
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Dr Dieter Steinkamp, Chairman of the Board of Management of RheinEnergie.
We want to test this first system there and, together with the experts from DEUTZ, gain experience in the stationary operation of this engine with the connected generator.
“This compact system can be ideally used as a decentralized energy supply for climate-friendly buildings or districts, perhaps even at locations that have not yet been connected to an electricity or heating network.”
The first test cycle is purely about generating electricity with the help of the DEUTZ engine. After about six months, a second phase, also lasting several months, is to follow, in which the waste heat from the unit is also used (combined heat and power).
IN-house development by DEUTZ
The engine used is an in-house development by DEUTZ. The concept is based on an existing diesel engine.
We are very proud that our hydrogen engine is ready for the market.
Dr Frank Hiller, Chairman of the Board of Management of DEUTZ AG.
“We have successfully completed initial tests on the test bench. We are now looking forward to the practical testing of the TCG 7.8 H2 in the pilot project with RheinEnergie,” Hiller continues.
Due to the available infrastructure, especially with regard to the supply situation with hydrogen, the drive specialist initially sees its use in stationary systems.
Michael Wellenzohn, DEUTZ Board Member for Sales, Marketing and Service.
In principle, however, the hydrogen engine is suitable for all of today’s DEUTZ off-highway applications.
“We are planning series production from 2024. The first practical test is an important step on the way there. We are looking forward to doing this together with RheinEnergie.”
For the operational test at the Niehl site, both partners are initially investing around 1.3 million euros. What is tested in the first step on a rather small scale can be the nucleus for a decentralized, sustainable and greenhouse gas-free energy supply in conurbations – especially if the purchase price for hydrogen becomes marketable.
Highlights:
- DEUTZ hydrogen engine in pilot project at RheinEnergie.
- First use of the “Zero Emission” engine in the combined heat and power plant in Cologne-Niehl.
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Cooperation between DEUTZ and RheinEnergie: Hydrogen engine generates energy, August 23, 2021
