Test project: self-sufficient energy system office building

X close

X close

In this project, we are testing whether an office building can become self-sufficient in its energy supply. Among other things, the energy storage system to be designed will combine hydrogen production, storage and use to supply electricity and heat.

The project has the following objectives:

• Building a small pilot plant so that the increase in efficiency of electrolysis can be further developed.
• A test setup and environment for improving the efficiency of an electrolyser by using pulsed power.
• The development of a demonstration project, investigating whether a building can be made "autarkic" by using the solar panels on the roof.

Hydrogen also for office buildings

The self-sufficient energy system for innovation hub Titaan, in The Hague, is to be made possible by using hydrogen production via electrolysis, powered by rooftop solar panels. The hydrogen is stored in pressure vessels, and then converted to electricity and heat at the necessary times by using a fuel cell. It is being investigated whether any surplus energy can be delivered back to a heat network. Meanwhile, Titan's electrolysis test bed for research and development has been commissioned. It is expected that by the end of 2024, all tests with the electrolyser will be completed and a good understanding will be gained of whether it is possible to make the Titan office self-sufficient with hydrogen.

Efficienciestie of electrolysis process

It is expected that the efficiency of the electrolysis process in office building Titaan can be improved in a similar way, as HYGRO is doing with the hydrogen windmill in the Wieringmeer. Only now through integration with solar energy. Crucial to this development is that the system must be able to operate under dynamic conditions so that it functions optimally directly coupled to wind or solar energy. By improving the efficiency of the hydrogen production process, the payback time, and thus the feasibility, of hydrogen energy storage systems for (office) buildings increases significantly.

The ambition is to make Titan the first office building that, through hydrogen, is self-sufficient in its energy supply. Among other things, the energy storage system to be designed will combine hydrogen production, storage and use to supply electricity and heat.

Cooperation

Within the project, HYGRO Technology is responsible for the simulation and design of the power system and the electrolyser test stand. Huygens Engineers contributes to the development and realisation of the test stand and adaptation of the power electronics of the electrolyser. Unknown Group supplies the energy data of the Titaan office building. The Hague municipality supports this development through a grant to stimulate cooperation between innovative entrepreneurs in The Hague.

Benefits

• Using hydrogen means no grid congestion;
• Energy also present when solar or wind power is not available, through hydrogen storage;
• Constant energy availability makes the business case more positive, compared to applying only solar or wind power;
• Heat production fuel cell can be used for heating;
• The system can serve as an emergency power supply.

Would you like to know more about this project? Do not hesitate to contact us