Die Welt has today reported the start of the first decentralised fuel cell power plant in Germany as energy company Trianel launches a pilot scheme. 25 micro-CHP fuel cell systems will be installed in private homes and municipal buildings and connected to form a network that is centrally controlled as a single power plant. This ‘virtual’ fuel cell power plant has a capacity of 50 kW and can be turned on and off as required to meet demand.
The fuel cell systems are reportedly being supplied by Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited (CFCL), which is headquartered in Australia but has a German factory.
The aim is to demonstrate efficient, distributed generation of energy close to the point of consumption with small-scale cogeneration of heat and power (micro-CHP) boosting energy efficiency. By extending the concept to fuel cell micro-CHP, the high electrical efficiency of fuel cells (as much as 60%) can allow for further savings in fuel. Trianel has been working on the micro-CHP EnergieBlock® concept since December 2011 with 45 municipal utilities.
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