Panasonic launched a 5kW pure hydrogen fuel cell generator

Panasonic Corporation today announced that it has unveiled a pure hydrogen fuel cell generator that generates electricity through a chemical reaction with high-purity hydrogen and oxygen in the air. The generator will be launched in Japan on October 1, 2021 for commercial use.

Panasonic launched a 5kW pure hydrogen fuel cell generator

　　In recent years, with the acceleration of the completion of a decarbonized society, many countries and regions around the world have announced that they will reduce their total greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050, that is, complete carbon neutrality. In order to accomplish this, the introduction of renewable power such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydro and biomass is essential. However, the use of solar and wind power generation has drawbacks such as large output changes depending on weather conditions and a lack of ability to adjust power generation to meet demand. In addition, such a power generation demand system stores surplus electricity in batteries or otherwise compensates for power shortages.

As a result, hydrogen is attracting interest as a next-generation powerhouse. Hydrogen is the most abundant substance not only on Earth but also in the universe, and can be used as heat and electricity through incineration and chemical reactions, without emitting CO2 in the process. Hydrogen is also superior in terms of storage and power, because renewable power can be converted into hydrogen through electrolysis using surplus electricity and stored in a stable manner for a long time. In this scenario, it is estimated that the use of hydrogen will be scaled up quickly.

In 2009, Panasonic launched ENE-FARM, the world's first home fuel cell cogeneration system, which uses hydrogen extracted from natural gas to generate electricity. For more than 10 years, the company has evolved ENE-FARM by improving electrical power and operating moments, as well as making it more compact. In anticipation of the advent of a hydrogen society, Panasonic is also developing pure hydrogen fuel cell generators to directly supply hydrogen as fuel for power generation. The company has begun field testing such generators throughout Japan in 2012 with the implementation of the Yume Solar Kan Yamanashi, a renewable power facility in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, central Japan.

The skills developed by ENE-FARM have been applied to this pure hydrogen fuel cell generator. For example, the new product uses the ordinary stack unit, a key component of the fuel cell used in ENE-FARM, to achieve stable power generation performance and achieve the best power in the profession*1 electric power 56%* 2. Because the new generator is intended for commercial use, its power output has been improved to 5 kW, which is more than seven times that of the 700 W power output of the household fuel cell ENE-FARM. In addition, multiple generator sets can be connected and operated to expand power output according to demand. In addition, thanks to its lightweight and compact housing, the generator can be flexibly adapted to a wide range of installation conditions, including roofs and confined spaces.

Panasonic Mirai named its pure hydrogen fuel cell generator "H2 KIBOU", and the company's KIBOU means "expectation" in Japanese to complete the hydrogen society.

Panasonic will contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society by proposing new options to expand the introduction of renewable power that makes full use of hydrogen.

Main features of the product:

1. The 5 kW unit can be expanded to increase the power output by connecting multiple units

Each unit can generate 5 kilowatts of electricity, which is suitable for small commercial equipment needs. In addition, connecting and operating multiple gensets allows for increased power output as needed. In addition, by connecting the product to a dedicated PC application, it promises to remotely control the system to display power output and conditions, turn power generation on and off, and send error notifications. Up to 10 devices (50 kW) can be connected to a single PC. In addition, by integrating 10 units into a single level unit, it is possible to achieve a power output in the MW range.

2. Achieve 56% of the industry's best electrical power

The hydrogen is supplied directly to the pure hydrogen fuel cell generator, which does not require a fuel processing unit, a key equipment of ENE-FARM (for the extraction of hydrogen from natural gas). As a result, the ability to efficiently convert hydrogen into electricity and then bring the product to a high electrical power of 56%* is the best in the profession for pure hydrogen fuel cell generators. Higher electrical power leads to a reduction in the use of hydrogen, which in turn helps to reduce total operating costs.

3. Suitable for cogeneration

By connecting the hot water storage unit (recommended product) to the product, the heat generated by the fuel cell can be converted into hot water for use. The generator achieves a total energy efficiency of 95%, including heat recovery, and then the power can be used efficiently without wasting it.

4. Continued operation even in the event of a power outage

It can be used in conjunction with a resistor unit (recommended product) and a power supply unit to generate electricity even in the event of a power outage. By connecting these units to products designed for power outages, users can continue to generate electricity and use up to 2.5 kW of power for up to 120 hours, even during power outages. The product is able to generate electricity by supplying only hydrogen during a power outage, which then contributes to business continuity plans (BCPs).

5. Start quickly

The product is capable of starting in about 1 minute, which is useful for responding to peak shaving maneuvers when the generator is required to respond quickly.

Panasonic launched a 5kW pure hydrogen fuel cell generator

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