Hydrogen Storage in Biogas Plant Infrastructure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biogas plants face economic challenges due to impending reduction in state subsidies and struggle with gas leaks and heat loss during biogas storage, making it difficult for smaller plants to operate economically and safely.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the production of hydrogen using electrolysis, which is then stored by chemically bonding it with a carrier (such as a metal hydride or liquid organic hydrogen carrier) within existing biogas plant infrastructure, allowing for safe and reversible storage and subsequent conversion back into electricity and heat as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biogas is stored in traditional storage facilities, then energy can be stored for later use, but gas leaks and heat loss occur, reducing safety and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms biogas storage into hydrogen storage, fundamentally changing the chemical composition parameter. Hydrogen is stored in liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) rather than as compressed gas, changing the physical state and storage mechanism. This parameter change eliminates gas leaks and heat loss associated with traditional biogas storage while maintaining energy storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) as an intermediary substance. Hydrogen is chemically bonded to the LOHC for storage, and released when needed. This intermediary mechanism allows safe storage without the harmful effects of storing combustible biogas directly, as the LOHC-stored hydrogen does not pose the same leak and heat loss risks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If biogas plants operate without state subsidies, then economic independence is improved, but operational viability deteriorates due to insufficient revenue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables biogas plants to perform multiple functions: traditional biogas production for electricity/heat generation, plus hydrogen production through electrolysis, plus hydrogen storage in LOHC, plus seasonal energy storage. This multi-functionality allows plants to diversify revenue streams and improve economic viability without relying solely on subsidies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary hydrogen production and storage during periods of low energy demand or high renewable energy availability. Hydrogen is produced via electrolysis and stored in LOHC containers during summer months when electricity is cheaper and demand is lower, then released and converted back to electricity during high-demand winter months, optimizing economic returns.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If hydrogen is produced and stored for seasonal energy storage, then energy availability is improved, but infrastructure investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hydrogen production, storage, and energy generation systems into an integrated setup within existing biogas plant infrastructure. The electrolysis unit, LOHC storage containers, and hydrogen release system are combined with the existing biogas digestion and power generation equipment, reducing overall infrastructure investment compared to building separate seasonal storage facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the biogas plant to serve its own energy storage needs using its existing infrastructure. The LOHC storage system is designed to work with the plant's existing electrolysis and power generation equipment, allowing the facility to autonomously manage seasonal energy storage without requiring external specialized infrastructure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method reduces initial investment costs, enables safe and efficient energy storage over longer periods, and allows for seasonal energy storage, improving the economic viability of biogas plants by utilizing existing infrastructure and reducing the risks associated with combustible biogas storage.
Implementation Method 1
production of hydrogen in an electrolyser using water and electricity
Implementation Method 2
contacting a carrier (T1) with the hydrogen produced in step c) to store the hydrogen to obtain a carrier (T2) loaded with hydrogen
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for storing and preserving hydrogen, comprising two process steps. In the first process step, the hydrogen is stored by bringing it into contact with a carrier (T1), thereby obtaining a hydrogen-laden carrier (T2). The hydrogen is preferably chemically bound to the carrier (T1), in particular by means of hydrogenation. In the second process step, the hydrogen-laden carrier (T2) is stored in a device (V1) that is or was part of a biogas plant. The hydrogen stored in the carrier (T2) can then be released from the carrier (T2) and subsequently used to generate electricity and, optionally, heat. The method according to the invention can be integrated into an existing biogas plant, or a biogas plant can be retrofitted accordingly.Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for generating electric current and optionally heat, wherein the method for storing and preserving hydrogen is carried out first.