HYDROGEN & RENEWABLE
ENERGY IN THE U.K.:
Real Life Case Studies
Gavin D.J. Harper
B.R.A.S.S., Cardiff University,
12th February 2009

Hydrogen & Fuel Cells : Brief Introduction
First demonstrated by
Welsh scientist
Sir William Robert Grove
in February 1839.

Hydrogen : The Lithuanian Context

Hydrogen : The Lithuanian Context
Let’s Get Lithuania on the Hydrogen Map!
Map Taken From New Scientist Magazine

Hydrogen : The Lithuanian Context
•Although Lithuania has extremely constrained energy resources, it could
become a leader in “adding value” to energy supply systems.
g gy pp y y
•By adopting storage technologies and dynamic demand-side
management technologies, energy could be purchased when ‘cheap’
then consumed as required.
•Hydrogen could reduce dependence on imported oil if renewable
energy could be sourced to generate hydrogen.
•Fuel Cells could help re-inforce the grid and provide backup power in
areas that are vulnerable to supply fluctuations, or for “mission
critical” applications where power-supply failure could be costly / fatal.
•Medical
Medical
•Mobile Phone Masts
•High Value Applications

PURE Energy Centre, Baltasound, Unst
•The PURE Energy Centre is a venture on the northernost Shetland
The
Island of Unst. Established originally as a community venture, the project
has since grown into a world-leading consultancy on clean hydrogen.
•Island community
•Highest Oil Prices in UK
•‘Energy Isolation’ – North Sea Oil currently generates revenue.
•Lack of “highly skilled” j b
L k f “hi hl kill d” jobs
•Problems retaining young people on the island
•Low wages, hard to generate wealth, limited opportunities
Two Proven Wind Turbines Produce Renewable Power
This f d
Thi feeds an electrolyser which produces h d
ltl hi h d hydrogen.
This hydrogen can be stored, for later use.
An onsite hydrogen fuel cell provides heat and power.
A small f el cell vehicle can be ref elled using H2
fuel ehicle refuelled sing

Image Courtesy: PURE Energy Centre

Image Courtesy: PURE Energy Centre

Image Courtesy: PURE Energy Centre

Image Courtesy: PURE Energy Centre

Shetland, Unst: The Energy Island
Image Courtesy: PURE Energy Centre

Shetland, Unst: The Energy Island
•Grid Independent Houses
•Hydrogen from Renewables
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•Fuel Cell provides Combined
Heat and Power
Image Cou esy PURE Energy Ce e
age Courtesy: U e gy Centre

Hydrogen Office, Methil
Energy efficiency
•Increased insulation
•Increased efficient glazing to minimise heat loss and
unwanted heat gain
•Natural ventilation to remove the need for air
conditioning
•A layout that maximises natural daylight to minimise
A
the need for artificial lighting
•Efficient lighting and control systems
•A ground source heat pump, also recovering waste
heat from a fuel cell and electrolysis unit to provide
unit,
most of the heating and hot water for the building

Environmental Energy Technology Centre
The main criteria for the development of EETC are:
•Iconic building
•Use of innovative technology
•‘Zero carbon building’
‘
•Iconic Renewable Hydrogen System
•Support enterprising and innovation of products
•Exploit opportunities arising from low carbon economy

Environmental Energy Technology Centre
Storage
Electrolyser Fuel Cell
Compressor
EETC
National
Grid

Environmental Energy Technology Centre
Hydrogen Mini Grid can supply:
yg pp y
3 Phase Mains @ 415v
Electrical power
-From the On-Site Wi d T bi
F th O Sit Wind Turbine
-From the National Grid
-From the grid-synchronised fuel cell
cell.
Hydrogen Gas @ up to 350bar
-For refuelling hydrogen vehicles
gy g
-For refilling hydrogen bottles

Hydrogen & Renewables Integration Project
Gammon, R., (2006) IEA HIA Task 18 Report

Hydrogen & Renewables Integration Project
H.A.R.I.
Home of Prof Tony Marmont
Prof.
Autonomous Hydrogen Home
Images Courtesy:
Rupert Gammon / Tony Marmont

Island Woking – Allan Jones
Image Taken From Presentation
By Allan Jones MBE
@ Schumacher College

Woking Park CHP
Woking Park Leisure
Centre Uses a Fuel
Cell To Provide
Heat & Power
In ‘traditional’
CCGT Gas Plant,
Plant
the heat produced
as a by product of
by-product
electricity
production would
be wasted!

Woking Park CHP
Fuel Cell CHP
‘Bolted on to existing
multi-storey car-park’
multi storey car park’
Supplies heat and
power to neighbouring
hotel. Savings in
‘plant room’ allowed
them to add a number
of additional rooms
rooms.

Fuel Cell Combined Heat & Power

Fuel Cell Combined Heat & Power
Image © Allan Jones

Tri-Generation

Conclusions