POWERUP GENERATORS
The POWERUP – Mobile Hydrogen Fuelcell Generators offer a revolutionary solution in the field of mobile power supply. These generators utilize hydrogen fuel cell technology to provide clean and reliable energy. The main advantages of this technology are explained below.
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POWERUP PRODUCT BENEFITS
POWERUP generators produce no harmful emissions. The only byproduct is water vapor, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional diesel or gasoline generators, which emit CO2, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants.
Hydrogen can be produced from various sources, including renewable energies such as wind, solar, and biomass. This reduces dependence on fossil fuels and contributes to sustainability.
Hydrogen fuel cells have a higher efficiency than combustion engines. This means that more of the energy stored in hydrogen is converted into usable electrical energy, reducing operational costs and increasing efficiency.
Fuel cell systems provide a constant and reliable power supply, less prone to failures and fluctuations. This is particularly important in critical applications where uninterrupted power is necessary.
Hydrogen as a fuel has a very long shelf life compared to diesel, which needs to be replaced regularly to avoid contamination and degradation. This makes hydrogen generators especially attractive for long-term deployments.
Hydrogen fuel cell generators operate almost silently compared to traditional generators. This is especially beneficial in urban environments or at events where noise pollution needs to be minimized.
The thermal signature of hydrogen fuel cells is significantly lower than that of combustion engines. This makes them ideal for applications where low heat emission is important, such as in sensitive environments or military operations.
PowerUP generators are compact and lightweight, enhancing their mobility. They can be easily deployed in various locations, whether on construction sites, at events, or in remote areas without access to the power grid.
Unlike battery-powered systems that require long charging times, hydrogen tanks can be refilled quickly, increasing the generator’s operational readiness and minimizing downtime.
Despite the initially higher investment costs, hydrogen fuel cells offer long-term savings through lower operating costs. The reduced maintenance and higher efficiency contribute to lowering the overall costs over the generator’s lifespan.
Many countries have government subsidy programs and incentives for the use of environmentally friendly technologies like hydrogen fuel cells. These subsidies can significantly reduce the acquisition costs and improve the technology’s economic viability.
Hydrogen fuel cells are safer to operate than conventional generators. There is no risk of fire from spilled fuel, and modern hydrogen storage systems are designed to meet the highest safety standards.
The components of fuel cells are durable and robust, leading to a longer lifespan of the generators. This reduces the need for frequent replacement investments and lowers long-term costs.
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POWERUP - SAFETY INFORMATIONS
Safety is paramount at PowerUP, and to uphold this commitment, we’ve designed a specialized hydrogen safety system for our indoor fuel cell generators. This stand-alone system employs an off-the-shelf hydrogen sensor to detect leaks, automatically closing the valve to prevent further leakage until manual reset. With simplified implementation and user-friendly design, it ensures robust functionality and safety for fuel cell generators in rooms up to 60 m3. But it does not end there. Already during our production process we are using high quality 316 stainless steel tube and pipe fittings, assembled by skilled technicians to ensure maximum quality of the internal gas distribution system.
Multiple sensors and ATEX rated solenoids are securing leakage free operation and a safe handling of leaked hydrogen should it occur. With inner and outer safety regulated by different controllers we achieve maximum safety and redundancy.
PowerUP’s products require pure hydrogen, demanding a purity level of ≥99.95% (Hydrogen 3.5 or higher). Impurities are tolerated within the limits of EN 17124. Maintaining high hydrogen purity is essential for achieving optimal performance, longevity, reliability, efficiency, and environmental benefits in our generators.
HAZARDS OF HYDROGEN AS AN ENERGY CARRIER
Hazards of hydrogen as an energy carrier for simple and non-automotive applications
Hydrogen is considered a promising energy carrier, but it comes with certain hazards, especially regarding its handling and storage. For simple and non-automotive applications, such as in stationary power supply through fuel cells or for industrial processes, it is important to understand the specific risks of hydrogen.
Properties of hydrogen:
- Highly flammable: Hydrogen is highly flammable and can ignite in air at very low concentrations (from about 4% in air). It has a very low ignition energy, which means that even a small spark source is sufficient to trigger an explosion or fire.
- Lighter than air: Hydrogen is the lightest of all gases and disperses quickly in the air, increasing the risk of explosions in poorly ventilated rooms. If there is a leak, it rises immediately, requiring special precautions for enclosed spaces.
- Invisible flames: The combustion of hydrogen produces almost invisible flames, making it difficult to detect fires. This requires special detectors and safety devices to detect fires in good time.
- Danger of cold when stored as liquid hydrogen: When stored as liquid hydrogen (very low temperatures, around -253°C), there is an additional risk of frostbite in the event of improper handling or leaking equipment.
Safety measures:
Certain safety precautions are necessary to minimize the risk when handling hydrogen:
- Ventilation: rooms where hydrogen is stored or used must be well ventilated to prevent the gas from accumulating to dangerous concentrations in the event of a leak.
- Leakage monitoring: Special hydrogen detectors are required to detect leaking gas at an early stage and prevent it from igniting.
- Safe storage: Hydrogen should be stored in specially tested and secured pressurized cylinders. These cylinders are equipped with valves and safety devices to prevent pressure drops or other hazards.
Infrastructure and availability of hydrogen in cylinders
The supply of hydrogen for non-automotive applications is now relatively well organized, even if it is not yet as widespread as other energy sources. Hydrogen gas is stored and transported in pressurized gas cylinders, which are available in various sizes and pressure levels (typically 200 bar or 300 bar). Suppliers and infrastructure have continuously improved recently.
Suppliers of hydrogen cylinders:
Specialized gas suppliers are active in many regions, supplying hydrogen in pressurized cylinders. Among the best known are:
- Linde Gas: one of the world’s leading suppliers of industrial gases, which also offers hydrogen in pressurized cylinders. Linde has distribution centers in many countries that supply hydrogen for industrial, scientific and energy applications.
- Air Liquide: Another global company specializing in industrial gases. Air Liquide offers various hydrogen solutions, including compressed gas cylinders for small applications, but also large tank systems for industrial applications.
- Praxair (part of Linde): This provider also supplies hydrogen in cylinders for industrial and scientific purposes, and also offers gas handling and safety services.
- Westfalen AG: A German-based supplier that provides gases and compressed gas cylinders, including hydrogen, for small and medium-sized companies and laboratories.
- And many more. Search for technical gases on Google
How easy is it to obtain hydrogen?
Obtaining hydrogen in compressed gas cylinders is usually straightforward if you have access to one of these specialized suppliers. However, availability depends on the region. In urban and industrial centers, supply is usually well-developed, while in rural areas supplies may be partially limited.
Ordering processes usually work either online or by telephone. Suppliers deliver the gas cylinders directly to the place of use or offer collection from local branches. In addition, care is taken to ensure that all safety regulations for transportation and storage are adhered to.
Conclusion: safety and availability
Hydrogen as an energy source poses specific risks, particularly due to its high flammability and invisible flames. However, the risk can be well controlled by taking appropriate safety precautions, such as ventilation and gas detection. The availability of hydrogen in compressed gas cylinders is given thanks to established suppliers, which makes the use of hydrogen in non-automotive applications comparatively simple and practicable.
PETROL, DIESEL AND HEATING OIL CHANGE OVER TIME
Fossil fuels such as petrol, diesel and heating oil change over time if they are stored in tanks for too long. These changes can affect the quality of the fuel and reduce its suitability for use. Various factors such as oxidation, evaporation and contamination play a role, and extreme temperature conditions (cold or heat) exacerbate these processes.
Effects of long-term storage on fossil fuels
- Gasoline:
- Evaporation and chemical change: gasoline consists of a mixture of hydrocarbons that tend to change during prolonged storage. Highly volatile components of gasoline can evaporate, which changes the composition of the fuel. This leads to reduced ignitability and poorer engine performance.
- Oxidation: Gasoline is susceptible to oxidation when it comes into contact with oxygen. This can lead to the formation of resins and rubber residues (so-called “varnish”), which can clog fuel lines, filters and injection systems.
- Usability: After about 3 to 6 months, gasoline can lose quality. Stability additives can extend the shelf life to up to one year. If the gasoline becomes rancid, it is less efficient in vehicles and can cause engine damage.
- Diesel:
- Biodegradation (diesel pest): Diesel is more susceptible to microbial infestation, especially when water enters the tank. Bacteria and fungi can grow in the water-diesel mixture and form a slimy substance that clogs the filters and lines. This process is called “diesel plague” and can lead to expensive damage.
- Oxidation: Diesel oxidizes more slowly than petrol, but longer storage can also lead to the formation of resins and deposits that affect filters and engines.
- Usability: Under normal storage conditions, diesel can have a shelf life of 6 to 12 months. Special stabilizers can extend the storage time, but after prolonged storage without care, diesel can thicken and become more viscous, leading to combustion problems.
- Heating oil:
- Ageing process: Like diesel, heating oil is also subject to natural ageing through oxidation, which also produces residues. These residues can clog tanks and pipes, reducing the efficiency of heating systems.
- Usability: Heating oil can be stored for several years, but after about 1 to 3 years the quality begins to deteriorate. Regular inspections and maintenance of tank systems are essential to maintain quality over long periods of time.
Influence of temperature conditions
- Cold:
- Diesel and heating oil: At low temperatures, diesel and heating oil tend to “sulfurize”. This means that kerosene crystals precipitate in the fuel and make it more viscous. This can clog fuel filters and impair the injection systems. Winter diesel, however, contains special additives that reduce the risk of clogging. In freezing temperatures, heated tank systems must be considered to maintain fluidity.
- Gasoline: Gasoline remains liquid in the cold, but becomes more viscous, which can make ignition difficult at very low temperatures. However, this has less effect on general usability.
- High temperatures:
- Gasoline: Gasoline evaporates faster when hot, which not only reduces the amount of fuel, but also changes its composition. Highly volatile components evaporate first, making the remaining fuel less efficient to burn.
- Diesel: Diesel is more stable at high temperatures, but the heat can accelerate the aging process and promote the formation of deposits. It can also increase the risk of diesel pest, as warmer conditions favor the growth of microorganisms.
- Heating oil: Like diesel, heating oil will oxidize and deteriorate more quickly at high temperatures. Microbiological problems are also possible here.
Can these fuels still be used after long periods of storage?
The usability of fuels after long storage depends heavily on the type of fuel, the storage conditions and the duration of storage. While fuels are often still usable for a short time, their quality and efficiency decline.
- Gasoline: After about 6 months, gasoline begins to lose its ignitability. Old gasoline should not be used as it increases the risk of engine damage.
- Diesel: Diesel can last up to a year if stored correctly. After this time, the quality should be checked and, if necessary, the fuel should be treated by adding stabilizers or replaced.
- Heating oil: Heating oil can be stored for longer than diesel, but here to the quality should be checked after around 1 to 2 years.
Conclusion
Fossil fuels deteriorate over time due to oxidation, evaporation and contamination. Temperature conditions have a considerable influence on storage life: cold can cause diesel to go sour, while heat accelerates evaporation and aging. The usability of fuels after prolonged storage is limited, which is why regular quality checks, stabilizers and good tank maintenance are important to make the fuel last longer and be safe to use.
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