Robust fuel cell heating unit developed

Layout of the current XellPower fc-heater with the fuel cell system at the bottom and the gas condensing boiler above. © Vaillant GmbH

Mini-CHP plant provides electricity and heat for single-family homes

The device provides an electrical output of 0.7 kW and a thermal output of 1.3 kW. A standard gas condensing unit is integrated to cover peak heating demands.

The overall efficiency is over 90%. All components are compactly arranged in a casing.

The negative pressure prevailing within the casing provides an effective safety concept to counter the risk of undetected gas leaks.

Previous devices were mostly based on overpressure. With the new unit, the developers have succeeded in halving the production and installation costs compared with previous systems.

The fuel cell heating device was tested in practice as part of the Callux energy research field trials, which involved devices from different manufacturers.

Fuel cells can be operated with natural gas or with hydrogen and methane generated from renewable energies or biomass.

The new fuel cell heating unit has been developed by Vaillant GmbH in collaboration with partners from research and industry.

You found all informations about the BINE Projektinfo brochure entitled “Fuel cell generates electricity and heat for homes” here:

http://www.bine.info/en/press/press-releases/press/pressemitteilung/robustes-bre…

Uwe Milles/Birgit Schneider
presse(at)bine.info

About BINE Information Service

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The BINE Information Service reports on energy research topics, such as new materials, systems and components, as well as innovative concepts and methods. The knowledge gained is incorporated into the implementation of new technologies in practice, because first-rate information provides a basis for pioneering decisions, whether in the planning of energy-optimised buildings, increasing the efficiency of industrial processes, or integrating renewable energy sources into existing systems.

About FIZ Karlsruhe

FIZ Karlsruhe – Leibniz Institute for Information Infrastructure is a not-for-profit organization with the public mission to make sci-tech information from all over the world publicly available and to provide related services in order to support the national and international transfer of knowledge and the promotion of innovation.
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