German heating company Viessmann has developed innovative wall-mounted gas boilers for pure hydrogen and has further systems for heat and power generation in preparation.
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The hydrogen-ready prototypes currently running on the testbeds in the research and development centre at the company’s headquarters in northern Hesse are based on proven, series-produced condensing boilers for natural gas and have been adapted to the requirements for operation with pure hydrogen.
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The main modifications include, in particular, the adaptation of the burner and the new development of the combustion, flame monitoring and control system.
The first practical deployment will take place in Germany in early 2023 as part of the SmartQuart project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economics. As part of this pilot project, a complete hydrogen infrastructure will be established, from the generation of renewable electricity for electrolysis to the storage and distribution of the hydrogen created and its use for heat and power in industry and transport.
"Viessmann was one of the first manufacturers in the world to develop gas condensing boilers that can run on pure hydrogen and therefore emit no CO2. With this breakthrough, we have taken a huge step towards realising the goals of the Paris Agreement in the building sector,” said Dr Markus Klausner, Chief Technology Officer of Viessmann Climate Solutions SE.
Viessmann already has extensive experience with hydrogen heating systems. Approximately 1,500,00 gas condensing boilers from the Vitodens 300 and Vitodens 200 series were delivered to the market in 2020 alone – these can use at least 20% hydrogen in natural gas and can even convert a 30% admixture simply and efficiently into heat.
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Other condensing technology systems are currently under development, including those designed for greater output, fuel cells and CHP units intended for use with hydrogen as well. As the industry’s innovator, Viessmann will soon offer a complete portfolio for nearly every application.
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