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Power-to-Gas technology uses electricity to convert energy into chemically bonded energy in the form of a gaseous medium, which, unlike electricity, is easier to store. Most commonly, this medium is hydrogen or methane. In the first case, hydrogen is produced from the surplus electricity by means of electrolytic decomposition of water (see above Project for the storage of surplus energy from photovoltaic panels to hydrogen).
With regard to the existing gas infrastructure in the form of a large transit and distribution network with considerable transport and storage capacity, the research focuses on so-called hydrogen methanization. By means of methanisation is meant the process of the catalytic chemical reaction of hydrogen with carbon dioxide according to the Sabatier reaction:
4 H2 + CO2 -> CH4 + 2H2O
With the use of suitable catalysts and working conditions (temperature, pressure), a very high conversion can be achieved in one step to obtain a gas with a methane content of over 95 vol.%. When complying with normative and legislative regulations, this gas can subsequently be used as a so-called natural gas (SNG) and pushed directly into the gas pipeline. In this way, it is possible to accumulate surplus electricity and subsequently efficiently store and distribute it to end users. At the same time, there is a reduction in the dependence on natural gas imports.
The experimental equipment located at premises of ÚJV Řež, which enables the testing of various catalytic converters, operating parameters and variable outputs, depending on the unstable power source, has the following parameters:
| Electrolyzer power output |
6,7 kW (1 Nm3/H2 @ 15 bar) |
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Operational temperature |
up to 380 °C |
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Operational pressure |
5 – 15 bar |
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On-line analysis of the product |
CH4: 0 – 100 vol. % |
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CO2: 0 – 100 vol. % |
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