Share this page
 

9/21/2022

  • Innovations
  • Sustainability
  • Top stories

BDR Thermea: first-ever pure hydrogen boiler for commercial applications ready for trials 

The move represents an important building block in making the energy transition a reality for heating large buildings. 

Picture12

BDR Thermea Group, a leading manufacturer in smart indoor climate solutions, is preparing for the first real-life trials of pure hydrogen-operated boilers for commercial applications. This is an important next step in BDR Thermea’s energy transition agenda and follows successful trials of 100% hydrogen boilers for residential use that the company has been running in Europe since 2019. The pure hydrogen boilers will enable commercial users to tap into the incredible potential of hydrogen, whether they’re used on their own or in a hybrid configuration with a heat pump. 

“We’re delighted to be playing our part in the energy transition. Green hydrogen is one useful way to help larger buildings decarbonise. This is because it can store renewable power over longer periods of time and can help avoid heavy peak loads on the electricity grid. With commercial buildings contributing significantly to carbon emissions in Europe, their switch to carbon neutral solutions is crucial,” says Emilia Cabral, Director of BDR Thermea’s Competence Centre for Commercial Solutions.

After extensive testing of the innovative hydrogen-powered technology at its R&D centre in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, BDR Thermea Group is preparing prototypes for real-life demonstrations across Europe, the first of which could be live by the end of the year. The different use cases of the hydrogen boiler will be on display, such as when it is deployed at sites of local hydrogen generation with storage solutions, and/or in a hybrid set-up with a heat pump, in which hydrogen would cover the peak loads on the electricity grid. 

This trial stage also represents a valuable opportunity for all stakeholders – from utilities to energy grid providers, governments and building owners – to learn more about the potential of hydrogen for heating.  

 

A flexible solution

There is no silver bullet in terms of climate solutions. With a variety of options and possible scenarios for the future, commercial users are looking for flexible and future-proof solutions.  
 
“As we navigate the road to a fossil-free society, we want to deliver flexibility for our customers. With this in mind, we’re currently working to make our full range of commercial boilers in Europe 100% hydrogen ready. Most boilers in our current portfolio are 20% hydrogen ready, but we will also be launching a conversion kit for future boilers to switch from natural gas to 100% hydrogen,” says Cabral. “This will allow commercial users to prepare themselves for the fuel switch, offering them full flexibility.”  

Another important technology in BDR Thermea’s value proposition is the heat pump, which plays its own role in enabling buildings of all types to decarbonise. A hybrid set-up combining the pure hydrogen boiler and the heat pump offers users the chance to reap the benefits of both devices. And given hydrogen’s power storage capability, the boiler can substitute for the heat pump in moments of peak electricity demand.

The role of clean gasses in the energy transition  

There are multiple scenarios for society to decarbonize heat, ranging from full electrification to applying hybrids and green gasses. Recent research published by Guidehouse indicates that a scenario in which biogas and green hydrogen are applied together with a high level of electrification, offers the fastest, smoothest, and most affordable transition to renewables. The usage of clean gasses such as hydrogen and biomethane in addition to a high level of electrification offers benefits in terms of overall cost for society, practicality, and social acceptance. In addition, it reduces the peak load from heating by more than 50% - assessed during a windless and dark winter week. For these moments when renewable power generation from natural sources is low, green gasses are able to take over and satisfy energy demand.   
Emilia Cabral

"We’re delighted to be playing our part in the energy transition. Green hydrogen is one useful way to help larger buildings decarbonise"

Emilia Cabral | Director of BDR Thermea’s Competence Centre for Commercial Solutions

About the pure hydrogen boiler​

The concept of the 100% hydrogen boiler is to perform just as well as natural gas boilers. With a modulation depth of 1:5 and similar output, efficiency, responsiveness, digital interfaces and dimensions, service engineers will need limited additional education and users can expect the same high performance. Various internal components, for example, have been redesigned for the specific use of hydrogen, such as the burner and sensors. 

 The Remeha Quinta ACE/De Dietrich Evodens Pro AMC 45kW pure hydrogen-based boilers can be operated in a cascade set-up and are part of a boiler range which has a maximum output of 115kW per boiler. The solution is scalable up to eight boilers in one installation. The boiler is also hybrid ready, meaning it can be applied in an optimised set-up with a heat pump, resulting in reduced gas usage and increased efficiency.

$name$name$name$name$namebaymak_logo

You can find our head office at:


Kanaal Zuid 106 | 7332 BD Apeldoorn | The Netherlands

© BDR Thermea Group 2020

© BDR Thermea Group 2020