Hydrogen Integration Delivers a Whopping 29.2% Boost in Boiler Performance [Case Study]

Hydrogenera is at the forefront of innovative green energy solutions as the world transitions to sustainable energy sources.

This case study delves into how Hydrogenera, in collaboration with the Stanislaw Staszic Academy of Mining and Metallurgy in Krakow, significantly improved the efficiency of a 1 MW gas boiler by integrating hydrogen.

The project was conducted at the Botanical Garden of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw and showcased significant advancements in boiler technology.

Hydrogenera aimed to enhance the efficiency of conventional gas boilers by incorporating hydrogen into the combustion process.

The study focused on a Viessmann low-temperature boiler, model Vitoplex 300 TX3A, which was chosen for its reliability and relevance in real-world applications.

The goal was to quantify the efficiency gains and validate the potential of hydrogen as a supplementary fuel.

The study was meticulously planned and executed in two stages to ensure accurate and reliable results.

Baseline Measurement (Option A):

• Objective: Establish the boiler’s efficiency using only natural gas as a fuel.
• Process: The boiler's performance was measured and documented. Efficiency was calculated based on the heat generated from burning natural gas and the corresponding energy output.
• Results: The baseline efficiency was 96.4%, aligning well with the manufacturer's specifications.

Hydrogen Integration (Option B):

• Objective: Determine the impact of hydrogen on the boiler's efficiency.
• Process: Hydrogen and oxygen, produced via an electrolyser, and natural gas were introduced into the combustion process. The efficiency was measured again, considering the additional energy input from the hydrogen and the electricity consumed by the electrolyser.
• Energy Consumption: The study also accounted for the electricity the electrolyser uses to produce hydrogen and oxygen, ensuring a comprehensive overall efficiency evaluation.
• Results: The combined use of hydrogen, oxygen and natural gas resulted in a significant efficiency increase, reaching 29.2% higher than the baseline.

The substantial improvement of 29.2% underscores hydrogen’s potential as an efficient supplementary fuel. This project illustrates the viability and benefits of using hydrogen as a complementary fuel to natural gas.

Hydrogenera's innovative approach improves energy efficiency and contributes to reducing carbon emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals.

The success of this project highlights the importance of continued research and development in green energy, inspiring further advancements and adoption of hydrogen-based technologies.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr Bartosz Solinski, Dr Wojciech Lubon, Dr Grzegorz Pelka, and Dr Adolf Mirowski from the Stanislaw Staszic Academy of Mining and Metallurgy in Krakow for their invaluable contributions to this project. Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in measuring these remarkable results.

Thank you to Jerzy Klimczak and our partners from Nabla Project Energia, all team members and partners who made this success possible. Your efforts and collaboration have been vital to demonstrating hydrogen's potential to revolutionise energy efficiency.