Power Supplies for Power-to-X applications
Empowering the green revolution – innovative Power Supplies for sustainable energy applications with a passion for efficiency
Power-to-X (PtX) is a concept that encompasses various technologies that convert surplus renewable energy (electricity) into other energy carriers such as hydrogen, methane, or synthetic fuels (X). These energy carriers can be stored and transported for later use for electricity generation, heat supply or as a fuel. PtX plays the most significant role in the energy transition. It helps to balance the intermittency of renewable energy production and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable energy supply.
Power-to-x technologies have various industrial applications, particularly in the energy and mobility sectors. Some examples of these are:
- Producing hydrogen as a fuel for fuel cells in vehicles and for electricity generation.
- Production of synthetic fuels for use in conventional combustion engines.
- Production of methane as a fuel for gas power plants or as an energy store in gas networks.
- Use of PtX products as raw materials in various industries, including the fabrication of plastics and other chemical products.
Furthermore, PtX technologies can be used in agriculture and waste management to convert biologically produced methane or carbon dioxide into synthetic fuels or other energy carriers. Overall, Power-to-X offers a variety of opportunities for decarbonizing various sectors of the economy and integrating renewable energy into the energy system.
We design and manufacture electrolysis DC power sources from a few kW up to 240 kW as standalone units. For higher power requirements, the DC sources are connected in parallel. The high performance of our DC sources makes them particularly suitable for use in decentralised container systems.
Our DC power sources are highly efficient, compact and durable. Using the latest switch mode technology, we achieve maximum efficiency with minimum losses. Our DC power sources are particularly robust and reliable, making them ideally suitable for the most demanding operating conditions. They are therefore the ideal solution for industrial applications where high efficiency and long life are required.
Water Electrolysis:
Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier and is widely used in industry to generate electricity, as a fuel in vehicles or as a raw material in chemical processes. The best known method of producing hydrogen is by electrolysis of water, which splits water into its constituent elements, oxygen and hydrogen.
The best known industrial water electrolysis processes are:
Alkaline electrolysis is the oldest method and has been successfully used in the industry for many years. In this method, water is split into oxygen and hydrogen in an electrolytic bath containing potassium hydroxide (KOH) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The advantage of this method is that it is very stable and can produce large amounts of hydrogen. However, it requires high temperatures and pressures and is thus energy intensive.
PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolysis is a newer process that is becoming increasingly popular due to its higher energy efficiency. In this process, water is electrolysed using a polymer membrane that separates protons and electrons. This electrolysis is more flexible and can operate at lower temperatures and pressures. However, it is still a relatively expensive technology.
Another method of electrolysis is high temperature electrolysis. In this method, water is electrolysed at temperatures of 800-1000°C and hydrogen and oxygen are produced directly. The advantage of this method is that it is very efficient and can produce large amounts of hydrogen. However, due to the high temperatures and pressures, it is very energy intensive and requires special equipment.
Overall, there are several methods of producing hydrogen by electrolysis of water, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The method chosen depends on a variety of considerations such as the size of the plant, the amount of hydrogen required and the specific requirements of the user.
A DC power source is an essential component in all water electrolysis processes as it converts the alternating current into the direct current required for electrolysis. Without it, the process would not be possible, as only direct current can be used for electrolysis. When developing our DC power sources, we focus on the highest quality, robustness, and efficiency to ensure maximum reliability and efficiency in water electrolysis.
Our customised rectifier solutions are tailored to the needs and processes of our customers and are characterised by our expertise and competence. We work closely with our customers to define and deliver the rectifier solution optimised for their process.