Panasonic Demonstrates Innovative Use of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Heat for Absorption Chillers

Panasonic Corporation has launched a demonstration experiment to utilize heat generated from pure hydrogen fuel cell generators as a heat source for absorption chillers, advancing sustainable air conditioning solutions. This experiment is being conducted at the H2 KIBOU FIELD facility in Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, which is powered by renewable energy to support its fuel cell production.

Bridging the Temperature Gap

Historically, a significant temperature gap existed between the heat recovered from pure hydrogen fuel cell generators (maximum 60°C) and the minimum temperature required for the operation of absorption chillers (80°C). Panasonic has addressed this challenge by enhancing both the fuel cell generators and the absorption chillers, reducing the temperature gap by 10°C each. This innovation allows the new fuel cell generators to produce heat at 70°C, suitable for the updated absorption chillers, thereby enabling their integrated use.

Facility and Technological Enhancements

At the H2 KIBOU FIELD facility, ten improved pure hydrogen fuel cell generators and a newly developed absorption chiller have been installed. This setup will cater to the cooling and heating needs of the facility's administration building, showcasing a novel heat utilization scheme. Panasonic aims to enhance energy efficiency through cogeneration (combined heat and power) and reduce power consumption in heating and cooling equipment, demonstrating the solution’s market potential and effectiveness.

Leading Absorption Chiller Technology

Panasonic's absorption chillers, which lead the market in Japan, are highly efficient and use water as a natural refrigerant, avoiding harmful CFCs and reducing environmental impact. The new absorption chiller in this experiment has improved processes for absorbing water vapor and concentrating the absorbing solution. Despite being the same size as existing products, it operates at a lower minimum heat source temperature (70°C), previously set at 80°C. This adaptation makes it possible to utilize the heat from hydrogen fuel cell generators.

Industry-First Application

In an industry-first attempt, the chilled water generated by the absorption chiller will be used in commercial air conditioners to cool and heat the administration building, aiming to cut air conditioning power consumption by 50%. Additionally, the lower minimum heat source temperature of 70°C addresses a prevalent issue where approximately 70% of industrial waste heat (below 80°C) cannot be effectively utilized.

Integration and Sustainability

Panasonic is leveraging its comprehensive product lineup across various business units to create unique customer value. This experiment not only showcases Panasonic’s innovation but also underscores its commitment to sustainability. The facility integrates 99 units of 5 kW-type pure hydrogen fuel cell generators, photovoltaic generators with a 570 kW output, and batteries with a 1.1 MWh capacity, all controlled to efficiently supply renewable energy to the production facility.

Achieving Energy Efficiency

Improvements in the technology include a new catalyst in the power generation section of the fuel cell generator and enhanced durability of the main body, elevating recoverable heat from 60°C to 70°C. This demonstration aims for an overall energy efficiency of 95% by utilizing heat in addition to electric power. Expanding heat utilization to encompass air cooling through absorption chillers will elevate the practicality of cogeneration systems in industrial applications.

Future Prospects

By combining the strengths of its leading products and business units, Panasonic aims to contribute to a carbon-free society, providing optimal, sustainable solutions for the future. This demonstration is a step towards realizing significant energy savings and advancing the use of renewable energy in industrial settings.