The Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) and Ecoclean GmbH have commissioned the first series-ready electrolyser of the EcoLyzer brand. The 1-MW device is based on a modular concept from the "EcoLyzer BW" project. After a testing phase, the system is to be delivered to RWTH Aachen University, where it will produce green hydrogen.
The first "P200" is the result of the "EcoLyzer BW" research project, which Ecoclean and ZSW started in early 2022. The goal: To develop an internationally competitive electrolysis system for series production. To this end, the partners created a modular concept that should enable the construction of cost-efficient plants with 1 to 20 MW capacity near renewable energy sources (solar, wind, water).
"The collaboration with ZSW has helped us enormously to develop and commission a series-ready product in such a short time," reports Manfred Hermanns, Director Sales & Customer Services at Ecoclean GmbH.
The commissioning on September 19 marks the completion of the project. Soon, the plant is expected to produce up to 200 Nm³/h of hydrogen per hour in regular operation.
Hydrogen Production at RWTH Aachen
However, the Ecolyzer still faces a final testing phase. Afterwards, Ecoclean and ZSW plan to deliver the electrolyser to the Rhine-Westphalia Technical University (RWTH) Aachen, where it will produce green hydrogen for the Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems (TME).
Technologically, the EcoLyzers are based on a system for alkaline pressure electrolysis developed by ZSW over the last ten years. The technology is well-tested and robust. Moreover, unlike other electrolysis processes, it does not require resource-critical raw materials such as precious metals and rare earth elements. Furthermore, the electrolysers can be easily scaled to larger power classes and are characterized by low-maintenance operation. The project group had started a prototype in August 2022.
Series Production of Ecolyzer Launched
Parallel to the development of the electrolysis system, Ecoclean GmbH has, according to its own statements, built up capacities for the series production of the electrolysers, which are already available on the market. In the first step, production is designed for a total capacity of 200 MW per year and can be "easily" doubled depending on market development.
The modular design enables cost-effective manufacturing in relatively short delivery times. In addition, they can be easily adapted to different applications in the areas of mobility, industry, energy and district supply for on-site hydrogen production. In addition to the delivery and commissioning of the plants, the company also takes on trades such as water treatment, gas purification and compression if required.
"The technological and constructive advantages of the electrolysers seem to meet the requirements of the market. This is evident in numerous inquiries and initial projects we are working on," says Manfred Hermanns.
