Distributed power generation & portable power
Intelligent Energy has developed fuel processing, hydrogen generation and fuel cell power systems for a diverse range of distributed and portable applications.
Power demand is inextricably linked with increased economic activity. Meeting the global challenge of reducing CO2 emissions requires a shift to cleaner and more efficient power generating technologies across all sectors. For example, up to 65% of the fuel used by large power generating plants is wasted due to a combination of inefficient energy conversion and power-line losses.
Today, the power sector is responsible for 40% of global CO2 emissions, with electricity demand predicted to more than double by 2050. It is also estimated that $22 trillion of cumulative investment will be required in new plant and grid infrastructure to meet global demand for electricity by 2030.
Distributed generation (DG) is defined as electricity production that is on-site or close to the point of use. DG uses small-scale power generation technologies, typically in the range 1kW to 10,000kWs. The advantages of DG lie in the fact that transmission losses are avoided as is large capital expense, the power generated is targeted at the user and system size can be closely matched to the particular power requirement.
When used in DG applications, and particularly in CHP (combined heat and power) mode, fuel cells have the potential to save energy and reduce emissions. They could also, as hydrogen can be produced from a wide range of sources, help address energy shortage issues through energy diversity. In addition, fuel cells either are or have the potential to be quieter, more reliable, and have lower maintenance costs than most technologies used for DG.
Supply side
Our fuel processing technologies include distributed fuel desulphurisation to achieve lower emissions and longer engine life at low marginal cost for conventional engine technology, as well as facilitating conversion of a wide range of fuels into hydrogen.
Our fuel flexible hydrogen generators for distributed generation and portable power applications are designed to convert both existing fossil fuels and bio-fuels into hydrogen at the point of use. Hydrogen generated where it is required minimizes new infrastructure cost by maximizing the use of existing fuel supply infrastructure assets.
Demand side
Our fuel cell systems, in modules from 10W up to 100kW, continue to set new global standards in power density, operational performance and temperature range.
They are suited to a broad spectrum of distributed and portable applications, from highly efficient, distributed domestic or industrial combined heat and power generation, to portable and remote power for telecommunications and security applications.
Our power systems are ideal where fuel flexibility, zero emissions and reduced carbon footprint are important, but also where there is a lack of existing grid infrastructure and distributed solutions are required.
