H2-Bifuel project (SAB):
Efficient exhaust gas treatment in innovative H2/biomethane bi-fuel engines for mini-CHP units
(ongoing)
Decentralized energy supply via combined heat and power (CHP) mini-plants – particularly those using biomethane – plays a crucial role in the energy transition. To further enhance the flexibility and sustainability of these plants, innovative bi-fuel concepts (e.g., biomethane and hydrogen (H2)) are becoming increasingly important.
However, these new fuel combinations – particularly the use of hydrogen – place high demands on exhaust gas purification and the stability of the CHP plants. Emissions can vary, and legal limits (e.g., as specified by the Federal Emissions Control Regulation) must be strictly adhered to in order to ensure acceptance and operation in sensitive areas. Current catalyst technology for natural gas and biogas CHP plants is often not optimally designed for the specific exhaust gas compositions of H2/biomethane bi-fuel engines, which can lead to inefficient purification processes, higher costs (e.g., due to the use of precious metals), and reduced long-term stability. Furthermore, such catalyst technologies are not yet designed for efficient H2 reduction.
The goal is to develop a cost-effective and selective hydrogen oxidation catalyst for combined heat and power mini-plants fueled by a mixture of hydrogen and methane, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The hydrogen oxidation catalyst to be developed is intended to be integrated into the exhaust gas purification strategy – consisting of an HCHO/CO oxidation catalyst and DeNOx technology – to ensure efficient hydrogen reduction without negatively impacting the established exhaust gas purification steps.
This project is being carried out in cooperation with the Institute for Automotive Engineering at Zwickau University of Applied Sciences, the KI Keramik-Institut in Meissen, and SenerTec. The project partners are thus combining their expertise – ranging from the development and experimental testing of catalyst prototypes, through the manufacture of technical honeycomb catalysts, to the testing and validation of the developed catalysts under real operating conditions.
