Mike Steilen

Hydrogen Conversion into Electricity and Thermal Energy by Fuel Cells: Use of H2-Systems and Batteries

Abstract The transition of the energy system from large centralized installations powered by fossil fuels or nuclear energy to a more decentralized system based on renewable energies is one of the great challenges of the twenty-first century. While it appears feasible to provide the integrated annual energy demand by renewables, their supply at the right time in the right place is not easily accomplished. Several storage options need to be explored to tackle the challenge. In the following chapter short-term energy storage based on secondary batteries and long-term options based on hydrogen, including the use of heat generated in different conversion steps, are discussed. A short case study is given about a battery and hydrogen power system operation in central Europe.