Intelligent Energy fuel cells selected for two microgrid projects to provide off-grid power in Malaysia
- https://www.intelligent-energy.com/Installation to begin this summer
- Power to be supplied to off-grid properties
- Intelligent Energy Fuel Cell Modules to be integrated as part of micro-grid
Loughborough, UK – Thursday 4 June 2020, Intelligent Energy, the UK fuel cell engineering business, is supplying its zero emission fuel cell products for deployment by MBR Global (MBRG), which will be implementing a micro-grid to supply power to two remote villages in Malaysia.
MBRG will be integrating an Intelligent Energy FCM801 and FCM802 Fuel Cell Module (FCM), which provide 1.2kW and 2.5kW of power respectively, into a renewable energy based microgrid to supply back-up power to the site of individual homes which are off-grid.
MBRG has a number of deployments already in place, including Asia’s first hydrogen based off-grid community, with hydrogen generator manufacturer Enapter, which is supplying its cost-effective, modular AEM based EL 2.1 Electrolyser. Enapter recommended the use of Intelligent Energy FCMs for the project after being impressed with their performance. Intelligent Energy’s FCM products are certified and can be used across of a range of industries and sectors such as construction and for applications that need zero emission off grid power.
MBRG will be integrating Intelligent Energy’s FCMs into its H-RESs system, a hydrogen based renewable energy storage platform which uses hydrogen that has been generated from rainwater to produce excess energy available for use later.
Lee Juby, Chief Sales Officer at Intelligent Energy said: “Firstly, we are delighted our FCMs were recommended for use in this project. We know how reliable and robust they are, making them a viable source of power to off-grid communities.
“With many remote communities still living off-grid, it is important we look at sustainable ways to supply them with a reliable power source. Fuel cells are an ideal solution as they are zero emission, require minimal maintenance and operate quietly.
“We are looking forward to hearing from MBRG about the pilot and we are sure it will be a great success.”
Despite major advances in energy distribution there are still numerous rural areas within Asia requiring electrical connectivity. Living without electricity means that those living in these rural areas depend on natural daylight for many of their activities and kerosene for cooking and lighting at night. The project is a base line for a roll-out of several hundred sites.
Mark Shiels at MBRG commented: “Unlike traditional microgrids the H-RESs is a system that does not use traditional batteries for daily energy storage or diesel generators for backup. HRESs is a ‘hydrogen sponge’ that stores unused PV energy and converts this to hydrogen for use later. As such H-RESs is 100% green, generates no CO2 or noise and avoids the traditional issues with battery substitution, replacement, servicing and fuel logistics normally associated with traditional microgrids.
Mark added: “Intelligent Energy’s FCM’s are highly efficient, very compact and the design of their balance of plant makes this combined fuel cell/electrolyser approach unique in terms of reliability and scalability.”
MBR has established interest in this ‘battery less, fuel less’ renewable energy storage solution and plans deploy this in other microgrids in South East Asia.
Ends
About Intelligent Energy
Intelligent Energy is focused on the development and manufacture of its Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell products for customers in the automotive, aerospace, generator, telecoms, materials handling and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sectors. The company is headquartered and manufactures in Loughborough in the UK, with additional offices and representation in the US, Japan, China and South Korea.
About MBR Global
MBRG is a provider of alternative energy technology focused on the design, development, commercialization and manufacture of hydrogen fuel cell systems and ancillary energy storage systems for the stationary power market.
About Fuel Cells
Fuel cell technology is similar to battery technology in that individual cells are built up to give the desired power output. However, fuel cells do not run out of charge as batteries do and will produce power for as long as hydrogen fuel is provided to the cell. Hydrogen is readily available around the world, often generated using green energy.
Fuel cells are deployed in multiple applications where clean, lightweight, efficient and cost-effective power is required. Fast re-fuelling and lack of emissions makes fuel cell technology the immediate choice for forklift trucks and warehousing. Fuel cells are common place in clean construction and backup power for critical telecoms. Powering UAVs with fuel cells allows three times the flying time which gives significant advantages in applications such as aerial surveying and filming.
Zero emission hydrogen fuel cell technology will be preferred to battery technology in vehicles where rapid re-fuelling, high power and long range are important. Typical fuel cell applications include passenger cars, buses and trucks, along with smaller cars where a high availability is critical, e.g. taxis and shared vehicles. FCEVs are expected to be an integral part of the connected and autonomous vehicle (“CAV”) revolution over the coming years.
Fuel cells are expected to become a dominant technology in de-carbonised aerospace