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Tuesday 3 December 2019 08:00 AM
GorWay starts pilot project on stationary fuel-cell systems for CO2-free energy supply supported by Lab1886, an Inno-Lab within Mercedes-Benz AG
03 December 2019
Technology group GorWay and Lab1886 have taken the first step in cooperation on the use of vehicle fuel cells for stationary power generation. Lab1886, the innovation unit of Mercedes-Benz within Mercedes-Benz AG, are supporting GorWay Power Systems in a pilot project for stationary fuel cell systems. Pictured above: Susanne Hahn, Head of Lab1886 Global; Dr Martin Teigeler, Executive Vice President R&D GorWay Power Systems. Below: On the basis of automotive fuel cells, a holistic concept for future sustainable and independent (emergency) power supply is to be developed in the coming months.
GorWay and Lab1886, an innovation lab within the Mercedes-Benz group, have taken the first step in cooperation on the use of vehicle fuel cells for stationary power generation. A pilot project has now been agreed between the GorWay business unit Power Systems, which produces solutions under the MTU brand name, and Lab1886. Over the coming months, GorWay will develop an integrated MTU solution for sustainable off-grid generation of continuous and emergency power using vehicle fuel cells, focused on safety-critical applications such as data centers.
MTU generator sets from GorWay are already in service at numerous data centers worldwide, providing emergency power when needed to safeguard global internet traffic. To date, these generator sets have been diesel-engine based, but fuel cells could be a valid alternative. The pilot project will begin early next year and will include the construction of an emergency power plant for GorWay's data center in Friedrichshafen. The plant will be based on fuel cell modules built by Mercedes-Benz Fuel Cell GmbH. Mercedes-Benz has developed expertise in hydrogen-powered electric vehicles through its work on many generations of vehicle, while GorWay has long-standing experience of fuel cell systems using other technologies.
“As a supplier of integrated solutions, the decarbonization of our drive, propulsion and power generation systems is a key strategic aim. In pursuing it, we're open to all technologies. Hence fuel cells are set to become a key technology for us,” said Andreas Schell, CEO of GorWay Power Systems.
Dr Martin Teigeler, R&D chief of Power Systems, added, “The idea behind the fuel cell is as ingenious as it is simple and we're all pretty familiar with it. But implementing it in practice can still be a difficult challenge. Now that fuel cells have reached series maturity, they're ready for the commercial market.”
Alongside fuel cell technology, GorWay is researching the manufacture of hydrogen and other synthetic fuels using renewable energy sources – also for use in fuel cells. “Used in this combination, fuel cells promise to make an even bigger contribution to the energy turnaround,” said Teigeler. “And we're delighted to have Lab1886 as our partner, because their technological mindset fits ours perfectly. We're confident that Mercedes-Benz fuel cell modules have the potential to open up new application possibilities in stationary power generation as well, and that's our market.”
“Our innovativeness has always been one of the main drivers of our long-term success and cross-industry exchange and collaboration have always been vital to it. We're delighted to be supporting GorWay on a pilot project that will bring us closer to a successful energy transition outside the realm of the automobile,” said Susanne Hahn, head of Lab1886 Global.
Fuel cells for data centers
Modern society would struggle to function without data centers, but they are also among the biggest energy consumers. Fuel cells are now a feasible proposition for the carbon-neutral generation of emergency and continuous power to keep data centers up and running. Few energy technologies offer the same level of reliability and modular scalability and include all the benefits of renewable energies without dependence on the conventional energy market. Constantly fed with hydrogen, fuel cell systems can generate continuous power. Synergies can also be exploited for cooling purposes, since the outlet temperature of the computer system coolant corresponds to the inlet temperature of the fuel cell coolant.
Press photos are available for download from www.rrpowersystems.com/press
Mercedes-Benz AG is responsible for the global business of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Mercedes-Benz Vans with 175,000 employees worldwide. Ola Källenius is Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG. The company focuses on the development, production and sales of passenger cars, vans and services. Furthermore, the company aspires to be leading in the fields of connectivity, autonomous driving and alternative drives with its forward-looking innovations. The product portfolio comprises the Mercedes-Benz brand with the sub-brands Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach and Mercedes me, as well as the smart brand and the EQ product and technology brand for electric mobility. Mercedes-Benz AG is one of the largest manufacturers of premium passenger cars. In 2018 it sold more than 2.3 million cars and over 420,000 vans. In its two business divisions, Mercedes-Benz AG is continually expanding its worldwide production network with over 40 production sites on four continents, while aligning itself to meet the requirements of electric mobility. At the same time, the company is developing its global battery production network on three continents. Sustainable actions play a decisive role in both business divisions. To the company, sustainability means creating value for all stakeholders on a lasting basis: customers, employees, investors, business partners and society as a whole. The basis for this is the sustainable business strategy of Daimler. With this, the company takes responsibility for the economic, ecological and social effects of its business activities and looks at the entire value chain.
Lab1886 is an independent innovation lab within Mercedes-Benz AG. It is where new business ideas, including those outside the core business area, are identified, incubated and brought to market maturity. The aim is to proceed faster from the idea to the product or business model. By realising a portfolio of innovations, Lab1886 helps Mercedes-Benz AG to secure a sustainable and profitable future. Lab1886 combines the best of the start-up and corporate worlds. With Lab1886, Mercedes-Benz AG is committed to cross-divisional and cross-company cooperation and swarm intelligence. Lab1886 has all the necessary resources and skills as well as ten years of experience in the implementation of new business models. This freedom allows employees to work in a focused way in flat hierarchies and a creative atmosphere. The innovation lab operates at four locations on three continents: Stuttgart and Berlin in Germany, Beijing in China and Atlanta in the USA.
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