WO2011060953A2

WO2011060953A2 - End-to-end energy management system

Info

Publication number: WO2011060953A2
Application number: PCT/EP2010/007052
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hugo Jan Baptist Vandenborre
Original assignee: Vandenborre Hydrogen Integrator Nv
Priority date: 2009-11-20
Filing date: 2010-11-21
Publication date: 2011-05-26
Also published as: WO2011060953A3

Abstract

This invention concerns a system for permanent delivery of electrical power, and optionally, of heat, or of zero emission fuel, or of both heat, and zero emission fuel, said system comprising (a) a fossil fuel-free electrical energy source linked to an electrolyser module producing hydrogen and to an electrical power outlet; (b) a storage tank for storing the hydrogen produced by the electrolyser; (c) an electrical energy and heat source powered by oxidation of hydrogen of the storage tank; (d) a control and steering system that measures and compares the supply of energy delivered by the fossil fuel-free electrical energy source, the consumption of electrical power and heat by the user of the integrated system, steers the amount of electricity sent to the electrolyser module, controls the storage of the hydrogen produced by the electrolyser, and controls the functioning of the electrical energy source as well as heat powered by oxidation of hydrogen; and optionally a dispenser to provide zero emission fuel, in particular hydrogen.

Description

End-To-End Energy Management System

This invention concerns a system for permanent delivery of electrical power, heat and zero emission fuel.

Background of the Invention

Electricity is often needed in rural or other remote or isolated places not connected to the electrical grid. Diesel-power generating sets have been the traditional way to address the problem of lack of electricity in these remote rural areas. A problem is that in remote or isolated places fossil fuel supply is difficult so that a classical power generator cannot be used. In other instances, the use of a fossil fuel-powered generator is impossible or undesirable such as in natural reserves. In such instances renewable energy resources are an attractive alternative for energy supply. Such renewable energy resources generate electrical power by fossil fuel-free, renewable, energy sources such as wind or solar energy.

A problem associated with this type of electrical power sources is that there are fluctuations in energy supply or that there are times where energy supply is too low or even disrupted, e.g. at night or with overcast skies in the case of solar energy, or insufficient or no wind for wind energy. Wind or solar energy however only guarantee direct electricity supply during a maximum of 80 % of the time. Also during such periods where there is no or too low energy supply to generate electricity, sufficient supply needs to be available to secure continuity. In order to handle the fluctuating nature and shortages of renewable sources, suitable energy management systems are needed that guarantee a continuous energy supply. Moreover, electricity supply needs to be secured and matched to the consumer's needs which may vary over time.

Hence there is a need to a convenient means for a permanent and constant supply of electrical power from non-fossil fuel sources, in particular from so-called "clean" or "durable" sources. The system subject of this invention is aimed at meeting this need. Such system may find use in areas where supply of fossil fuel is difficult or impossible, or could be installed to balance electricity supply of non-fossil fuel sources, in particular of wind and solar energy. The system of the invention could improve sustainable development of remote rural areas with no existing electricity grid infrastructure, providing access to electrical power without relying on fossil fuels. Moreover, the system allows to produce heat as well as zero emission fuel. The proposed end-to-end Energy Management System leads towards the realization of an environmentally friendly and sustainable rural off- grid energy network that delivers affordable and clean energy.

Another advantage is that the system of the invention brings electricity supply up to the necessary 100% of the time and provides a constant electricity output even during periods with decreased or less supply from the sustainable energy source.

Short Description of the Invention

In one aspect, the present invention concerns a system for permanent delivery of electrical power, and optionally, of heat, or of zero emission fuel, or of both heat, and zero emission fuel, said system comprising

(a) a fossil fuel-free electrical energy source linked to an electrolyser module producing hydrogen and to an electrical power outlet;

(b) a storage tank for storing the hydrogen produced by the electrolyser;

(c) an electrical energy and heat source powered by oxidation of hydrogen of the storage tank;

(d) a control and steering system that measures and compares the supply of energy delivered by the fossil fuel-free electrical energy source, the consumption of electrical power and heat by the user of the integrated system, steers the amount of electricity sent to the electrolyser module, controls the storage of the hydrogen produced by the electrolyser, and controls the functioning of the electrical energy source as well as heat powered by oxidation of hydrogen.

In a preferred embodiment, the system additionally comprises a dispenser to provide zero emission fuel, in particular hydrogen.

In a further preferred embodiment, the system additionally comprises a heat dispenser. The system of the invention may further comprise piping, wiring, valves and switches connecting the various parts of the system.

In a preferred embodiment, the said storage tank, electrical energy and heat source, and control and steering system, as well as any piping, wiring, valves and switches, are incorporated in a container.

In one embodiment, the electrical energy source powered by oxidation of hydrogen is an internal hydrogen combustion engine.

In another embodiment, the electrolyser module is an alkaline type of electrolyser.

The control and steering system may switch on the electrolyser in case the fuel-free electrical energy source produces more electricity than needed at the electrical power outlet and allows the produced hydrogen to be stored in the storage tank, while keeping the electrical energy source powered by oxidation of hydrogen switched off. The control and steering system may switch off the electrolyser in case the fuel-free electrical energy source produces less electricity than needed at the electrical power outlet and allows the hydrogen stored in the storage tank to be fed to the electrical energy source powered by oxidation of hydrogen, which may be switched on.

In another embodiment the system delivers electricity in the power range of

1 - 5 Megawatts. In a further aspect, the invention provides the use of a system as specified above, and further described hereinafter, for permanent delivering electrical power, and optionally, heat, or zero emission fuel, or both heat, and zero emission fuel. Or the invention provides a method for permanent delivering electrical power, and optionally, heat, or of zero emission fuel, or of both heat, and zero emission fuel.

In a further aspect, the invention concerns a system for stabilizing an external electrical grid by mitigating voltage peaks and drops in the external grid, said system comprising:

(a) an electrolyser module producing hydrogen and to an external electrical grid; (b) a storage tank for storing the hydrogen produced by the electrolyser;

(d) a control and steering system that detects peaks or drops in the voltage of the external electrical grid; steers the amount of electricity sent to the electrolyser module, controls the storage of the hydrogen produced by the electrolyser, and controls the functioning of the electrical energy source as well as heat powered by oxidation of hydrogen. The same features as described in connection with the system for permanent delivery of electrical power also apply to the system for stabilizing an external electrical grid.

In a further aspect, the invention concerns the use of a system as specified herein as a stabilizer of an external electrical grid by mitigating voltage peaks and drops in the external grid.

Description of the Figures

Fig. 1 depicts a scheme of a system for permanent delivery of electrical power, heat and zero emission fuel in accordance with the present invention.

Further Description of the Invention

As used herein, the term "end-to-end energy management" refers to the conversion of electricity of a renewable energy source at one end to electricity heat and zero emission fuel for consumption at the other end. The system for stabilizing an external electrical grid of the invention can also be referred to as an "end-to-end energy management system". As used herein, the term "permanent" means all the time, i.e. every day during 24 hours, except for special circumstances as described hereinafter.

Fossil fuel-free electrical energy sources comprise those functioning without fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas, or petroleum or petroleum products such as petroleum gas, gasoline, diesel fuel, and the like. Alternatively, the terms "fossil fuel-free" or "zero emission" may be defined as C0₂ free, i.e. without the release of C0₂

The fossil fuel-free electrical energy source is an energy source that may fluctuate in time, such as one or more windmills, one or more solar energy sources e.g. one or more solar energy panels, or one or more hydroelectric power sources. The fossil fuel- free electrical energy source may also be a combination of any of these energy sources, e.g. a combination of wind and solar energy such as one or more windmills coupled to one or more solar panels. In case of a revolving energy source such as a windmill or a water turbine, an electrical current generator (alternator) is linked to the energy source.

When renewable energy is present, e.g. wind or solar energy, the fossil fuel-free electrical energy source, either via the electrical current generator or directly, delivers electrical power to the electrical power outlet and thereby to the user. If sufficient energy is present, part of the power is sent to the electrolyser, which produces hydrogen that is stored in the storage tank. The control and steering system switches on the electrolyser in case the fuel-free electrical energy source produces more electricity than needed at the electrical power outlet and allows the produced hydrogen to be stored in the storage tank, while keeping the electrical energy source powered by oxidation of hydrogen switched off.

The control and steering system constantly monitors the pressure in the hydrogen tank and switches the electrolyser off once the maximal pressure is reached.

When the energy supply decreases below the level required by the user, the energy source powered by oxidation of hydrogen starts to function and adds power to the output, or where the energy supply is discontinued, completely takes over power generation. During excess of wind/solar energy, this excess is transformed into easy storable hydrogen, produced by splitting water in its base components, hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen can than easily be used as zero emission fuel or be

transformed into electricity and heat when renewable energy is not available. The control and steering system switches off the electrolyser in case the fuel-free electrical energy source produces less electricity than needed at the electrical power outlet. The system then allows the hydrogen stored in the storage tank to be fed to either the dispenser to deliver zero emission fuel or to the electrical energy source powered by oxidation of hydrogen, by opening a valve that links the storage tank and the electrical energy source. At the same time, the latter is switched on.

By optimally regulating the various components of the system of the invention, electricity, heat and zero emission fuel can be produced permanently and in an economical way.

The hydrogen driven electricity source does not pollute, allowing the use of the system in areas where pollution is not desired or absence of pollution is required. The energy source powered by oxidation of hydrogen may be a fuel cell. The latter has the advantage that systems build up with a fuel cell have a minimum of moving parts and therefore require almost no maintenance. An additional advantage is that a fuel cell produces electricity at high yield.

The electricity source powered by oxidation of hydrogen preferably is an internal combustion engine running on hydrogen. The latter may run at higher compression ratios, in particular at compression ratios in the range of about 10 : 1 to 15 : 1 , or about 12 : 1 to 14 : 1. These are much higher ratios compared to gasoline combustion engines, which typically run at a compression ratio of about 8 : 1. This allows a higher efficiency, about equaling that of a fuel cell. Efficiencies of about 45% can be reached. The hydrogen internal combustion engine may be a gasoline engine reengineered to run on hydrogen.

Fuel cells not only are expensive, they also wear out faster than an internal combustion engine running on hydrogen, typically they last about 5,000 - 10,000 hours, while an internal combustion engine running on hydrogen lasts about 80,000 hours, i.e. an order of magnitude longer. The exhaust of the internal combustion engine running on hydrogen being pure water, allows it to function with minimal wear and therefore with very little maintenance because of the clean exhaust. The latter moreover causes no harm to the environment. The water of the exhaust can be captured and used as water supply to refill the electrolyser or for other purposes.

The functioning of the internal combustion engine may be monitored by the control and steering system, which will indicate what maintenance is needed and when.

The system in accordance with the present invention is particularly fit for supplying electrical power and heat in areas where no electrical grid is present and maintenance is difficult. Such system when integrated in a suitable container is easy to move and remove. This equally applies to a system wherein the electricity source powered by hydrogen is an internal combustion engine.

Electrolysers that can be used are those of the filter-press type as described, for example in EP-A-0 056 503. Such electrolysers comprise an electrolyser module and a number of peripheral items such as degassing chambers, a water supply unit and possibly a transformer/rectifier and the necessary piping to connect the various parts of the electrolyser. An electrolyser module comprises a series of stacked electrolysis chambers, alternately cathodic and anodic. Each chamber holds either one or more anodes or cathodes. Selectively permeable membranes or diaphragms separate the electrolysis chambers from one another. A combination of a cathodic and an anodic chamber form an electrolysis cell. In each chamber, the electrodes are mounted vertically, preferably in close contact with the membranes. This can be accomplished, for example, by pressing the membrane between the electrodes. Membranes that are particularly suited for this purpose have been described in EP-A-0 232 923.

One type of electrolyser is a high-pressure electrolyser such as described in EP-A-0 995 818. Such type of electrolyser has the additional advantage that no compressor is needed to pressurize the hydrogen for delivery to the storage tank. In a preferred embodiment, an electrolyser of the alkaline type, producing the hydrogen directly under a pressure of about 10 to about 30 bar but having no water injection pump nor an electrolyte circulation pump. This type of electrolyser requires minimal maintenance and delivers hydrogen at increased pressure requiring no compressor for storing the gas in a storage tank, in particular a low pressure storage tank 8 as in Figure 1. Such electrolyser also allows the injection of feed water without an injection pump, which makes it a low maintenance device.

Usually a compressor is required to pressurize the hydrogen for delivery to the storage tank. The compressor is powered by the energy source either mechanically or via the electrical power delivered by the source. The compressor functions when the electrolyser is in operation.

The hydrogen gas is lead from the compressor to the storage tank. This can be any tank customarily used to store hydrogen gas. The storage tank can be made of steel or of composite materials and is preferably cylindrically shaped, fit to store gas up to about 200 bar or even up to about 700 bar, or more. One or more tanks can be used to store the hydrogen. The tank is equipped with a sensor that measures the pressure inside the tank and sends this information to the control system.

Two types of storage tanks can be used, a low pressure storage tank for receiving the gas from the electrolyser via a compressor or without compressor, where a high pressure electrolyser is used, in particular when an electrolyser of the alkaline type is used. The hydrogen in a low pressure storage tank is stored at a pressure of about 10 to about 30 bar. A second type of storage tank is a high pressure storage tank for receiving the gas from the low pressure tank via a compressor, or directly from a high pressure electrolyser. Gas from a low pressure storage tank can be used in household appliances such as heating or cooking, or to supply the electrical energy source, such as a fuel cell or internal combustion engine.

Gas from a high pressure storage tank can be directly used as zero emission fuel using a dispenser device. Hydrogen dispensers act as natural gas dispenser and deliver the hydrogen at high pressure, for example at pressure in the range of about 100 to about 1000 bar, or from about 150 to about 800 bar or from about 200 to about 700 bar. The dispenser device can take the form of a fuel dispenser such as in a fueling station, or of a gas dispenser similar to a natural gas dispenser.

The system may additionally comprise a heat dispenser. The heat may be tapped from the internal combustion engine, if present from the fuel cell, or from the electrolyser via a heat exchanger comprising a suitable medium, in particular water, and transported and delivered to an end user, where the heat can liberated through an appropriate heat dispenser, such as a radiator. Fuel cells that can be used are of the PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) type, alkaline type, or phosphoric acid type.

The system of the invention also has a control and steering system. This measures the supply of energy driving the fossil fuel-free electrical energy source and the

consumption of electrical power by the user of the system. Data of both sources are compared and when in imbalance appropriate action is taken. Where the supply of electricity by the fossil fuel-free electricity generator is larger than the consumption thereof, the surplus is sent to the electrolyser to produce hydrogen, which is stored. Or vice versa, where the supply of electricity by the fossil fuel-free electricity generator is smaller than the consumption thereof, the hydrogen-powered electric generator is switched on and regulated to supply sufficient electrical power to meet demand.

The control and steering system also controls the storage of the hydrogen produced by the electrolyser, and the functioning of the electrical energy source powered by oxidation of hydrogen.

The control and steering is automated using a pre-programmed steering module, e.g. by using a programmed computer module. The steering module measures the required electricity supply at one end and compares it with the supply of electricity by the fossil fuel-free electricity generator at the other end. If both match no action is required. If the supply of electricity by the fossil fuel-free electricity generator is larger than the demand of electricity at the other end, the electrolyser module will be switched on and hydrogen stored in the storage tank. In the inverse situation, where the supply of electricity by the fossil fuel-free electricity generator is smaller than the demand of electricity at the other end, hydrogen will be tapped from the storage tank and led to the electrical energy source powered by oxidation of hydrogen, in particular to the fuel cell.

The system of the invention preferably is incorporated into a container. The container can be fixed or can be movable. The container may have dimensions of a standard container such as those used in transportation of goods. Such containers come in various sizes, e.g. standard sized containers of 3 m, 6 m or 12 m.

The container can be made of metal or other materials of sufficient strength such as plastics. Also custom-made containers can be used, if desired with an attractive design for use at home or in residential areas. The container can have features for remote control, monitoring and operation and since it is engineered with a minimum of moving parts (no pumps, no compressor) it is almost maintenance free. In one embodiment there is provided one or more windmills connected to a system in accordance with the present invention.

In another embodiment there is provided one or more solar panels connected to a system in accordance with the present invention.

The system in accordance with the present invention delivers permanently electrical power. However, there can be the rare situation where the fossil fuel-free electrical energy source does not function for such a long time that also the hydrogen in the storage tanks becomes exhausted. This can be overcome by combining various fossil fuel-free electrical energy sources, e.g. a solar panel and a windmill.

The system of the invention delivers electrical power without peaks or drops, with no or minimal fluctuations. Power may fluctuate within a narrow window of e.g. about 20%, or about 15%, or about 0%, or about 5% of the desired output voltage.

An illustrated embodiment of the invention is diagrammatically represented in Figure 1. Represented in this Figure 1 is a system that delivers hydrogen and electrical power. In this figure, wind energy converter 1 , representing a fossil fuel-free electrical energy source, such as a windmill, generates electrical energy. Instead of a windmill, other fossil fuel-free electrical energy sources, as described herein, can be used. Wind energy converter 1 is electrically connected to a Hydrogen Technology and Application Center 2, which can be any type of consumer of electrical power such as any type of building, including a house, a factory, an office building, an electricity dispensing system such as for charging batteries of electrical cars, and the like. Windmill 1 is also electrically connected via a rectifier 3 to a hydrogen generator ("H₂ -Generator") 4, which comprises one ore more electrolysers. Wind energy converter 1 is also electrically connected via an AC/DC Converter 5 to a battery bank 6. In an alternative embodiment, which is preferred, no AC/DC Converter 5 nor battery bank 6 is present.

The hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generator 4, is compressed by a hydrogen compressor ("H₂ -Compressor") 7 to a hydrogen low pressure storage tank ("H₂ -LP- Storage") 8. One or more low pressure storage tanks can be connected in parallel. Hydrogen gas from this hydrogen low pressure storage tank 8 is sent through appropriate piping via a booster compressor 9 to a hydrogen high pressure storage tank ("H₂ -HP-Storage") 10. The booster compressor 9 is any type of compressor that can provide hydrogen under high pressure of e.g. above about 100 bar, or above about 150 bar, or above about 200 bar, e.g. at about 200 bar. One or more high pressure storage tanks can be connected in parallel. The gas is stored at the pressure delivered by the booster compressor 9. In an alternative embodiment, the hydrogen gas generated in the hydrogen generator 4 can be directly sent to the high pressure storage tank 10 via the booster compressor 9.

The high pressure storage tank 10 is connected through appropriate piping to dispenser 11 , which can be any fuel dispenser for delivering hydrogen gas to a consumer, for example a hydrogen fueled car or bus. The low pressure storage tank 8 is connected to the Hydrogen Technology and Application Center 2, where the hydrogen is used as fuel in heating, cooking, and the like applications. In alternative embodiments, the high pressure storage tank 10 is connected through appropriate piping to the Hydrogen Technology and Application Center 2, in which case a decompressor to reduce hydrogen pressure can be used.

The high pressure storage tank 8 is connected through appropriate piping to a hydrogen fuel cell ("H₂ -FC") 12, or an internal combustion engine ("H₂ -ICE") 13, which are connected to the electrical grid connecting the wind energy converter 1 and the Hydrogen Technology and Application Center 2. Both a hydrogen fuel cell ("H₂ -FC") 12, or an internal combustion engine ("H₂ -ICE") 13 can be present, or only one of these. In a preferred embodiment only an internal combustion engine ("H₂ -ICE") 13 is present. The internal combustion engine ("H₂ -ICE") 13 drives a generator 14, which is electrically connected to the said electrical grid connecting converter 1 and center 2. The hydrogen fuel cell ("H₂ -FC") 12 is electrically connected to the said electrical grid connecting converter 1 and center 2 via a direct current-alternating current inverter 15.

The system represented in Figure 1 further comprises an Energy and Power

Management System 16, which is a control and steering system to measure the supply of electricity from the wind energy converter 1 , the consumption of electricity at Hydrogen Technology and Application Center 2, to control the storage of the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen generator 4, and to control the functioning of the hydrogen fuel cell 12, or the internal combustion engine 13. The Energy and Power

Management System 16 also steers the various switches and valves in the system, as well as the pressure in the hydrogen storage tanks. All these functions are represented by arrows in Figure 1.

Also depicted in Figure 1 , is the container 17 wherein parts 3 - 10 and 12 - 16, as well as any piping, wiring, valves, and switches are integrated.

Container 17, with its contents, represents another embodiment of the present invention, namely a system for stabilizing an external electrical grid, as described herein.

The system in accordance with the present invention is capable of providing electrical energy and heat at reasonable cost. Non-fossil fuel energy sources, such wind or solar energy sources, are capable of delivering electricity in relative high yield during substantial portions of the time, with a maximum of about 80% of the time. During the periods when insufficient or no electricity is delivered, the combination

hydrogen/hydrogen driven electricity source will be in function with a somewhat lower yield. These periods are relatively short and hence, only then a less energy efficient system is functioning so that the overall electrical energy yield of the system still is relatively high. The overall yield of the system therefore is relatively high, it can be at least about 50%, but can be over about 70%. Although the end-to-end Energy Management System of the invention has been developed with the focus on off-grid rural electrification through renewable energy, it also can serve as well as grid stabilization and peak shaving device. It preferably is designed such that it focuses on power supply in the range of about 1 to about 5 Megawatt.

Important to make such an end-to-end energy management system economically viable is the fact that the different components have the right fit with respect to power and energy. The electrical energy ratio between the renewable energy source and the electricity generator (either a fuel cell or an internal combustion engine) is important. Key is the "capacity factor", defined as the power of the renewable energy source multiplied by the total amount of nominal power (nominal load hours per year) within one year. This capacity factor multiplied with the nominal power of the renewable energy source, defines the power of the system.

Storage of the hydrogen is defined by the number of hours that electricity has to be guaranteed if not enough electricity from the renewable power source is available. The output of the system of the present invention may be direct or alternating current of different voltages. The output may be hydrogen, i.e. zero-emission fuel, or heat (e.g. in the range of about 70 - 80 °C), or both. The hydrogen produced can also be used directly as a non-polluting fuel for e.g. tractors. Another advantage of the system of the invention is that the side products of its functioning such as oxygen, which is also produced in the electrolyser, or heat, which is produced in the fuel cell or internal combustion engine, can be valorized. The oxygen that is produced is medical grade pure or can be used to grow e.g. Tilapia, a highly protein rich fish.

The system of the invention can be used for electrical grid stabilization. The energy from the system can also be used to drive a cooling unit, e.g. an air-conditioner or refrigerator. The latter can be driven by the internal combustion engine running on hydrogen or by the electricity generated by the system. In one embodiment, the cooling system is integrated into the container in which the system of the invention is incorporated.

External fuel free electricity generators such as windmills and solar panels are subject to fluctuations in power because wind and solar supply is irregular. These fluctuations are translated into irregular electricity supply, which is unacceptable because the electricity grid requires a steady supply of electrical power. Also on the consumer side there are fluctuations in time. All these fluctuations are difficult to mitigate when using fuel free electricity generators.

As the electrical grid more and more is powered by fuel free electricity generators, there is a need for means to stabilize the electrical power delivered to the grid and to link supply and demand. The invention concerns a system for stabilizing an external electrical grid, wherein the system is as specified herein. The same features as described in connection with the system for permanent delivery of electrical power also apply to the system for stabilizing an external electrical grid ("stabilizing system"). The system for stabilizing an external electrical grid is the same as the system for permanent delivery of electrical power, but without a fossil fuel-free electrical energy source. The system is linked to an electrical grid, in particular to the general electrical grid.

The system for stabilizing an external electrical grid may additionally comprise a dispenser to provide zero emission fuel, in particular hydrogen. It may also comprise a heat dispenser. The said system may further comprise piping, wiring, valves and switches connecting the various parts of the system.

In a preferred embodiment, the said storage tank, electrical energy and heat source and control and steering system, as well as any piping, wiring, valves and switches, are incorporated in a container.

The parts of the stabilizing system may be as described herein in relation to the system for permanent delivery of electrical power. In particular the electrical energy source powered by oxidation of hydrogen is an internal combustion engine as described above.

The stabilizing system preferably is integrated in a suitable container. The size of the system can be adapted in function of the need of stabilizing the electrical grid. Also two or more systems can be linked in parallel to increase capacity.

In a further aspect, the invention provides the use of a system as specified above, for stabilizing an external electrical grid by mitigating voltage peaks and drops in the external grid. Or the invention provides a method of stabilizing an external electrical grid by mitigating voltage peaks and drops in the external grid by linking a system as specified above, to said electrical grid. The stabilizing system measures the voltage of the grid and taps electricity when there is a voltage overload, which electricity is converted into hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas in turn is converted into electricity via a fuel cell or internal combustion engine in case of a drop in the grid's voltage.

The control and steering system in the stabilizing system not only is set up to allow the stabilizing system to work but also to monitor these voltage peaks and drops and to take appropriate action.

Contrary to known stabilizing systems such as capacitors, flywheels, and batteries, the stabilizing system of the invention can buffer large amounts of electricity and functions intelligently in that supply and demand are monitored constantly whereupon the system can immediately interact to mitigate peaks or drops in supply and demand.

In one embodiment, the stabilizing system of the invention is linked to an electrical grid, in particular to the general electrical grid, and connected to a consumer of electrical power. In this embodiment, both delivery of electrical power and stabilization of the electrical grid are obtained. Also in this embodiment, the stabilizing system of the invention may additionally comprise a dispenser to provide zero emission fuel, in particular hydrogen, and it may also comprise a heat dispenser, both as described herein. As used herein, the singular includes the plural, and vice verso, the plural includes the singular. As used herein, the term "about" when used in relation to numerical value has the meaning generally known in the relevant art. In certain embodiments the term "about" may be left out or may be interpreted to mean the numerical value +10%; or +5%; or +2%; or +1%.

Any features described herein in relation to an aspect or an embodiment of the invention can be applied to one or more of the other embodiments described herein. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Any features in relation to an aspect or an embodiment of the invention may be combined as to form further embodiments, i.e. combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Any reference cited herein is hereby incorporated by reference.

Example

The following table lists the requirements for a wind turbine coupled with a system in accordance with the present invention, without the presence of an electrical grid (i.e. external electricity supply grid).

COE means "cost of electricity"

kWh/a means "kilowatt hours per annum"

WCE means wind electrical energy

H2ICE means a gasoline fueled internal combustion engine modified to run on

Hydrogen Fuel

Electrical WCE Electrolyser H2ICE Storage COE

Demand (3 days)

kWh/a kWe, kW_el kW_el bar ³ _Geo €/kWh

60 000 35 10 10+5 25 20 0.65

250 000 135 50 60+30 25 80 0.41

500 000 270 100 90+30 40 120 0.28

1 200 000 675 150 200+50 65 130 0.19

Claims

1. A system for permanent delivery of electrical power, and optionally, of heat, or of zero emission fuel, or of both heat, and zero emission fuel, said system comprising

(b) a storage tank for storing the hydrogen produced by the electrolyser;

2. A system for stabilizing an external electrical grid by mitigating voltage peaks and drops in the external grid, said system comprising:

(a) an electrolyser module producing hydrogen and to an external electrical grid;

(b) a storage tank for storing the hydrogen produced by the electrolyser;

(d) a control and steering system that detects peaks or drops in the voltage of the external electrical grid; steers the amount of electricity sent to the electrolyser module, controls the storage of the hydrogen produced by the electrolyser, and controls the functioning of the electrical energy source as well as heat powered by oxidation of hydrogen. 3. The system according to claims 1 or 2, additionally comprising a dispenser to

provide zero emission fuel, in particular hydrogen.

4. The system according to claims 1 or 2, additionally comprising a heat dispenser.

5. The system according to any of claims 1 - 4, wherein the said storage tank, electrical energy and heat source and control and steering system, as well as any piping, wiring, valves and switches, are incorporated in a container. 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the container is movable.

7. The system according to any of claims 1 - 6, wherein the electrical energy source powered by oxidation of hydrogen is an internal hydrogen combustion engine. 8. The system according to any of claims 1 - 7, wherein the electrolyser module is an alkaline type of electrolyser.

9. The system according to any of claims 1 - 8, without a battery or electrical

capacitor. 0. The system according to any of claims 1 - 9, wherein the system delivers

electricity in the power range of 1 - 5 Megawatts

11. The system according to any of claims 1 and 3 - 7, wherein the fossil-free energy source is a wind turbine.

12. A method of stabilizing an external electrical grid by mitigating voltage peaks and drops in the external grid, said method comprising linking a system as claimed in any of claims 1 - 11 to said electrical grid.