FAQs

Discover frequently asked questions about WAVE-H2 and an overview of our services.

We cordially invite you to make use of the WAVE-H2 platform and benefit from the numerous opportunities it offers. As a company, you can utilize the platform in the following ways:

  • Access to cutting-edge research: Utilize the state-of-the-art facilities and expertise of our research teams to stay at the forefront of hydrogen technology.
  • Partnership opportunities: Forge valuable connections and find opportunities for collaboration to jointly develop solutions for decarbonization challenges.
  • Test and development infrastructure: Benefit from our advanced test and development infrastructure to test, optimize, and further develop your own hydrogen technologies.

We are readily available to address any inquiries you may have and to collaborate on crafting tailor-made solutions to meet your specific requirements.

You can reach us at the following email address: wave-h2@uni-stuttgart.de

  • Hydrogen is the lightest and simplest of all elements in the periodic table, a colorless and odorless gas.
  • Most abundant element: It makes up about 75% of the mass in the universe.
  • Lightest substance: One cubic meter of hydrogen weighs approximately 90 grams.
  • In the Sun: It comprises 74% of the Sun’s composition.
  • Energy storage: Used for storing renewable energies to be deployed during periods without wind or sunlight.
  • “Fuel of the future”: Hydrogen plays a significant role in the decarbonization of industry, transportation, and energy supply.

Hydrogen, the lightest and most abundant element in the universe, is increasingly seen as a clean energy source. Like any energy source, there are safety aspects that must be considered. In its pure form, hydrogen is colorless and odorless and can be flammable under certain conditions. Therefore, safety precautions must be taken when handling it to minimize risks. Advances in technology and stricter safety standards have helped to reduce the risks associated with hydrogen, making its use even safer today.

  • Utilization of hydrogen: Hydrogen is regarded as an environmentally friendly energy source since only water is produced during its combustion. Thus, using hydrogen as a fuel can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. The way hydrogen is produced is crucial to its environmental compatibility. Hydrogen obtained from renewable energy sources has significantly lower environmental impact than hydrogen produced from fossil fuels.
  • Environmental aspects: Hydrogen itself is not a direct greenhouse gas, but there are environmental aspects to consider, particularly regarding leaks and production methods.
  • Hydrogen leaks: Hydrogen escaping into the atmosphere can rise and reach higher atmospheric layers. While it may not significantly affect the chemical equilibrium there, the impacts near hydrogen facilities are minimal. The primary concern with hydrogen leaks is safety. Modern hydrogen facilities are equipped with safety systems to minimize leaks and quickly detect them.
  • Hydrogen production: The environmental impacts heavily depend on the production method. For example, “green hydrogen,” produced through electrolysis using renewable energy, is much more environmentally friendly than hydrogen derived from fossil fuels such as natural gas.

Hydrogen itself is a climate-friendly energy carrier, as only water is produced as a by-product during its combustion or use in fuel cells. No greenhouse gases or air pollutants are emitted.

However, the climate-friendliness of hydrogen technologies largely depends on the method of hydrogen production. Currently, the majority of hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels such as natural gas, which is associated with greenhouse gas emissions. This is referred to as “gray” or “brown” hydrogen production.

To increase the climate-friendliness of hydrogen, production from renewable energies such as wind or solar energy is required. This is known as “green” hydrogen. The development and scaling of green hydrogen production is an important goal to fully realize the climate benefits of hydrogen.

It is important to note that hydrogen is only climate-friendly when produced sustainably and used in combination with low-emission technologies.

The research platform will run for ten years with the possibility of extension.

  • Understanding of plant functions
  • Combination of plants for optimal solutions
  • Efficient plant operation without continuous operation
  • Partnership with manufacturers for plant improvements and development
  • Field trials during the day
  • Leading role of Baden-Württemberg in the future technology H2
  • Strengthening of the local economy through job creation
  • Promotion of business and trade in the Black Forest region
  • Attraction of skilled workers and talents to the region
  • Expansion of education and research at the Black Forest campus

Risk – Explosion

  • Explosive hazards have been identified and assessed
  • Measures to prevent the formation of explosive hydrogen mixtures
  • Additional mechanical protection of hydrogen components (directed venting)
  • Release of hydrogen into generously defined and secured areas (Ex zones)
  • Hydrogen dissipates within seconds, max. minutes without an ignition source – no explosion possible
  • No access to Ex zones without training, special tools, and clothing

Risk – Lightning Strike

  • Capture of direct lightning strikes by lightning rods
  • Diversion of lightning currents into the grounding system
  • Distribution of lightning currents in the ground
  • All components are within the protection area of the lightning rods
  • Metallic components are connected to the grounding system at least twice
  • Electrical systems are additionally protected
  • No operation during severe weather
  • No hazards from the facility to the surroundings in the event of lightning strikes

Risk – Fire

  • Secured premises – no unauthorized access
  • Safety distances of at least 5m are maintained
  • Monitoring by fire and gas sensors of each component
  • Integration of a fire alarm system with automatic alerting of the fire department
  • Fire extinguishers at each component
  • Emergency stop signals for immediately restoring the safe condition of all components

Noise Protection Measures

  • Positioning of components according to noise level
  • Execution of components with noise protection
  • Restriction of test operation to weekdays from 6 am to 10 pm – no nighttime operation

Sound Limits according to TA Noise

  • 55dB on weekdays between 6 am – 10 pm
  • Exceeding the limit by at least 6dB at all surrounding locations

Calculation for the Worst-Case Scenario

  • Very unlikely to occur during operation

Conclusion: This is quieter than a radio at low volume.

  • Even though it is an industrial area, noise regulations similar to those for residential areas apply here.
  • To reduce noise, loud equipment is placed away from houses. Additionally, these units are further insulated, and other measures are taken to reduce noise.
  • When calculating noise in the report, factors such as the ground, weather, and surroundings, such as houses that could reflect noise, are considered.
  • When calculating noise, the loudest possible scenario is assumed. This means that it is assumed that all units are running simultaneously and under the loudest conditions, for example, in summer when the fans are running at maximum, and without plants that could dampen the noise. None of these factors will occur simultaneously, or extremely rarely. Therefore, the operation will be even quieter than indicated here.
  • The illustrations depict the loudest scenario, where all noise sources are active, and the wind carries the noise even further.

The use of hydrogen is meaningful in various areas. For instance, ammonia is already produced from hydrogen today. Additionally, there is potential for hydrogen as an energy storage medium for renewable energies, which play an increasingly significant role in the context of the energy transition. This stored hydrogen can then be converted back into other forms of energy, such as electricity.

The economic viability of hydrogen technologies depends on various factors:

  • Cost comparison: Currently, hydrogen technologies are relatively expensive in many areas compared to conventional energy sources. This is due, among other factors, to the high costs of production, transportation, and storage of hydrogen.
  • Positive developments: Technological advancements and economies of scale could potentially reduce the costs of hydrogen technologies in the future.
  • Increasing interest: Additionally, there is a growing interest in clean and sustainable energy sources, which could increase the demand for hydrogen.

It’s important to note that the economic viability of hydrogen technologies heavily depends on market conditions, political frameworks, and technological advancements. It’s possible that the economic viability improves in the future, but there’s currently no clear answer to this question.

To utilize hydrogen and hydrogen technologies, various components and infrastructure are required:

  • Hydrogen production: Hydrogen can be produced through various methods, such as electrolysis, where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. For hydrogen production, either renewable energy sources (e.g., solar or wind power) or fossil fuels (e.g., natural gas) are needed.
  • Hydrogen infrastructure: Special infrastructure is required to transport and store hydrogen. This includes pipelines, refueling stations, and storage facilities for hydrogen.
  • Hydrogen utilization: There are various ways to utilize hydrogen. Examples include fuel cells, which chemically react hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, or combustion engines that use hydrogen as fuel.

The retrofitting of facilities for the use of hydrogen can vary depending on the type of facility and specific requirements. There are several factors to consider:

  • Technical compatibility: The facility must be technically suitable for the use of hydrogen. This may require changes to the materials used, seals, pipelines, or burner systems to be compatible with hydrogen.
  • Safety aspects: Handling hydrogen requires special safety precautions as hydrogen is highly flammable. The facility may need to be equipped with appropriate safety measures such as gas-tight systems, safe storage, and ventilation.
  • Cost and effort: Retrofitting a facility for hydrogen can involve costs and labor. This depends on the complexity of the facility, the required changes, and the availability of corresponding technologies.
  • Availability of hydrogen: For a retrofitted facility to use hydrogen, reliable and sufficient hydrogen supply must be ensured. This can be a challenge depending on the location and infrastructure.

It is important to note that not all existing facilities are suitable or economically viable for retrofitting to hydrogen. Retrofitting depends on various factors and requires careful analysis and planning.

With our experience in operating and constructing the facility, we can assist you in implementing a concept tailored to your needs. Additionally, expertise and market-ready products in the field of hydrogen facilities already exist. If you have any questions regarding planning or require consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us.