Today, fuel cell manufacturers deliver a ‘module’ that essentially includes the stack. For this type of solution to be widely used, a fuel cell system ready to be coupled to the existing installation would be needed. That is, in addition to the module with the stack, it would include a balance of plant to maintain it at operating pressure and temperature conditions, an inverter to deliver the power supply to the load at the required voltage and current level, a control system for its management, as well as a containerization concept. This is what is known as a fuel cell system.
The expected impact of the project is to consolidate a directly integrated, versatile, easy-to-install, modular and cost-competitive product. With this, it is expected that the application of fuel cells will increase and can serve multiple sectors where there is market potential, such as isolated renewable energy installations (off-grid), telecommunications antennas in isolated or weak networks, mountain shelters, islands and as a replacement for diesel generators.
The BALANCE project, led by SFICE Innovative Minds and in which the Aragon Hydrogen Foundation participates, has been selected in the pre-evaluation phase of the line of aid for Digital, Integrating and Sustainable Industry, presented under the ORDER ICD/1483/2021, funded by the Department of Industry, Competitiveness and Business Development with the Operational Program European Regional Development Fund Aragon, funded as part of the Union’s response to the pandemic of COVID-19.