Edison discovered that the battery acts like an electolyser and produces hydrogen when fully saturated. He considered this a disadvantage, but Professor Fokko Mulder and his research group at Delft University of Technology saw its advantage for the new era of renewable energy. They combined nickel-iron electrodes from Edison’s time with today’s alkaline electrolysis technologies (with a proven lifespan of 20-30 years). The result: a super-efficient integrated battery and electrolyser, with up to 92% efficiency.
Earlier this year, a first pilot setup was installed at RWE in Eemshaven. The next step is the prototype phase, the Battolyser 2, planned for mid-2024. In a year or two, when all research and testing is complete, Battolyser plans to scale up to commercial production and open a factory in Rotterdam.
Pieter Levecque of Battolyser Systems speaks at the Power Electronics & Energy Storage event on 27 June in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Access to the event is free after registration.
For more information, visit Battolyser’s website.
Image: Battolyser Systems/YouTube
