A Chinese-developed fuel cell has reportedly been successfully tested at a research station in Antarctica to power a microgrid system.
Designed by a subsidiary of State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC), the fuel cell can reportedly power the station independently for 24 days at a 30kW output. It also uses excess wind and solar power to produce hydrogen, which is stored and converted back into electricity when renewable generation is low.
Furthermore, the system could grow from 50kW up to multiple megawatts due to its modular and scalable design. The system has also been equipped with a hydrogen storage tank with a 50m capacity.
The system is reported to reduce CO2 emissions by around 1kg/kWh compared to diesel generators. It is also said to achieve 50% power generation efficiency, over 90% combined heat and power efficiency, and has a design lifespan of 40,000 hours.
Located at China’s fifth research station in Antarctica, which opened last year, H2 View understands that the implementation of the fuel cell system represents a first in the polar region.
Succeeding here potentially proves hydrogen systems can operate in remote, hostile environments.
Additionally, places like Antarctica rely on diesel generators. But a hydrogen system that can use on-site wind and solar for fuel production could offer a self-sufficient, sustainable alternative.
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