National Grid goes carbon-free with hydrogen-powered substation trial
National Grid has completed a ten-week trial to test a hydrogen-powered generator at its Deeside Centre for Innovation (DCI), hosting a 400 kV modified substation.
Image source: National Grid
UK: National Grid has completed a ten-week trial to test a hydrogen-powered generator at its Deeside Centre for Innovation (DCI), hosting a 400 kV modified substation.
A GeoPura 25 0kW hydrogen power unit (HPU) contained within a transportable shipping was installed at DCI and produced the energy to power low-voltage equipment needed for National Grid’s innovation testing projects and site operations. The trial tested the capabilities and feasibility of HPUs as direct replacements for backup diesel generators across more than 250 National Grid substation sites, the data will now be analysed and shared later this year.
National Grid currently use diesel generators alongside batteries to provide backup power to a substation for key activities such as cooling fans, pumps, and lighting, enabling it to continue to perform its crucial role in the electricity transmission system.
The HPU at Deeside has power capabilities of up to 100 kW in continuous operation mode and up to 250 kW for 45 minutes and uses 100 % green hydrogen. The unit is quieter and the hydrogen cannisters used to fuel the generators can be safely stored on site.
“The HPU has been tested for different load profiles including typical critical substation equipment. The trial results for electrical performance and environmental aspects along with hydrogen management at our substations will now be examined as viable zero-emission alternatives to diesel backup generators,” said Prem Ranjan, Test Engineer at Deeside Centre for Innovation.
Source: National Grid
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