With the ceremonial commissioning of the new hydrogen facility at the Eisenbach site in the Black Forest Highlands, Germany, August Weckermann KG is setting an example for the climate-neutral production of high-quality industrial goods. The company is pursuing a comprehensive energy and supply concept that combines photovoltaics, battery storage and hydrogen technology. The aim is to achieve a degree of self-sufficiency of up to 85 percent.
The BERNARD Gruppe was commissioned with the planning tasks concerned with process engineering, from concept development to support during commissioning. As part of the detailed engineering, the main components were designed, and the system was modeled in 3D. An electrolysis system with an output of 300 kW, hydrogen storage tanks with a total capacity of 1.4 tons, and a fuel cell with an electrical output of up to 200 kW are used. In addition, a redox flow battery with a storage capacity of 3,000 kWh was integrated, which balances out peak loads and represents an ecological alternative to conventional battery systems.
The task was to create a reliable, self-sufficient and decentralized energy supply for an energy-intensive production site at a high altitude. Close coordination between the client and engineers resulted in a concept that combines security of supply, cost-effectiveness and sustainability. This project shows how engineering services provide concrete answers to the current challenges of energy supply. The combination of photovoltaics, battery storage, and hydrogen technology enables medium-sized companies to have a stable and sustainable energy supply.
Julian Schnitzius, BERNARD Gruppe
