German start-up Hyting presents first hybrid hydrogen-based heating system

The German start-up Hyting has developed a hydrogen-based heating system with a power output of 10 kW, which produces heat without the emission of CO₂, NOx, and other particles and also works with a heat pump. The system is currently being tested in a 1000 m³ room in Offenbach.

In its heating system, Hyting uses a catalytic process in which hydrogen is burned in the presence of oxygen without a flame; apparently, it is a fuel cell that operates with oxygen from the ambient air. This produces heat and water vapor. Carbon, nitrogen oxides, and other particulate emissions, such as those that occur during the combustion of fossil fuels like gas and oil, are not produced in this process. Air is used as the heat transfer medium, which is heated by the reaction.

The system always operates with hydrogen concentrations below the flammability limit and is therefore said to be inherently safe. The proprietary “flameless hydrogen combustion system” is patented.

Hybrid Heating System

The hydrogen-based unit is supported by a heat pump, which covers the base load. Hydrogen combustion only kicks in at low ambient temperatures or high heating demand. The hybrid heating system thus combines the advantages of the heat pump with the advantages of the catalytic hydrogen combustion system. Since peak loads are absorbed by hydrogen combustion and no electrical energy is then required for the heat pump, high efficiency at low costs is expected.

In principle, it is possible to combine the hydrogen-based unit with heat sources other than just a heat pump. Hyting mentions, for example, industrial waste heat that can be used for heating to cover the base load.

Before the world's first installation of a catalytic hydrogen-air heating system in a 1000 m³ room of a precision pump manufacturing facility in Offenbach, the system underwent a 2500-hour test to validate its durability. During this test, approximately ten years of continuous operation were simulated with a generator of similar high performance. The hydrogen-based heating system is said to have passed this test without failure or wear on safety-relevant components, according to Hyting (PDF).

The system was then tested and certified according to the Gas Appliances Regulation GAR. The field test must now show whether the hydrogen-based heating system can permanently contribute to the decarbonization of the heating sector in practical application.

(olb)