In a groundbreaking endeavor, Ulsan, South Korea has unveiled the world’s first “hydrogen apartment” block. Known as the Yuldong-With-U complex, this innovative development consists of 437 households that rely entirely on hydrogen fuel cells for their heat and electricity needs.
Over the course of a month, the Yuldong-With-U apartments generated an impressive 840MWh of power, which would have cost approximately 150 million won (€100,000) in conventional utility bills. This successful trial has prompted the city to consider pricing the heat and power generated by this hydrogen-based system, potentially revolutionizing the way energy is provided to urban communities.
The Yuldong Combined Heat and Power Plant, located just 200 meters from the complex, played a crucial role in powering the hydrogen-based apartment block. This facility utilizes hydrogen as a byproduct, which is transported through a 10km pipeline from nearby industries. By harnessing hydrogen, the plant generates heat and power with reduced environmental impact.
Interestingly, the Yuldong-With-U complex houses three container-sized fuel cells on its rooftop. These fuel cells have the capacity to generate an impressive 1.31 megawatts of electricity every hour using just 51kgs of hydrogen. This sustainable energy production is sufficient to supply a month’s worth of electricity to four-person households within an hour.
Moreover, this system doesn’t stop at electricity generation. It also captures and stores excess heat in a thermal accumulator with a 40-tonne capacity. This heat is then distributed throughout the complex, ensuring that every ounce of energy produced is efficiently utilized.
The adoption of fuel cells in this hydrogen-powered neighborhood not only provides clean and cost-effective electricity but also brings several other advantages. Fuel cells can achieve higher efficiencies compared to conventional combustion-based technologies. Operating at efficiencies exceeding 60%, fuel cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy directly, as highlighted by the US Department of Energy.
Fuel cells function similarly to batteries, continuously producing electricity and heat as long as fuel is supplied. These devices consist of two electrodes, an anode, and a cathode, separated by an electrolyte. When hydrogen is fed to the anode and air to the cathode, a catalyst separates hydrogen molecules into protons and electrons. The electrons create a flow of electricity through an external circuit, while the protons migrate to the cathode, combining with oxygen to produce water and heat.
Despite the success of this hydrogen-powered complex, there are regulatory challenges that need to be addressed. Currently, the electricity generated is sold to the Korea Electric Power Corporation due to existing regulations in the Electricity Business Act. However, officials from Ulsan City are determined to amend these regulations to give residents direct access to cost-effective electricity.
The Yuldong-With-U complex is paving the way for a carbon-neutral future, showcasing the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source in urban environments. With ongoing advancements and supportive policy changes, sustainable living may become the norm, ensuring a greener and more eco-friendly world for future generations.
FAQ:
1. What is the Yuldong-With-U complex?
The Yuldong-With-U complex in Ulsan, South Korea is the world’s first “hydrogen apartment” block consisting of 437 households that rely entirely on hydrogen fuel cells for their heat and electricity needs.
2. How much power did the Yuldong-With-U apartments generate?
Over the course of a month, the apartments generated an impressive 840MWh of power, which would have cost approximately 150 million won (€100,000) in conventional utility bills.
3. How is the Yuldong apartment block powered by hydrogen?
The Yuldong Combined Heat and Power Plant, located nearby, produces hydrogen as a byproduct, which is transported through a 10km pipeline to power the hydrogen-based apartment block.
4. How much electricity can the fuel cells on the rooftop generate?
The container-sized fuel cells on the rooftop can generate 1.31 megawatts of electricity every hour using just 51kgs of hydrogen.
5. What happens to excess heat produced by the system?
The excess heat is captured and stored in a thermal accumulator with a 40-tonne capacity. This heat is then distributed throughout the complex for more efficient energy utilization.
6. What are the advantages of using fuel cells in the hydrogen-powered neighborhood?
Fuel cells have higher efficiencies compared to conventional combustion-based technologies, converting chemical energy into electrical energy directly. They also continuously produce electricity and heat as long as fuel is supplied.
7. How do fuel cells work?
Fuel cells consist of two electrodes, an anode, and a cathode, separated by an electrolyte. When hydrogen is fed to the anode and air to the cathode, a catalyst separates hydrogen molecules into protons and electrons. The electrons create a flow of electricity through an external circuit, while the protons combine with oxygen at the cathode to produce water and heat.
8. Are there any regulatory challenges?
Yes, currently, the electricity generated by the complex is sold to the Korea Electric Power Corporation due to existing regulations. However, officials from Ulsan City are working towards amending these regulations to give residents direct access to cost-effective electricity.
Definitions:
1. Hydrogen fuel cells: Devices that convert chemical energy from hydrogen into electrical energy by separating hydrogen molecules into protons and electrons.
2. Combined Heat and Power Plant: A facility that generates both electricity and heat simultaneously.
3. Sustainability: The ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
4. Carbon-neutral: Achieving a balance between the amount of carbon emitted and the amount removed from the atmosphere, resulting in no net increase in carbon dioxide levels.
5. Electrolyte: A substance that conducts electricity when dissolved or in molten form, allowing the movement of ions.
Suggested related links:
1. IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency)
2. U.S. Department of Energy
3. Hydrogen Fuel News
The source of the article is from the blog aovotice.cz