As the use of energy from renewable sources grows, it is becoming increasingly important to be able to store excess energy so it can be used when supply does not match demand. Achieving greater energy self-sufficiency therefore requires systems capable of integrating energy production, storage, and reconversion within a single infrastructure.
Our H2-POWER solution was developed to address this need. The system uses hydrogen as a carrier for storing renewable energy, converting excess electricity into a gas that can be stored and later reconverted into electricity using a fuel cell.
This solution is intended for residential, commercial, and industrial applications, as well as for farms, energy communities, and installations located in remote areas. In particular, it can help ensure energy continuity in locations not connected to the power grid or characterized by intermittent production.
Energy Self-Sufficiency Through Renewable Energy Storage
Renewable energy sources, such as solar power, are intermittent by nature. The amount of energy produced varies depending on environmental conditions and does not always match the instantaneous demand of consumers.
During peak production hours, some of the electricity may go unused. Conversely, in the evening, at night, or during consumption peaks, the available energy may not be sufficient to power all loads.
H2-POWER manages this temporal discrepancy through a Power-to-Power process. Excess electricity is used to produce hydrogen via electrolysis. The gas is then stored and used when necessary to generate electricity again.
This approach enables a long-term renewable energy storage system, increasing the ability to use the generated energy locally and reducing dependence on the immediate availability of the source.
The system can support nighttime loads, electrical overloads, and applications requiring uninterrupted power supply. The modular configuration also allows production, storage, and electrical power to be tailored to the specific characteristics of each application.
How Renewable Energy Storage with Hydrogen Works
The H2-POWER system operates in three phases:
• hydrogen production
• storage
• conversion back into electricity
In the first phase, excess electricity generated from a renewable source powers the electrolysis system. Using water and electricity, hydrogen is produced, which can be stored in cylinders or via compact storage using metal hydrides.
The hydrogen remains available until renewable production decreases or energy demand increases. At that point, the gas powers a PEM fuel cell, which converts the hydrogen into electricity.
The fuel cell thus completes the Power-to-Power process, allowing the previously produced hydrogen to be used to power electrical loads once again.
Renewable energy is therefore not stored directly in the form of electricity, but rather through its conversion into hydrogen. This step allows the time of production to be separated from the time of use, making the energy available when it is actually needed.
Technical Specifications of H2-POWER
H2-POWER consists of an 800x800x2000-millimeter enclosure designed for outdoor installation, which houses the electrolysis system, the PEM fuel cell, and safety technologies.
In addition, a remote connection is provided to monitor operating parameters, collect data, and support maintenance activities.
This solution has an energy consumption of 4.8 kWh/Nm³ and a water consumption of 0.8 L/Nm³.
H2-POWER produces a nominal electrical power output of 1 to 5 kW and has an output voltage of 48 VDC, with an electrical range of 28 kWh (with standard storage) and 10 hours of operation at nominal power.
In the configuration described, the system offers:
• hydrogen production of 1 Nm³/h at 30 bar
• standard storage capacity of 800 liters at 30 bar (2 kg) using cylinders, or compact storage using metal hydrides
• a refill time of approximately 22 hours.
Renewable Energy Storage for Remote Sites, Industry, and Energy Communities
H2-POWER can be used in situations where it is necessary to increase energy self-sufficiency and store energy for extended periods.
At remote sites not connected to the power grid, the system can integrate with a photovoltaic system or another local energy source, converting excess energy into hydrogen. Electricity can thus be made available even at night or during periods of lower production.
In agriculture, the solution can support users located in areas where access to the grid is limited. In the industrial sector, the storage of renewable energy can help manage production surpluses, consumption peaks, and loads that require greater continuity.
Energy communities, on the other hand, can use H2-POWER to make the most of locally produced energy by integrating distributed generation with long-duration storage capacit
Power-to-Power Applications Developed by Simplifhy
The H2-POWER solution has been used in several projects carried out by Simplifhy.
For the HYBITAT project, we designed and built the electrolysis section of a Power-to-Power system with a capacity of approximately 19 kW for long-term energy storage using renewable hydrogen, intended for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
For the Sicilian company Layer Electronics, we developed a compact, modular, and fully automated Power-to-Power cabinet intended for use in a laboratory. The system enables hydrogen production via electrolysis using two AEM electrolyzers, provides a storage capacity of 3 kg using metal hydrides, and converts the hydrogen back into electrical energy using a PEM fuel cell, in addition to featuring a water treatment system and remote control and monitoring capabilities.
In the project carried out for ISAM, a 5 kW Power-to-Power solution converts excess energy from a photovoltaic system into hydrogen, temporarily stores the gas, and reconverts it into electrical energy when needed using fuel cells.
For the ITS Green Academy in Vimercate, we designed and built a research laboratory that replicates the entire hydrogen value chain: production via electrolysis, compression, storage at both low and high pressures and using metal hydrides, reconversion to electricity using a 5 kW PEM fuel cell, and use of the gas to refuel vehicles.
An Integrated System for Energy Self-Sufficiency
In conclusion, H2-POWER integrates electrolysis, hydrogen storage, and electricity generation via fuel cells into a solution designed for managing renewable energy.
The ability to store excess renewable energy by converting it into hydrogen for later use increases energy self-sufficiency and improves power supply continuity, even with intermittent sources or in locations without grid access.
Thanks to its modularity, remote control capabilities, and the ability to configure different storage technologies, H2-POWER can be scaled to meet the energy profile, power requirements, and expected autonomy of each application.
Contact us to develop your custom H2-POWER solution
