Instrumentation for PtX application
Customer Case: Technical consultation and delivery of instrumentation for Power-to-X application yield promising results for the customer, who with this delivery has documented the correct instrumentation to build larger plants.
Power-to-X (PtX) is one of the most advanced and useful technologies to promote the production and storage of green energy. It is therefore with pride that Hans Buch now assists one of Denmark’s leading and largest industrial companies in the field with reliable components for the energy production of the future.
The customer’s PtX application consisting of fuel cells requires continuous monitoring and adjustments to maintain functionality. A number of factors can affect the functionality of a fuel cell, which is highly dependent on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.
- The Challenge: Correct instrumentation to maintain the functional principles of a fuel cell.
- The Solution: Technical consultation from Hans Buch on instrumentation from E+E in the form of humidity and temperature measurement (EE23) and dew point measurement (EE371).
- The Result: Increased efficiency with enhanced performance and extended lifespan of the fuel cells in the PtX application.
The PtX application consists of fuel cells that split water (H2O) into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) for the production of electrical energy.
Also read the knowledge article: “What is PtX“?
Suitable Sensors for Demanding Applications
The manufacturer E+E Elektronik is behind the instrumentation, which Hans Buch has provided technical advice on and delivered to the customer. Specifically, it is the humidity sensor EE23 and the dew point sensor EE371 that were chosen for the customer’s PtX application and have proven to be a highly suitable solution.
The sensor element itself ages over time, and the product manager for Instrumentation at Hans Buch, Morten Gregersen, explains that this process is accelerated by high humidity (+80%).
– These sensors are particularly good in demanding applications where high humidity is present. E+E has managed to design the sensor element so they can operate in these environments. At the same time, they maintain accuracy and lifespan to benefit the uptime of the plant, says Morten Gregersen.
Read more about the humidity and temperature sensor and the dew point sensor from E+E Elektronik in the attached data sheets below.
Technical Advice Led to the Right Configuration and Good Results
One of Hans Buch’s cardinal points is about close relationships and close collaboration with our customers. This customer case is an example of how the right professional and technical advice goes hand in hand with the delivery of our technical solutions.
It has led to good results for the customer, explains Hans Buch’s product manager for Instrumentation.
– In collaboration with the company, we have found the right configuration of sensors for their PtX plant, and it has yielded good results. Part of the credit for the good results is due to the sensors, which ensure precise measurements, says Morten Gregersen.
Read More About Humidity Measurement in Fuel Cells
Fuel cells convert chemical energy without combustion into electrical energy and heat via electrolysis. The efficiency of a fuel cell is determined by the balance between water and temperature in a fuel cell. If the temperature and humidity are not controlled to maintain the correct levels, the fuel cell can lose power and ultimately be destroyed.
This creates a demand for reliable measurements in a demanding environment, and it places strict requirements on the sensitivity and robustness of sensor components that can withstand the stress of high humidity.
Hans Buch’s supplier E+E Elektronik has published a theme on humidity measurement in fuel cells. Read more here: “Humidity Measurement in Fuel Cells“
