Periodic Reporting for period 1 - RESCUE (Reliable and Efficient Dual Fuel System for Civil Protection during Natural Disasters using HT-PEM Technology)
Berichtszeitraum: 2025-01-01 bis 2025-12-31
Natural disasters, ranging from floods and storms to earthquakes and wildfires, are becoming more frequent and intense, and are increasingly threatening critical infrastructure. The electrical power supply is among the most vital of these systems. If it fails, this can trigger cascading effects across all sectors, from healthcare and communication to emergency services.
This project strengthens the resilience in case of natural disasters by development of an innovative transportable fuel cell system capable of running on both methanol and hydrogen. This dual-fuel mode ensures an uninterrupted power supply when it is needed most. By use of this RESCUE system, base of operations are not dependent on a concrete type of fuel for power supply in disaster areas and are able to act independently and at short notice. The containerized HT-PEM fuel cell system provides a reliable 50 kW power output and is going to be intensively tested towards technical relief considering disaster scenarios.
This project strengthens the resilience in case of natural disasters by development of an innovative transportable fuel cell system capable of running on both methanol and hydrogen. This dual-fuel mode ensures an uninterrupted power supply when it is needed most. By use of this RESCUE system, base of operations are not dependent on a concrete type of fuel for power supply in disaster areas and are able to act independently and at short notice. The containerized HT-PEM fuel cell system provides a reliable 50 kW power output and is going to be intensively tested towards technical relief considering disaster scenarios.
At the heart of the system is high-temperature-polymer electrolyte membrane (HT-PEM) technology, which operates at approximately 160 °C. This elevated temperature simplifies water management, facilitates heat dissipation, and enables the direct use of reformate gases, resulting in a more efficient and resilient system. The project aims to develop a fully integrated fuel cell module and fuel tank, equipped with refuelling capabilities for both hydrogen and methanol. Safety and transport certification requirements will be carefully considered throughout the design process. To validate system performance, the RESCUE project includes a demonstration phase under real-world conditions, including grid integration and defined load profiles. A minimum of 2,000 hours of on-site testing at a civil defence organisation will be conducted, culminating in a thorough evaluation of the system’s capabilities.
Efficiency
• FC system power of 50 kWel with 100 kWel system
peak power
• Efficiency (fuel to electricity) ≥ 50 %
Fuel Capability
• Use of 100 % hydrogen or methanol with fast fuel
exchange
• Methanol capacity for two weeks
Flexibility
• Fast start-ups of max. 10 min or 70 min and
additional zero-load operation
• Robustness towards ambient T and p, vibrations
and brownouts etc.
• Longer operation times than batteries or diesel
generators (100 % or 20 %)
Durability
• Availability ≥99 % during 2,000 h
• System lifetime ≥10,000 h
• FC degradation rate during 1,000 h ≤50 µV h-1
Service and Commercialisation
• Digital tools and plug & play
• Maintenance every 5,000 h
• System costs ≤2,800 € kWel
-1
• Standard container sizing for transports
• Usability and safety with certification
• FC system power of 50 kWel with 100 kWel system
peak power
• Efficiency (fuel to electricity) ≥ 50 %
Fuel Capability
• Use of 100 % hydrogen or methanol with fast fuel
exchange
• Methanol capacity for two weeks
Flexibility
• Fast start-ups of max. 10 min or 70 min and
additional zero-load operation
• Robustness towards ambient T and p, vibrations
and brownouts etc.
• Longer operation times than batteries or diesel
generators (100 % or 20 %)
Durability
• Availability ≥99 % during 2,000 h
• System lifetime ≥10,000 h
• FC degradation rate during 1,000 h ≤50 µV h-1
Service and Commercialisation
• Digital tools and plug & play
• Maintenance every 5,000 h
• System costs ≤2,800 € kWel
-1
• Standard container sizing for transports
• Usability and safety with certification