Panasonic Corporation plans to start using hydrogen fuel cell generators at its new H2 Kibou field facility.
This facility was built as a demonstration of Panasonic’s RE100 (Renewable Energy 100%) renewable energy solution, in which 100% of the power used for site operations is generated from renewable resources; it is part of a self-sustaining power system that combines pure hydrogen and solar generation. This is the world’s first demonstration of full-scale hydrogen fuel cell use in a 100 percent renewable energy manufacturing facility.
Panasonic has constructed a large demonstration facility in Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture, with a power generation system that includes 99 5-kW pure hydrogen fuel cell generators, photovoltaic generators, and lithium-ion storage batteries for storing surplus power. The energy generated by this system will be enough to fully power the Kusatsu fuel cell factory.
This integrated system will supplement on-site solar generation, which necessitates a large installation area and is susceptible to weather. Furthermore, by managing the power supply from the fuel cell generators and the storage batteries, the system is able to achieve a stable supply of electricity required for operations, even at peak consumption.
Furthermore, the integrated control of multiple 5 kW pure hydrogen fuel cell generators allows for an ample supply of high power through a flexible layout tailored to the site’s buildings, as well as flexible operations by managing generation according to demand. This keeps the generators from overheating and extends their life. Furthermore, it enables maintenance to be carried out without disrupting factory operations.
Panasonic will gain real-world know-how and data as well as a track record in energy management and pure hydrogen fuel cell generation as a result of this demonstration. Panasonic’s RE100 solutions, which use renewable energy to provide 100 percent of the electricity needed for operations, will also be commercialized.
