Yanmar, Daigas install small cogeneration gas system with 30% hydrogen blend

Yanmar ES has retrofitted its EP400G combined heat and power (CHP) unit by adding Daigas Energy’s hydrogen supply equipment. The demonstration with a 30% hydrogen share resulted in equal performances as with pure natural gas from the municipal network, according to the two Japanese firms.

Yanmar Energy Systems (Yanmar ES) and Daigas Energy have demonstrated blending hydrogen into fossil gas in the distribution network and using the fuel in a 400 kW cogeneration system. The EP400G unit was installed at Daigas Energy’s test site using the company’s hydrogen supply equipment.

The system can operate with the same rated power output and power generation efficiency with a 30% share in volume as when operating with municipal gas alone, Yanmar said. Both companies are based in Osaka, Japan. Daigas Energy is part of Osaka Gas and Yanmar Energy Systems is a subsidiary of Yanmar Holdings.

The EP400G model, already on the market for municipal gas use, was upgraded only by adding hydrogen supply gear

The two firms said they would continue to improve cogeneration systems using hydrogen fuel and other technologies, with the aim of commercializing hydrogen-blended cogeneration systems. They expressed commitment to working toward a carbon-neutral society.

Yanmar ES’s EP400G model is already on the market for municipal gas use. Hydrogen blending resulted in stable operation with low nitrogen oxide (NOx), it said. The system was retrofitted only with hydrogen supply equipment.

Testing was performed from January to June at Daigas Energy’s Carbon Neutral Research Hub ANNEX Torishima Site in Osaka City.

Yanmar, founded in 1912, makes industrial equipment from engines, agricultural machinery and construction equipment to energy systems and machine tools.

Of note, E.ON Romania declared success earlier this year in its test of blending hydrogen into the gas network and using the mixture in households.

Wien Energie reached a 15% share of green hydrogen last August in the regular operation of a big turbine at its Donaustadt CHP plant in Vienna, Austria. It conducted the project with Siemens Energy, Verbund and RheinEnergie.