Viessmann develops innovative pure hydrogen wall-mounted boilers
1st April 2022
First boilers will be installed in early 2023 as part of the SmartQuart hydrogen grid project in Kaisersesch, Germany.
Viessmann has shared further details of its 100% H2-ready boiler programme just days before the Sustainable Innovation Forum 2021 at the UN Climate Change Conference UK 2021, also known as COP26.
Viessmann hydrogen boiler prototypes are currently running on test beds in the research and development centre at the company’s headquarters in Allendorf (Eder) in Germany prior to approval, endurance testing and deployment in actual heating systems.
The boiler is based on Viessmann’s proven, series-produced natural gas-condensing Vitodens boiler, adapted for operation with pure hydrogen. The main modifications include the adaptation of the burner and development of the combustion, flame monitoring and control system.
The first practical deployment will take place in Kaisersesch, Germany, in early 2023 as part of the SmartQuart project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economics. As part of this pilot project, a complete hydrogen infrastructure will be established, from the generation of renewable electricity for electrolysis to the storage and distribution of the hydrogen created and its use for heat and power in industry and transport.
The technical concept allows for a further boiler to be launched, possible to operate with natural gas, natural gas/hydrogen mixtures as well as with pure hydrogen, meaning boilers are ready for pure hydrogen in the future, and they can be operated as conventional gas boilers before the gas supply is changed over. For operation with the new fuel source, only the burner assembly needs to be replaced, for which a cost-effective retrofit kit is being developed for a quick and simple conversion by a specialist installer.
“Viessmann was one of the first manufacturers in the world to develop gas condensing boilers that can run on pure hydrogen and therefore emit no CO2. With this breakthrough, we have taken a huge step towards realising the goals of the Paris Agreement in the building sector,” says Dr. Markus Klausner, Chief Technology Officer of Viessmann Climate Solutions.
Complete hydrogen portfolio in the future
Viessmann has extensive experience with hydrogen heating systems. Approximately 150,000 Vitodens gas-condensing boilers delivered to the market in 2020 alone are capable of simply converting at least a 20 percent and up to 30 percent hydrogen blend into heat. Other condensing technology systems are currently under development, including those designed for greater output, as well as fuel cells and CHP units intended for use with hydrogen. As the industry’s leading innovator, Viessmann will soon offer a complete portfolio for almost every application.
Two 100% H2-ready prototypes on the test bed: Testing is followed by the phases of approval, endurance testing, and ultimately deployment of the new devices in actual heating systems.