MarrakEsH - modular, renewable, and self-sufficient energy supply with H2 technology

The consortium of the MarrakEsH joint project has set itself the goal of researching a regenerative, efficient, self-sufficient concept for the energy supply of private households, smaller companies, critical infrastructures (e.g. communication systems) and/or mobile emergency power systems as well as off-grid consumers and implementing this as a demonstrator. The key elements are a novel, modular multi-port converter based on GaN power semiconductors and matching magnetics, the configurable firmware for a microcontroller unit with switching frequencies in the megahertz range and an innovative hydrogen technology consisting of a metal hydride-based H2 storage system together with the optimized fuel cell system.
In an overall system consisting of several subsystems for the generation, conversion and storage of energy, the modular multi-port converter enables a significant reduction in the conversion steps of electrical energy and the associated losses compared to a conventional approach. By using the metal hydride-based H2 storage system, hydrogen technology can also be used safely in private households or particularly hazardous environments. The optimized management of electrical and thermal energy flows in the system guarantees the availability of the necessary electrical energy at all times. In addition, the systematic leveraging of synergies between the subsystems allows efficient, sensible use of the unavoidable waste heat. The modular design with the latest component technologies allows easy scaling and/or expansion of the system and also serves to reduce maintenance requirements, manufacturing costs and installation space.

A flexible, intelligent energy management system is being developed at H-BRS to optimally control the energy flows between electrical energy generators, storage systems and consumers and also to ensure the efficient use of system waste heat. On the other hand, a scaled laboratory model of the MHz DC/DC converter is being developed, which is required for the DC coupling of the various energy generators and storage units.