MarrakEsH – Modular, renewable and self-sufficient energy supply using hydrogen technology

The consortium behind the MarrakEsH collaborative project has set itself the aim of researching a renewable, efficient and self-sufficient concept for the energy supply of private households, small businesses, critical infrastructure (e.g. communications systems) and/or mobile emergency power systems, as well as off-grid consumers, and to implement this as a demonstrator. Key elements of this include a novel, modular multi-port converter based on GaN power semiconductors and matching magnetic components, configurable firmware for a microcontroller unit with switching frequencies in the megahertz range, and innovative hydrogen technology, consisting of a metal hydride-based H₂ storage system together with a fuel cell system optimised for this purpose.
Within an integrated system comprising several subsystems for the generation, conversion and storage of energy, the modular multi-port converter enables a significant reduction in the number of electrical energy conversion steps – and the associated losses – compared with a conventional approach. Thanks to the use of the metal hydride-based H₂ storage system, the hydrogen technology can be used safely without any concerns, even in private households or particularly high-risk environments. The optimised management of electrical and thermal energy flows within the system ensures that the necessary electrical energy is available at all times. Furthermore, the systematic exploitation of synergies between the subsystems allows for the efficient and sensible utilisation of unavoidable waste heat. The modular design, incorporating the latest component technologies, allows for easy scaling and/or expansion of the system and also helps to reduce maintenance requirements, manufacturing costs and installation space.

At the H-BRS, a flexible, intelligent energy management system is being developed to optimally control the energy flows between electrical energy generators, storage systems and consumers, whilst also ensuring the efficient utilisation of system waste heat. In addition, a scaled-down laboratory prototype of the MHz DC/DC converter is being developed, which is required for the DC coupling of the various energy generators and storage systems.