In electrical devices, understanding efficiency is a breeze. If a UPS device has an efficiency of 95 %, out of 1 kW of power expended, 50 W evaporates as heat into thin air, while the rest are put to use in securing reserve power for a server or PC, for example.
Efficiency in the context of a biological methanation process is slightly more complex, but the principal stands. In stead of one phase, there are two relevant phases to consider. Electrical power is first employed in electrolysis to produce hydrogen, which is needed as a feedstock for methanation. Next, carbon dioxide and hydrogen are combined. A biological process ensues, in which industrious microbes work hard to produce synthetic methane.
Q Power methanation solution reaches a total efficiency of 83 %, for comparison in competing solutions, the efficiency of the methanation phase is typically between 50 – 60 %. . Our process doesn’t require a high temperature or elevated pressure, so minimal energy is wasted heating or pumping gases of fluids. Over 80 % of the chemical energy in hydrogen is converted into the energy of methane.
The impact on profitability is radical. If the price of hydrogen is 75 €/MWh, our superior efficiency produces a saving of up to 25 €/MWh in comparison to competing solutions. From our customers’ viewpoint, this translates to a better bottom line.
It’s safe to say efficiency and lifecycle costs should always be assessed when planning potential projects. At Q Power we’re happy to help our customers in the analysis and planning phases of projects – don’t hesitate to be in touch to agree on the details!
Sami Lakio
Sales Director
Q Power Oy
+358 40 588 2728
sami.lakio@qpower.fi
