The GWI stands for the entire H2 value chain from generation to transport to end use. In addition to feasibility and potential studies, experimental and numerical studies on H2 use in the heating and industrial sectors are carried out at the GWI.

Due to the close interaction between the research and development departments, the testing laboratory and the training center, the GWI is the contact for everything to do with hydrogen.

Institute

Essen – North Rhine Westphalia

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• Systemic Analysis
• Living Lab
• Gas application technology
• Experimental investigations and numerical simulations
• Potential, GIS and energy efficiency analyses
• Tests for the certification of parts and components
• Education and training

Systemic Analysis

• Analyzes of the energy source hydrogen and downstream products (e.g. PtL, NH3) along the entire value chain
• Energy System Analysis
• Feasibility studies, techno-economic and ecological considerations
• Spatial urban development: district solutions / individual buildings
• Load flow calculations (electricity / gas / heat / cold)

Living Lab

• Demonstration, integration and interaction of various innovative components for an integrated energy system

Gas application technology

• All questions about gas properties, e.g. natural gases, LNG, H2, NH3 as well as generation, processing, feeding and use of renewable gases (biogas, SNG, H2)
• Experimental studies on the use of H2 in household and commercial systems as well as industrial thermoprocessing systems
• Innovative burner and firing technology as well as system optimization

Experimental investigations and numerical simulation

• Experimental investigations of household and commercial systems as well as industrial thermoprocessing systems up to 1 MW H2
• Semi-industrial high-temperature test rigs up to 1.3 MW
• All gaseous fuels as well as mixtures from our own gas mixing plants
• Use of pure oxygen as an oxidizer
• Numerical modeling and simulation (especially: turbulent reactive flows (ANSYS FLUENT), kinetic calculations (COSILAB) and process simulations (ChemCAD))
• PtX demonstration center (different technologies, their flexibility and combinations under real conditions)

Tests for the certification of parts and components

• New development of testing and test benches
• Test rigs for all combustible gases (e.g. H2, biogas) and gas mixtures
• Test rigs for small fuel cells (< 1.5 kW)
• Test benches for devices and fittings for natural gas mixtures with up to 20% by volume H2 admixture
• Testing of components, devices and CHPs up to 100% H2
• Efficiency measurements and determination of utilization levels
• Analysis and optimization of systems and system combinations for efficiency, dynamics and emissions

Education and training

• Further training and qualification (in the hydrogen sector: depiction of the entire value chain)
• Seminars and training courses on hydrogen applications and the associated safety technology
• Mediation of theoretical content and training on practical systems
• Accompanying conferences and congresses in cooperation with partners