Energy cell "Johann" - seasonal storage technology with multi-modal and multi-functional applications

01.02.2021 - 31.07.2023
Research funding project

The concise summary should include the following points:

 initial situation, problem to solve and motivation to carry out the R&D project

 goals and level of innovation compared to the state of the art (level of technology/knowledge)

 expected results and findings

The energy cell “JOHANN” (named after the Styrian archduke) a technical development of the Austrian company EEG Elements Energy GmbH and nearly represents the ideal system of a decentralized and controllable energy cells for electricity and heat including seasonal electricity storage. JOHANN achieves an overall efficiency of 90% (electricity 30-40%) and is currently a cost-effectiveness (customer price ~ 25k€) conversion and hydrogen storage technology. JOHANN is not only a solution for the needs of autarky of prosumers and for 100% renewable energy supply, there is a high potential for solutions for the challenges of a future integrated energy systems, like reduction of curtailment of renewable generation, ancillary services for the grid and security of supply.

The goal in this project is the further development of JOHANN to provide additional benefits for the energy system beyond the border of the owner and operator of JOHANN, which has the own interest of increasing self-consumption and reduction of energy costs. The novel technological development of JOHANN is realized in three different use cases in different real-life environmental:

 Energy market

 Grid Operator

 Security of supply

Due to continuous customer involvement and energy relevant stakeholder as project partner, tailor-made business models are developed. The aimed solutions are integrated in a broad technology evaluation study and Life Cycle Assessment to derive the macroeconomic impact.

Therefore, the energy cell will be developed for series production from TRL5 to TRL8 to establish "Smart Grid Ready" JOHANN as decentralized seasonal storage application.

People

Project leader

Project personnel

Institute

Grant funds

  • FFG - Österr. Forschungsförderungs- gesellschaft mbH (National) Programm Vorzeigeregion Energie Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG)

Research focus

  • Climate Neutral, Renewable and Conventional Energy Supply Systems: 100%

External partner

  • Energie Steiermark AG

Publications