Inspenet, July 28, 2023.
The Japanese real estate company Sekisui House-W has presented an innovative proposal: the first self-sufficient home with “solar hydrogen” (clean hydrogen obtained by harnessing solar energy). Instead of using traditional batteries, the company is looking to store solar energy using hydrogen , in an approach that seeks to address climate change and promote sustainability.
This revolutionary project is the result of Sekisui House Co.’s commitment to decarbonization and energy self-sufficiency in its homes and has been working on this solar hydrogen house concept since last month. The proposal aims to make a difference on the path to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
“The need to combat global warming and changes in the structure of energy demand and supply is accelerating the use of hydrogen,” the company explains in a statement.
However, both in Japan and in other countries, hydrogen-related infrastructure and supply chains are still developing. It is estimated that the widespread use of hydrogen in homes will not occur until after 2050. Therefore, Sekisui House does not intend to wait for that date and seeks to contribute to decarbonization through the autonomous production and use of hydrogen, without depending on the future hydrogen age.
How does a “solar hydrogen” home work?
During the day, the solar panels would generate the necessary energy and store the surplus. Instead of using batteries, this house would use excess electricity to power a small household electrolyzer. The hydrogen produced would be chemically stored in a special alloy and used when required, via a set of fuel cells.
“Hydrogen storage alloys have a higher energy density than storage batteries and do not discharge naturally. This offers the advantage of large capacity and long-term storage, similar to domestic gas cylinders. In addition, compared to high-pressure gas tanks, they have a much more compact design and, therefore, more suitable for homes”, argues the company.
It should be noted that the company has not shared specific information about the alloy used ; however, in recent years, various materials have been developed that can safely, practically and sustainably store hydrogen. An example is the magnesium hydride disks patented by the Center National de la Recherche Scientifique, which are already available on the Japanese market.
Sekisui House-W hopes that the advancement of this house will contribute to electrical self-sufficiency and a carbon-neutral lifestyle. The first houses equipped with this innovative energy system are expected to be available on the market by the summer of 2025.
Source: https://ecoinventos.com/nace-la-primera-casa-autosuficiente-de-hidrogeno-solar-en-japon/amp/
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