The power plant (BKEU-EHG) has been developed jointly by TSNII SET (Ship Electric Engineering & Technology Research Institute) and JSC NIPOM to provide a self-contained power supply solution for Gazprom line pipes. BKEU-EHG is an innovative hydrogen economy product based on polyethylene fuel cells where electric power is generated by an electrochemical reaction of hydrogen, obtained from LNG, and air oxygen. Such power plants are noted for their high efficiency (up to 50 %) and much lower harmful emissions to atmosphere as compared to internal combustion engines. The BKEU-EHG demonstrator was developed as an alternative offering better performance and lower cost of large-scale production compared to the import gas-turbine ОРМАТ-type generators currently used by Gazprom. The BKEU-EHG demonstrator incorporates a telemetry control feature.
The demonstration tests were witnessed by invited representatives of various gas industry agencies and relevant design companies. The trials were conducted in accordance with the pre-planned test program under remote control at various operating modes including accident simulations. The tests have been completed successfully in full scope without any failures or malfunctions. The test results were summarized in the test report signed by all involved in the trials and attached with their comments and proposals.
In accordance with the document approved by the V.V. Gogoliuk, Head of Gazprom Department on Gas Transportation, Underground Storage and Use, it is planned to develop a commercial prototype and then put it into trial operation at an existing Gazprom facility within 3 to 4 months, and conduct acceptance tests. In future a number of BKEU-EHG type power plants of up to 50 kW are to be designed to supply power to line facilities of gas trunks, self-contained gas distribution stations, in-process communication facilities, as well as for decentralized heat and power supply including High North, Siberia and Far East territories located too far to be catered for by the united power grid.
