FAQ

The name is derived from ‘reversible’ and ‘ions’ because Reverion plants can be used both to generate electricity and in reversible electrolysis mode to produce methane and hydrogen from surplus electrical energy.

Solid oxide fuel cells, or SOC for short, are high-temperature fuel cells whose electrolyte consists of a solid ceramic material. The advantages of this technology are high power densities, high electrical efficiency and the use of cheaper materials than other fuel cell technologies.

Biogas is fed into the system from an external source. Hydrogen sulphide and other impurities are removed. The gas is pre-heated and fed into a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). The gas is oxidised with air in the SOFC to produce electrical energy.

Conventional combined heat and power plants work with gas engines, which have a low efficiency of maximum 40%. Today’s fuel cell power plants achieve a somewhat higher efficiency of about 50-60% but can only use about 70% of the biogas used, because the gas must be supplied in excess to protect the fuel cells and the unused excess gas must be burnt.

Reverion can – for the first time – achieve 100% fuel utilization and thus reach an efficiency of 80%. A post combustion of the exhaust gas is therefore not necessary. An SCR catalytic converter for after-treatment of the exhaust gas, as required in combined heat and power plants, is also no longer necessary.

As an alternative to electricity generation, the system can store incoming electrical energy (reversible operation). Carbon dioxide is humidified and fed into an SOEC. The mixture of carbon dioxide and water vapour is electrolytically converted into carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the SOEC. This gas mixture is converted to methane in a subsequent methanation reactor.

Micro combined heat and power systems based on solid oxide fuel cells are a mature technology and have been available on the market for over 10 years. The special feature of Reverion systems is the increase in efficiency to 80% through complete utilisation of the fuel gas.

We will guarantee a technical lifetime of 20 years. We offer comprehensive services for commissioning, maintenance, repair and dismantling at the end of the term.

Depending on the price of electricity and gas, the investment in a plant pays for itself after approx. 3 – 6 years.

The record-breaking efficiency is calculated as the net electricity output divided by the lower heating value of the input gas. Internal consumption is already accounted for.

In energy storage (electrolysis) mode, it is calculated in the exact same way: energy content of the gas as per lower heating value divided by net electricity uptake.

Reverion plants can separate CO2 from the used biogas and make it available directly from the plant with a high degree of purity of >99%. Through liquefaction, the CO2 can be further upgraded and used in industry or even as food grade.

The electricity produced can be used profitably. It can either be used directly on site as the company’s own electricity to replace the expensive purchased electricity.

Alternatively, the electricity can be sold to external customers with the help of a direct marketer or traded on the electricity exchange.

Last but not least, many countries have subsidy programs for the feed-in of renewable electricity (e.g. in Germany the EEG).

Our first power plants will be delivered mid-2024. You have the possibility to secure a production slot for delivery in 2025 and 2026 through placing a pre-order.

The annual costs for our service and maintenance contract will be below the value that internal combustion engines require. Despite offering twice the power output, maintenance effort is drastically reduced due to the elimination of spark plugs, oil lubricated gears and rotating parts.

The maintenance contract includes the regular replacement of fuel cells and catalysts, as well as testing, repair and replacement of components and consumables.

The 100 kW system is installed in a 2-foot standard container, the 500 kW system in a 40-foot standard container. Both of them are modular constructions – easy to scale!

It is more than easy: Simply get in touch with us and we will provide all required information, including the 3-page pre-sales agreement, which does not involve any risks for you. The contract can be revoked at any time without reason and the deposit will be returned immediately.

The system is a complete machine within the meaning of the EU Machinery Directive and has a CE marking. The system contains pressure equipment that is placed on the market in accordance with the requirements of the Pressure Equipment Directive. The pressure equipment does not require a permit, but must be tested before commissioning.

The blow-off line of the system and the area of the gas bundle are each located in a – comparatively small – EX zone 2 (potentially explosive area).

As a rule, a notification of change is required in accordance with §15 BImSchG. The competent authority checks whether the modification requires approval.

The Reverion plant container is equipped with transport lugs and can therefore be dismantled quickly. Depending on the assessment of the local authorities, a building permit is therefore not required.
The exact requirements for the approval procedure depend on the local municipality. We recommend contacting the authorities as early as possible and will support you with the necessary technical documentation.

In contrast to a conventional CHP unit, the exhaust gases from the system do not contain any substances of concern in terms of emissions legislation in accordance with TA Luft (technical instructions on air quality control).

The system does not emit any substances hazardous to water as defined by the WHG.
The gas treatment adsorbers contain the sulphur separated from the biogas and can be disposed of at suitable disposal companies.