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 dried, and a gas separation process is used to reduce the carbon dioxide content of the gas in order to increase the calorific value. The gas is then re-humidified, pre-heated and fed into a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). The gas is partially oxidised with air in the SOFC to produce electrical energy. The used gas is regenerated and fed back into the process via gas separation.

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 plants regenerate the used biogas and return it to the fuel cells. Through this cycle, 100% of the biogas used can be utilised and an efficiency of 80% can be achieved. 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 partially converted to methane in a methanation reactor. The synthetic natural gas produced in this way is fed into the gas separation unit. The synthetic natural gas is removed from the system for storage, and the carbon dioxide is fed back into the electrolysis process.

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).

The options for reserving plants for delivery in 2023 have already been exhausted. You can pre-order systems for delivery from mid-2024.

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 500-kW system will be installed in a 20-foot standard container, just like the 100-kW system.  It is a modular construction – 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 according to the EU Machinery Directive and is equipped with a CE mark.
• No designation of a potentially explosive area is required in the system.
• Our systems are GS-certified by the TÜV (German Technical Inspection Department) and equipped with a GS mark.
• The noise emissions are clearly below 50 dB(A). Therefore, no additional noise protection measures are required.
• As a rule, a notification of change is required in accordance with §15 BImSchG. The competent authority checks whether the change requires a permit.
• The Reverion plant container is equipped with transport lugs and can therefore be quickly dismantled. Depending on the assessment of your local authority, a building permit may therefore not be required.
• The exact requirements for the approval procedure depend on your local authority. We recommend contacting the local authority as early as possible and will support you by providing the necessary technical documentation.
• In contrast to a conventional CHP unit, the exhaust gases of the plant do not contain any substances of concern in terms of emission legislation according to TA Luft. (Technical instructions on air quality control).
• The plant does not emit any substances hazardous to water according to WHG.
• The adsorbers of the gas treatment contain sulphur separated from the biogas and can be handed over to suitable disposal companies.