With rising costs in electricity generation, increased demand and frequent ‘black outs’ compounded by cable theft, the search for renewable energy power sources is becoming increasingly urgent.
Rand Technical Services (RTS), based in Tshwane, has added an exciting new product to its portfolio: a hydrogen-based ‘battery’ robust enough for the harshest African conditions. The ‘hydrogen, battery’ created and manufactured by Italian ‘clean technology’ company ACTA, presents a viable alternative to conventional emergency power sources, particularly in areas where electricity supply is unreliable.
“The product, ACTA Power, has been developed to act as a stand-by power supply in cases where there is erratic power supply. The technology is a back-up power system in battery form, using a renewable natural resource – hydrogen – which is stored at pressure,” explains RTS’s Chairman Ian Fraser. “This is relatively new technology, and we are very excited to introduce it to this country where we believe it has significant potential.”
The battery uses technology that incorporates an electrolyser which generates hydrogen gas by the electrolysis of water, extendable gas storage facilities and a fuel cell. This will convert the hydrogen – combined with ambient oxygen – back into electricity when required.
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