ELWA - Model P2H MLB - Modular Power-to-Heat (P2H) System
ELWA Systems for Energy offers a modular Power-to-Heat (P2H) solution, facilitating efficient energy storage and utilization, primarily aimed at integrating surplus renewable energy sources into the grid. This system effectively converts electrical energy into heat, suitable for integration with renewable resources like wind farms. It features a safety concept for 24/7 automated operation, modular design for high system power, and advanced control systems capable of primary and secondary control power. The P2H system is composed of modular units including a load bank (MLB) capable of a total capacity of 4.7 MW, expandable to higher outputs as needed. This system is adaptable for applications up to 800°C and pressures up to 16 bar. It supports AC networks from 230 to 690 VAC, offering significant cost-efficiencies and technical performance by operating on higher voltages. This technology offers efficient solutions for energy sectors requiring dynamic load profiles and precise energy responses, with integrated maintenance capabilities.
We all want to leave the next generations a world worth living in. Therefore, we must decarbonize immediately and decisively to mitigate climate change. If we are forced to use fossil fuels in certain applications, we must do so efficiently. And if we already have renewable energy sources on the grid, we must avoid curtailments.
- ELWA Power-To-Heat systems have been developed to make a valuable contribution to decarbonization as a highly efficient technology in the field of sector coupling.
- ELWA Power-To-Heat systems can be perfectly combined with heat pumps, combined heat and power plants, battery systems and large thermal storage units. We will be happy to advise you on how the various technologies can be perfectly combined.
- Safety concept for 24 / 7 fully automated operation
- Low maintenance & individually replaceable heating elements
- Preventive maintenance & remote maintenance
- Modular concept for very high system power
- Powerful control system for extremely fast response times
- Suitable for primary and secondary control power (PRL & SRL)
- Control of additional system components possible
The maximum power in a single heater is currently 1 MW at 400 VAC and 1.68 MW at 690 VAC. For higher powers, multiple heaters connected in series are used. The total power of the system is theoretically not limited. With our modular system MLB, we can reasonably cover outputs up to the high 2-digit MW range. With the modular system, the heater and switchgear are delivered ready for operation on a common mounting frame. This considerably reduces on-site expenses.
See table below for common plant sizes.
We combine the switchgears with our heaters for liquids and gases in order to cover the most different temperature ranges and operating conditions. If your process involves higher temperature ranges, for example up to 800 °C for air heating, please contact us.
Operating temperatures
- Water / Steam : 220 : °C
- Thermal oil : 300 : °C
Operating pressures
As standard we can supply systems up to 16 bar, higher operating pressures are available on request.
All projects realized by ELWA so far were applications on AC networks in the low voltage range. Theoretically, direct currents can also be switched and converted into heat in the heating elements. However, this requires a considerable effort especially at low voltages because of the high currents to be handled. Also theoretically, medium voltage systems can be realized – in all cases considered so far, however, a realization in the low voltage range was more economical and, above all, technically more sensible.
We can handle all voltages from 230 to 690 VAC with our standard radiators. If still possible in the project planning phase, we recommend to provide 690 VAC for the Power To Heat system. This allows a significant cost saving compared to lower voltages. The switched currents are significantly lower and we can dimension both the switchgear and the heaters smaller. Or looked at the other way around: We get higher power at the same currents through the switchgear and the heater.
In addition to the usual mains frequencies 50 & 60 Hz, we can also process fixed/variable frequencies of approx. 20 to 75 Hz. The adaptation is done by using special switching elements and fuses.