I’m delighted to introduce the first range of non-domestic fully CE certified high-efficiency condensing gas boilers that can run on 100% hydrogen gas. This represents a first for the UK and is intended to help support early adopter projects to simplify this part of the design.
But it hasn’t been a quick-and-easy journey, we knew we needed to develop a range that would meet the needs of early hydrogen adopters, whilst being flexible for the current market and fuel options.
To do that, we needed the right partner…
Bringing hydrogen experience to the market
We’ve been working in partnership with Dunphy Combustion, a UK-based manufacturer of high-quality burner technology, to develop a product offering that would meet the needs of early adopter projects. Dunphy has more than 25 years of experience with hydrogen combustion and is a globally trusted brand in this space.
Together with our high-efficiency condensing boiler technologies and hydrogen experience – particularly from being a key partner manufacturer in the UK Government’s Hy4Heat project – we had the combined possibility to deliver a first-of-a-kind boiler to the UK and European markets.
The development test work that we undertook with Dunphy to verify the product range on both 100% hydrogen and 100% natural gas has been extensive. This represents a big step forward for applications wanting to decarbonise non-domestic heat demands through the use of green hydrogen.
Fuel flexibility at the flick of a switch
From the outset, the UC 8000 F product range was designed to offer flexibility of fuel use as a key market requirement.
For pioneer projects with localised hydrogen production, we understand that hydrogen supply could be intermittent at times and that a backup is needed. Similarly, for projects that have their sights firmly on the future, it is known that there would still be a need to initially operate on natural gas for a time.
For these reasons we took the decision to give full flexibility by having two separate gas trains combined into a single burner head. Dunphy’s innovative burner technology allowed for gas changeover to be controlled simply by operating a switch or through a Building Management System control. This level of flexibility without the need for onsite re-commissioning, is a big step forward for early adopter projects giving clients confidence that they will have a reliable supply of heat.
The boiler itself
The UC 8000 F boiler range is a tried and tested stainless steel high-efficiency condensing boiler with an innovative three pass technology. The crimped tubes of the second and third pass through the heat exchanger create micro turbulences which keep the flue gases in contact with the heat exchanger surface ensuring good heat transfer.
The boiler water connections offer both a high-temperature and low-temperature return connection, giving the possibility to separate the system returns and gain further efficiency
Outputs range from 145kW to 640kW with the possibility to cascade boilers for larger outputs, with operating temperatures up to 90°C.
Taking care of emissions
Hydrogen burns with a higher flame temperature than natural gas, potentially leading to higher NOx emissions. The UC 8000 F boilers use flue gas recirculation technology (FGR) built into the standard package to ensure low NOx emissions are achieved out of the box.
FGR operates to recirculate a small amount of the flue gases back into the burner. This lowers the flame bulk temperature and oxygen level, leading to lower NOx emissions. This technology reduces NOx emissions to below 40mg/kWh.
But why choose hydrogen?
For applications where the electrification of heat would prove challenging, such as systems requiring higher temperatures, fast response or where there are no siting options for heat pumps, hydrogen may offer an alternative route to decarbonisation.
Whilst we wait for a decision in 2026 on the future of the national gas transmission system, local energy assessments may reveal hydrogen supply opportunities developing from the many hydrogen clusters benefitting from the Net Zero Hydrogen fund.
Put simply, where there is a potential hydrogen supply developing, realising a project of this sort just got a lot simpler.
For more information, please visit: https://www.bosch-industrial.com/gb/en/commercial-industrial/hydrogen-boiler.html
Image credit: Bosch
