AUTARC World first energy storage by Hydrogen

The Autarc is an architecturally highly advanced floating structure that is a hundred percent self-sustaining.
This ambitious pilot project sets a new standard in the field of environmental care. As a world first, its energy storage is realised by hydrogen. The Autarc is the first fully self-sustaining structure in the world that is powered by hydrogen.

Initially, the Autarc will be equipped as an expo pavilion and will be moored at the docks of NEMO in Amsterdam. After this she will be available for other sustainability projects at home and abroad. Eventually, the Autarc will serve as a floating front office for initiator Syto Goslinga's Building & Construction Marketing partnership "De Bouwer & Partners".

The Autarc is the ultimate proof that living and working on the water in exceeding style and comfort is possible even without being connected to external water, electricity and sewage systems. We prove that this is feasible with "clean" technology.
To support this claim, all input, use, and output of energy is monitored around the clock, and published both on the arc's LED façade and on the Internet.

In addition, all relevant environmental factors are recorded continuously. Combination of these data not only sheds light on the way the Autarc aims to reach complete Autarchy, it also presents future sustainability projects with a veritable treasure trove of information to use to their advantage.

Power is generated from PV-panels that are built into the flat rooftop. The power of the sun generates more energy than is needed for the arc's primary requirements. The surplus of energy is used to produce hydrogen that can be stored for use at a later time. A fuel cell reverts the hydrogen back into energy. The Autarc boasts a highly innovative installation to show that small-scale local hydrogen production, storage and application is now technically feasible. This is taking a great leap forward towards a general breakthrough of this "clean" technology.

Both the arc's heating and cooling are achieved by means of "phase changing materials", thermally active concrete cores and heat exchange with the surface water, which is in abundant supply underneath and around the arc.

Water for consumption, food preparation and personal hygiene is obtained through the use of an installation that filters and purifies surface water. Unfiltered rain water is collected and stored from the roof and is used for the toilet and washing machine.

Sustainable de-centralised power generation, on a variety of scales, is a hot issue. Hydrogen is the vessel of "green" re-usable energy for the future.
Autarchy addresses the causes of worldwide climate change. Floating architecture addresses its effects. With the aid of our fantastic pilot project The Autarc, we want to demonstrate the conceptual and technical possibilities that are now within our reach. We also want to stun you with their beauty.

You are invited!

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Autarc
• DB&P
• SytoGoslinga
• DeBouwer&Partners