Yes, you can store nitrogen using solar panels for later use. By coupling solar energy with a nitrogen generator, a sustainable system is created that produces and stores nitrogen during the day in high-pressure storage tanks. This combination of renewable energy and industrial nitrogen production offers businesses energy independence and lower operational costs.
Nitrogen Storage with Solar Energy: An Innovative Combination
The combination of solar panels with nitrogen storage forms an innovative solution for industrial companies looking to reduce their energy costs and operate more sustainably. This system uses solar energy to power a nitrogen generator, which then produces and stores pure nitrogen for use when the sun is not shining.
For metalworking companies, this concept is particularly relevant because they require nitrogen for oxidation-free laser cutting. In this process, nitrogen serves as an inert gas to ensure clean, silver-colored cutting edges without discoloration or rust formation. This results in better weldability and less post-processing of components.
The system works by producing nitrogen during the day, when solar panels perform optimally, and storing it under high pressure. This supply can then be used at night or during cloudy periods, providing you with a continuous nitrogen supply without dependence on the electrical grid.
How Does Nitrogen Storage with Solar Panels Work?
The technical process begins with solar panels converting sunlight into electricity. This current powers a nitrogen generator that extracts pure nitrogen from ambient air using membrane technology or PSA technology (Pressure Swing Adsorption).
The produced nitrogen is then pressurized by a nitrogen compressor and stored in specially designed storage tanks. These tanks can withstand pressures up to 300 bar, allowing large quantities of nitrogen to be stored compactly.
The system also includes a pressure regulator that delivers the stored nitrogen at the correct working pressure to your production processes. An automatic control system monitors the supply and starts production when storage capacity falls below a certain level.
| Component | Function | Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Panels | Energy Generation | 10-50 kWp depending on requirements |
| Nitrogen Generator | N₂ Production from Air | 95-99.999% purity |
| Compressor | Pressure Increase | Up to 300 bar working pressure |
| Storage Tanks | Nitrogen Supply | 500-5000 liter volume |
What Advantages Does Sustainable Nitrogen Storage Offer?
Sustainable nitrogen production with solar energy delivers significant economic benefits. You reduce your energy costs because solar energy is free after the initial investment. Additionally, you eliminate the costs of nitrogen cylinders and deliveries from external suppliers.
Environmental benefits include a drastic reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to conventional nitrogen production. Solar energy produces no direct emissions, allowing your company to contribute to climate goals and potentially benefit from green subsidies.
Independence from the electrical grid provides operational security. Your nitrogen supply remains guaranteed, even during power outages or network disruptions. This is crucial for continuous production processes where interruption can be costly.
What Are the Technical Requirements for Nitrogen Storage with Solar Energy?
For an effective system, you need sufficient roof space or land for solar panels. An average system for metalworking requires approximately 200-500 square meters of panels, depending on your nitrogen consumption and desired storage capacity.
The nitrogen generator must be sized based on your peak consumption and average daily requirements. For laser cutting of metal, nitrogen with 99.5-99.9% purity is typically sufficient, which keeps system costs manageable.
Storage tanks must be calculated to provide at least 24-48 hours of autonomy. This ensures you have sufficient nitrogen even during extended cloudy periods. Regular maintenance includes checking compressors, replacing membranes, and inspecting high-pressure connections.
Which Industries Is This Solution Suitable For?
Metalworking companies benefit most from this technology, especially for oxidation-free laser cutting of stainless steel, aluminum, and steel. The high-quality nitrogen ensures tight, smooth edges that are ideal for visible work and precision components.
Horticultural companies use nitrogen for controlled atmosphere storage of products, extending shelf life. Breweries require nitrogen to prevent oxidation during the brewing process and for pressurizing tanks.
Data centers implement nitrogen in fire prevention systems through oxygen displacement. Laboratories use nitrogen for inert atmospheres during sensitive analyses and experiments. These sectors all have constant nitrogen requirements, making the investment in solar-powered storage quickly pay for itself across various industrial branches.
Key Considerations for Nitrogen Storage with Solar Panels
During implementation, you must consider your average nitrogen consumption, peak demand, and desired autonomy. Start with a thorough analysis of your current nitrogen costs and consumption patterns to determine the optimal system size.
Practical tips for successful implementation include choosing high-quality components for long service life, installing monitoring systems for preventive maintenance, and planning backup options for extreme weather conditions.
We at Presscon support companies in realizing sustainable nitrogen solutions through custom engineering, complete system integration, and ongoing maintenance service. Our 25 years of experience in industrial nitrogen systems enables us to deliver solutions that perfectly align with your specific production needs and sustainability goals. For more information about implementing these systems, please contact our technical experts.
