Repsol YPF

Repsol YPF, Generating the energy of the future

We all need energy- heating, cooling, and electricity- for countless uses. As our demand for energy increases, so does the need to reduce contaminating emissions and fuel consumption. That is why increasingly efficient and environmentally friendly polygeneration energy technologies are being implemented (for electricity, heat and cold). 

In order to meet this challenge, Repsol YPF is participating in the European HEGEL project. Different highly efficient technologies are being developed and compared in order to produce energy on a small scale. The project is funded by the Sixth European Union Framework Programme. Companies and universities from Spain, Italy, France, Sweden, Belgium and Turkey are participating. 

Repsol YPF is taking part in the project through its LPG technology centre.  Francisco José Alía and Miguel Ángel Muñecas are the scientists that are participating in this project on behalf of our company. 

As part of our participation, in the technology centre’s gas laboratory, a novel electricity system to generate electricity, heat and cold will be tested. This system is based on connecting a gas micro-turbine to two air cooled ammonia-water absorption machines. The micro-turbine simultaneously generates electricity and heat, used in the winter for heating and in the summer to power the absorption machine, thereby producing cold for free.   

The results of the laboratory experiments will serve to support plans to install this system commercially in a housing, office and commercial complex in Sant Cugat del Vallès (Barcelona).

Other polygeneration plants to be implemented as part of the HEGEL project consist of an alternative engine connected to cooling by drying (Italy) or a Rankine cycle (Turkey).

The first HEGEL Project workshop took place in Tarragona, Spain on 16 October. HEGEL project members and interested shareholders attended. At a stand, the project was explained in further detail. During the event, there was a round table to discuss the situation and the future of energy microgeneration and cold production technologies in polygeneration plants.