The MUV Screentec GmbH deals with the design, machining and assembly of tools, devices, equipment and special machines. The spectrum of application ranges from filters and screens about lighting, lamp design and design technology for the utilization in architecture to product development and plant construction for alternative energy sources with a focus on solar and hydrogen production. In particular, the extensive expertise for hydrogen production as well as the fruitful discussion with the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS Hermsdorf led to new and innovative ideas for storing electricity on the principle of "power-to-gas".

The possibility of storing and distributing large amounts of electricity is an important building block in the proposed strong use of renewable energy sources in the energy policy. "Power-to-Gas" describes the process of electrolysis, wherein the hydrogen feed stream is obtained by means of water. To a small extend only, the hydrogen produced can be fed directly into the gas grid. Therefore, the reaction of hydrogen with carbon dioxide to methane (Sabatier reaction) is extremely interesting, since there is no limit in the feed amount and the available gas networks and storages can be used for the distribution and storage.

The theme of "power-to-gas" is currently processed intensively. There are already research facilities in kW and MW scale. In the joint project of the MUV Screentec GmbH and the Fraunhofer IKTS, for the first time a catalytic membrane reactor is to be developed and used for the Sabatier reaction by the end of 2014. Here, non-metallic catalysts in combination with water-separating ceramic membranes are  used. The removal of water does not only lead to the drying of methane, but also to shift the reaction equilibrium and thus to increase revenue and yield.

"It was clear to the MUV Screentec GmbH that such a task can only be solved in an economically hedged frame and with technically competent partners. With the program of the individual funding in the amount of 1.191 million euros of Thuringia, the economic conditions are now in place to address these issues quickly. "With the Fraunhofer IKTS Hermsdorf a professionally qualified partner has been found.", says Jörg Grützner, managing director of MUW Screentec GmbH Erfurt.

The Fraunhofer IKTS develops application-oriented, modern high-performance ceramic materials, industrial powder technologies, precursor-based wet chemical methods of manufacture and prototype components and systems. In the research field of "Environmental and Process Engineering" materials, technologies and systems for an efficient, safe and economical extraction, conversion, transport, storage and use of energy are being developed. The research activities include ceramic membranes for the separation of materials and catalysts for the heterogeneous catalysis.

These membranes and catalysts are now used in the joint project. The principle of the membrane reactor is going to be tested first in a pilot plant at laboratory scale. In parallel, the MUV Screentec GmbH designs and builds a pilot plant in Erfurt.