Hydrogen genset with DEIF control combines fast response and grid-support capability
In a joint development project, Benschop/HOB Aggregaten implemented a hydrogen internal combustion engine genset to deliver low-emission power in the Netherlands.
The solution is built around a DEIF control and power management platform, enabling advanced grid take-over and grid-support functionality. The project was realised in close collaboration with Caldic-Techniek as technology partner and NPS Driven as developer of the hydrogen engine technology.
HOB Aggregaten has been working with DEIF controllers since 2002, originally in grid maintenance applications. As Mark Boere explains: “The first request for synchronous takeovers for grid maintenance dates back to 2002, and that’s when we chose DEIF.” He adds that the controller platform has continued to evolve alongside their applications ever since.
The challenge: reliable power under strict emission constraints
Across many projects, the requirements for on-site power have changed significantly. It is no longer enough to simply provide electricity.
As Marco Benschop describes it:
“Nowadays sustainability is more and more a point you have to look at. It’s not only that customers say: we want energy - you also have to take care of the rules, the environment and the location where you set up this source of energy.”
In parallel, grid congestion has become a practical limitation, making it increasingly difficult to connect or expand loads. This has reinforced the need for flexible, temporary power solutions that can take over or support the grid when needed.
Why a hydrogen internal combustion engine
When evaluating low-carbon alternatives, the project team deliberately chose a hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE). Compared to fuel cell solutions, the ICE approach offered a familiar operating principle and robust behaviour under dynamic loads.
As Jarne Lotens from NPS Driven explains:
“Compared to fuel cells, internal combustion engines are a well-established and widely understood technology. They are robust, require relatively limited maintenance, and are already familiar to many customers.”
For HOB Aggregaten, this provided a pragmatic way to introduce hydrogen while maintaining predictable performance expectations.
The solution: DEIF control as a flexible integration backbone
At the core of the genset is a DEIF control platform, acting as the central integration point between generator, engine, grid interface and safety systems.
Thanks to its flexibility, the controller supports grid take-over, grid-support modes such as peak shaving and voltage regulation, and operation as part of more complex multi-asset systems.
Over years of use, HOB Aggregaten has extended controller functionality well beyond standard operation.
As Marcel Reinders from Caldic-Techniek observes:
“You use the full capabilities of the DEIF controller - and even pushing beyond them.”
A key technical development in this project was the close communication between controller and engine. By exchanging real-time electrical load information, engine response could be significantly improved.
According to Jarne Lotens:
“The communication between the generator controller and the engine enables the system to respond to step loads much faster than we initially expected.”
This was reflected in testing results.
Mark Boere notes:
“The stability performance of the hydrogen engine exceeded that of all diesel engines we tested according to the ISO 8528 standard, underlining the suitability of the combination for demanding applications.”
Marco Benschop, HOB Aggregaten
Mark Boere, HOB Aggregaten
Jarne Lotens, NPS Driven
Results and experience
During testing and demonstrations, the hydrogen genset met - and in several areas exceeded - expectations. Particularly highlighted were stable operation under dynamic loads, fast response and reliable grid interaction.
Beyond technical performance, the partners emphasised the value of their way of working. Short feedback loops, open communication and a shared engineering mindset allowed progress even in areas where hydrogen standards and best practices are still evolving.
Outlook
Based on the experience gained, HOB Aggregaten has already initiated the development of additional hydrogen gensets.
Looking back on the journey, Marco Benschop summarises the approach pragmatically:
“If you want to get started with hydrogen, my advice is simple: just begin. You will learn along the way.”
The project demonstrates how new fuel technologies can be combined with a proven, flexible DEIF control platform and strong partner collaboration to deliver reliable power solutions for real-world applications.
Roles in the collaboration
HOB Aggregaten - application expertise and system integration
HOB Aggregaten defined the operational requirements and overall genset design based on real-world applications such as grid maintenance and emission-restricted environments. Their long-term experience with DEIF controllers ensured continuity for operators even while introducing a new fuel technology.
Caldic-Techniek - technology partner
Caldic-Techniek supported the project as technology partner and acted as a direct interface between the companies. This structure enabled fast decision-making and efficient problem-solving.
As Mark Boere puts it: “It’s important that you can reach the right people immediately. That makes a big difference when developing something new.”
NPS Driven - hydrogen engine development
NPS Driven developed the hydrogen internal combustion engine and worked closely with the partners to align calibration and communication with genset requirements. The open collaboration made it possible to implement changes pragmatically, without lengthy development cycles.
DEIF - control and power management platform
DEIF provided the control and power management platform that enabled stable operation, advanced grid functionality and system transparency. Its flexibility allowed the project partners to adapt controller behaviour as requirements evolved, while maintaining a proven and predictable control environment.
Project partners
- HOB Aggregaten - System integration and application design
- DEIF - Control and power management platform
- Caldic-Techniek - Technology partner and integration support
- NPS Driven - Hydrogen engine development
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