A lavender still passes steam through packed flowers, then condenses the vapour so oil separates from hydrosol. The steam usually comes from a gas or wood-fired boiler, but the electrical side includes the condenser cooling water pump, boiler controls, temperature sensors, and sometimes a small chiller for condenser water. After distilling come bottling, labelling and the farm shop, with tills, fridges and lights. Many lavender farms are on rural lines that drop out in summer thunderstorms.
The UPS-mode inverter and LiFePO4 battery switch over instantly, so the condenser pump and boiler controls do not stop. Losing condenser flow during a run would let vapour escape uncondensed, wasting oil and creating a hazard. The fuel cell then supplies the steady load from hydrogen stored at 30 bar or less, made on off-peak power or wind.
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We would not suggest making steam electrically from hydrogen. A still's steam boiler is a heavy heat load, and with round-trip efficiency of 30% or less it would waste energy. The fit is the electrical side: pumps, controls, a small chiller, bottling, and the farm shop, all within 15 kW continuous. A farm with a café and commercial kitchen as well may need the pilot to check its peak load.
No, and we would not suggest it. Steam generation is a big heat load and hydrogen at 30% or less round-trip would waste energy. The boiler stays on its own fuel while the system covers pumps and controls.
Yes. The switch-over is instant, so the condenser pump keeps cooling without a pause. That keeps the run going and avoids uncondensed vapour escaping from the still, which wastes oil and makes the distilling shed unpleasant to work in.
Usually, yes. Tills, fridges, lights and a coffee machine fit within 15 kW alongside the distillery's electrical loads. A full commercial kitchen would need checking in the pilot, because ovens and dishwashers on a busy weekend set the peak.
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