At Heatlie, we are always looking to innovate and we're constantly keeping an eye on the future. This means devoting a lot of time to product development.
In 2018, in response to a worldwide call for more research and development in the energy industry, we successfully designed, developed and manufactured the first hydrogen barbecue. Partnering with Woodside Energy for their expertise in energy solutions, Heatlie was able to overcome the boundaries of standard LPG and natural gas applications, to provide a safer, cleaner and renewable way of barbecuing.
Hydrogen Cooking & Efficiency
The Heatlie hydrogen barbecue is the first of its kind, and proof of what the future holds for BBQing. We strived to show that hydrogen is the future of gas appliances. Through our testing, we found that it's capable of producing the same heat output as LPG and natural gas, through the use of less gas, leading to a more efficient cook.
This works by utilising the high combustion rate of hydrogen to reduce the gas flow, thus producing a more efficient barbecue whilst also generating the same even heat distribution.
Hydrogen consumes .35 kgs of fuel per hour, almost half that of Natural Gas and LPG. This means it is exceptionally efficient, however even better, it will create double the heat from the same amount of fuel. Hydrogen generates 120 Megajoules of heat per kilogram of fuel consumed, compared to 53 MJ for Natural gas, and 71 MJ for LPG.
The hydrogen BBQ is based on our standard 850 model, looks and cooks like any normal BBQ. The only thing that's changed is the addition of a hydrogen regulator and a different burner system that allows for hydrogen use. The best part is it's all 100% Australian made.
| Gas Type |
MJ/hr |
MJ/Kg Fuel Consumed |
Greenhouse Emissions (Kg co2-e/GJ) After 1 Hour
|
Greenhouse Emissions (Kg co2-e/GJ) After 1 Day
|
Greenhouse Emissions (Kg co2-e/GJ) After 1 Week
|
Greenhouse Emissions (Kg co2-e/GJ) After 1 Year
|
| Hydrogen |
42 |
120 |
0.01 |
0.25 |
1.76 |
91.98 |
| LPG |
42 |
71 |
2.54 |
61.08 |
12,827.80 |
22,295.95 |
| Natural Gas |
40 |
53 |
2.06 |
49.46 |
10,388.44 |
18,056.11 |
Renewability and Sustainability
The end goal of exploring a new fuel type for barbecuing is to stray away from LPG and Natural Gas, which are known to be a burden on the environment and our atmosphere. This is where hydrogen truly exceeds expectations. On a statistical basis, hydrogen emits 0.41% of the greenhouse gases that LPG does. *
If you were to run your hydrogen barbecue for an entire year straight, non-stop, you'd emit as many greenhouse gases as you would using your natural gas barbecue for 2 days, or your LPG barbecue for a day and a half. *
Hydrogen mainly emits water as a bi-product, to be exact, about 6.25 kg of water is produced per hour as steam. This water is fairly pure too, but it does contain nitrous oxides.
Availability of Hydrogen
Currently, hydrogen gas canisters are not available for purchase by the general public, so our hydrogen BBQ remains a commercial option only. We have sold several to different organisations including international companies. With more research into the topic coming over the next few years, hydrogen may become more readily available to the public, so watch this space.
Heatlie Product Innovation
At Heatlie, we're more than just barbecues. We're focused on quality engineering solutions with a long history in the industry. We take pride in our ability to respond to short lead times when it comes to innovating and producing high quality builds.
Most of all, Heatlie Barbecues values the need for innovative renewable solutions for the future. This product is our contribution to the future and proof that Heatlie is committed to providing our expertise to develop new technologies that will help the environment.
If your company or organisation is interested in our hydrogen BBQ, or any other product development opportunities, don't hesitate to contact us.
*(Hydrogen only) extrapolation on NOx creation based on flame temperature comparison of natural gas and LPG.
* Weighted gas emission as per National Greenhouse accounts Factors July 2017.
