Overview
Innovation description
ETRA provides a modular engineering framework for integrating hydrogen production, storage, conversion and utilisation equipment into a unified, automated and digitally managed system.
The solution creates a common control and data environment for otherwise independent hydrogen-system components, including electrolysers, storage units, conversion technologies, fuel cells and balance-of-plant equipment. PLC, HMI and SCADA architectures coordinate process sequences, operating states, safety interlocks, alarms and energy flows across the complete installation.
Standard industrial communication interfaces enable equipment supplied by different manufacturers to be connected within one interoperable operating environment. Real-time data acquisition, remote supervision and historical analysis provide operators with transparent insight into system status, performance, efficiency and maintenance requirements.
Digital twins and simulation models support system dimensioning, control-strategy development, virtual commissioning and optimisation before physical deployment. The architecture can be adapted to modular, skid-mounted and containerised hydrogen installations and scaled from pilot applications to industrial systems.
The principal innovation lies in combining multi-vendor hydrogen equipment, advanced process automation, digital engineering and lifecycle intelligence within a reusable integration framework. This reduces technical interfaces and integration risks, shortens commissioning time and enables hydrogen installations to be replicated, upgraded and scaled more efficiently.
More information
About
ETRA is a Slovenian engineering and technology company established in 1994. The company employs more than 70 professionals in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, automation, software development, robotics, manufacturing, commissioning and maintenance.
ETRA designs and delivers intelligent production systems, custom machinery, robotic cells, control and supervisory systems, industrial software and digitalisation solutions. Its multidisciplinary capabilities cover the complete project cycle, from concept design and in-house R&D to manufacturing, installation, commissioning and lifecycle support.
The company is a Siemens Solution Partner and a certified integration partner for leading industrial robot manufacturers. ETRA operates in accordance with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 management systems.
By combining research and development with extensive industrial implementation experience, ETRA supports technology providers and industrial customers in developing, integrating and scaling complex engineering solutions. Its services include preventive, predictive and corrective maintenance, system modernisation and 24/7 technical support.
Within NACHIP, ETRA is a technology integration partner in the Velenje urban pilot, which demonstrates the production, storage and efficient use of renewable hydrogen in a public-building environment.
Within NASCHA, ETRA contributes to the Celje Smart Community of Practice and the demonstration of renewable hydrogen applications in urban environments. The Celje activities build on the technical and operational experience gained through NACHIP and support the development of replicable hydrogen solutions for municipalities, energy utilities and public infrastructure operators.
ETRA’s objective is to transform individual hydrogen components into operational, interoperable and replicable energy systems that are ready for real-world deployment.
Intellectual property status
ETRA’s solutions are based on proprietary engineering expertise, internally developed software, automation architectures, control algorithms, digital solutions and application-specific system designs.
Intellectual property developed within collaborative R&D and commercial projects is managed through project-specific agreements. ETRA can integrate its proprietary engineering solutions with technologies and intellectual property provided by customers, research organisations and technology partners.
Maturity of innovation
ETRA’s industrial automation, machine-building, system-integration and maintenance capabilities are commercially established and operationally proven.
Hydrogen-specific solutions are being implemented through ongoing pilot, demonstration and industrialisation projects. Depending on the integrated technology and application, ETRA supports development from pilot validation to fully operational industrial systems.
Maturity status:
- Commercially available engineering and integration services
- Proven industrial automation and machine-building capabilities
- Hydrogen pilot and demonstration projects ongoing
- Industrialisation and scale-up activities in progress
- Long-term maintenance and lifecycle services available
Matjaž Preložnik
CEO of ETRA
Mojca Golež
Head of IT, R&D Project Leader
Peter Gradišnik
Head of Mechanical design
Partnership opportunities
ETRA is interested in cooperation with hydrogen technology developers, equipment manufacturers, research organisations, energy companies, infrastructure operators, public authorities and industrial end users.
ETRA can contribute as:
- Engineering and technology development partner
- Hydrogen system integrator
- Automation and control-system provider
- Manufacturer of custom machines, skids and production systems
- Digitalisation and OT cybersecurity partner
- Pilot and demonstration-site implementation partner
- Industrialisation and scale-up partner
- Operations and maintenance provider
- Partner in European and national R&D projects
ETRA is particularly interested in partnerships involving:
- Integration of electrolysers, fuel cells and hydrogen storage systems
- Hydrogen conversion and reconversion technologies
- Development of modular and containerised hydrogen systems
- Automation and digitalisation of hydrogen infrastructure
- Industrialisation and serial production of hydrogen equipment
- Demonstration projects for industrial and community applications
- Predictive maintenance and lifecycle optimisation
- Secure monitoring and remote operation of hydrogen systems
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To access this information follow these steps:
1. Join the community and become a HE Investor: Sign up here.
2. Our team will verify your inquiry and connect with you.