Context Challenge Results News Consortium

Innovative solutions to minimize electrolysis stack degradation and green hydrogen production costs

IRAUNKOR

Context

The deployment of the renewable hydrogen market will largely depend on the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH). To reduce this, it is essential to improve electrolyzer efficiency and reduce component degradation, which has a significant impact on performance and service life.

Under intermittent operating conditions, such as in systems coupled to renewable energy, the efficiency and durability of electrolyzers are greatly affected and depend largely on the design and components of the stack, as well as the operating conditions.

CHALLENGE

IRAUNKOR seeks to exhaustively investigate the impact of operating conditions on the degradation of low-temperature stacks throughout their service life using standardized protocols.

The knowledge of degradation parameters acquired during the project will enable the development of innovative solutions that minimize such degradation, making green hydrogen production possible at a competitive cost.

Critical Parameters and Degradation Mechanisms

Critical Parameters

High current densities
Frequent starts and stops
Current fluctuation
Load ramps

Degradation Mechanisms

Anodic and cathodic polarization
Component leaching
Active site limitation
Passivation
Dissolution
Precipitate formation
Reverse currents

Areas of Action

EXPECTED RESULTS

Stack degradation testing protocols
Analysis of the impact of operating parameters on stacks
Degradation models under realistic conditions
Optimal operating strategies for each technology

Consortium Capabilities

AWE

Stack 1:

Power: 0.9 kW
Active area: 177 cm
Number of cells: 5
Total flow: 60 L/h
Nominal current density: 0.3 A/cm^2
Pressure: < 8 bar

Stack 2:

Power: 3 kW
Active area: 500 cm2
Number of cells: 5
Total flow: 100 L/h
Nominal current density: 0.4 A/cm^2
Pressure: 30 bar

PEM

Stack 1:

Power: 0.125 kW
Active area: 25 cm2
Number of cells: 5
Total flow: 60 L/h
Nominal current density: 1 A/cm^2
Pressure: < 6 bar

Stack 2:

Power: 8.5 kW
Active area: 400 cm2
Number of cells: 5
Total flow: 100 L/h
Nominal current density: 3 A/cm^2
Pressure: 30 bar

AEM

Stack:

Power: 1kW
Active area: 80 cm2
Number of cells: 6
Total flow: 180 L/h
Nominal current density: 1 A/cm^2
Pressure: 0-16 bar

Test Infrastructure

Bench:

Maximum power: 5 kW
Maximum current: 500 A
Maximum voltage: 15 V
Maximum pressure: 30 bar
Maximum temperature: 90°C
Double hydraulic circuit connected and/or separate

Bench 1:

Maximum power: 0.5 kW
Maximum current: 30 A
Maximum voltage: 60 V
Maximum pressure: 6 bar
Maximum temperature: 80°C
Up to 4 stacks with hydraulic circuit connected between 2 stacks and/or individual electrical circuit per stack

Bench 2:

Maximum power: 25 kW
Maximum current: 200 A
Maximum voltage: 60 V
Maximum pressure: 30 bar
Maximum temperature: 120°C
Up to 3 stacks with individual hydraulic and/or electrical circuit per stack