Project description
New membrane and advanced catalysts slash costs of hydrogen production by electrolysis
Bringing together academia and industry, the EU-funded CHANNEL project is developing a novel, cost efficient 2 kW electrolyser stack based on anion exchange membrane (AEM) to boost hydrogen generation by water electrolysis. The AEM electrolyser will use low-cost materials including non-platinum group metal electrocatalysts, porous transport layers, current collectors, bipolar plates, and state-of-the-art anion exchange membranes and ionomers. The electrolyser will be designed to operate at differential pressure with a capital cost equal to or lower than classical alkaline electrolysis. However, unlike alkaline technology, CHANNEL’s AEM electrolyser aims to achieve efficiency and current density operation close to that of a proton exchange membrane electrolyser.
Objective
The CHANNEL proposal brings together world-leading and highly experienced industrial and research partners with AEM electrolyser expertise to address the topic New Anion Exchange electrolyser - FCH-02-4-2019. The main objective of CHANNEL is to develop a low cost and efficient electrolyser stack and balance of plant (BoP) that will become a game-changer for the electrolyser industry. The concept is to construct an AEM electrolyser unite using low cost materials, using state-of-the-art anion exchange membranes and ionomers, non-PGM electrocatalysts, as well as low-cost porous transport layers, current collectors and bi-polar plates. This will enable the development of an electrolyser technology at a capital cost (CAPEX) equal or below classical alkaline electrolysis. However, in contrast to the alkaline technology, the CHANNEL AEM electrolyser will have an efficiency and current density operation close to the one of proton exchange membrane electrolyser (PEMWE). The CHANNEL stack will not only result in decreased electrolyser part count, but it will also be able to operate at differential pressure, as well as under dynamic operation, optimal for producing high quality, low cost hydrogen from renewable energy sources.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
- H2020-EU.3.3. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Secure, clean and efficient energy Main Programme
- H2020-EU.3.3.8.2. - Increase the energy efficiency of production of hydrogen mainly from water electrolysis and renewable sources while reducing operating and capital costs, so that the combined system of the hydrogen production and the conversion using the fuel cell system can compete with the alternatives for electricity production available on the market
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
7034 Trondheim
Norway