- Email: [email protected]
DOE announces dollar;16m for SOFC research and prototype system tests
NEWS storage, and for the development of fuel cells for light-duty vehicles [FCB, June 2017, p13]. Proton Onsite – recently acquired by Norwegian-based Nel ASA [May 2017, p11] – was awarded two grants, and is a partner on a third [see also the Proton OnSite feature in September 2013]. The first grant, for $249 000, will help Proton OnSite’s R&D department advance the development of high-efficiency PEM water electrolysis enabled by advanced catalysts, membranes and processes in collaboration with Tufts University in Massachusetts and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. The second grant, for $2 million, will provide funding for Proton Onsite scientists to benchmark advanced water splitting technologies and develop best practices in materials characterisation, in collaboration with California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Washington state, and Arizona State University. Proton is also a partner on a third grant, for $250 000 and led by Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, focused on scalable elastomeric membrane development for alkaline water electrolysis. All three grants will also involve the HydroGEN consortium [November 2016, p12], which comprises six DOE national labs – the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Sandia, Lawrence Berkeley, Idaho, Lawrence Livermore, and Savannah River – that offer a wide range of world-class capabilities in advanced water splitting technologies. Proton OnSite, Wallingford, Connecticut, USA. Tel: +1 203 678 2000, www.ProtonOnSite.com HydroGEN Consortium: www.h2awsm.org
Sunfire SOEC steam electrolysis module for Salzgitter Flachstahl
G
erman solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) and fuel cell developer Sunfire GmbH has delivered a high-efficiency steam electrolysis module to the integrated steel smelting plant at Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH, where it will be trialed for energy balancing and load management. The ‘Green Industrial Hydrogen via reversible high-temperature electrolysis’ (GrInHy) three-year demonstration project at Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH is being supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme, with E4.5 million (US$5.2 million) in funding from the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) [FCB, August 2016, p10]. The project is coordinated by the Salzgitter Mannesmann Forschung GmbH research subsidiary in Germany, with the participation of steel 12
Fuel Cells Bulletin
producer Salzgitter Flachstahl, sunfire, and the EIFER European Institute for Energy Research in Germany, Boeing Research & Technology Europe in Spain, the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, the Institute of Physics of Materials in the Czech Academy of Sciences, and the Politecnico di Torino in Italy. The steam electrolysis module produces 40 Nm3/h of hydrogen with an input power of 150 kW. It can also be reversed into fuel cell mode with an output power of 30 kW. The Sunfire technology has a high electrical efficiency of more than 80% with reference to the lower calorific value of hydrogen, since it is steam rather than liquid water which undergoes the splitting process. The steam required is provided in the form of waste heat from the smelting plant processes at Salzgitter Flachstahl, and supplied to the steam electrolysis unit, which is housed in a 20 ft (6.1 m) container on the production site. After purification, the crude hydrogen is fed directly into the local hydrogen pipeline and recycled. Two smaller modules were put into operation at Boeing in 2015 [February 2016, p1, and see the Sunfire feature in March 2016]. In fuel cell mode, the module can be operated with both hydrogen and natural gas. One of the points being investigated within GrInHy is the extent to which the plant can contribute to the provision of grid services such as energy balancing and load management. Hydrogen is used in the integrated smelting plant to produce a protective gas atmosphere, i.e. one which excludes oxygen, and prevent oxidation of steel during the annealing process. The use of ‘green’ hydrogen improves the carbon footprint of the end product. Sunfire GmbH, Dresden, Germany. Tel: +49 351 896 7970, www.sunfire.de GrInHy project: www.green-industrial-hydrogen.com Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking: www.fch.europa.eu
FVV starts research to advance fuel cells for vehicles in 2025
T
he FVV Research Association for Combustion Engines in Frankfurt am Main, Germany has established a new planning group that is launching its first fuel cell R&D projects, with the aim of making zero-emissions, longrange mobility affordable. The very high cost of automotive fuel cells is the focus of the pre-competitive industrial collective research activities coordinated by the new FVV planning group, led by BMW’s Dr Merten Jung. He sees significant potential for optimisation in
reducing the platinum content, in the assembly of components, and in improved simulation models. The first project ideas, approved by the FVV executive board, are intended to facilitate research projects with precisely this objective. In PEM fuel cells, the aging behaviour, power density and efficiency – even with a low platinum content – depend on the medium in which the chemical reactions occur. Thus, it is necessary to diffuse the filtered and humidified external air as consistently as possible on the catalyst surface, to avoid the formation of ‘hot spots’ which can reduce the service life. The hydrogen supplied should also have a high degree of purity. However, how the materials used in the hydrogen path may contribute to contamination of the catalytic surfaces is still largely unexplored. Thus further development of hydrogen and air supply systems will play an important role in this new FVV research field. Further potential for cost reduction can be found in the mechanical and control engineering optimisation of the numerous individual components. For example, the air is compressed by a compressor – however, unlike the internal combustion engine, the exhaust gas energy alone is not enough to drive the compressor, because of the low temperature. Therefore, an electrically driven compressor is generally used. How these compressors can be trimmed to the highest power density for the automotive application is another example of the future FVV research agenda, which traditionally concentrates on both reciprocating internal combustion engines and turbomachinery. FVV will also devote part of this programme to the development of new freely available simulation models. FVV Research Association for Combustion Engines: www.fvv-net.de
DOE announces $16m for SOFC research and prototype system tests
T
he US Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy is investing $15.9 million in solid oxide fuel cell R&D. Four Phase 2 projects will share $2.4 million, with an additional $13.5 million available under a new Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to support SOFC prototype system testing and core technology development. The four projects advancing to Phase 2 were chosen from Phase 1 awards made under the FOA Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) Innovative Concepts and Core Technology Research Program, issued in fiscal 2015, worth
July 2017
NEWS / IN BRIEF some $600 000 each [see the News Feature in FCB, August 2015]. The projects include lab- and bench-scale research to improve the reliability, robustness, and endurance of SOFC cell and stack technology: • Degradation and Reliability Advancements in Tubular SOFC: Atrex Energy (www. atrexenergy.com) will focus on incorporating an inexpensive on-cell contamination gettering element in each SOFC, and enhancing electrical contact between the current collector and interconnection layer. It will also improve the electrolyte layer sintering method, and explore extended materials and process development by systematic testing, processing optimisation, and verification at the stack level. • Processing of SOFC Anodes for Enhanced Intermediate Temperature Catalytic Activity at High Fuel Utilization: Boston University (www.bu.edu/mse) will demonstrate the ability to deposit fine nanosized nickel catalyst particles into full-sized SOFCs. The project will also examine strategies for longterm stability of the infiltrated nanoparticles, and long-term performance improvements at high fuel utilisation. • Employing Accelerated Test Protocols to Full-Size Cells and Tuning Microstructures to Improve Robustness, Reliability, and Endurance of SOFC: The University of South Carolina (http://tinyurl.com/ sc-fuelcells) will focus on understanding the effects of accelerated testing protocols on material structure and chemistry in terms of electrochemical properties and durability. Accelerated tests will be performed for 200– 3000 h on full-size cells with hydrogen and simulated system gas, which will translate to steady-state SOFC operation for 2000– 20 000 h. • Scalable Nano-Scaffold Architecture on the Internal Surface of SOFC Anode for Direct Hydrocarbon Utilization: West Virginia University (www.mae.wvu.edu) will design an SOFC compatible with hydrocarbon use, and evaluate novel coatings to achieve 50% or greater power density using hydrocarbon fuel throughout the entire SOFC operating temperature range. And a new Funding Opportunity Announcement on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Prototype System Testing and Core Technology Development – managed by the National Energy Technology Laboratory – is seeking applications to support development of reliable and robust SOFC technology for entry into service applications, including distributed generation. DOE, Office of Fossil Energy: https://energy.gov/fe/office-fossil-energy National Energy Technology Laboratory: www.netl.doe.gov
July 2017
Aalto researchers boost ionic conductivity of IT-SOFC electrolytes
R
esearchers at Aalto University in Finland have developed synthesis and processing routes for the development of ceramic nanocomposite materials, which have led to a breakthrough in improving the ionic conductivity of ceria-carbonate electrolyte materials for intermediatetemperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The team, in the New Energy Technologies Group of the Department of Applied Physics, achieved what they say is a record high ionic conductivity of 0.55 S/cm at 550°C. A ceramic-carbonate nanocomposite fuel cell fabricated using a composite electrolyte consisting of Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95 (GDC) and a eutectic mixture of Na2CO3 and Li2CO3 produced an outstanding performance of 1.06 W/cm2. These superionic nanocomposite materials allow the operating temperature of SOFCs to be significantly reduced, which helps to improve long-term stability. ‘With the help of these superionic materials, the losses due to ionic transport in the electrolyte layer are dramatically reduced, which makes it possible to produce fuel cells performing over 1 W/cm2,’ says lead author Dr Muhammad Imran Asghar. ‘We envision to reach a fuel cell performance of 2.5 W/cm2 by depositing these potential materials with modern printing methods.’ The research results have just been published in Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering and in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. The work is a part of an EU-Indigo project funded by the Academy of Finland, with partners including the University of Oslo in Norway, University of Aveiro in Portugal, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute of the Indian Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CGRI–CSIR Kolkata), and the Turkish appliance manufacturer Vestel. Contact: Dr Muhammad Imran Asghar, New Energy Technologies Group, Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland. Tel: +358 50 344 1659, Email: [email protected], Web: http://physics.aalto.fi/en/groups/newergy Paper in Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11705-0171642-2 (online 3 June 2017). Paper in International Journal of Hydrogen Energy: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.05.152 (online 9 June 2017).
IN BRIEF H3 Dynamics to base Europe HQ in Paris Singapore-based H3 Dynamics (www. h3dynamics.com) has chosen Paris, France as its regional headquarters for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. The company will also establish new R&D activities in France, to focus on areas ranging from advanced energy storage systems to visual analytics. Its HES Energy Systems subsidiary is providing the fuel cell, hydrogen storage, control and power system for a new tilt rotor, hydrogen fuel cell powered drone being developed by UK-based Wirth Research [see page 4], part of its focus on enhancing the autonomy of sensors and small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) [FCB, September 2016, p5, and see the News Feature in March 2016]. HEF Hydrogen Student Design Contest will focus on Power-to-Gas for 2017 The 2017 Hydrogen Student Design Contest (www.hydrogencontest.org) will challenge student teams from around the world to ‘Design a Power-to-Gas System’, i.e. one that uses electricity to produce hydrogen for crossmarket uses, including energy storage, ancillary services, and transportation fuel. The teams will choose a site in their area, engage their local electric and gas utility, coordinate with regulatory bodies and safety experts, and create educational materials, including a short video. The Contest is organised by the Washington, DC-based Hydrogen Education Foundation (www.hydrogeneducationfoundation.org). The 2016 Contest, to design a hydrogen powered microgrid able to support a community, facility or military base for two days, was won by a student team from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada [FCB, July 2016, p6]. Asahi Kasei green hydrogen for Germany Japanese chemical company Asahi Kasei Corporation (www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/asahi/en) is targeting the German market for ‘green’ industrial hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources such as wind, and aims to take its first order there during the current fiscal year, according to a Nikkei Asian Review report. This move, which would compete directly with German industrial giant Siemens, follows successful mass production at Asahi Kasei’s Yokohama testing plant, where operations have topped 9500 h since the facility came online in 2015. Asahi Kasei plans to capitalise on the German plan to install 1000 MW of Powerto-Gas (P2G) capacity by 2022, and aims to be the first Japanese supplier to enter the European market. The company has applied its membrane technology for lithium-ion battery separators to alkaline electrolysers for hydrogen production, which can produce 2000 m3/h of hydrogen with 10 MW of electricity.
Fuel Cells Bulletin
13
Sunfire SOEC steam electrolysis module for Salzgitter Flachstahl
G
erman solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) and fuel cell developer Sunfire GmbH has delivered a high-efficiency steam electrolysis module to the integrated steel smelting plant at Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH, where it will be trialed for energy balancing and load management. The ‘Green Industrial Hydrogen via reversible high-temperature electrolysis’ (GrInHy) three-year demonstration project at Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH is being supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme, with E4.5 million (US$5.2 million) in funding from the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) [FCB, August 2016, p10]. The project is coordinated by the Salzgitter Mannesmann Forschung GmbH research subsidiary in Germany, with the participation of steel 12
Fuel Cells Bulletin
producer Salzgitter Flachstahl, sunfire, and the EIFER European Institute for Energy Research in Germany, Boeing Research & Technology Europe in Spain, the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, the Institute of Physics of Materials in the Czech Academy of Sciences, and the Politecnico di Torino in Italy. The steam electrolysis module produces 40 Nm3/h of hydrogen with an input power of 150 kW. It can also be reversed into fuel cell mode with an output power of 30 kW. The Sunfire technology has a high electrical efficiency of more than 80% with reference to the lower calorific value of hydrogen, since it is steam rather than liquid water which undergoes the splitting process. The steam required is provided in the form of waste heat from the smelting plant processes at Salzgitter Flachstahl, and supplied to the steam electrolysis unit, which is housed in a 20 ft (6.1 m) container on the production site. After purification, the crude hydrogen is fed directly into the local hydrogen pipeline and recycled. Two smaller modules were put into operation at Boeing in 2015 [February 2016, p1, and see the Sunfire feature in March 2016]. In fuel cell mode, the module can be operated with both hydrogen and natural gas. One of the points being investigated within GrInHy is the extent to which the plant can contribute to the provision of grid services such as energy balancing and load management. Hydrogen is used in the integrated smelting plant to produce a protective gas atmosphere, i.e. one which excludes oxygen, and prevent oxidation of steel during the annealing process. The use of ‘green’ hydrogen improves the carbon footprint of the end product. Sunfire GmbH, Dresden, Germany. Tel: +49 351 896 7970, www.sunfire.de GrInHy project: www.green-industrial-hydrogen.com Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking: www.fch.europa.eu
FVV starts research to advance fuel cells for vehicles in 2025
T
he FVV Research Association for Combustion Engines in Frankfurt am Main, Germany has established a new planning group that is launching its first fuel cell R&D projects, with the aim of making zero-emissions, longrange mobility affordable. The very high cost of automotive fuel cells is the focus of the pre-competitive industrial collective research activities coordinated by the new FVV planning group, led by BMW’s Dr Merten Jung. He sees significant potential for optimisation in
reducing the platinum content, in the assembly of components, and in improved simulation models. The first project ideas, approved by the FVV executive board, are intended to facilitate research projects with precisely this objective. In PEM fuel cells, the aging behaviour, power density and efficiency – even with a low platinum content – depend on the medium in which the chemical reactions occur. Thus, it is necessary to diffuse the filtered and humidified external air as consistently as possible on the catalyst surface, to avoid the formation of ‘hot spots’ which can reduce the service life. The hydrogen supplied should also have a high degree of purity. However, how the materials used in the hydrogen path may contribute to contamination of the catalytic surfaces is still largely unexplored. Thus further development of hydrogen and air supply systems will play an important role in this new FVV research field. Further potential for cost reduction can be found in the mechanical and control engineering optimisation of the numerous individual components. For example, the air is compressed by a compressor – however, unlike the internal combustion engine, the exhaust gas energy alone is not enough to drive the compressor, because of the low temperature. Therefore, an electrically driven compressor is generally used. How these compressors can be trimmed to the highest power density for the automotive application is another example of the future FVV research agenda, which traditionally concentrates on both reciprocating internal combustion engines and turbomachinery. FVV will also devote part of this programme to the development of new freely available simulation models. FVV Research Association for Combustion Engines: www.fvv-net.de
DOE announces $16m for SOFC research and prototype system tests
T
he US Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy is investing $15.9 million in solid oxide fuel cell R&D. Four Phase 2 projects will share $2.4 million, with an additional $13.5 million available under a new Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to support SOFC prototype system testing and core technology development. The four projects advancing to Phase 2 were chosen from Phase 1 awards made under the FOA Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) Innovative Concepts and Core Technology Research Program, issued in fiscal 2015, worth
July 2017
NEWS / IN BRIEF some $600 000 each [see the News Feature in FCB, August 2015]. The projects include lab- and bench-scale research to improve the reliability, robustness, and endurance of SOFC cell and stack technology: • Degradation and Reliability Advancements in Tubular SOFC: Atrex Energy (www. atrexenergy.com) will focus on incorporating an inexpensive on-cell contamination gettering element in each SOFC, and enhancing electrical contact between the current collector and interconnection layer. It will also improve the electrolyte layer sintering method, and explore extended materials and process development by systematic testing, processing optimisation, and verification at the stack level. • Processing of SOFC Anodes for Enhanced Intermediate Temperature Catalytic Activity at High Fuel Utilization: Boston University (www.bu.edu/mse) will demonstrate the ability to deposit fine nanosized nickel catalyst particles into full-sized SOFCs. The project will also examine strategies for longterm stability of the infiltrated nanoparticles, and long-term performance improvements at high fuel utilisation. • Employing Accelerated Test Protocols to Full-Size Cells and Tuning Microstructures to Improve Robustness, Reliability, and Endurance of SOFC: The University of South Carolina (http://tinyurl.com/ sc-fuelcells) will focus on understanding the effects of accelerated testing protocols on material structure and chemistry in terms of electrochemical properties and durability. Accelerated tests will be performed for 200– 3000 h on full-size cells with hydrogen and simulated system gas, which will translate to steady-state SOFC operation for 2000– 20 000 h. • Scalable Nano-Scaffold Architecture on the Internal Surface of SOFC Anode for Direct Hydrocarbon Utilization: West Virginia University (www.mae.wvu.edu) will design an SOFC compatible with hydrocarbon use, and evaluate novel coatings to achieve 50% or greater power density using hydrocarbon fuel throughout the entire SOFC operating temperature range. And a new Funding Opportunity Announcement on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Prototype System Testing and Core Technology Development – managed by the National Energy Technology Laboratory – is seeking applications to support development of reliable and robust SOFC technology for entry into service applications, including distributed generation. DOE, Office of Fossil Energy: https://energy.gov/fe/office-fossil-energy National Energy Technology Laboratory: www.netl.doe.gov
July 2017
Aalto researchers boost ionic conductivity of IT-SOFC electrolytes
R
esearchers at Aalto University in Finland have developed synthesis and processing routes for the development of ceramic nanocomposite materials, which have led to a breakthrough in improving the ionic conductivity of ceria-carbonate electrolyte materials for intermediatetemperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The team, in the New Energy Technologies Group of the Department of Applied Physics, achieved what they say is a record high ionic conductivity of 0.55 S/cm at 550°C. A ceramic-carbonate nanocomposite fuel cell fabricated using a composite electrolyte consisting of Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95 (GDC) and a eutectic mixture of Na2CO3 and Li2CO3 produced an outstanding performance of 1.06 W/cm2. These superionic nanocomposite materials allow the operating temperature of SOFCs to be significantly reduced, which helps to improve long-term stability. ‘With the help of these superionic materials, the losses due to ionic transport in the electrolyte layer are dramatically reduced, which makes it possible to produce fuel cells performing over 1 W/cm2,’ says lead author Dr Muhammad Imran Asghar. ‘We envision to reach a fuel cell performance of 2.5 W/cm2 by depositing these potential materials with modern printing methods.’ The research results have just been published in Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering and in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. The work is a part of an EU-Indigo project funded by the Academy of Finland, with partners including the University of Oslo in Norway, University of Aveiro in Portugal, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute of the Indian Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CGRI–CSIR Kolkata), and the Turkish appliance manufacturer Vestel. Contact: Dr Muhammad Imran Asghar, New Energy Technologies Group, Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland. Tel: +358 50 344 1659, Email: [email protected], Web: http://physics.aalto.fi/en/groups/newergy Paper in Frontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11705-0171642-2 (online 3 June 2017). Paper in International Journal of Hydrogen Energy: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.05.152 (online 9 June 2017).
IN BRIEF H3 Dynamics to base Europe HQ in Paris Singapore-based H3 Dynamics (www. h3dynamics.com) has chosen Paris, France as its regional headquarters for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. The company will also establish new R&D activities in France, to focus on areas ranging from advanced energy storage systems to visual analytics. Its HES Energy Systems subsidiary is providing the fuel cell, hydrogen storage, control and power system for a new tilt rotor, hydrogen fuel cell powered drone being developed by UK-based Wirth Research [see page 4], part of its focus on enhancing the autonomy of sensors and small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) [FCB, September 2016, p5, and see the News Feature in March 2016]. HEF Hydrogen Student Design Contest will focus on Power-to-Gas for 2017 The 2017 Hydrogen Student Design Contest (www.hydrogencontest.org) will challenge student teams from around the world to ‘Design a Power-to-Gas System’, i.e. one that uses electricity to produce hydrogen for crossmarket uses, including energy storage, ancillary services, and transportation fuel. The teams will choose a site in their area, engage their local electric and gas utility, coordinate with regulatory bodies and safety experts, and create educational materials, including a short video. The Contest is organised by the Washington, DC-based Hydrogen Education Foundation (www.hydrogeneducationfoundation.org). The 2016 Contest, to design a hydrogen powered microgrid able to support a community, facility or military base for two days, was won by a student team from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada [FCB, July 2016, p6]. Asahi Kasei green hydrogen for Germany Japanese chemical company Asahi Kasei Corporation (www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/asahi/en) is targeting the German market for ‘green’ industrial hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources such as wind, and aims to take its first order there during the current fiscal year, according to a Nikkei Asian Review report. This move, which would compete directly with German industrial giant Siemens, follows successful mass production at Asahi Kasei’s Yokohama testing plant, where operations have topped 9500 h since the facility came online in 2015. Asahi Kasei plans to capitalise on the German plan to install 1000 MW of Powerto-Gas (P2G) capacity by 2022, and aims to be the first Japanese supplier to enter the European market. The company has applied its membrane technology for lithium-ion battery separators to alkaline electrolysers for hydrogen production, which can produce 2000 m3/h of hydrogen with 10 MW of electricity.
Fuel Cells Bulletin
13