[ technology news ]
Horizon unveils highly efficient and durable Anion Exchange Membrane Horizon Fuel Cell has announced a technology breakthrough on Anion Exchange Membranes ( AEM ) that could play a crucial role in realising the targeted $ 1 / kg green hydrogen production cost at scale . This development has been achieved in collaboration with partners on base materials and manufacturing processes .
The Singapore-based company has developed a new AEM material combination that is expected to operate for over 60,000 hours at an efficiency of up to 95 %, creating a significant cost advantage compared to other electrolyser systems . Horizon aims to begin delivery of the AEM membrane within months and expects to deliver MW-scale AEM electrolysers to commercial customers from around the end of 2024 .
According to Horizon , its new multi-layered , radical scavenging membrane achieves ion conductivity up to twice that of other products . It demonstrates superior mechanical strength and chemical stability , making it suitable for widespread commercialisation of next generation AEM electrolysers .
To date , 95 % efficient water electrolysis has been achieved in Horizon ’ s laboratories , demonstrating the feasibility of reducing typical benchmark electrical consumption of electrolysers by 10 – 20 %. The company had previously filed US Patent Application 2007 / 0275291 relating to a multilayer membrane electrode structure to achieve high power density for fuel cells and electrolysers .
Testing shows TCP technically suitable for high-pressure hydrogen service Strohm recently completed an extensive hydrogen testing program on its Thermoplastic Composite Pipe ( TCP ) at TÜV- SÜD in Germany . Spanning six months , the assessment evaluated permeation across various pressures and temperatures using a full-scale TCP with two endfittings . The findings were highly promising .
Notably , both the TCP itself and the end-fittings exhibited exceptionally low hydrogen permeation values , underscoring the technical suitability of the product for high-pressure hydrogen service , a critical requirement in the evolving landscape of clean energy solutions .
The study also shed light on the remarkable barrier properties of the TCP ’ s reinforcement layer , according to the company . Compared to traditional unreinforced pipes , the TCP demonstrated a significant reduction in hydrogen permeation , approximately tenfold , thanks to this innovative design feature .
The results affirm Strohm ’ s TCP technology as a feasible , durable , and reliable solution for offshore hydrogen infrastructure , offering corrosion resistance , superior fatigue life , and a reduced environmental footprint .
Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 15 | April 2024 45