[ technology news ]
Carbon-based bipolar plates can offer superior cost efficiency Researchers at Fraunhofer UMSICHT and Ruhr University Bochum have discovered that carbonbased bipolar plates can be a more cost-efficient and scalable alternative to the titanium bipolar plates typically used in PEM electrolysis .
The focus of their investigation was a new carbon-based bipolar plate developed and patented by Fraunhofer UMSICHT . It consists of a thermoplastic polymer-bonded carbon matrix with conductive additives such as carbon black and is produced using a powder-to-roll process . This material and production method enable continuous manufacturing of an easily processed and welded bipolar plate , already commercially used in redox flow batteries . The researchers subjected this carbonbased bipolar plate and a titanium bipolar plate to comprehensive exsitu and in-situ tests . The ex-situ tests included electrochemical corrosion studies , scanning electron microscope analysis , and weight loss measurement to assess real-world suitability and parameter choices . During in-situ tests , the plates underwent accelerated aging tests with alternating current densities between 1 and 3 A cm – ² for over 500 hours .
The scientists have published their results under the title ‘ Bipolar Plates in PEM Water Electrolysis : Bust or Must ?’ in the journal ‘ Advanced Energy Materials ’. In essence , they have discovered that the carbonbased bipolar plate has an ageing rate in the low µ V h – ¹ range and thus shows promising performance . This means that it can certainly compete with titanium bipolar plates and represents a much more cost-effective alternative . Another advantage : due to its material properties such as weldability , it enables completely new designs for PEM electrolysers . The potential to replace titanium bipolar plates in the PEM electrolysis stack and make electrolysis scalable at the same time is therefore definitely there . The task now is to further investigate and , if necessary , optimize the new material in order to further reduce the costs of electrolysis and thus make the production of green hydrogen more economical .
Elessent unveils aqueous electrolysis separation system Elessent Clean Technologies has launched the Brink ® ezSEP™ high-efficiency separation system poised to set new standards of separation and purification excellence in green hydrogen production . Elessent ’ s equipment for this industry , now installed in over 3 GW of green hydrogen projects , recovers over 99 % of liquid from the product gas streams , minimizing makeup water and electrolyte and maximizing the purification unit ’ s efficiency and performance . Utilizing Brink ® ezSEP™ results in lower maintenance costs and reduced renewable energy usage , according to the company .
Unlike conventional devices , Brink ® ezSEP™ , equipped with Brink ® mist eliminators , captures mist particles below 1 micron in diameter , extending the lifespan of downstream equipment and optimizing desiccant dryer performance .
“ We ’ re excited to see the impact of Brink ® ezSEP™ on the green hydrogen industry ,” said Eli Ben-Shoshan , CEO of Elessent . “ Specifically designed to boost efficiency and performance in electrolyzer operations , this tailored solution will transform what is possible in the market .”
Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 17 | August 2024 49