[ industry update ]
Siltrax launches groundbreaking siliconbased fuel cell technology Siltrax , an Australian fuel cell innovation company focused on transforming the hydrogen industry , has introduced its groundbreaking , patented silicon-based fuel cell technology , which leverages the unique characteristics of silicon to deliver enhanced performance , durability , and costefficiency .
At the core of Siltrax ’ s innovative fuel cell technology are silicon-based bipolar plates , which take advantage of the material ’ s lightweight and durable nature , mechanical and chemical stability , and ability to withstand high temperatures and corrosive environments . Silicon also allows for the creation of micro-scale flow channels on the plates ’ surface . Combined , these attributes directly enhance the power density , durability , and performance of Siltrax ’ s fuel cells compared to its peers . Another key advantage of Siltrax ’ s innovation is the ability to leverage existing photovoltaic ( PV ) supply chains for raw materials and production equipment . This strategic approach not only optimizes its manufacturing processes but also holds the potential to reduce the overall cost of fuel cell production , making this advanced technology more accessible for widespread adoption .
Siltrax ’ s initial focus is on the aerospace industry and stationary power applications .
Uniper opens storage facility for green hydrogen in Krummhörn , Germany On 26 August , Uniper held an opening ceremony for the Hydrogen Pilot Cavern ( HPC ) demonstration plant in Krummhörn , Germany . The pilot cavern will be used to investigate and test the full potential of a salt cavern specially built for the storage of green hydrogen under operational conditions .
The pilot cavern in Krummhörn , with a geometric volume of approximately 3,000 m ³, was created using solution mining at an existing borehole on-site . With a total storage capacity of nearly
500,000 normal cubic meters of green hydrogen , this facility will be one of the first of its kind .
Throughout the project , equipment and materials will be tested for hydrogen compatibility in a real-world environment . Additionally , valuable insights will be gained regarding the quality of the stored hydrogen , thermodynamics , and rock mechanics .
Unveiling plans for the future , Doug Waters , Managing Director of Uniper Energy Storage , said : “ In the future , the Krummhörn storage site is to be expanded to provide the market with a storage capacity of 250 GWh of hydrogen in a first step . In total , Uniper Energy Storage plans to develop salt caverns for the underground storage of hydrogen with a planned capacity of up to 600 GWh by 2030 . To this end , existing and new sites along the hydrogen core network in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia are being investigated .”
8 Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 18 | October 2024