Advanced Single Cell tEstiNg and Development of HT PEMFCs

ended

The core priorities of Horizon 2020 - Work Programme 2018-2020 “Secure, clean and efficient energy” are renewable energy, smart energy systems, energy efficiency, and carbon capture utilization and storage. In-line with these priorities a scalable electric power source is produced by Serenergy A/S. The product can be used for applications both off- or on-grid, and is based on reformed methanol high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (HT PEMFC) system. Constant improvements and innovations of the product require strong R&D and quality control (QC) activities. This applied research project (ASCEND) will address challenges and issues encountered in the core components of the HT PEMFC stack, namely the processes and phenomena inside the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and its subcomponents. ASCEND aims to develop diagnostic tools, to better understand and further improve the HT PEMFC stack, by introducing a newly designed test station. This station will be used to test prototype MEAs (and various subcomponents) with the goal of obtaining relevant data and feedback suggestions for improving materials and processes used in production and assembling of MEAs and stacks. The purpose of this test station will be twofold: to carry out QC and to support R&D activities related to stack development and fuel cell functionality and durability. For successful implementation of this new paradigm several research objectives have been set, which will be addressed by using a variety of advanced experimental techniques and methodologies. This new paradigm will allow studying current and novel materials and/or components well beyond the completion of this project and enable collaborations in other research projects and thus faster transition to new state-of-art materials or components. All of the above will contribute to the optimization and cost reduction of the product (HT PEMFC system) thus creating more efficient, environmentally friendly and affordable power source.