Conditions for Participation: Shared Research Program 2nd generation PEM elektrolysers

Calls for Participation | Power-2-Hydrogen

TNO/VoltaChem is developing several Shared Research Programmes (SRP) where we work with (emerging) industry leaders to jointly accelerate technology development. In 2022 we launched the SRP called "SuperCell" 2nd generation PEM technology.

A supercell is an exceptionally strong storm. It is not the result of extreme conditions. It is the result of normal levels of humidity, air flow direction, temperature differences, etc. However, it takes a rare combination of these factors to create an extraordinary event.  Our vision is to create an electrolytic supercell. Not by combining ordinary components. In our supercell, however, we aim to integrate the best PEM electrolyser components from industrial partners. It will achieve its unparalleled performance by precisely matching the designs of the components that make it up.

The core of the programme is therefore to 1) optimise key components (membranes, electrodes, bipolar plates, catalyst) for integration leading to breakthrough performance and 2) develop standardised protocols with PEM industry leaders.

This SRP programme is co-founded by leading companies Johnson Matthey (CCM), Schaeffler (BPP) and Bekaert (PTL), who are contributing their new generation key components. The SRP programme is open to new parties active in the PEM Electrolyser supply chain, i.e. materials, components, stack, system developers or hydrogen end users. Parties interested in joining can contact us for more information on the terms and conditions for participation.

VoltaChem/TNO welcomes partners to join our Shared Research Program on 2nd generation PEM elektrolysers, more details below.

Model TNO Shared Research Programs

• Open innovation model
• Joint strategy
• Co-funding possibilities
• Multiply knowledge investments
• Contribution of background
• Non-exclusive access to foreground
• Customized bilateral contract based on template
• Actively participate
• Partners can keep strategic background and specific foreground confidential

Goal of the SRP:

• The SRP aims at accelerating the developments for next generations PEM electrolysers.
• These electrolysers will contain optimised and new concepts on component level.

SRP partners need:

• An objective and relevant testing environment for integral testing.
• Understanding of the functioning of their component in future electrolysers.

TNO offers:

• A representative cell/stack environment as a testbed for new components.
• Knowledge & test protocols: performance + aging and detailed knowledge/modelling of the inner workings of the electrolyser.
• A position in the middle of a network of  end-users, OEM’s and suppliers.

What is the joined output of the SRP:

A detailed performance model of the inner workings of an electrolysers suitable to model different component concepts. This model can be used by component suppliers to access the effects of optimizations on cost/performance/degradation.

What do the SRP partners get:

• An objective and relevant testing environment for integral testing.
• Access to using the model to optimize their component(s).

How competing component suppliers can all work together in this SRP (in future):

If the model uses a modular approach we can have three classes of confidentiality:

• Class 1: generic component based on average first generation: free for all.
• Class 2: Specific component model of a specific company: only for that company.
• Class 3: Generalized new component model: based on anonymized data of several new (but similar) components.

Other relevant aspects:

• Competing component developers do not meet, if they don’t want to, but our aim is that they do collaborate precompetitive.
• We can sign NDA’s with component developers to facilitate interaction.

Why join?

Join a winning team:

Many companies are investing in electrolyzer technology. Joining the SRP generates unique insight in and access to what is happening along the supply chain.

Result driven adaptive research:

Research goals and targets are regularly updated and revised in order to make sure the R&D is relevant to the partners in the SRP.

Multiply investment & accelerate development:

Not only does the shared research program lead to an attractive multiplier on the investment, it also reduces time-to-market through its strong focus.

For more information, please contact Business Developer Power-2-Hydrogen Lennart van der Burg, details below.

View Calls for Participation overview

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