High temperature, ultra-high efficiency capillary-fed electrolysis project

Summary

Need

This project was selected as part of the competitive Hydrogen R&D Funding Round under the Transformative Research Accelerating Commercialisation (TRAC) Program to rapidly develop the critical technologies required to build a clean, innovative, safe, and competitive hydrogen industry and position Australia as a major player globally. While hydrogen technologies and targets have continued to evolve, R&D investment remains a critical imperative to commercialise clean hydrogen. Projects supported by the Hydrogen R&D Funding Round seek to progress the commercialisation of low cost, clean hydrogen in Australia

Action

Phase 1 will undertake core research on the development of the separator investigating two proprietary methodologies simultaneously. Following review and investigation, one method will be selected as the basis for Phase 2 and Phase 3.

Phase 2 will consist of two main research areas: design and process development and manufacturing preparation for the chosen methodology.

In Phase 3, a pilot manufacturing line will be commissioned, where separator manufacturing and quality testing will be undertaken in parallel.

Outcome

The objectives for the Project will be achieved through the following Outcomes:

1. accelerated commercialisation of renewable hydrogen through innovative R&D in high temperature, capillary-fed electrolysis;
2. increased academic research capacity in the Australian hydrogen sector, and the facilitation of collaboration between research groups and industry;
3. improvement in the technology readiness and commercial readiness of hydrogen production technologies through development of a high temperature, ultra-high efficiency capillary-fed electrolyser.