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Reversible solid oxide cell development for the utilisation of alternative fuels and hydrogen strategic production

Project description

A solution for strategic hydrogen production and storage

The energy transition currently underway is about shifting from fossil-based energy to a clean, environmentally friendly alternative. Hydrogen-based power (produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen) seems very promising. Unfortunately, current processes of solid oxide cell development based on two devices – electrolysers and fuel cells – hinder the commercialisation of hydrogen-based energy due to their high cost and energy consumption. The EU-funded FleXelL project will address this issue by introducing a reversible solid oxide cell. The project will develop a highly efficient energy converter with ceramic reactors that can be reversed into an electrolyser upon demand. Converting liquid and gaseous fuels into energy will also transform steam or electricity into hydrogen to store surplus renewable energy.

Objective

The flexible cell project (FleXelL) aims at developing a proof of concept for a highly efficient energy converter based on ceramic reactors that can be reversed into an electrolyser whenever needed. We will be developing a device capable of converting liquid and gaseous fuels such as ethanol, methane or natural gas into energy, but also, steam and electricity into hydrogen for strategic reserve purposes or simply for renewable energy surplus storage.
For this purpose, we here propose a knowledge transfer scheme between Dr Sarruf and the Centre for Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Research (CFCHR) at the University of Birmingham (UoB), herein represented by Prof Robert Steinberger-Wilckens. We build on UoB’s ceramic processing techniques, materials characterisation capacity, project management capabilities, teaching expertise, communications and leadership skills, and Dr Sarruf’s knowledge in materials development for fuel flexibility conversion within solid oxide cells (SOCs).
Dr Sarruf, under Prof. Steinberger-Wilckens’ supervision, will develop and optimise an anode-supported reversible solid oxide cell (RSOC) capable of operating directly with primary fuels, as aforementioned, and electrolysing water to produce hydrogen. The reproducibility of the cells’ manufacturing process as well as the performance will be developed aiming at rousing industrial interest via the development of a product’s business plan.

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MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2020

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Coordinator

THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 224 933,76
Address
Edgbaston
B15 2TT Birmingham
United Kingdom

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Region
West Midlands (England) West Midlands Birmingham
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 224 933,76
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