MacGhyver is set to achieve several groundbreaking advancements, each of which contributes to a more efficient and sustainable approach to hydrogen production. At the core of MacGhyver is a compact, energy efficient system that serves a dual purpose by also acting as a wastewater treatment device. The core of this innovation is the microfluidic electrolyzer design, characterized by its highly parallelized interconnection of microchannels. This design facilitates the processing of large volumes of water with minimal pumping losses. Notably, the microscale design minimizes turbulence, enabling a flow-through configuration that eliminates the need for a membrane separator. Furthermore, the closely spaced electrodes, less than 1 mm apart, result in negligible ohmic losses. This design also enables the use of sustainable electrolytes like wastewater. MacGhyver also uses non-critical raw material electrodes, balancing cost-effectiveness with high efficiency. MacGhyver has structured WPs aimed at innovation in compression and separation systems to enhance compactness and efficiency. To ensure widespread market acceptance, MacGhyver actively engages with key stakeholders in both regulatory and market domains. The present cost of green hydrogen production ranges from $3/kg - $6.55/kg while fossil-based hydrogen costs ~$1.80/kg. To attain market acceptance, it is imperative to reduce electrolysis plant costs by 40% in the short term and 80% in the long term. The system sets an impressive target of achieving 45 kWh/kg H2, leading to a production cost of just $1/kg H2. The microfluidic stack, in particular, stands out for its superior performance compared to traditional electrolyzers in terms of design, energy efficiency, and compactness. The use of non-CRM electrodes is not only cost-effective but also reduces the environmental impact by diminishing the dependence on rare and expensive materials. The electrochemical hydrogen compressor is a novel addition that enhances the system's efficiency by compressing hydrogen gas at lower energy costs. Furthermore, MacGhyver introduces a comprehensive LCA and LCC study into the project. These systematic methods provide a holistic view of the environmental and economic impact of the product, accounting for every facet of the product's life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal.
