Periodic Reporting for period 1 - NIMPHEA (Next generation of improved High Temperature Membrane Electrode Assembly for Aviation)
Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2024-06-30
H2-based fuel cell systems (FCs) are a promising solution to power aircrafts without emitting CO2 or NOx and thus have the potential to strongly reduce aviation emissions and pave the way to climate neutrality. Embedded in aircrafts, FCs can supply non-propulsive and propulsive energy without pollutant emission, reduced noise emission and attractive energy efficiency.
The Low Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (LT-PEM) technology (incl. Membrane Electrode Assembly - MEA) emerging from the automotive industry is of great interest for aviation, but thermal management issues are still be solved. Operated below 100°C, they exhibit attractive power density but are incompatible with aircraft environment due to poor heat rejection. Also, current High Temperature FCs operated around 160°C are not at the expected level of performance for aviation, despite interesting heat rejection performances. The development of a new-generation MEA, working at temperature above 120°C and with performances equivalent to current LT-PEM MEA is the key to unlock FC applications for aviation.
NIMPHEA aims at developing - based on the development and/or optimisation of its components: catalyst layer, membrane and gas diffusion layer - a new-generation HT MEA compatible with aircraft environment and requirements, considering a system size of 1.5 MW and contributing to higher level FC targets: a power density of 1.25 W/cm² at nominal operating temperature comprised between 160°C-200°C. MEA components’ upscale synthesis and assembly process will be assessed by identifying process parameters and improved through an iterative process with lab-scale MEA tests. This disruptive MEA technology will be finally validated in a representative scale prototype (165-180 cm²) embodied in a single-cell. Simultaneously, LCA, LCC, eco-efficiency assessment and intrinsic hazard analysis will be performed to validate the MEA development. Finally, a TRL evaluation will be conducted to validate TRL4.
The Low Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (LT-PEM) technology (incl. Membrane Electrode Assembly - MEA) emerging from the automotive industry is of great interest for aviation, but thermal management issues are still be solved. Operated below 100°C, they exhibit attractive power density but are incompatible with aircraft environment due to poor heat rejection. Also, current High Temperature FCs operated around 160°C are not at the expected level of performance for aviation, despite interesting heat rejection performances. The development of a new-generation MEA, working at temperature above 120°C and with performances equivalent to current LT-PEM MEA is the key to unlock FC applications for aviation.
NIMPHEA aims at developing - based on the development and/or optimisation of its components: catalyst layer, membrane and gas diffusion layer - a new-generation HT MEA compatible with aircraft environment and requirements, considering a system size of 1.5 MW and contributing to higher level FC targets: a power density of 1.25 W/cm² at nominal operating temperature comprised between 160°C-200°C. MEA components’ upscale synthesis and assembly process will be assessed by identifying process parameters and improved through an iterative process with lab-scale MEA tests. This disruptive MEA technology will be finally validated in a representative scale prototype (165-180 cm²) embodied in a single-cell. Simultaneously, LCA, LCC, eco-efficiency assessment and intrinsic hazard analysis will be performed to validate the MEA development. Finally, a TRL evaluation will be conducted to validate TRL4.
In the first period of the project, the coordinator Safran PU has successfully organised the kick-off of the project and the start of activities.
All very first technical design tasks for a MEA for aeronautical application (specification, MEA architecture, compliance matrix and testing harmonization) are complete and a first generation of each core-components (Carbon support; active material; ionomer; membrane) were developed and evaluated up to the single-cell level, as well as their scale-up to prepare electrodes ranging from 5 to 45 cm2.
The ionomer-H3PO4-electrocatalyst interactions were carefully investigated by electrochemical methods at T < 80°C and by spectroscopic methods.
The performances/durability of the electrocatalysts were investigated in liquid electrolyte up to 65°C, with the objective of using the trends observed at low temperatures as indicators of the expected performances in HT-PEMFCs.
To perform this research, manufacturing tools have been used to produce several samples of MEA: Samples loaded with PVD method and polyol method, and two partners (CEA and Advent) performed the MEA assembly.
Regarding the test bench, the ability of the test rig to perform the tests was checked and necessary adaptations were determined. They are now implemented.
Life cycle analysis has started and considered three levels of analysis: component level (MEA), stack level and propulsion system level. Models have been built and a preliminary analysis at MEA level has been performed.
MEA safety analysis has shown that no catastrophic hazards have been identified.
As a conclusion, it can be said that in the first Reporting Period, the NIMPHEA project has not encountered any major issue and that progress is well on track. All partners have been actively involved in the their tasks and engaged in the consortium meetings.
All very first technical design tasks for a MEA for aeronautical application (specification, MEA architecture, compliance matrix and testing harmonization) are complete and a first generation of each core-components (Carbon support; active material; ionomer; membrane) were developed and evaluated up to the single-cell level, as well as their scale-up to prepare electrodes ranging from 5 to 45 cm2.
The ionomer-H3PO4-electrocatalyst interactions were carefully investigated by electrochemical methods at T < 80°C and by spectroscopic methods.
The performances/durability of the electrocatalysts were investigated in liquid electrolyte up to 65°C, with the objective of using the trends observed at low temperatures as indicators of the expected performances in HT-PEMFCs.
To perform this research, manufacturing tools have been used to produce several samples of MEA: Samples loaded with PVD method and polyol method, and two partners (CEA and Advent) performed the MEA assembly.
Regarding the test bench, the ability of the test rig to perform the tests was checked and necessary adaptations were determined. They are now implemented.
Life cycle analysis has started and considered three levels of analysis: component level (MEA), stack level and propulsion system level. Models have been built and a preliminary analysis at MEA level has been performed.
MEA safety analysis has shown that no catastrophic hazards have been identified.
As a conclusion, it can be said that in the first Reporting Period, the NIMPHEA project has not encountered any major issue and that progress is well on track. All partners have been actively involved in the their tasks and engaged in the consortium meetings.