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Novel modular stack design for high pressure PEM water electrolyzer technology with wide operation range and reduced cost

Objective

Green hydrogen produced by electrolysis might become a key energy carrier for the implementation of renewable energy as a cross-sectional connection between the energy sector, industry and mobility. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis is the preferred technology for this purpose, yet large facilities can hardly achieve FCH-JU key performance indicators (KPI) in terms of cost, efficiency, lifetime and operability. Consequently, a game changer in the technology is necessary. PRETZEL consortium will develop a 25 kW PEM electrolyzer system based on a patented innovative cell concept that is potentially capable of reaching 100 bar differential pressure. The electrolyzer will dynamically operate between 4 and 6 A cm^(-2) and 90 °C achieving an unprecedented efficiency of 70%. This performance will be maintained for more than 2000 h of operation. Moreover, the capital cost of stack components will be largely reduced by the use of non-precious metal coatings and advanced ceramic aerogel catalyst supports. Likewise, the system balance of plant (BoP) will be optimized for cost reduction and reliability. The high pressure hydrogen generator will become part of the product portfolio of a German manufacturer but at the end of PREZEL, this company will establish a supply business partnership and R&D collaboration with France, Spain, Greece and Rumania, strengthening and consolidating cooperation among EU states with contrasting economies. Lastly, the hydrogen produced by the PEM electrolyzer will not be wasted, but rather used for feeding the fuel cell test stations in one of the partner’s laboratory.

Coordinator

DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUR LUFT - UND RAUMFAHRT EV
Net EU contribution
€ 399 626,25
Address
Linder Hohe
51147 Koln
Germany

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Region
Nordrhein-Westfalen Köln Köln, Kreisfreie Stadt
Activity type
Research Organisations
Other funding
€ 0,00

Participants (10)

WESTFALISCHE HOCHSCHULE GELSENKIRCHEN, BOCHOLT, RECKLINGHAUSEN
Germany
Net EU contribution
€ 375 000,00
Address
Neidenburger Strasse 43
45897 Gelsenkirchen

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Region
Baden-Württemberg Stuttgart Stuttgart, Stadtkreis
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Other funding
€ 0,00
ASSOCIATION POUR LA RECHERCHE ET LE DEVELOPPEMENT DES METHODES ET PROCESSUS INDUSTRIELS
France
Net EU contribution
€ 42 455,00
Address
Boulevard Saint Michel 60
75272 Paris

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Region
Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris
Activity type
Research Organisations
Other funding
€ 0,00
Third-party

Legal entity other than a subcontractor which is affiliated or legally linked to a participant. The entity carries out work under the conditions laid down in the Grant Agreement, supplies goods or provides services for the action, but did not sign the Grant Agreement. A third party abides by the rules applicable to its related participant under the Grant Agreement with regard to eligibility of costs and control of expenditure.

ECOLE NATIONALE SUPERIEURE DES MINES DE PARIS
France
Net EU contribution
€ 119 980,00
Address
Boulevard Saint Michel 60
75272 Paris

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Region
Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Other funding
€ 0,00
UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA TIMISOARA
Romania
Net EU contribution
€ 170 250,00
Address
Piata Victoriei 2
300006 Timisoara

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Region
Macroregiunea Patru Vest Timiş
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Other funding
€ 0,00
ADAMANT AERODIASTIMIKES EFARMOGES ETAIREIA PERIORISMENIS EFTHYNIS
Greece
Net EU contribution
€ 150 000,00
Address
Agias Lavras Thesi Skamnies
265 04 Ano Kastritsi-patras

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Κεντρική Ελλάδα Δυτική Ελλάδα Αχαΐα
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Other funding
€ 0,00
GKN SINTER METALS FILTERS GMBH RADEVORMWALD
Germany
Net EU contribution
€ 110 622,50
Address
Dahlienstrasse 43
42477 Radevormwald

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Region
Nordrhein-Westfalen Köln Oberbergischer Kreis
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Other funding
€ 0,00
Third-party

Legal entity other than a subcontractor which is affiliated or legally linked to a participant. The entity carries out work under the conditions laid down in the Grant Agreement, supplies goods or provides services for the action, but did not sign the Grant Agreement. A third party abides by the rules applicable to its related participant under the Grant Agreement with regard to eligibility of costs and control of expenditure.

GKN POWDER METALLURGY ENGINEERING GMBH
Germany
Net EU contribution
€ 91 575,00
Address
Pennefeldsweg 11-15
53177 Bonn

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Region
Nordrhein-Westfalen Köln Bonn, Kreisfreie Stadt
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Other funding
€ 0,00
ETHNIKO KENTRO EREVNAS KAI TECHNOLOGIKIS ANAPTYXIS
Greece
Net EU contribution
€ 216 250,00
Address
Charilaou Thermi Road 6 Km
57001 Thermi Thessaloniki

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Region
Βόρεια Ελλάδα Κεντρική Μακεδονία Θεσσαλονίκη
Activity type
Research Organisations
Other funding
€ 0,00
SOLUCIONES CATALITICAS IBERCAT SL
Spain
Net EU contribution
€ 153 580,00
Address
Calle Faraday 7
28049 Madrid

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Comunidad de Madrid Comunidad de Madrid Madrid
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Other funding
€ 0,00
IGAS ENERGY GMBH
Germany
Net EU contribution
€ 169 750,00
Address
Cockerillstrasse 100
52222 Stolberg

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Nordrhein-Westfalen Köln Städteregion Aachen
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Other funding
€ 0,00