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TEST LINE #1

High-temperature electrolysis

Offering testing services from the cell to the system level providing coherent and comprehensive outputs for low-TRL SOEL and PCCEL technologies.

TEST FACILITIES

  • W- to MW-range.
  • 500 and 1000ºC temperatures with 95% steam flow and H2 safe gas atmospheres.
  • PRIMA platform for real power profile from renewable energy production plants.

TEST TYPES

  • Performance (V-I) and galvanostatic long-term experiments.
  • Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) at cell level: JRC and other protocols applied.

FURTHER SERVICES

  • Postmortem characterization of the cells and stacks.
  • Roundtrip evaluation.

Showcase #1

Showcase 1 is an opportunity to test lines 1, 8, and 9, enabling the creation of a case study that can serve as a reference for startups and SMEs looking to leverage these services. By validating different aspects of high-temperature electrolysis, this initiative will provide key insights into the technical feasibility, design optimization, and environmental impact of this cutting-edge hydrogen production technology.

H2B2 is developing a high-temperature electrolysis stack [DMA1] designed to produce low-carbon hydrogen more efficiently. This innovative system leverages Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOECs), which operate at 800-900°C, significantly reducing the electrical energy required for hydrogen production compared to conventional electrolysis technologies.

A key innovation in this stack is the integration of 3D printing technology in the manufacturing process. Using stereolithography (SLA), H2B2, in collaboration with IREC, has developed corrugated electrolyte membranes, enhancing hydrogen output and mechanical stability while maintaining a compact stack design. This breakthrough optimizes performance, simplifies component integration, and improves the system’s overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Cells and stacks characteristics

  • Cell size

    112 x 77 mm2

  • Stack size

    120 x 80 x X mm3 (X depends on the number of cells)

  • Electrolyte thickness

    250 μm

  • Electrolyte material

    3YSZ or 8YSZ

  • Electrode materials

    Fuel electrode: Ni-YSZ / Oxygen electrode: LSM-YSZ

Cells and stacks operating conditions

  • Operating temperature

    850-900 ºC

  • Operating pressure

    Atmospheric pressure

  • Fuel composition

    From 95/5 to 50/50 H2O/H2

  • Air composition

    79/21 N2/O2

  • Fuel flow

    From 3 to 20 NmL/min/cm2/cell

  • Air flow

    From 0.5 to 3 times the fuel flow

  • Current density

    At 900 ºC, 0.45 A/cm2 at 1.3 V

Test Line 1 focus

Within Test Line 1, IREC will conduct the technical evaluation of the SOEC stack. Electrochemical testing, including current-voltage characterization and long-term durability tests at 850–900°C, will provide critical data on efficiency and performance. The findings will help fine-tune the design of the stack and validate its operation under realistic hydrogen production conditions.

ALL TEST LINES