In addition to being fuel for the transport sector, hydrogen will contribute to increased utilization of renewable energy sources. The need for energy storage will increase dramatically, and hydrogen will be the preferred option for large amounts of energy, and storage over longer periods.
SINTEF also performs feasibility studies and provide high level advisory support for potential producers and end users of hydrogen technology with focus on production from renewable energy and end use in fuel cells.
We offer competence within:
- materials for electrolysers, fuel cells, reformers and purification (e.g. catalyst/electrode, coatings for BPPs, Pd-membranes)
- advanced characterization and evaluation of components, cells, stacks and systems
- system control, diagnostics and prognostics
- gas quality measurements
- feasibility studies and end use of hydrogen technology
A substantial effort is devoted to hydrogen production primarily by water electrolysis, but also towards reforming. Next generation PEM water electrolyser technology is a focus area.
Within fuel cells, PEM, Solid Oxide as well as high temperature Proton Conduction systems are being developed, suitable for stationary as well as transportation applications.
SINTEF's developments enable increased utilization excess of intermittent renewable energy sources by providing new more efficient battery chemistries (both Li-ion based and alternatives) as well as more efficient and lower cost water electrolysers and fuel cells.
System control as well as Prognostics and Diagnostic tools are being developed and implemented to mitigate fuel cell and electrolyser degradation and prolong lifetime.
New more stable coatings and concepts for bipolar plates are under development and promising low cost candidates have been identified and are currently undergoing long term testing.
Highly selective Pd based membranes provide for efficient gas cleaning at an acceptable cost and ultra-clean hydrogen in accordance with PEM fuel cell requirements. The patented process for Pd-membranes is currently being scaled up into the square meter range suitable for industrial use.
Gas quality assurance is another key area within SINTEFs hydrogen activities, and advanced gas composition monitoring instruments and methodologies are being developed and applied at existing HRSs.
SINTEF's hydrogen and fuel cell activity is carried out in close collaboration and with substantial funding from leading international industrial stakeholders, enabling SINTEF to remain in the forefront of the development.