Innovation Lab Water Electrolysis (InnoEly)
Contact: Dr.-Ing. Marina Bockelmann
The project "Innovation Laboratory Water Electrolysis (InnoEly)" aims to build a bridge from material development to system design of water electrolysers. Together with industrial partners, a toolbox of experimental and model-based methods is being developed that serves both the perspective of the plant operator and that of the material developer and electrolyser manufacturer. The toolbox contains modelling and characterisation components that are used for all three relevant water electrolysis technologies, alkaline electrolysis (AEL), acidic proton exchange membrane electrolysis (PEMEL) and high temperature electrolysis (HTEL).
In the project, the entire value chain for the production of electrolyzers is considered. The characterisation tool includes a series of electro/physicochemical methods for the investigation of large-scale cell components (such as electrodes, bipolar plates, etc.) in order, on the one hand, to analyse the currently established materials in a uniform manner and, on the other hand, to record the optimisation potential of the technology by integrating new types of components. Subsequently, these results are transferred to model-theoretical considerations of electrolysis technologies, starting with the single cell and describing the stack up to the system and plant level.
With the help of the resulting modelling tool, an application-specific technology selection and dimensioning, as well as the integration of the identified/suitable electrolyser in existing and new plants are made possible. In addition, these tools can be used to identify perspective development and savings potential through improved design of materials, cell components and operating strategies. By directly linking modelling with material development and cell characterisation, future developments can be more easily identified and evaluated on the basis of the model-theoretical considerations.
The InnoEly project will contribute to the efficient use of the value creation potential of the hydrogen economy in Lower Saxony, to intensify the close cooperation between research and industry, and to enable the targeted further development of electrolysis technologies.
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