Flow Field design could increase Hydrogen Production in Electrolysers
Loop Energy™, a designer and manufacturer of hydrogen fuel cell solutions, has completed third-party validation of the use of its patented eFlow™ technology in PEM electrolysers.
In partnership with Fraunhofer USA, testing was conducted by the German Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, and has demonstrated a fuel cell architecture with trapezoid flow field design can enhance temperature uniformity. When incorporated into conventional PEM electrolysis cells, this bipolar plate architecture demonstrates it can increase hydrogen production. Loop Energy is now seeking industry partners to develop a full-scale electrolyzer prototype for commercial validation.
Results show that eFlow architecture creates a more stable and uniform operating environment in the PEM water electrolysis test cells compared to conventional flow fields with parallel channels, resulting in greater hydrogen production and improved efficiency. Testing also shows the enhanced uniform operating environment should have a beneficial impact on durability.
“Results from the validation process show that the new flow field technology has the potential to surpass typical levels of hydrogen production that we see in the industry today and supports green hydrogen production to become increasingly economically viable,” said Fraunhofer ISE Head of Department Chemical Energy Storage, Dr. Tom Smolinka. “The difference we have seen from current electrolyzer performance with conventional parallel flow field is that the adapted design appears to create more uniform temperature distribution could make it an enabling technology for some of the advanced materials needed to really increase the economics of electrolyzers and green hydrogen.”
Encouraged by the results, Loop Energy and Fraunhofer ISE are inviting expressions of interest from potential industry partners. Interested parties will partner with the two companies in designing and manufacturing an electrolyzer prototype to verify eFlow’s benefits for producing hydrogen on a commercial scale. All expressions of interest can be directed to Loop Energy Chief Commercial Officer, George Rubin.
“The completion of third-party validation is an important milestone for Loop Energy as we explore how eFlow can transform the hydrogen production sector,” said Loop Energy President & CEO, Ben Nyland. “We’re extremely pleased to partner with Fraunhofer ISE and draw on their long-lasting experience in cell and stack design for PEM water electrolysis. The results have been encouraging, and we’re excited to begin the search for strategic partners to support us as we innovate electrolyzer technology.”
Currently, Loop Energy’s proprietary eFlow technology is applied in its fuel cell products to offer unmatched levels of fuel efficiency. Its tapering channel design enables eFlow to provide improved uniform current density and increases gas velocity to deliver superior thermal and water management. With the new discovery that eFlow can benefit hydrogen production efficiency, it expands the patented technology’s potential use across the hydrogen energy vertical.
Global demand for hydrogen production is projected to grow by more than US$1 trillion by 2050. As a result, both new and existing hydrogen producers are searching for a competitive advantage to meet rising demand.
Ben Nyland will share details of this development at CERAWeek on March 6 and 7 alongside Thomas Schuelke, president of Fraunhofer USA, which also acts as project partner. In addition, Dr. Tom Smolinka and Loop Energy Chief Scientist, Dr. Sean Mackinnon will present the technical results at Hannover Messe on April 17. Requests for meetings at either event can be coordinated with Ethan Hugh.
