Hydrogen generation via proton exchange membrane water electrolysis is one technology that offers a pathway to store large amounts of electrical energy in the form of hydrogen and enables the integration of renewables into the grid. In order to realize a large market penetration of carbon free hydrogen, produced through PEM water electrolyzers, high capital and operating costs need to be reduced via rapid and successful research and development. This is only possible if a meaningful comparison of performance across laboratories can be achieved and demonstrated. As shown in Figure 1, performance data in the literature of nominally identical systems vary significantly. For example, up to 200 mV deviation was reported at current densities of 1 A/cm²for cells that employed Nafion 117 membranes (Figure 1) [1]. These deviations may originate from using different materials, hardware, test equipment, and operating conditions and procedures. The data confirm an obvious need for standardization of materials and testing protocols to enable such a comparison in the low temperature electrolysis field. Herein, we address this need by reporting on the latest results of a round robin test effort conducted by contributors to the IEA Electrolysis Annex 30. Building upon a method and equipment framework developed and verified in an iterative process, the work recently expanded to include titanium based porous transport layer materials and pressure capable hardware. As shown in Figure 2, initial results with these material sets between laboratories (Figure 2, right) indicate a similar if not reduced deviation between laboratories when compared to the results of the first study (Figure 2, left). The presentation will address the method and thought process selected for harmonizing low temperature electrolysis performance experiments and defining equipment requirements. Latest results and progress of the round robin phase II effort will be reported and discussed and further action summarized.

References:

1. Bender, M. Carmo, T. Smolinka, A. Gago, N. Danilovic, M. Mueller, F. Ganci, A. Fallisch, P. Lettenmeier, K.A. Friedrich, K. Ayers, B. Pivovar, J. Mergel, D. Stolten, „Initial approaches in benchmarking and round robin testing for proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers”, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Vol. 44, Issue 18, 2019, P. 9174-9187, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2019.02.074
2. Lickert, M. Carmo, G. Bender, B. Pivovar, T. Smolinka, S. Fischer, J. Young, A. Kang, P. Kadam, A. Fallisch, „Round Robin Testing Activities – Phase 2”, IEA Annex 30 Workshop, Hannover, March 2019