Innovative Solid Oxide Electrolyser Stacks for Efficient and Reliable Hydrogen Production

Relhy is an interdisciplinary project funded by the European Commission within FP7 work programme with clear focus on developpement of novel or improved, low cost materials (and the associated manufacturing process) for their integration in efficient and durable components for the next generation of electrolysers based on Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOEC). It is specially tailored for

1. Optimisation of novel or improved cell, interconnect and sealing materials
2. Achievement of innovative designs for SOE stacks to improve durability.

As such, it is positionned as a bridge between currently good performing electrolysis cells and their efficient and relialable integration into advanced stacks to pave the way for the production of a new electrolysers generation.

To achieve these goals, the Relhy project is based on the coupled development of instrumented single repeat unitsand stacks and of associated simulation tools (from cell to stack scale). The mixed experimental and simulation approach will be used on several batches of materials :

• To give specifications for novel improved materials and evaluate them, where special attention is paid to material compatibility (between electrodes, electrolyte, coating, interconnects and sealing).
• To propose innovative designs able to overcome the present limiting parameters and to increase stack reliability, durability and performance.

These material and design innovations will be validated at laboratory scale on a 25-cell stack prototype and its competitiveness will be assessed.