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Led by researchers at Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen, in collaboration with the University of Surrey, the team designed, built and tested electrodes used in solid oxide steam electrolysis (SOSE) for waste steam generated from nuclear power plants.
SOSE systems operate at 600-900°C, so the cell’s cathode, electrolyte and anode layers were manufactured with thermal spray and dip coating techniques. The RGU team said other advances were made in materials and arrangement.
The research showed that the tubular electrolyser cell provides improved performance, meaning the design has a higher hydrogen production rate compared to existing cells.
Lead investigator Professor Nadimul Faisal said: “Developing electrolyser cells with enhanced hydrogen production, and their scalable manufacturing, can play an important role in enabling not only eco-friendly development but also cost-effective, reliable, and sustainable opportunities. This project has the potential to advance technology to produce green hydrogen, and thus we will exploit the outcomes and commercialise the product.”
Lecturer Dr Anil Prathuru added: “Solid oxide electrolyser technology is set to play a key role in UK’s energy goals. Scalable manufacturing is a potential issue. This project gave us the opportunity to try some unique ideas towards enhancing the operational efficiency, and demonstrate a highly scalable method of electrolyser manufacture.”
More work is needed to develop improved manufacturing techniques to prevent cracking while the system is used at high temperatures, the RGU announcement said. The team also aims to carry out a life cycle assessment before it becomes a commercial product.
Don’t miss the Engineering Challenges in the Hydrogen Economy 2024 conference, taking place 6-7 March at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. To view the programme and book your place, click here.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.