Revolutionary Efficient Rotating Electrolyser for hydrogen production

EleRot project deals with development of new generation of devices, where water splits under application of electrical current to oxygen and hydrogen. The idea is to increase efficiency of the splitting process by utilization of the forces caused by rotation. The project has developed an electrolyser with a spinning stack. The interface between the stationary and rotating part has been solved. In the spinning stack the produced gas and the electrolyte is separated very fast because of the increased buoyancy that is created in the rotating system. An electrolysis cell is made to produce gas. The gas produced is unwanted inside of the cell, though. This is because it inhibits creation of new gas. EleRot has shown that gas can rapidly be removed from the cell and make a higher current density possible at the same efficiency. This reduces the cost of the machine and the price of hydrogen produced. Tests in the medium range show that the principle works as intendent and can be further upscaled.

Etablert tankegang er utfordret; Rimeligere valg av polymerer og metaller; Endret laboratorie-testing av polymerer mhp testmetoder, utstyr og sikkerhet; Endret testing av prosessanlegg, både materielt og i programvaren; Økt kompetanse hos deltagere; Forenklet sikkerhet i design av maskin og testing av prosessanlegg. Prosjektet har håndtert utfordringer der det ikke fantes litteratur eller eksisterende løsninger. Sammenføyningsmetoder og konstruksjonsprinsipper er vurdert, utprøvd og tidvis forkastet. Detaljkunnskap rundt design av celle-pakker har økt pga avansert geometri. Det globale energimarkedet er hurtigvoksende med hovedfokus på fornybare energikilder. Disse periodiske energikildene trenger en løsning for energilagring ved overskuddsproduksjon og overforbruk. Elektrolyse er en slik løsning, uten karbonavtrykk eller fremtidig avfallsproblematikk. Strømproduksjon med hydrogen som energibærer krever lavt energitap, og hurtig oppstart for å motta strøm fra fornybare energikilder.

Hydrogen production by water electrolysis is a power tool to utilize intermittent power and ensure sustainable and carbon free energy system. Energy systems with hydrogen as an energy carrier require water electrolysers with very high energy conversion efficiency and commercially attractive cost, to be able to adjust power very fast in response to output from intermittent sources. The project aims the development of the rotating electrolyser on the basis of an advanced concept employing centrifugal force to reduce energy losses associated with mass transport limitations in an electrolyser. The research activity within the project include in depth understanding of mass and flow processes in the rotating electrolyser, development of materials for the electrolyser as well as the design of the rotating cell stack and very critical part - the swivel, consisting of mechanical seals and serving as an interconnection to the rotating cell. Also, the degradation processes in the cell materials caused by effect of rotation will be investigated. It is expected that the rotating electrolysers will have several advantages compare to existing electrolysers, from classical atmospheric ones to even advanced pressurized systems. The EleRot product will benefit both from CAPEX and OPEX point of view. The project outcome will substantially increase the competitiveness of the water electrolysers are produced in Norway.