Synhelion and University of Florida Receive $2.7M Funding for Solar-Thermal Hydrogen Project
Swiss company Synhelion and the University of Florida have been granted $2.7 million by the US Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) for their collaborative project. The initiative aims to accelerate the development and deployment of concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) technology for the production of green hydrogen, contributing to industrial decarbonization and electric power generation. By utilizing high-temperature solar process heat beyond 1,500 °C, Synhelion’s technology enables the decarbonization of industrial processes and the production of sustainable fuels. The project will focus on developing a solar reactor powered by high-temperature solar thermal energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, with the goal of improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar thermochemical hydrogen production through the use of new redox materials. The funding is part of the SETO’s CSP Research, Development, and Demonstration program, which seeks to lower the cost of CSP technologies and facilitate their integration into various industries to support the decarbonization of the electricity grid and energy system.
UFI Filters Develops Advanced Panel Filter System for Changan’s Fuel Cell Sedan
UFI Filters, an Italian company specializing in car filters, has unveiled a new panel filter system designed for China’s upcoming fuel cell sedan, the Changan Deep Blue SL03. The system addresses the crucial requirement of clean air intake for proton exchange membrane (PEMFC) fuel cells, which are commonly used in fuel cell vehicles. UFI Filters’ solution consists of a two-layer design, with the first layer acting as a physical barrier for larger solid particles, and the second layer utilizing activated carbon to absorb gaseous contaminants. The Deep Blue SL03, equipped with a 55 kW fuel cell system developed by Shenli Technology, is expected to deliver a hydrogen energy conversion efficiency exceeding 60% and achieve a range of up to 730 km in average driving conditions, contributing to the advancement of fuel cell technology.
Magnom Properties to Power Forbes International Tower with Green Hydrogen
Egypt-based Magnom Properties, a subsidiary of Rawabi Holding, has announced plans to utilize green hydrogen as the power source for its proposed Forbes International Tower. In collaboration with Schneider Electric from France and H2-Enterprises from the United States, Magnom Properties aims to leverage H-2’s Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) technology to achieve zero carbon emissions for the tower. LOHC enables the safe storage, transportation, and release of clean hydrogen produced from renewable waste, offering a sustainable solution for meeting the tower’s heating and energy requirements. The futuristic design of the tower is being developed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. Schneider Electric and H2-Enterprises will contribute their expertise in energy management, infrastructure, clean hydrogen production, storage, and conversion to support the tower’s innovative energy supply and management solutions.
H2U Technologies Demonstrates First Non-Iridium PEM Electrolyzer for Commercial Hydrogen Production
H2U Technologies, an electrolyzer developer, has successfully showcased the first non-iridium Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer for commercial hydrogen production. After proving the efficacy of their non-iridium catalyst materials in small-scale electrolyzer stacks in late 2022, H2U has now scaled this technology to a 200kW electrolyzer system for testing and demonstration. This achievement is a significant step toward addressing the iridium supply chain constraints in the growing electrolyzer industry and reducing the costs associated with green hydrogen production. The non-iridium PEM electrolyzer provides an alternative solution to the global iridium scarcity issue that could hamper future scale-up efforts. H2U is collecting operational data during the demonstration of their 200kW system to further validate the durability and performance of the non-iridium catalysts, with plans to ship external proof-of-concept units by the end of the year. By overcoming material dependency challenges, H2U aims to make green hydrogen more accessible and cost-effective, paving the way for wider adoption in various applications.
Hystar Collaborates with SMART TEST SOLUTIONS for Monitoring PEM Electrolyser
Norwegian company Hystar has partnered with SMART TESTSOLUTIONS to implement a Cell Voltage Monitoring (CVM) system for its 1 MW containerized PEM electrolyzer installation in Kårstø, Norway. The CVM system will enable the measurement of individual cell voltages in the electrolyzer, along with cell contacting, wiring, and housing. While CVM systems from SMART TESTSOLUTIONS have primarily been used in fuel cells, Hystar will utilize them to monitor cell voltages in their new PEM electrolyzer stacks for green hydrogen production, potentially controlling the system based on measured values. The project also involves the design of the cell voltage tap on the electrolyzer’s bipolar plate, leveraging SMART TESTSOLUTIONS’ extensive experience in this area.
