Hydrogen.gov | C. Electrolytic Processes

C. Electrolytic Processes

1. Renewable Energy Technologies

a) Power conversion systems

i. Hybrid wind, PV/electrolysis power electronics
Goal: Cost, efficiency

ii. Integrated power control/grid interaction technology with electrolysis

b) Photovoltaic cells

i. Manufacturing processes

ii. Light concentrator / PV cell modules

iii. Semiconductor PV cell materials

iv. Wide-bandgap PV materials (e.g., TiO2)

a. Femtosecond-laser optical studies of electron-transfer dynamics

c) Energy storage

i. Wind tower bulk storage

ii. Reversible solid oxide electrolyzer/fuel cell

iii. Dispatchable electricity generation

d) Wind and hydropower

i. Analysis of low-cost hydrogen production systems

ii. Central production hybrid (electricity/hydrogen) systems

iii. Distributed production for near-term, carbon-free hydrogen

e) Geothermal

2. Small-Scale Systems
Description: Distributed production
Goals: Cost, Durability, > 70% (LHV) system efficiency.

a) Photovoltaic cells Goal: Optimal utilization of Si or III/V solar cells in system design

i. Develop model to predict H2 production using PVs

ii. Conduct small-scale tests

3. Large-Scale Systems
Description: Utility-scale production systems suitable for renewable-energy integration

a) Component Design
Goals: Reduce O&M costs, improve durability, efficiency, high-pressure operation

i. Water feed

ii. Cell stack

iii. Compression

iv. Seals

b) Steam Electrolysis
Goals: Efficiency, Electricity production cost, System durability

c) Solid-Oxide Electrolyzer
Description: Reversible electrolyzer

d) Catalysts

e) Materials
Goals: Cost, Durability, Manufacturability, Efficiency, Stack compression

f) Compression Technologies
Goal: Develop electrochemical, other methods integral to the cell stack to achieve output pressures > 500 psi using low-cost materials.

4. Demonstrations
Goal: Evaluate efficiency, durability, and gain real-world experience on system issues.

a) Fueling station
Description: Incorporate promising electrolytic technologies into an integrated H2 production, building power, and fueling system, at distributed locations (see V.D.2 for a complete description).
Goal: Evaluate efficiency, durability, and gain real-world experience.

i. Integrate electrolytic hydrogen production into the system.

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