EU HARMONISED TEST PROTOCOLS FOR PEMFC MEA TESTING IN SINGLE CELL CONFIGURATION FOR AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS

PEMFC due to their high energy density, low operating temperature and high efficiency are considered to be very suitable for vehicle propulsion. In such applications, fuel cells could encounter operating conditions which are severe to the materials involved. Fuel cell testing shall as close as possible reflect conditions encountered in real life. To enable a fair comparative assessment of the performance of MEA under operating conditions foreseen in future automotive applications, a set of representative operating conditions in addition with a test methodology is proposed. The aim of a unified set of harmonised operating conditions is to comparatively test and evaluate the performance of different MEAs in single cells. The current document is the result of a cumulative effort of industry and research organisations participating in FCH-JU funded projects for automotive applications, in establishing a harmonised test protocol for assessing PEMFC performance and durability at a single cell level. This document presents a set of reference operating conditions such as temperature, pressure, humidification, gas flow and composition at the fuel and oxidant inlet representative for future automotive applications. It also defines boundaries of these conditions within which the cell is expected to operate. While not specifying single cell design details, cell operation in counter flow is mandatory for comparative assessment. A methodology is established to examining the relative influence that the individual operating parameters exert on the MEA performance in single cell configuration once the cell is subjected to the more challenging boundary conditions defined in this document which are also called as stressor conditions. In addition to operating conditions, the most likely stressor conditions for single cell testing could be identified as follows: Load cycling, Mechanical effects, Fuel Air contaminants (impurities), and Environmental Conditions. In this document the focus is on stressors related to Operating Conditions and Load Cycling. Deviations from the automotive reference Operating Conditions may result in changes to both cell performance and durability. In principle the influence of each stressor on cell performance could be studied individually. However, since a number of stressors are inter-linked, (changing the value of one stressor could inevitably change the value of another), the stressor tests have been grouped into four families of Stressors, namely: Cell Temperature Stressor Tests, Reactants Gas Inlet Humidification Stressor Tests, Reactants Gas Inlet Pressure Stressor Tests, Oxidant Stoichiometry Stressor Tests. The aim of these tests is to study the effect of each stressor on the the cell voltage at three different current densities representative of activation, ohmic polarization and mass transfer regimes as a function of each stressor condition. The successful operation of a fuel cell depends not only on its performance but also on its durability. Fuel cell durability is evaluated through endurance testing by applying a repetitive load profile to the cell and measuring performance degradation in terms of cell voltage decrease as function of operating hours. To assess the cell degradation rate a dynamic load cycle for endurance testing is proposed. The Fuel Cell Dynamic Load Cycle is used in this document and is derived from the New European Driving Cycle modified for fuel cell applications. In addition to the definition of representative reference and stressor operating conditions, the document also provides a rationale for their selection. The use of sound science-based, industry-endorsed test methodologies and protocols enables true comparison of MEAs originating from different sources either commercial or developed within different projects. It also enables evaluating the rate of progress achieved towards reaching agreed technology performance targets.JRC.F.2-Energy Conversion and Storage Technologie

EU harmonised testing protocols for high-temperature steam electrolysis

The objective of this document is to present testing protocols for establishing the performance and durability of high-temperature electrolyser (HTE) stacks and high-temperature steam electrolysis (HTSEL) systems for the generation of bulk amounts of hydrogen by the electrolysis of steam (water vapour) using electricity mostly from variable renewable energy sources (RESs). In addition, stacks and systems may utilise heat from energy conversion, natural resources (geothermal and solar) and industrial processes. By applying these testing protocols, it will be generally possible to characterise and evaluate the performance and durability of different stacks and systems aiming at an adequate comparison of two HTSEL technologies namely solid oxide steam electrolysis (SOEL) and proton-conducting ceramic steam electrolysis (PCCEL). The test methods contained herein are based on standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). These testing protocols are intended to be used by the research community and industry alike, for example, to evaluate research and development (R&D) progress, set research and innovation (R&I) priorities including cost targets, development milestones and technological benchmarks as well as making informed decisions regarding technology selection in power-to-hydrogen (P2H2) and hydrogen-to-industry (H2I) applications.JRC.C.1 - Battery and Hydrogen Technologie

EU harmonised testing procedure: Determination of water electrolyser energy performance

The objective of this pre-normative research (PNR) document is to present a testing procedure for establishing the energy performance of water (steam) electrolyser systems (WE systems), whether grid-connected or off-grid and individual water electrolysers (WEs)/high-temperature electrolysers (HTEs) for the generation of hydrogen by water/steam electrolysis. The WE systems use electricity mostly from variable renewable energy sources. HTE may additionally utilise (waste) heat from energy conversion and other industrial processes. By applying this procedure, the determination of the specific energy consumption per unit of hydrogen output under standard ambient temperature and pressure (SATP) conditions allows for an adequate comparison of different WE systems. The energy efficiency and the electrical efficiency based on higher and lower heating value of hydrogen can be derived from respectively the specific energy consumption and the specific electric energy consumption as additional energy performance indicators (EPIs). In a plant setting, the specific energy consumption of an individual water electrolyser including HTE under hydrogen output conditions may also be determined using this testing procedure. This procedure is intended to be used as a general characterisation method for evaluating the energy performance of WEs including HTEs and systems by the research community and industry alike.JRC.C.1 - Battery and Hydrogen Technologie

EU harmonised protocols for testing of low temperature water electrolysers

This report is the outcome of a combined effort of experts active in water electrolysis related projects coordinated by FCH2JU. It considers all three technologies of low temperature water electrolysis: proton (PEMWE), anion exchange membrane (AEMWE) and alkaline water electrolysers (AWE). It consists of a set of harmonised operating conditions, testing protocols and procedures for assessing both performance and durability of low temperature water electrolysis devices at every level of aggregation, from materials to stacks, up to grid-coupled systems. For the operating conditions, a number of agreed reference settings are presented, covering a.o. temperature, pressure, gas flow rate and gas composition. System boundaries are defined for these conditions, within which the electrolyser cell or stack is expected to operate. The report also presents an approach for assessing the effect on electrolyser performance and degradation of the exposure to more challenging conditions, known as “stressor conditions”. The grid balancing harmonised testing profiles are the result of the QualyGridS project N.735485.JRC.C.1 - Energy Storag

EU harmonised accelerated stress testing protocols for low-temperature water electrolyser

This document introduces proposed accelerated stress testing (AST) protocols for assessing the performance degradation of water electrolyser (WE) stacks. These stacks play a crucial role in generating clean hydrogen in bulk amounts through the electrolysis of water, primarily using electricity from renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic arrays and wind turbines. By implementing these protocols, it becomes feasible to assess the performance degradation of various stacks systematically especially following a design of experiment approach. This allows for a thorough comparison of the three main low-temperature water electrolysis technologies: alkaline water electrolysis in an alkaline water electrolyser, anion exchange polymer membrane water electrolysis in an anion exchange polymer membrane water electrolyser, and proton exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis in a proton exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolyser. It is important to note that this document does not delve into specific techniques for accelerating particular failure modes or enhancing different degradation phenomena at the component and sub-component levels within WE stacks. Instead, it offers broad guidelines for establishing AST procedures for stacks to ensure their reliable operation in water electrolyser systems utilising fluctuating renewable electricity. These protocols are intended for use by both the research community and industry, serving purposes such as research and development (R&D), and stack prototype qualification, assessing R&D progress, setting priorities with cost targets, development milestones, and technological benchmarks, and making informed decisions regarding technology selection.JRC.C.1 - Battery and Hydrogen Technologie

EU harmonised test procedure: electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for water electrolysis cells

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is a suitable and powerful diagnostic testing method for PEMWE (polymer electrolyte or proton exchange membrane water electrolysis) cell because it is non-destructive and provides useful information about fuel cell performance and its components. It can principally be used in PEMWE diagnosis including optimization of MEAs (membrane electrode assemblies). The EIS technique measures the frequency dependence of the cell impedance applying a small sinusoidal AC current (or voltage) as a perturbation signal while measuring the voltage (or current) response. EIS can provide useful information on voltage losses in PEMWE. This testing procedure is a general characterization method that is used in research and development of the PEMWE single cells. The test can be used as a baseline measurement for the qualification of a PEMWE and its components.JRC.C.1 - Energy Storag

Energy efficiency of water electrolysers for hydrogen production

This document is a policy brief about the energy efficiency of water electrolysers for the production of hydrogen. It aims at providing policymakers with clarifications about the techno-economic concepts related or influenced by the energy efficiency of electrolysers systems such as the multiple definitions and metrics used by manufacturers, the impact of energy efficiency on the operation of an electrolyser, as well as the influence of efficiency on the levelised cost of hydrogen production. The brief also provides a brief overview of current work towards improving the energy efficiency of electrolysers.JRC.C.1 - Battery and Hydrogen Technologie

EU harmonised terminology for low temperature water electrolysis for energy storage applications

This report was prepared under the Framework Contract between the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen second Joint Undertaking (FCH2JU). This document is the result of a collaborative effort between industry partners, research organisations and academia participating in several Fuel Cell and Hydrogen second Joint Undertaking funded projects in Low Temperature Water Electrolysis applications. The objectives of the report is to present to those involved in research and development a comprehensive and harmonised compendium of various terminology terms which are encountered in low temperature water electrolysis applications.JRC.C.1-Energy Storag

EU harmonised polarisation curve test method for low-temperature water electrolysis

This report on EU harmonised polarisation curve test method for low-temperature water electrolysis was carried out under the framework contract between the Joint Research Centre and the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking, rolling plan 2017. The polarisation curve test method is the basic method used to characterise low-temperature water electrolysis (WE) single cells and stacks at specified operating conditions (temperature and pressure). The procedure is applicable to polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE), alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) and anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) single cells and stacks. It provides information on the reaction kinetics, ohmic resistance and mass transport resistance of the cell/stack. This procedure is a general characterisation method that is used in the research and development of low-temperature WE single cells and stacks at specified operating conditions (temperature and pressure). The test can be used as a baseline measurement for the qualification of a WE cell or stack.JRC.C.1 - Energy Storag

Batteries - Technology Development Report 2020

This Batteries Technology Development 2020 presents an assessment of the state of the art, development trends, targets, technological barriers and research and innovation needs for all solid state Li-ion batteries with lithium metal anodes, lithium-sulphur and sodium-ion batteries as well as redox flow batteries with organic shuttles. Particular attention is paid to how Horizon 2020 funded projects contributed to technology advancements. The report includes an overview of Member States' activities, most relevant international programmes as well as a patent landscape study for the latter three battery technologies.JRC.C.2 - Energy Efficiency and Renewable