The production of hydrogen fuel from renewable resources such as solar and wind in distributed-generation, small-scale applications would provide an environmentally-benign, truly sustainable transportation fuel supply. But before this can be achieved, the hydrogen generating systems must become as reliable as such home appliances as central air conditioning or furnaces (which require only annual maintenance). The primary source of reliability problems is the separate mechanical compressor, which supplies high pressure hydrogen for portable applications, and its elimination is critical to achieving this goal. This project will develop a prototype for a photovoltaic (PV)-powered, hydrogen fuel producer that supplies high-pressure gas (5,000 to 10,000 psi) to a hydrogen fuel dispenser for the depot-style fueling of commercial or agricultural vehicles, without additional compression or power conditioning equipment. The approach will be based on an innovative ultra-high pressure electrolysis system that has the potential to deliver hydrogen fuel at pressures exceeding 10,000 psi, directly from the electrolysis cell. Phase I will: (1) instrument and run a series of parametric tests on an ultra-high pressure electrolysis cell and document the efficiency of producing fuel grade hydrogen at pressures from ambient to 10,000 psi; (2) identify loss mechanisms and efficiency gains associated with high pressure hydrogen production; and (3) design a stand-alone PV-powered, high-pressure electrolyzer system with a hydrogen fuel dispenser.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should allow distributed hydrogen fuel generation for vehicles to become a reality in the near term, as well as speed the introduction of fuel-cell powered transportation in the long term. The technology would also support small-scale renewable energy storage for 24/7 availability, peak shaving, and load leveling
