Estudo técnico-financeiro para seleção de separadores para um eletrolisador alcalino

11/27/2024

Considering the current climate context, with high carbon dioxide emissions, the production of Hydrogen (H2) through alkaline electrolysis (AWE) integrated with renewable sources, is one of the most viable alternatives. Although AWE is a well-established technology, its efficiency needs to be increased. This work, developed within the scope of the H2Czero project by ISPT – Industrial Services, S.A., arose with the objective of carrying out a technical-financial study for the selection of separators that increase the efficiency of alkaline electrolyzers. The AGFA, Zirfon500Ref and Zirfon500+ diaphragms and the Orion membrane were evaluated. Experimental tests were conducted to evaluate the physicochemical properties of the separators. Additionally, a cost analysis was performed by calculating the Levelized Cost of H2 (LCOH). Orion presented acceptable absorption values (60 – 70%) and ion exchange capacity (IEC) of 2.35 meq.g-1, however, very high values were observed for the swelling rate. Regarding mechanical strength, the Young's moduli were 807 MPa for Orion, 310 MPa for Zirfon500Ref and 280 MPa for Zirfon500+. Zirfon500+ reached maximum ionic conductivity of 0.46 S.cm-1 and presented the most stable thermal behavior. The cost analysis allowed to reach values around 10 €/kgH2 and 446 €/kgH2 for the diaphragms and the membrane, respectively. The results indicated Zirfon500+ as the best option to increase the efficiency of a low-cost AWE electrolyzer.

Authors in the community:

• 

  M

  Melanie Celine Barata dos Santos

  ist1105269

Supervisors of this institution:

• 

  D

  Diogo M. F. Santos

  ist45793

mechanical-engineering - Mechanical engineering

por - Portuguese

Instituto Superior Técnico