The great engineering challenge in electrolytic hydrogen production is to achieve high electrical efficiency while using robust yet cost-effective materials. This is why characterizing catalytically active coatings and testing innovative materials such as cell frames, seals and membranes are such important R&D tasks. Our aim here is to examine research results and innovations under near real-world operating conditions and on various scales so we can apply these results to the technically relevant performance classes. The focus of these investigations is on performance under varying operating conditions and on service life under defined loads. The REG department has been working intensively on the development and use of alkaline electrolysis blocks and electrolysis systems since 2011.
Engaging in the P2G Electrolysis, QUAREE100, ecoPtG and other joint research projects, its researchers and engineers set up and operated test cells to develop and test prototypes and demonstration blocks such as ZSW’s proprietary alkaline block technology with 2,700 cm² electrode area and 300 kWe.
Established in recent years, ZSW’s extensive test field enables scientists to comprehensively characterize and investigate everything from materials for alkaline electrolysis such as coatings, electrodes and membranes to entire electrolysis blocks. Various test cells with different performance classes are available to conduct a range of investigations.