iL-CURRENT
June 18, 2024
"Week of Hydrogen":
Gigafabrik can come
Making hydrogen technology visible and tangible to the public is the declared aim of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. Together with numerous partners, including InnovationLab GmbH, a multifaceted program is being offered until 23 June as part of the nationwide "Hydrogen Week". "Pilot factory of the future - electrolysis from the production line" was the topic that interested visitors to Speyerer Strasse 4 were able to explore.
At the beginning of the week, the illustrious panel of experts consisted of representatives from Stadtwerke, SGS-TÜV Saar and Heidelberg-based sheet metal processing specialists Autz & Herrmann. Julian Thüning, a working student at MRN, and Zichu Li, a mathematics and physics student at Heidelberg University, also familiarized themselves with the topic. "I'm interested in materials engineering," said Li, "but I learn almost nothing about things like electrolyser production at university. I found it really exciting." Julian Thüning, who was impressed by the possibilities and facilities at iL, had a similar reaction. "There is already a lot of technology in the large hall," he stated after the tour of the clean rooms, "I understood that many processes still need to be optimized and consortium partners brought together for an electrolysis pilot plant."
Took the hydrogen enthusiasts along with him during his presentation in clearly understandable language: Dr. Philip Scharfer from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Picture: InnovationLab
KIT: Catalyst-coated diaphragm at the heart of the system
Dr. Philip Scharfer from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), head of the Thin Film Technology (TFT) research group and familiar with the special features of iL since 2011, gave a keynote speech in easy-to-understand language. He and his scientific colleagues at KIT are process engineers, he said, and the main focus is on coating and drying. "Catalyst-coated membranes are at the heart of our research - that's what we mainly focus on," said Scharfer.
Industry already requires a large amount of hydrogen today. At present, this is almost entirely gray hydrogen, i.e. hydrogen from fossil fuels. However, the future focus is on creating the conditions for the production of green hydrogen. "The use of PEM electrolysers is suitable for this because they have a very high level of efficiency," reported Philip Scharfer. He spread optimism: "We are located in a strong metropolitan region with strong players. The goal is a real gigafactory."
KIT and iL want to see electrolysers rolling off the production line in Heidelberg as soon as possible. Such a "lighthouse project" requires large companies, their know-how for material procurement, technological expertise and market knowledge for the rapid industrial production of electrolysers. In addition, the establishment of an electrolysis pilot factory offers opportunities for SMEs and start-ups to participate in a competence center with good location factors.
Cost pressure" is still the problem
The most delicate problem in the two process routes (decal film laminated onto the membrane or direct coating) is, in addition to a crack-free, homogeneous overall appearance of the membranes, generally an "enormous cost pressure. At the moment, the processes and materials are still too expensive," explained Philip Scharfer.
The extremely interested group of scientists, company representatives and students certainly took home new insights. It is worth getting involved with the topic of hydrogen (slogan "Say Hi to Hy"). All participants agreed that the Heidelberg "pilot factory of the future - electrolysers from the assembly line" must come.
This is because hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier. It can be used across sectors and offers great synergy potential for the efficient use of resources. This makes hydrogen a key factor for the energy transition and a CO2-free future.
Joachim Klaehn
Head of Communications
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