Case study 1

Battolyser photo

Battery-electrolysers

This is an example of work within the team looking at low-cost production of hydrogen through a battery-electrolyser (similar functionality as the Delft-developed battolyser but using different chemistries). It starts life as a battery or flow battery that can produce hydrogen under electrolysis. The water consumption of this reaction is compensated by adding water to the electrolyte to avoid a concentration increase of the electrolyte that would subsequently affect the battery-electrolyser's chemistry.

The battery-electrolyser works by:

  • Discharging as a battery when electricity demand exceeds generation
  • Charging as a battery
  • Use excess electricity to produce hydrogen

A battery-electrolyser was first developed at Delft University by Dr. Fokko Mulder et al. based on Nickel-Iron batteries. º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ has been investigating alternative battery-electrolyser chemistry solutions using more abundant materials.

We are looking at two different use cases, as shown below.

 diagram of Microgrid Battolyser

Battery-electrolysers in microgrids

 

Diagram of wind farm battolyser

Battery-electrolysers using curtailed wind power

Our work includes, but is not limited to:

  • Early TRL chemistry investigation
  • Measurement and testing
  • Modelling
  • Prototyping
  • Business case and use development

World’s first lead-acid battery-electrolyser for low-cost green hydrogen