ITM Power Plc (ITMPF)

[Gerry321]

Are ITM developing a 350 bar pem electrolyzer ?

Enrique Troncoso of ITM gave a presentation to the Project Eden International Seminar in Porto in May 2008
His presentation covered 4 aspects of the hydrogen economy

INTRODUCTION – THE ENERGY CHALLENGE
ELECTROLYSERS IN THE ENERGY SYSTEM
ELECTROLYSERS FOR LOAD MANAGEMENT
ITM POWER

In one of his slides he explained what was needed from electrolyser technology to support the hydrogen economy

He said
H2O + (renewable) power → H2 + O2

Needs catalysts + electrolyte (KOH, PEM)

Needs operating temp Top = 50 ºC - 80 ºC

Needs operating pressure Pop = 1 - 350 bar

He then went on to explain the main challenges facing the electrolyser industry
Which are
Material costs (precious metals + PEM)
and
Manufacturing costs

And then outlined ITM `s remarkable developments including the 75 bar electrolyser and bi fuel car

So what you might say

…nothing new here

What`s so interesting about that ?

Well whats interesting is this
We all know that hydrogen for vehicles needs to be contained at 350bar for a decent mileage between refuelling
So a requiremnt of the transport industry in the hydrogen economy is STORAGE at 350 bar
but when describing the needs of electrolysers in the hydrogen economy
Enrique Troncoso emphasised that electrolysers need to OPERATE at between 1 and 350 bar
He made no reference in his slide to hydrogen compression
and rightly so since this is a second stage process which is independent of the electrolyser process
So when he talks about electrolyser OPERATION he is really talking about an electrolyser which self pressurises to 350 bar
Later on he indicates that ITM are targetting the launch of their self pressurising 75 bar electrolyser and bi fuel car
Meaning ITM already have a product in the 1 to 350 bar operating pressure range he says is needed by the hydrogen economy

Which rather begs the question
Why emphasise 350 bar as an operating requirement of an electrolyser when it isnt ?
Heres one explanation

ITM have an internal target of self pressurising to 350 bar
And
although for commercial reasons they cant declare it until it is cut and dried

The Boffins don’t really want the technical community to think they can`t do 350 bar
So they fudge fudge, nudge nudge and wink wink there way through a presentation without mentioning hydrogen compressors