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Materials and components for Hydrogen production by sulphur based thermochemical cycles

Activity Code: ENERGY-2007-1.2-03
Coordinator: Prof. Dr K. A. Friedrich, German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Abstract:

The main objective of the project DECODE is to increase the life-time of fuel cells for automotive applications. It is well-known that liquid water plays a crucial role in the degradation processes of fuel cells. However, this specific degradation influence is not addressed sufficiently in the present research and development efforts.Therefore, DECODE aims at identifying characteristic behaviour regarding degradation and malfunctions with special emphasis on liquid water interactions. The work will quantitatively elucidate fundamental degradation mechanisms with PEFC under steady-state, cycling and start-up/shut-down conditions. The elucidated mechanisms will be used to improve PEFC durability.

The project plan is split into three phases:

In the first short phase, - the specification and definition phase -, materials, components as well as testing and operating conditions will be specified.

In the second phase, - the analysis phase - the individual degradation processes of the components and their interactions will be investigated. This includes the fundamental investigation of membrane and electrodes in work package 3, the analysis of porous media in work package 4 and the investigation of degradation of bipolar plates in work package 5. The investigations in these three work packages involve novel methodology, sophisticated characterization of components, and modelling of water transport and water interactions with components.

In the third phase the knowledge of the degradation processes and mechanisms will be use to generate technological progress. It includes development of novel fuel cell operating strategies to mitigate degradation phenomena and to improve components and single cell design (also by moderate modification of materials).

Project Details:

Start Date: 01.01.2008
End Date: 30.11.2012
EU Contribution: 3.7 Mio. Euro 
Total Costs: 5.65 Mio. Euro
Funding Scheme: Small or medium-scale focused research project
Administrative Contact Person: Andreas Heinz
Scientific Coordinator: Prof. Dr K. A. Friedrich, a.friedrich@decode-project.eu
Project Website:http://www.decode-project.eu/

Partners:

  • German Aerospace Center (DLR), Germany
  • Solvay Solexis S.P.A., Italy
  • Commissariat Energie Atomique, France  
  • Chalmers Tekniska Hoegskola AB, Sweden
  • Zentrum für Sonnenenergie und Wasserstoffforschung, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Volvo Technology AB, Sweden
  • Adam Opel GmbH, Germany
  • Reinz-Dichtungs GmbH, Germany
  • Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
  • Commission of the European Communities - Directorate General Joint Research Centre - JRC, Belgium
  • SGL Technologies GmbH, Germany