Within the research strand focused on the prod’ction of ‘green hydrogen,’ RSE intends to expand the knowledge and develop innovative methods of handling electrolyzers for application in a potentially 100% renewable energy system. In particular, on this topic, RSE proposes establishing non-onerous partnerships with Italian operators in the field with the aim of exploring the opportunities offered by the new solutions being developed.

1        Premise

The direct powering of electrolysis devices using renewable sources (RES), which are characterized by production that is not constant in time and not entirely predictable, is a commonly accepted application for all low-temperature electrolysis technologies (mainly ALK, PEM). However, the preliminary analysis conducted by RSE revealed several critical issues:

• Device power supply: the transformation and rectification of the incoming electrical signal reduce the conversion efficiency of the device by up to 20% for alkaline (ALK) technologies when operating with reduced loads (common in cases of direct power supply from RES);
• Useful life: there are no in-depth studies in the literature regarding the useful life of the devices and any potential accelerated wear due to variable-load power supply;
• Experimental comparison: few studies in the literature directly compare the operation of an electrolyzer powered by renewable energy sources and its numerical modeling.
• Often, numerical modeling involves the interaction between physical phenomena that operate on vastly different timescales, starting from models developed under steady-state conditions, without proper experimental validation of the result’s reliability.
• There are few dynamic studies of an electrolyzer, such as multi-physics analyses of a system characterized experimentally.

2        Objectives of the expression of interest

This request for an expression of interest aims to establish partnerships with operators in the electrolyzer sector, specifically with experience in PEM and/or Alkaline systems for hydrogen production for industrial applications.

The partnerships that RSE intends to establish are primarily focused on the sharing of knowledge, tools, and data related to the study area, which involves two domains: modeling and experimental, each requiring specific sectorial expertise. In this context, the partnership aims to pool respective competencies in order to analyze, in the most detailed and rigorous way possible, the opportunities offered by hydrogen as an energy carrier, with particular focus on production.

3        Partnership activity development method

To define the scope within which the partnership will be developed, the following activities are listed, which RSE intends to carry out. In particular, the activity will be divided into two phases:

1. Modeling and dynamic experimentation of low-temperature electrolyzers for the prototyping of a control device to maximize efficiency when powered by intermittent renewable energy sources: this will involve the definition of a measurement method for electrolyzers for the validation of dynamic calculation models, followed by a measurement campaign. Then, a multi-physics calculation method will be written and validated for simulating an electrolyzer (ALK, PEM) powered by renewable energy sources (RES). This will be followed by the definition of control logic and subsequent experimental verification together with the partner.

2. Application of neural networks for predictive modeling of an electrolyzer system, with the aim of predicting the useful life in the case of operation using renewable energy sources, specifically for medium-to-large-scale plants (around 10 MW).

Interactions will take place through periodic meetings (either remote or in-person when necessary) held monthly or every two months, as well as through e.mail exchanges. Joint experimentation between RSE facilities and those of the partners is also encouraged.

The partnership agreement is expected to last for three years. RSE commits to sharing research results throughout the activity in the most appropriate format (e.g., PPT, text documents) as needed.

Additionally, as required by the ministerial decrees on funding, RSE publishes annual System Research reports, which describe the research activities carried out during the year. For the activities covered by this specific call, RSE commits to sharing the research results with the partners before their final publication.

4         Recipients of the expression of interest

This expression of interest is addressed to all operators who have developed or are in the process of developing concepts, designs, or prototypes of alkaline and/or PEM electrolyzers.

5        Role of RSE and the Partners

RSE will be responsible for developing the activities described above, taking into careful consideration the proposals and suggestions received from the partners. The identified partners are required to share their sectorial knowledge, providing RSE with relevant experimental materials and data acquired in their facilities, contributing ideas on research topics, and offering feedback on the results of the analyses carried out. The agreements signed between RSE and the partners will adequately protect proprietary knowledge.

6        Expression of interest

All interested parties are invited to express their interest in writing via e-mail to elettrolizzatori@rse-web.it by no later than 11/13/2024, specifying the contact details (phone number and e-mail) of designated representative.

7        Evaluation criteria

RSE reserves the right to estabish one or more partnerships with operators in the sector, who will be evaluated, classified, and selected based on the following general criteria:

• Specific, documentable expertise and experience with PEM/Alkaline electrolyzers.
• Availability of experimental facilities and pilot plants suitable for experimentation with PEM/Alkaline electrolyzers, ideally already in operation at the time of the expression of interest.