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NREL High-Pressure Low-Temperature Electrolysis Cell (redox.me)

Developed by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) High-Pressure Low-Temperature Electrolysis (LTE) Cell is on open-source cell hardware designed for repeated reassembly. This work was planned and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s H2NEW consortium.

 

Redox.me offers a 25 cm² PEM variant produced based on the technical documentation from NREL, as well as other variants developed by redox.me according to NREL guidelines. In the former, the flow field pattern is directly translated from 25 cm² PEM variant. The dissemination of these products aims to facilitate easy access to this equipment for a wide range of users. However, if you have the capability to produce the 25 cm² PEM variant on your own, we encourage you to use the open-source files. It may turn out that if you have access to your own technical resources, this will be a more cost-effective option. 3D CAD models and 2D technical drawings for variant 25 cm² PEM are available for download. 

 

High pressure LTE operation can reduce operating costs, as it is more efficient to produce electrochemically pressurized hydrogen compared to using downstream mechanical compressors. However, the cell is also compatible with ambient pressure LTE.
The cell can accommodate porous transport layers of varying thicknesses. To achieve this, the number of gaskets on each side of the cell can be increased, providing a larger volume for the porous transport layer.
One benefit of the smaller surface area variants (1 cm² and 4 cm²) is their compatibility for testing with a potentiostat and booster. In these cases, the current levels are typically within the acceptable range for most boosters. However, for larger active surfaces with current densities up to 6 A/cm², a high-power programmable DC power supply may be required.

 

Application note:
The documents and drawings linked below outline the design of low-temperature electrolysis hardware that is intended to meet leak testing standards as per ASME B31.1. They also provide comprehensive cell assembly instructions and a procedure for performance benchmarking. The responsibility for safe operation at both ambient and elevated pressures lies solely with the end user, and each individual cell should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The sealing effectiveness may be influenced by factors such as machining quality, components used in cell assembly, operating conditions, and the operational history. Pressure operations should only be conducted on qualified test stands by trained operators.

 

Specification:

  • cell
    active area: 25 cm², 4 cm² or 1 cm² (other on request)
    maximum verified working pressure: 30 bar
    flow field design: triple serpentine (other on request)
  • temperature sensor
    sensor type: Pt100 x2 (100 W at 0 ºC)
    construction: Wire-Wound, 10 mm tails
    fundamental interval: 38.5 W (nominal)
    self-heating: 0.02 to 0.3 ºC/mW
    thermal response: <0.4 s
    measuring current: 1 mA
    diameter: 1.5 mm
    length: 15 mm
    tolerance class (IEC 60751): Class A
    temperature range: -200 ºC to +650 ºC
    body material: alumina
  • adhesive-backed pad heater
    power source: electric
    voltage: max 60 V
    power: max 59 W
    resistance: 61 W
    material: polyimide
    maximum temperature: 250 ºC
    wire type: silicone braided wire
    insulating resistance: >5 MW
    size: 50 mm x 50 mm
    thickness: <0.2666 mm
    adhesive: 3M
    wire length: 60 mm
  • fittings
    body material: Stainless Steel 316
    connection 1 size: 1/4 in. tube OD (6.35 mm)
    connection 1 type: Swagelok® Tube Fitting
    connection 2 size: 7/16-20 in.
    connection 2 type: male SAE/MS straight thread
    reference: Swagelok® part #: SS-400-5-4ST

 

Intrastat data:
HS Code: 90278080
Country of Origin: Sweden
NET weight: 2000 g

 

List of Materials:
anode flow field (PEM): platinum coated titanium (grade II)
cathode flow field (PEM): gold coated titanium (grade II)
anode flow field (AEM): pure nickel
cathode flow field (AEM): pure nickel
threaded end plate: anodized aluminium 
unthreaded end plate: anodized aluminium
current collectors: gold coated (nickel interlayer) copper (101)
fittings: Stainless Steel 316
bolts: zinc yellow-chromate plated steel grade 8
gaskets: skived PTFE and FKM
washers: Stainless Steel18/8
Belleville washers: Stainless Steel 302
insulating tape: PEEK
alignment pins: PFA
temperature sensor body: alumina
adhesive backed pad heater: polyimide with 3M adhesive

 

Setup includes:
1 x anode flow field
1 x cathode flow field
1 x threaded end plate 
1 x unthreaded end plate 
2 x current collector
4 x Swagelok® part #: SS-400-5-4ST fitting
8 x bolt
10 x FKM gasket
10 x skived PTFE gasket 
16 x washer
64 x Belleville washer
2 x insulating PEEK tape
4 x alignment pin 11 mm long, 3 mm OD
2 x alignment pin 8 mm long, 3 mm OD
2 x dual Pt100 temperature sensor
2 x adhesive backed pad heater

Select configuration

 

 

Literature
 

Wrubel, Jacob, Samantha Ware, Corey Schaffer, Matt Allen, Ellis Klein, Robin Rice, Chaiwat Engtrakul, and Guido Bender. 2023. “NREL 25-cm2 High-Pressure Low-Temperature Electrolysis Cell Hardware (Open Source).” NREL Data Catalog. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory. https://doi.org/10.7799/2205626 

 

 

 

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    Specification:
    maximum operating pressure: 25 bar
    total volume of PEEK liner: 50 mL
    recommended volume of liquid: 30 – 35 mL
    maximum operating temperature: 200 ⁰C
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    Intrastat data:
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    Country of Origin: Sweden
    NET weight: 2500g

     

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    5. Regularly inspect the seals and connections of the High-Pressure Electrochemical Cell for signs of wear, damage, or leaks. Replace any compromised components promptly to maintain sealing integrity and prevent pressure-related accidents.

    6. Establish clear emergency procedures, including evacuation routes and protocols for handling pressure-related incidents. Ensure that all personnel are aware of these procedures and know how to respond effectively in case of emergencies.

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    8. Supervise experiments closely and monitor the High-Pressure Electrochemical Cell continuously during operation. Respond promptly to any abnormalities or unexpected changes in pressure or performance.

    By adhering to these safety guidelines and exercising caution and diligence, users can minimize risks and ensure the safe and effective operation of the High-Pressure Electrochemical Cell in the laboratory. Always prioritize safety to protect yourself, your colleagues, and the integrity of the experimental setup.

     

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    3 x connecting unit, 1/4 in. OD, 1/8 in. ID, 30 mm long, SS 316L
    2 x C-spanner 85 mm (cell opening tool)
    1 x PEEK plug, 6 mm dia.
    1 x PTFE tape

     

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    0.196 cm2 (5 mm dia.) 7 x 7 mm2 (square) or 10 mm dia. (circular).
    0.283 cm2 (6 mm dia.) 8 x 8 mm2 (square) or 11 mm dia. (circular).
    0.385 cm2 (7 mm dia.) 9 x 9 mm2 (square) or 12 mm dia. (circular).
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