ESC Lab
The goal of the Energy and Conversion Lab is to map the four levels for sector-coupled energy systems - heat, power, storage and mobility - in a CO2 neutral closed-loop approach based on green hydrogen.
At each level, all elements will be developed and optimized towards a circular approach, starting with the production of green hydrogen, followed by further processing into synthetic hydrocarbon and nitrogen-based fuels, and their storage, transport and conversion into electricity and heat.
![AEM test stand at the hydrogen center of the BTU](/fileadmin/user_upload/b-tu.de/energie-innovationszentrum/Bilder/AEM_Teststand_im_Wasserstoffzentrum_ESC.jpg)
Water electrolysis with anion exchange membrane (AEM) for flexible and efficient hydrogen production
AEM technology development is performed at laboratory scale using multiscale experiments and simulations to develop and verify a novel AEM concept with noble metal-free catalyst and membrane materials. The degradation behavior of the MEA materials will be investigated to evaluate the suitability of these materials for industrial AEM electrolyzers.
- Current scale-up: 100 cm2
- Targeted scale at EIZ: 360 cm2
- Durability: up to 1000 hours of operation
Innovative high-pressure electrolysis for hydrogen production for mobile and stationary applications
Electrochemical conversion of H2O to H2 and O2 at specific tank pressures (>300 bar) is investigated. For this purpose, a novel ring stack design for compact and robust applications is developed.
- Electrochemical conversion at tank specific pressures up to 300 bar and later up to 700 bar.
- Concept development of high pressure stable ring stack designs
- Detailed investigation of membranes, interconnectors and monopolar plates
Optimized methane and methanol synthesis and catalyst surface characterization
- Development of cerium oxide based catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation at low temperatures and pressures
- Characterization of surfaces by spectroscopic and microscopic techniques (e.g., XPS, EDX, LEEM, PEEM, STM)
- In-situ investigation of surface reactions and reaction mechanisms using NAP-XPS
- Optimization of reactor design regarding energy and conversion efficiency
Closed-loop power-to-X-to-power process for CO2-neutral and emission-free energy storage
A power-to-X-to-power laboratory to study the interaction of renewable energy, electrolysis, methane/methanol synthesis and thermal energy conversion
- Oxy-methane and oxy-methanol in gas engines
- Development and improvement of reaction mechanisms for the oxidation and reduction of methane and methanol
- Co-simulation and optimization of energy storage systems