Innovation Exchange challenge: Green Hydrogen Electrolyser - Sub-gasket Application Methods
Challenge: to identify the best material and application process for manufacturing and applying a sub-gasket to a novel hydrocarbon polymer membrane.
Opportunity Details
When
Registration Opens
28/03/2024
Registration Closes
02/05/2024
Award
Up to £25,000 plus support and further opportunities
Organisation
Innovate UK
The challenge holder, an agile start-up organisation, is looking for a solution provider to identify the best material and application process for manufacturing and applying a sub-gasket to a novel hydrocarbon polymer membrane, without fundamentally changing the molecular structure of the membrane. The proposed solution should include provision for mechanical and chemical simulation, and the production of a manufacturing specification document. Production of a sample item would be beneficial but not necessary at this stage.
Background
The challenge holder has developed a novel type of membrane for a Green Hydrogen electrolyser that enables larger scale production and a shift away from critical and expensive platinum-group metals. This innovative approach aims to improve performance, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency in hydrogen production by utilizing renewable energy more effectively.
This challenge is part of Net Zero Catalyst, an Innovate UK Innovation Exchange (iX) competition which makes available grant funding for a series of Net Zero iX challenges (up to £25,000 per challenge partnership). Please note that, in accordance with the iX process, all funding will be directed to solution providers.
Entrants to this competition must be small-medium sized enterprise (SME), based or registered in the UK, which have not exceeded their Minimum Financial Assistance limits (or De Minimis, where relevant).
Functional Requirements
The solution must be verifiable and demonstrate its scalability.
The sub-gasket material should demonstrate dimensional stability and accuracy in the range 60 to 110 microns. It should be sustainable in source and supply, fully traceable and, as far as is practicable, recyclable.
The process will need to be compatible with a heat-sensitive membrane material that operates at 50°C. In addition, any solvents or adhesives used should not poison the membrane.
Technical Requirements
In addition to having a good materials chemistry understanding, the solution provider should have the ability to simulate (CFD/FEA) the sub-gasket being exposed to fluid/gas conditions, as well as mechanical pressure. An awareness of the Pressure Vessel Directive and its application to components operating at a differential pressure of up to 50 bar is required.
Operating Conditions
The solution must demonstrate the ability to operate at 50 bar differential lateral pressure and 50°C with exposure to potassium hydroxide and de-ionized water. A service life of 25 years is envisaged.
Out of Scope
Solutions that involve PFAS (a class of plastic likely to be banned in the near future) are out of scope. The focus is on sustainable, scalable manufacturing processes led by science. The use of critical raw materials is also to be avoided.
Cost Requirement
The project does not have a fixed unit price expectation but aims for cost-effectiveness at a megawatt scale. Initial estimates suggest a need for 200m of gasketing, with individual units (25x25cm) expected to be low in material cost. The project seeks affordable solutions that do not compromise on quality or performance.
Rewards & Market Opportunity
The Net Zero Catalyst is an Innovate UK Innovation Exchange (iX) competition which makes available grant funding for a series of Net Zero iX challenges (up to £25,000 per challenge partnership). Please note that, in accordance with the iX process, all funding will be directed to solution providers.
The benefits package for a successful applicant may also include:
- Support from KTN
- Support in the development of a prototype or pilot
- Technical support
- Invitation to attend or present at KTN events
- A potential business collaboration
- Investor introductions (if investment is required)
- Support if any Innovate or similar competitions are relevant.
Related programme
Innovation Exchange
Innovate UK KTN’s Innovation Exchange is a cross-sector programme supporting innovation transfer by matching industry challenges to innovative companies from other sectors. It does this by putting large businesses with technical needs in contact with companies who have the right innovative solutions, for faster development of novel solutions.