Another cutting-edge invention is on its way to help stabilise the grid by storing surplus renewable energy in the form of hydrogen. The Institute of Chemical Processes of the CAS is preparing the commercialisation of an electrolyser with a fast start-up of hydrogen production. The technology will help reduce the carbon footprint and optimise energy costs.
The new electrolyser, developed by the Laser Chemistry Research Group of the Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS (ICPF CAS), in cooperation with the Centre for Transfer of the Academy of Sciences (CETAV), offers a number of advantages over its commercially produced alternatives.
„These include unrivalled speed of cold start, low installation costs, scalable modular design and energy-efficient use of the power source. High flexibility and fast response to power surpluses in the grid are also a matter of course,“ describes Vladislav Dřínek from the Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS, one of the authors of the electrolyser.
The electrolyser can deliver hydrogen at full power in less than three minutes from cold start and uses a combination of alkaline technology using an ion-selective membrane.
„ This membrane, developed and produced in the Czech Republic, enables a fast cold start of electrolysis. This is crucial for maintaining grid stability and the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power plants at times when they supply excess energy to the grid,“ explains Vladislav Dřínek.
The technology promises to reduce the carbon footprint in addition to providing stable energy, which is in line with the EU’s energy priorities.
„ The patent-protected electrolysis system can be used to transform captured carbon dioxide into organic products that are readily applicable in the chemical and energy industries,“ specifies Jan Storch from ICPF CAS.
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Ecologically and economically advantageous
The technology is designed primarily for energy companies and industrial businesses looking for efficient ways to reduce their carbon footprint and optimize energy costs. It is also suitable for stabilising the grid due to fluctuations in renewable energy production. „ Furthermore, it is designed for all organisations and companies that want to contribute to environmental protection and use advanced technologies for sustainability, “ specifies Vladislav Dřínek, one of the authors of the electrolyser.
„ The new electrolyser allows users to achieve considerable savings thanks to its high efficiency and low installation costs,“ confirm Pavel Dytrych and Radek Fajgar, who also created this invention at the Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS.
From lab to practice: the goal is commercialisation
The Institute has already filed international patent applications to protect developed know-how. Scientists from the Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS together with specialists from CETAV are now looking for a partner either to buy the licence for this solution or to participate in the establishment of a spin-off company together with the inventors or to further develop the technology. The scientists consider companies specialising in energy technology and industrial applications as possible partners.
The deployment of this technology could be a major step forward in the fight against climate change and help achieve long-term environmental protection goals.
More information: Ing. Jan Storch, Ph.D.
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS
Laboratory of Laser Chemistry
storchj@icpf.cas.cz
High performance electrolyser
Equipment for rapid cold start of hydrogen production, conversion of carbon dioxide to organic substances and energy storage. The easy expansion of the electrolyser with the possibility of hydrogen generation and/or CO2 reduction supports the transition to low-emission energy sources.
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS
Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS is a public research institution focusing on research in chemistry, new materials and a range of engineering disciplines. In addition to systematic fundamental research, it also conducts applied research. Among the achievements of the institute are the development of new materials for energy and technologies for the clean production of chemicals.
Transfer Center CAS
Transfer Center CAS (CETAV) is a professional institution that deals with offering the results of scientific activity into practice. It offers a range of services from assistance in securing funding to managing intellectual property to marketing and communicating results. CETAV aims to connect research institutes with the investment or business scene.
CETAV staff will support the successful market entry of inventions, offering expertise and business contacts.
For example, they will help to prepare an application for funding from the PRAK project (Programme for the Development of Applications and Commercialisation of the CAS). If the scientists receive the money, they will use it primarily to extend the patent protection of the invention and to prepare and establish a spin-off company.
At the same time, the CETAV marketing team will take care of creating a communication strategy targeting potential investors. The Centre also offers assistance in business negotiations.
More Information: Martin Smekal
vedoucí Centra transferu AV ČR (CETAV) smekal@ssc.cas.cz +420 731 627 230
Fotogalerie, © Jana Plavec, AV ČR
Team with electrolyser prototype
Electrolyser prototype
Laboratory infrastructure
Dr. Fajgar, head of the team, explains measured data