Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPTResearch project "HyInnoLyze2"
Stabilization of the power grid
An electricity grid consists of various transmission and distribution networks through which electrical energy is conducted from generators to consumers. Ideally, this electricity cycle is balanced, and generation and consumption are tightly matched. However, this is often not the case when weather-dependent solar or wind energy lead to oversupply and, thus, grid frequency fluctuations. In such cases, primary and secondary control energy ensure that the grid frequency and the power supply remain stable.In the case of surplus energy, electrolyzers can produce hydrogen, which can be stored long term. This is the starting point for the "HyInnoLyze 2" project.
Predictive control concepts for PEM electrolyzers
For large electrolysis plants to make efficient use of surplus energy, operators need to be able to predict energy yields precisely. To this end, the partners in the "HyInnoLyze2" project are developing predictive operational management concepts. In addition to focusing on predictive control concepts, the project is concentrating on production technologies required for the flexible generation of hydrogen. The two previous research projects, HyInnoCells and HyInnoLyze1, already provided insights into the stability of various materials and coating technologies in the operation of PEM electrolyzers. The HyInnoLyze2 project now aims to further develop the existing approaches to the large-scale industrial application of PEM electrolyzers.
Development of joining processes for porous transport layers
In this project, Fraunhofer IPT is developing and optimizing joining processes for porous transport layers (PTL) made of expanded metal. Along with its partners, it aims to scale and automate joining technologies such as capacitor discharge welding and diffusion welding. To this end, Fraunhofer IPT is investigating how the joining processes influence the mechanical and electrical properties of the PTL to reduce contact resistance and increase the efficiency of the electrolysis cells. In addition, it is developing scaling strategies for large-scale production to bring the technologies into industrial application.
Consortium
- iGas Energy GmbH, Stollberg
- Bender GmbH, Grünberg
- PVA LWT GmbH, Wettenberg
- Kapkon GmbH, Bad Salzuflen
- Oerlikon Balzers Coating Germany GmbH, Erkelenz
- Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ), Jülich
- Welding and Joining Institute (ISF) of RWTH Aachen University, Aachen
Funding
The "HyInnoLyze2" research project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) as part of the Cluster4Future initiative.
Funding reference: 03ZU2115AB
Project sponsor: Projektträger Jülich
Projetct duration: 2/2025 to 2/2028