PEMTASTIC - Robust PEMFC-MEA Derived from Model-Based Understanding of Durability Limitations for Heavy Duty Applications

Kurzfassung

The R&D project PEMTASTIC aims to meet the key technical challenges to increase durability of membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs) for heavy-duty (HD) applications. These challenges are approached with a combination of model-based design and the development of a durable CCM using innovative materials tailored for heavy duty operation at 105°C. For this purpose, the consortium covers the full value chain from material development to stack and systems manufacturing. The methodology of PEMTASTIC includes the analysis of HD truck mission profiles to define test protocols for single cell and short stack evaluation of the performance and the durability of the developed MEAs. This includes also the identification of the most relevant fuel cell operation stressors to design dedicated accelerated stress tests (ASTs) for such stressors. All tests are assisted by physical-chemical material characterization of pristine and aged MEAs. The results are used for the development and validation of micro- and mesoscale material models on 1D and 2D cell level to provide input for material development. The combination of experimental and modelling results enables the iterative adaption and improvement of the different materials to cover the challenges in HD applications. New material development is mainly focused on corrosion resistant supports, a novel catalyst deposition technique and prototype ionomers for dry conditions and for high temperature. The materials and MEAs will be developed in 3 iterative steps and the final MEA will be validated in a TRL4 short stack. Additionally, advanced computational tools for modelling of fuel cell degradation processes will be established for fast health assessment and for performance forecasts. The project PEMTASTIC (GA number: 10110143) is supported by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and its members Hydrogen Europe and Hydrogen Europe Research.