B9’s Flow-field electrolyser overcomes issues associated with conventional electrolysis system (PEM, Alkaline and SOFC) by aiming for a smaller, lighter, more efficient, cheaper to own, safer and more reliable machine that does not rely on use of platinum group metals, and which is completely recyclable and has an uninterrupted lifetime expectation of 25 years. The innovation features a modular approach utilising a standard modular plant design to minimise the risk of large-scale deployment, thus reducing the market risk as no infrastructure or retrofit restrictions will be encountered.

In existing electrolyser designs, a semi-permeable membrane is used to avoid oxygen and hydrogen gas cross-over where they may cause inefficiencies, or safety concerns. Our primary goal is to determine the optimal geometrical and operational conditions for flow the through electrolysis process that achieves an efficient separation with our customised module. Aided by detailed flow-field design, the project will ascertain whether this novel process can be competitive with conventional operation with alkaline or PEM systems.

Our work will test new materials and coatings on the low cost 3-D printed flow plates to validate the findings on the unit as well as fabricate electrolyser components using 3-D technology. The application of additive manufacturing enables rapid prototyping, cost reduction and a dramatic reduction in component weight. The bipolar plate/electrode assembly is the highest cost component in the stack, representing nearly 40% of the overall cost. These MEAs (membrane electrode assemblies) also contribute to the overall resistance of the cell and thus to the energy required to operate them. The Flow-Field Electrolyser design concept is less complex, potentially more robust in the harsh reaction environments, and cheaper.

The development of the above low-CAPEX and OPEX electrolysis system will play a vital role in reducing the production cost of green hydrogen by up to 40%.

We are currently working to scaleup the technology readiness level to develop our first 10kW stack by the end of Q4 2024.

B9’s Flow-field electrolyser overcomes issues associated with conventional electrolysis systems by aiming for a smaller, lighter, more efficient, cheaper to own, safer and more reliable machine that does not rely on use of platinum group metals, and which is completely recyclable with an uninterrupted lifetime expectation of 25 years.

Our innovation features a modular approach utilising standard plant design to minimise the risk of large-scale deployment, reducing market risk with no infrastructure or retrofit restrictions.