H2UpScale

High-power hydrogen fuel cell system balance of plant component up-scale and optimization

The overarching objective of the H2UpScale project is to design, build, test and validate key Balance of Plant (BoP) components for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEMFC) systems generating more than 250 kW electric power suitable for various transport-related applications. The targeted advancements for BoP components include efficiency improvements, weight and volume reduction, and architecture simplification. The components are designed to be compatible with end-user requirements and support both single- and multi-stack platforms, with scalability and modularity in mind, facilitating their integration into multi-MW scale systems. With these main targets, the aim for H2UpScale is to provide critical technological bricks enabling the creation of a TRL7 demonstrator from 2027 onwards.

In order to achieve the main targets, six intermediate objectives are pursued:

• Define three standards for modular and scalable PEMFC architectures ≥ 250 kW using a holistic optimization of innovative electrical power supply architectures & waste heat management system designs
• Develop efficient up-scaled BoP components optimized for PEMFC systems ≥ 250 kW
• Enhance BoP component durability
• Develop modular and scalable BoP components compatible with single- and multi-stack platforms
• Validate the durability of developed BoP components against application-specific load cycles for the target HD use case
• Perform a techno-economic analysis of the potential impact of the developed BoP components on the HD markets.