HIAT - Model HYP40 and HYP100 -PEM Electrolysis Stacks

Novel electrocatalysts
HIAT develops innovative electrocatalysts for PEFC, HT-PEFC, electrolysis and DMFC electrodes. Various carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are used as carbon carriers. The deposition as Pt and PtRu alloys on the CNTs takes place by a nasschemisches procedure. The production process results in particles with a minimum diameter of 2-4 nm and a homogeneous distribution. Electrocatalysts consisting of CNTs significantly increase the performance of PEM fuel cells.

Internal core components for PEM water electrolyzers
HIAT develops and produces catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) for use in PEM water electrolyzers, using commercially available electrocatalysts and membranes. The Institute has extensive experience in the composition and structure of electrolysis electrodes, carriers (gas diffusion layers) and membranes.

In addition, HIAT has patented a new platinum-free cathode for PEM water electrolysis CCMs. By replacing the platinum with a low-cost metal oxide catalyst Material costs can be significantly reduced. The advantages of these new CCM are:

• educed costs: expensive platinum is not needed
• extended shelf life: the metal oxide catalyst is far less prone to poisoning in comparison to platinum
• efficiency: high current densities and hydrogen production rates

DMFC Engineering
HIAT has many years of experience in the development of core components for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). The research & amp; Development of HIAT for DMFCs includes a wide range of topics:

• development of novel hydrocarbon membranes, mit verbesserter Stabilität und reduziertem Methanol-Crossover
• Highly resistant and efficient electrocatalysts for DMFC, Use of CNTs as catalyst support
• development of catalysts, electrodes and membrane electrode assemblies for one   wide application - of passive 100% methane-vapor-fed micro-fuel cells (< 1 Wel), up to 250 Wel DMFC stacks for stand-alone power supply systems

HIAT also operates on a DMFC system controller, e.g. Through the use of extensive models, microcontrolled devices and SMDs.

Process engineering
HIAT has broad experience in the design, control and optimization of chemical and physical processes in the production of fuel cell components. Through the Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies, HIAT continually optimizes time-saving and cost-saving work processes while ensuring high quality standards.

Topics covered are:

• Preparation of electrocatalysts
• Production of electrode pastes
• Manufacture of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs), gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs)
• Screen printing technology, squeegee and inkjet technology
• Direct coating of substrates, drawing methods and hot pressing processes
• Design and milling of bipolar plates
• Gasket of fuel cells using automatic dispensing technology

Based on the participation of Stadtwerke Schwerin GmbH, HIAT develops innovative products and processes for the storage of regeneratively generated electricity Selected accumulator technologies (decentralized energy storage systems). We are increasingly working on the programming of the battery management system and the interface between man machine and the cascading of accumulator technologies. Furthermore, particular reference is made to a simple operation of these systems. The network operator and not the house owner will be able to monitor and control the facility. This results in many advantages in terms of control and network transparency. Through our research and development activities in this area we are taking innovative paths with regard to smart grid and smart metering.