New Energies, new possibilities

The contract marks a significant milestone in Hystar’s expansion plans and will encompass detailed planning and design. The new production line will significantly improve efficiency, increasing capacity from today’s 100 MW.

Uniquely for a GW electrolyser factory, the total footprint required is only 2500 m2, which includes stack assembly, quality control, and testing. The stack components are supplied by strategic suppliers from an established, high-volume supply chain. Utilising this existing supply chain allows Hystar to quickly scale up production capacity.

Fredrik Mowill, CEO of Hystar, commented: “Implementing our automated GW factory further strengthens Hystar’s ability to deliver competitive and efficient solutions to our customers for large-scale green hydrogen projects. We look forward to working closely with thyssenkrupp on this state-of-the-art automated production line, as we support the global energy transition.”

Michael Menneking, CEO of thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering, said: “We are very pleased that Hystar has placed its trust in us to cooperate in the planning of its factory. Our solutions will support Hystar’s journey to become a major player in the hydrogen industry.”

　固体高分子型燃料電池（PEFC）の世界的なリーダー企業である英Intelligent Energy（インテリジェント・エナジー）は、2024年7月に英国で開催された世界最大級の航空ショー「Farnborough International Airshow（FIA） 2024」で、eVTOL（電動垂直離着陸）機や小型の地域航空機に向けた燃料電池システム「IE-FLIGHT F300」を初公開した（図1）。

図1　Intelligent Energyの「IE-FLIGHT F300」

eVTOL機など小型航空機向けの燃料電池システムで、出力は300kW。重量は200kgである（写真：日経クロステック）

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　IE-FLIGHT F300の出力は海抜レベルで300kW、高度約4500mで180kWとしている。重量は200kg、寸法は2200mm×913mm×666mmである。同社はこの燃料電池システムを搭載した航空機用の電動推進システムのイメージも紹介している（図2）。

図2　燃料電池を組み込んだ電動推進システム

将来の応用イメージ。1基当たり300kWを出力する（出所：Intelligent Energy）

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　PEFCは、トヨタ自動車の燃料電池車（FCV）「MIRAI（ミライ）」に搭載されているのと同じ方式の高出力密度・低作動温度が特徴の燃料電池である。

英社が出力300kWの空飛ぶクルマ向け燃料電池、MW級へ拡張可能 | 日経クロステック（xTECH） (nikkei.com)

TOPPANホールディングスが次の事業の柱に見据えるのが、水素だ。創業以来培ってきた印刷技術を、水電解装置や燃料電池向けの電極製造に生かす。およそ19年かけて開発した電極製造技術「ダイレクトコーティング」は、既存の転写方式と比べて触媒層と電解質膜の密着性が高く、優れた出力特性と耐久性を示すという。

　この方式で製造した触媒層付き電解質膜（Catalyst Coated Membrane、CCM）、及び膜電極接合体（Membrane Electrode Assembly、MEA）の販売を2023年8月に開始し、水素市場への参入を果たした。開発を率いた谷脇和磨氏にこれまでの経緯や今後の展開を聞いた。

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水素市場への参入を目指したきっかけを教えてください。

　およそ20年前の2004年に検討が始まったと聞いている。深刻化する地球温暖化を抑えるべく当社のコア技術を生かして何か貢献できないかと考え、TOPPANが着目したのが水素エネルギーだった。はじめは、研究テーマに暗中模索する時期が長らく続いたそうだ。

　2012年に私がプロジェクトに加わり、水素社会の実現に向けて改めて方向性を議論した。その結果、将来は燃料電池車（FCV）が普及すると予想して、FCV向けのMEA加工の開発に舵（かじ）を切った。

TOPPANが新事業に水素、19年間極秘で進めた電極開発 | 日経クロステック（xTECH） (nikkei.com)

Reasons for the increase or decrease of the voltage in the electrolytic cell chamber

During the operation of the electrolytic cell, the cell voltage is usually monitored manually or online in real time, because the cell voltage can directly reflect the internal conditions of the electrolytic cell. So, what situations will cause abnormal cell voltage?

1. Water replenishment is not timely or uniform, and the electrolyte concentration is unstable, which affects the ion migration during the electrolysis process and causes the chamber voltage to fluctuate.
2. There is alkali leakage in the system, which reduces the total amount of potassium hydroxide in the tank. After water replenishment, the concentration decreases, causing voltage fluctuations. This is because the alkali leakage is not discovered, such as dripping into the ditch.
3. Damage to the diaphragm will lead to direct contact between the electrodes on both sides, causing a short circuit, resulting in a decrease in the chamber voltage and a decrease in gas purity.
4. The diaphragm is contaminated or blocked by impurities, which causes ion transmission to be blocked and also causes the chamber voltage to fluctuate.
5. Metal impurities accumulate in the alkali solution pipeline or hydrogen and oxygen pipeline inside the electrolytic cell, causing the current to short-circuit inside the flow channel, which is also the reason for the voltage drop.
6. The alkali solution channel entering the small chamber is blocked, and the alkali solution circulation in the small chamber is not smooth, resulting in a reduction in alkali solution, exposing the electrodes and diaphragms. This will increase the current density and voltage. If it is a local blockage, this phenomenon will disappear after parking for a period of time and then driving again, but the voltage will increase again after running for a period of time.
7. The hydrogen / oxygen passage out of the small chamber is blocked, and the generated hydrogen and oxygen cannot be discharged in time, resulting in a reduction in the effective electrolysis area in the small chamber and an increase in the voltage in the small chamber.
8. The cooling system fails and cannot effectively control the temperature of the electrolytic cell. For example, uneven cooling water flow or abnormal coolant temperature may cause partial overheating or overcooling of the #electrolytic cell, resulting in fluctuations in the cell voltage. When the ambient temperature changes greatly, it will also affect the thermal balance of the electrolytic cell and thus affect the cell voltage.
9. The active substances on the electrode surface fall off or age, or the electrode is contaminated, which leads to the decline of the electrocatalytic performance of the electrode, affects the efficiency of electron transfer, and causes voltage fluctuations.
10.  the possibility that the instrument for measuring voltage is damaged

Chevron Corporation's (CVX Quick QuoteCVX - Free Report) subsidiary, Chevron New Energies, announced its ambitious plan to develop a 5-megawatt hydrogen production project in California's Central Valley in a bold move toward sustainable energy production. This initiative aims to transform energy generation by leveraging solar energy, land resources and non-potable produced water from Chevron's existing assets at the Lost Hills Oil Field in Kern County.
Leveraging Renewable Resources for Lower Carbon Energy

Chevron's strategy is based on using its strength to safely deliver low-carbon energy solutions to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. The project's focus on producing low carbon intensity (LCI) electrolytic hydrogen through electrolysis marks a milestone in CVX's commitment to environmental sustainability. By using electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, the company aims to pioneer a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
Driving Innovation With Large-Scale Hydrogen Solutions

The planned facility is designed to produce an impressive two tons of LCI hydrogen per day, with the overarching goal of supporting the expansion of hydrogen refueling networks. Austin Knight, vice president for Hydrogen at Chevron New Energies, emphasized the key role of hydrogen in transitioning toward a lower carbon future. He expressed his interest in the scalability of the project, highlighting CVX's dedication to delivering innovative solutions to address the challenges of climate change.
Meeting Growing Demand Using Modern Infrastructure

The realization of CVX's vision is dependent on a range of factors, including the development of supportive legislative and regulatory energy policies at both the state and federal levels. Furthermore, the project's successful implementation requires meticulous engineering design, timely permitting and the procurement of necessary materials. As such, the development timeline spans multiple years, with commercial operations contingent upon the seamless alignment of these critical elements.
Catalyzing Economic Growth and Technological Advancement

Richard Chapman, president and CEO of Kern Economic Development Corporation, highlighted the project's importance in driving economic growth and technological innovation. By catalyzing the development of key technical and commercial proof points, the initiative holds the potential to propel Chevron New Energies toward future scale-up opportunities in the realm of lower carbon intensity hydrogen production. Moreover, the strategic location of the anticipated production facility in the Central Valley positions it to meet the demands of customers along vital transportation corridors while catering to urban markets in California.
Navigating Toward a Sustainable Future

As the world is dealing with the urgent need to reduce the effects of climate change, Chevron's dedication to developing sustainable energy solutions is admirable. By spearheading the development of cutting-edge hydrogen production technologies, Chevron New Energies is paving the way for a greener, more resilient future. Chevron remains at the forefront of the transition toward a sustainable energy landscape through strategic partnerships, technological innovation and a steadfast dedication to environmental stewardship.
Conclusion

Chevron's announcement of the hydrogen production project in California's Central Valley represents a milestone in the journey toward a lower carbon future. By harnessing renewable resources and embracing innovative technologies, Chevron New Energies is poised to redefine the energy landscape and drive meaningful progress toward environmental sustainability. As the project progresses, it stands to serve as an example of hope and inspiration for industries worldwide, reaffirming the transformative power of collective action in addressing the challenges of climate change.