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Hybrid Broad Band Absorption PV Cell based Water Electrolysis for Solar Hydrogen Generation System

Subcategory (under Clean Energy): Hydrogen
Technology Readiness Level (TRL): TRL 5 - Large prototype
Technology Outline (Process Description)

CSIR-NEERI is developing, validating and demonstrating a know-how for hybrid, modular, portable and transformative broadband absorption photovoltaic cell (BBC) based facilitated water electrolyzer (WE) to deliver hydrogen @ 14litre/min for Fuel Cell based telecom power backup solution by reducing: (a) Initial capital investment through increased performance and durability by spectral resolution and optimal utiliza- tion of UV, visible, IR light and heat in BBC Photovoltaic system (b) Operational cost through integration of BBC with photocatalyzed/photo thermal water electrolyzer.

In this project solar hydrogen is being generated using functional PV panel for converting solar energy into electricity which in turn is driving facilitated water electrolysis to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Enhanced PV based electricity generation for enhanced hydrogen production in water electrolyser with consequent implications on footprint and cost has been achieved by designing standalone and integrated systems.

Salient Features/Advantages

Cost effective and Scalable Solar hydrogen genera- tion system delivering Hydrogen @ Rs 75 & 175 /Kg for sacrificial and non-sacrificial systems by using :

  1. Functional PV to reduce cost of electricity through increased performance and durability by spectral resolution and optimal utilization of UV, visible, IR light and heat.
  2. Facilitated Water electrolyzer system (FPV-FWE) to reduce operational cost by i) usage of sea water/ donor  ii) reduced voltage/electricity requirement  iii) usage of in-situ oxygen capture and  iv) usage of membrane-less and “No Pt electrolyser”

Key Outcomes

  • Functional PV Panel : Significant performance enhancement of functional PV-Panel (FPV) (25% enhancement in efficiency over the commercial PV-panel)
  • Facilitated water electrolyzer (FWE) : Designed for 1kW fuel cell with hydrogen evolution rate (HER) @ 13-14 LPM
  • Solar Hydrogen Generation system : Standalone and integrated Functional PV-Panel (FPV) & Fa- cilitated water electrolyzer (FWE) systems

IP Protection details

  • Patent filed (Title, national/International): 0219NF2021 _PCT Filed _ L&S Ref. No.: PD-
    049481PCT, entitled as “A Functional PV Powered Facilitated Water Electrolyser System for Solar Hy- drogen Generation and Processes Thereof”.
  • Patents Granted: Nil
  • Copyrights obtained /progress on commercialisation /Pl. specify connect with industry: Nil

Contact details (for more information)

  • Nodal Person name: Dr. Sadhana S. Rayalu & Er Shilpa
  • Email ID: s_rayalu@neeri.res.in
  • Organisation name (Relevant link/web page): CSIR-NEERI, NAGPUR
Supporting Photographs/Images

Organizations involved in the development (logo/name)

CSIR-NEERI

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