Accelerate your learning curve: Proven R&D test bench for PEM electrolyser cell components
06-05-2025
The development of components for a PEM electrolyser cell requires rigorous performance and durability testing. TNO has created a comprehensive station that does precisely that. Not only does it feature parameters in the range of industrial operation and beyond, it is specifically designed for use in an R&D environment. Thus it helps companies like Gore to accelerate their learning curve in development of components and the integration of them.
The test bench was developed in the VoltaChem innovation program initiated by TNO and has already proven its worth in many development projects together with industry. For this, a number of stations is in operation at the Faraday Lab in Petten. They serve their purpose for joint exploratory research under industrially relevant operating conditions. An important feature being elevated pressures up to 100 bar. The stations are designed to accommodate standard cells and short stacks up to 25-50cm2. Currently, the most frequently used dimension by TNO is a 10cm2 and 1cm2 cell. Occasionally the 4 cm2 and 25 cm2 cells are used.
As program manager Accelerating Learning Curve within TNOs Power-2-Hydrogen program, Jochen Löffler has seen the benefits of generating reliable test data for component developers. “It helps develop insight into performance and identifies opportunities for improvement towards an optimal end product. Not only does it provide a sophisticated acceleration of your learning curve, it also reinforces your position when it comes to getting your foot in the door with OEM elektrolyser companies. Having your own data and insights validated by an independent organization, provides you with confidence in negotiating a contract as a supplier.”
Testing membranes for PEM electrolysers
Löffler is particularly enthusiastic about the recent cooperation with the American company Gore, that has built its own testing stations under a license agreement with TNO. Well-known from inventing the ePTFE polymer and its application in textiles under the brand name GoreTex, the company has since the seventies developed many other ePTFE products. With an experience in PEM membranes for fuel cells spanning three decades, Gore recently developed a separator membrane for PEM electrolysis systems that is both very thin and very stable — enabling cost effective, durable and safe hydrogen production.
For Gore it was crucial to have a test system in place on short notice, to enable the development of the new product on a tight timeline. “Only through testing can you obtain confidence in the separator’s ability to deliver what you say it will deliver”, says Alexander Agapov, RD platform Technical Leader at Gore. “We were looking for well thought out and robust test station to provide the data we needed and do so in a timely manner, supporting rapid development cycles.”
The company did not have time nor the desire to develop a station of its own, Agapov says. “We chose the path of buying or adopting an existing test system design. After reviewing multiple options, the decision was relatively straightforward to acquire TNO’s station design. It offered the desired levels of accuracy, stability, flexibility, useability, and safety. And it could be implemented quickly.
What really sold it to Gore, according to Agapov, was TNO’s willingness to support the Gore team in understanding the station’s components and operation, troubleshooting, and finding alternative options during the build. “Support from experts is critical in these matters, and TNO did it perfectly.” The Gore team was excited about the success of the build and validation of the first station, that performed “relevant, reliable, accurate, and user-friendly”. Since then, Gore has built multiple test stations and the same conclusion stands.
The benefits of operating your own test station
To Tara van Abkoude, Business Developer for Green Hydrogen production at TNO’s department Energy and Materials Transition, division Industry, the case of Gore underpins how companies active in component development could greatly benefit from operating their own test station. “In general, investing in your own testing facilities accelerates your R&D process, reduces your total cost of development, and renders you independent of commercial testing services. Of course, you could still want to use our service for advice during development and for a final validation step. But that’s entirely up to you.” Löffler adds: “Our goal is to accelerate industrial development. The more the industry can do by itself, the better. But we are there whenever you need us.”
Test stations that stand out in their R&D features
Van Abkoude and Löffler are happy to announce that the PEM electrolyser test stations are available for in-house company testing through Avantium R&D Solutions, a subsidiary of Avantium, the Amsterdam based chemical technology company. Under the partnership with TNO, Avantium has access to TNO’s technical knowledge and expertise - including design – on single-cell and multi-cell lab-scale electrolysis test stations. With this knowledge, Avantium will manufacture, further develop, and sell these electrolyser test stations to customers worldwide. According to Van Abkoude, these high-end test stations will definitely stand out in their R&D features and accelerate the R&D development within companies.
Interested?
Interested in our service for advice during development and/or for a final validation step? Get in touch with us and let’s further discuss.
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