Electrochemical generation of oxygen via proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis is currently the source of oxygen for life support on board the Vanguard and other classes of submarines. While highly reliable, the cell stacks for the PEM electrolyzers contain high levels of expensive platinum group metals (PGMs). The proposed project seeks to leverage a combination of improved manufacturing processes for higher catalyst utilization and advanced catalysts with low or no PGM content in order to reduce stack cost for both the Navy and commercial applications. Proton OnSite will focus on advanced catalyst deposition methods, while leveraging catalyst synthesis and characterization capabilities at Stanford University to develop new catalyst compositions. Proton will also leverage the companys depth of knowledge in electrolysis cell stack design to look at the system holistically and ensure that the advanced membrane electrode assembly (MEA) can be effectively integrated into the cell stack to realize the performance gains while still meeting all the Navy application requirements.
Benefit: In addition to direct benefits to the Navy in terms of cost for the oxygen generation system, PEM electrolyzers are used for hydrogen generation for industrial applications and emerging energy markets. Hydrogen as an energy carrier is growing in global importance based on its flexibility and industrial importance. Nearly 2% of US energy currently goes through hydrogen as an intermediate, with the potential for higher usage levels as fuel cells for vehicles evolve and other chemical processes move away from fossil fuel feedstocks. Leveraging hydrogen production from water to therefore has two
Benefits: improved energy efficiency and more sustainable hydrogen production. There are already several applications for hydrogen being investigated by the US military, including fueling of unmanned air and underwater vehicles, lifting gas, and power for critical loads through a fuel cell. The proposed technology would continue to strengthen the linkages between these technologies. Commercial applications for renewable hydrogen are similarly important and impactful.
Keywords: Submarine, Submarine, ion exchange membrane, hydrogen catalyst, non-PGM materials, Electrolysis, life support oxygen
