Hydrogen fuel cell activities at Hydrogen South Africa
From research to commercialisation
Dr Sharon Blair
Centre Director, HySA Catalysis and CEO, HyPlat (Pty) Ltd
Prepared for Hannover Messe, Hydrogen and Fuel Cells and Batteries Group Exhibit Technical Forum
27 April 2017
Hydrogen South Africa
The Department of Science and Technology’s commitment
to the Hydrogen Economy will enable a shift from a
resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy.
Three Main Goals:
1. Supply 25% of the global catalyst demand for the global
hydrogen and fuel cells market by 2020
2. Develop local cost-competitive hydrogen generation
solutions
3. Promote equity and inclusion in the economic benefits of
South Africa’s resources
2
Hydrogen
Africa
HySASouth
Centres
Materials and
Components
Components
and Systems
UCT, Mintek
UWC
Value Chain
Systems and
Infrastructure
NWU, CSIR
Implementation Plan
Technology catch‐up
2008 ‐ 2013
• Key Personnel is hired
• Initial markets are identified
COMMERCIAL
ACADEMIC & RESEARCH
• First pre‐
commercial technologies developed
• Research Infrastructure is set up
South African Extension
2013 ‐ 2018
• Establish critical supply chain capability
• Deliver first products to market
• Demonstrate capabilities in pilot markets
• Develop academic reputation
South African Innovation
2018 ‐ 2023
• Compete successfully on world market
• Capture 25% of Catalyst Demand in Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
• Contribute to international innovation
4
Overview of activities
Materials and components for fuel cells and hydrogen generation
CATALYST
MEA
STACK*
SYSTEM
APPLICATION
Membrane
Bipolar plates
BOP
Systemapplication
integration
Electrode
Gaskets and
sealing
Control
Systems
Operation &
maintenance
GDL
Assembly
plates
Systems
Integration
Finished MEA
Assembled
stack
FUEL CELL VALUE CHAIN
* Stack development only on customer request and additional funding
Overview of activities
Materials and components for fuel cells and hydrogen generation
RENEWABLE
ENERGY
GENERATION
HYDROGEN
PRODUCTION
PV systems
Electrolyser
catalyst and
MEA
Electrochemical
compression
Compressed
hydrogen
Wind energy
systems
Electrolyser
stack and
system
Mechanical
compression
Metal hydrides
HYDROGEN
COMPRESSION
Fuel reforming
catalysts and
components
Fuel processor
HYDROGEN GENERATION VALUE CHAIN
STORAGE AND
DISTRIBUTION
Dispensing
systems
Implementation strategy
TRL
RESEARCH AND
HCD
TECHNOLOGY
DEVELOPMENT
PRODUCT
DEVELOPMENT
1-3
4-6
7-9
Team
16 MSc and PhD
Students
Drivers
HyPlat’s customers and US DOE Targets
Goals
and
KPIs
• Proof of concept
• Patents
• Publications and
graduates
13 engineers and
scientists
• Customer
performance/US
DOE targets in lab
application
• Patents and trade
secrets
6 engineers and
scientists
BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT
KP2:
Portable Power
HyPlat’s customers
• Customer
performance in final
application
• Cost targets
• Trial product deliveries
• Customer engagements
• Local projects
PATH TO COMMERCIALISATION
* TRL = Technology readiness level
7
Commercialisation structure
Commercialisation (TRL 7‐9)
• Licence HySA Catalysis technology
• Product development
• Inform HySA Catalysis of FC market requirements
• Commercialise products
New IP
Royalties
R&D Centre (TRL 1‐6)
• New IP generation
• Advanced technologies
Commercial Confidential
HyPlat’s Product Offering
Leader
PGM‐based Catalysts
‐ V‐series
‐ K‐series
‐ A‐series
Leader
Customised MEAs
‐ 3, 5 & 7 layer MEAs
‐ Custom and standardized Pipeline
Electrolyser CCMs
and
MEA sub‐components
Products are made in South Africa using proprietary South African technology Markets and Applications
STATIONARY
Backup and remote
- Telecoms base stations
- Remote off-grid
- Rural electrification
- Retail & commercial buildings
MOBILITY
- Range extenders
- Buses
- UAVs
ELECTROLYSER
HyPlat’s MEA Offering
 Proprietary manufacturing methods
 Detailed cost model
 Flexible manufacturing techniques
 Lean six sigma based manufacturing
processes
 Translates into a high quality, cost
competitive and customisable product
Summary
South Africa’s Department of Science and Technology is committed to:
• Shifting from resource based economy to knowledge based economy
• Training of scientists and engineers
• Developing technologies from concept to commercialisation
• Commercialisation of South African technologies 12