Additive manufacturing is not only a new way of producing components, but also a tool for accelerating innovation, improving functional integration and moving towards more efficient, compact and sustainable hydrogen systems.
In this context, CATEC and The Lean Hydrogen Company are developing the LeanCEH project, in which they are working on solutions for the electrochemical compression of hydrogen – a field in which the design and manufacture of components present significant technical challenges.
This is an R&D&I project focused on electrochemical hydrogen compression technology using polymer membranes, and has been awarded funding under the second call for R&D&I proposals for projects in the hydrogen value chain, managed by the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) and financed with European NextGenerationEU funds through the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.
The main objective is to design and validate an electrochemical hydrogen compression test bed in order to conclude the experimental phase of this technology and move towards its commercial manufacture. Unlike traditional mechanical compressors, electrochemical compression has no moving parts, prevents hydrogen from becoming contaminated with oils, and is modularly scalable. At present, it is such a disruptive technology that very few companies are developing it worldwide.
Thanks to metal additive manufacturing technologies – a field in which CATEC is a leader – it is possible to develop complex geometries, optimise internal channels, reduce the number of components and adapt the design to the specific needs of the system. This design freedom allows us to explore solutions that would be difficult or even impossible to manufacture using conventional processes, thereby enabling progress in the development of more efficient and sustainable hydrogen systems.
