Plug Power, a designer and manufacturer of hydrogen fuel cell solutions, has completed third-party validation of the use of its patented eFlow™ technology in PEM electrolyzers. In partnership with Fraunhofer USA, testing was conducted by the German Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, and has demonstrated a fuel cell architecture with trapezoid flow field design can enhance temperature uniformity. When incorporated into conventional PEM electrolysis cells, this bipolar plate architecture demonstrates it can increase hydrogen production. Loop Energy is now seeking industry partners to develop a full-scale electrolyzer prototype for commercial validation.

Results show that eFlow architecture creates a more stable and uniform operating environment in the PEM water electrolysis test cells compared to conventional flow fields with parallel channels, resulting in greater hydrogen production and improved efficiency. Testing also shows the enhanced uniform operating environment should have a beneficial impact on durability.