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Fundamental technologies
The fundamental technologies are linked to the electrochemical cores and the processes taking place. There are H2/O2 and H2/air type PEM fuel cell technologies, as well as PEM electrolysis technology.
| PEM (PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE) FUEL CELLS |
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HELION devotes a large part of its R&D in the area of PEM fuel cell technologies in collaboration with its partners. Development covers the improving of the following key points:
 the performance of key components in both stack and system- the operating and ageing mechanisms
The objective aimed for is a perfect mastery of the technologies, large reductions in weight and volume, an increase in the durability of systems and significant reduction of costs.
H2/O2 TECHNOLOGY |
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Principle:
- The stack is supplied with pure hydrogen and oxygen
Advantages:
- Simple and reliable system
- High durability
- Complete autonomy in relation to the exterior
- High system yield
- Silent operation
Target applications:
- Backup power systems offering high availability and reliability
- Applications in extreme milieu
- Marine and submarine applications
- Stabilisation of electrical grids
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H2/AIR TECHNOLOGY |
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Principle:
- The stack is supplied with pure hydrogen and with air
Advantages:
- No pure oxygen logistics, but an intake of air
Target applications:
- Transport in an aerobic milieu
- Portable generator units
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Over the last 4 years, stacks have seen their costs reduced by a factor of 4 to 5 while their power has increased by a factor of 10, rising from 5 kWe in 2003 to more than 60 kWe at present.
| DEVELOPMENT IN PERFORMANCE |
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| PEM ELECTROLYSIS |
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HELION develops PEM technology electrolysers for decentralised hydrogen production.
This technology, which complements that used in fuel cells, has numerous advantages:
- Clean production of hydrogen and oxygen from water
- Purity of gas produced (no chemical contaminants)
- Complements PEMFC technology
- Operating pressure compatible with target applications
| TECHNOLOGICAL FORECASTS |
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This technology is undergoing heavy R&D investment both internally and with our partners. This focus is on:
- Cost reduction of the hydrogen produced
- Production range from 10 to 100 Nm3/h
- Optimising of the operating pressure depending on the application
- Use of new less expensive catalytic materials
- New materials and processes for inter connectors
- Increases in performance
- Industrialisation of manufacturing process
| HIGH TEMPERATURE ELECTROLYSIS |
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In parallel to these developments, HELION devotes a large part of research and development to high temperature electrolysis technology.
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ABOUT HELION
OUR TECHNOLOGIES
