D5.1 FotoH2 prototyping and development results (R.E. 13/2021)

The final objective of the FOTOH2 project is to develop a photo-electrochemical panel composed of 10-40 modules resulting in an overall 1 m2 exposed area, since the unit cells will be between 25 and 100 cm2 in active area, integrated into modules (i.e. 10 cells per module). Prior to designing the PEC cell panel, a single cell unit has been designed and manufactured in collaboration between CNR-ITAE and ATS according to the following criteria: o Simple flow cell design without corrosive electrolytes o Anion exchange polymer membrane o Porous hydrophobic backing concept o Tandem photo-electrochemical cell An active surface of 25 cm2 has been initially set because it represents a good compromise between its handling during the experimental activities and the study of the effects of the active area scaling - up. Indeed, the active area of the designed unit cell prototype is 100 times higher than lab - cells (0.25 cm2 active area). Thus, one would expect an influence of the scaled - up size on the PEC performance. Moreover, design improvements can be adopted based on the experimental results and modelling. It is specified that an active area of about 100 cm² will be used for each unit cell in the final solar panel.