DELYCIOUS: New Research Project Improves Electrolyzer Lifespan

On January 1, 2025, a consortium of eight European partners launched the DELYCIOUS (Diagnostic tools for ELectrolYsers: Cost-efficient, Innovative, Open, Universal and Safe) research project to develop advanced diagnostic and monitoring technologies for water electrolysers. The project, which is coordinated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems IWES, brings together leading research institutions and industry players from five EU member states.

As Europe drives its transition to a renewable energy system, the Net Zero Industry Act identifies low-carbon hydrogen production as a strategic priority. DELYCIOUS addresses key challenges in water electrolysis technology, focusing on extending the lifetime of electrolyzers and reducing operating costs associated with volatile renewable energy sources.

DELYCIOUS Innovation and added value

The project is pioneering an innovative approach combining Raman and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy with advanced physical and data-driven modeling. The development will be validated for the three major electrolysis technologies: alkaline electrolysis (AEL), proton exchange membrane electrolysis (PEMEL) and solid oxide electrolysis (SOEL), with a demonstration on an alkaline electrolyzer of more than 100 kW.

“DELYCIOUS is a further step towards making the production of green hydrogen more efficient and cost-effective,” says Aline Luxa, coordinator at Fraunhofer IWES. “The diverse expertise of our consortium allows us to develop universal diagnostic tools that will be crucial for the large-scale adoption of water electrolysis technologies.”

Expected impact:

• Deepening scientific knowledge in electrolyzer diagnostics and fault detection.
• Capacity building through the training of new experts in the fields of renewable energy and AI-based diagnostics.
• Contributing to the further development of the production of hydrogen from renewable energy in Europe and the integration of renewable energy.
• Strengthening Europe's position in the growing market for hydrogen from renewable energy.
• Contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, in particular clean energy (SDG7), industrial innovation (SDG9), responsible production and consumption (SDG12) and climate action (SDG13).

Strategic roles of the consortium partners

The project brings together complementary expertise across the entire value chain:

• Fraunhofer IWES (Germany) is leading the project and will perform large-scale validation tests on an AEL stack with more than 100 kW, using its extensive test infrastructure of the Hydrogen Lab Leuna and expertise in detailed modeling.
  Air Liquide R&D (Innovation Campus Frankfurt, Germany) will contribute its expertise in performance analysis and data-based approaches, lead the development of diagnostic algorithms and perform lab-scale testing. The company is also assuming the role of technical coordinator.
• The University of Twente (Netherlands) contributes its extensive experience in multiscale modeling and ceramic-based electrochemical components and focuses on the development of multiphysical models for electrolyzer diagnostics and fault detection as well as SOEL testing.
• Dumarey Softronix (Italy) develops advanced control systems and innovative software solutions with a particular focus on diagnostic strategies and system optimization.
• Horiba (France) leads the way in hardware integration and provides its world-leading expertise in spectroscopic instruments and high-performance optical components for process control.
• Stargate (Estonia) contributes its new alkaline electrolyzer technology and expertise in electrochemical characterization methods and provides its systems for validation.
• SIVONIC GmbH (Germany) provides specialized impedance spectrometers and ensures optimal impedance measurements for both laboratory and large-scale validation tests.
• ETA Florence (Italy) is responsible for dissemination and communication, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement and knowledge transfer.
  It is predicted that by 2035, 10% of the EU's installed water electrolysis capacity will use DELYCIOUS technology.
  
  

Key findings from the project kick-off meeting

The DELYCIOUS project successfully organized a kick-off meeting at Fraunhofer IWES in Hamburg on 16 and 17 January 2025.

The first day focused on the basics of the project, including administrative structures, quality assurance and reporting. Initial discussions on work packages highlighted the importance of effective communication, dissemination strategies and data management practices.

The second day focused on technical aspects, including updates to test bed configurations, equipment specifications and coordination strategies for data exchange across electrolysis technologies. Key technical milestones and plans for deliverables were outlined to provide a clear roadmap for the implementation of the project.

Note and funding reference

The project is supported by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and its members under the GA 101192075 Co-funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible.

The project runs until the end of 2027.