electrochemical H2 recirculation loop for PEM fuel cells

This UK SME develops digital-twin tools for hydrogen and fuel-cell systems and proposes an R&D collaboration to improve PEM fuel-cell efficiency by re-thinking the hydrogen recirculation loop.
Conventional systems use either passive ejectors with narrow operating ranges or mechanical H₂ pumps requiring purge cycles to manage anode gas composition.

The proposed approach uses a small electrochemical pump positioned after the water separator to selectively transport purified hydrogen back to the anode inlet, leaving nitrogen and moisture behind.
This continuous separation method eliminates purge cycles, enhances gas purity, and improves stack performance and reliability. It also reduces hydrogen concentration at exhaust outlets, simplifying compliance with lower explosive limit (LEL) requirements and reducing the need for complex in-line concentration monitoring near mufflers and vents.

The company seeks R&D and industrial partners with expertise in electrochemical pumps, PEM fuel-cell testing, or component manufacturing to co-develop, demonstrate, and validate the concept.