HySPRINT

The goal of the HySPRINT project is to use innovative manufacturing techniques for cell components to make them more sustainable, cost-effective, and easier to recycle. The project will bring together three different advanced production techniques: i) for the oxygen electrode, InkJet printing will be used; ii) for the barrier layer, Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) magnetron sputtering will be applied; finally, iii) for the production of the other half of the cell, the project will optimize its proprietary ReScale method, generating the steam electrode and the electrolyte. These three manufacturing techniques were specifically chosen to ensure a low-impact production process, generating minimal waste and material loss. To further improve the durability and performance of the components, thin films will also be applied. The process will be made even more automated and waste efficient, using AI algorithms and a quality control tool called Advanced Electrode Manufacturing Supervisor (AEMS). Each advanced technology will be scaled up to reach MRL5, by producing a large quantity of components (e.g. 300–400 units) as also by increasing the active area (e.g. 12x8 cm2). The cells assembled with the various components will then be tested to assess their performance, with the aim of validating them in a relevant environment at TRL6. Finally, to simulate the scale-up of a 5kW stack, a test bench will be implemented, and feasibility assessments for a larger-scale stack up 30kW will be carried out. From a sustainability and circularity perspective, the HySPRINT project will set out eco-design as well as design-for-recycling guidelines, in order to make the cells easy to disassemble, and recycle thus accomplishing circularity principles. The sustainability of the components will be further enhanced by developing strategies to reduce the presence of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs), increase the share of recycled materials, and define effective waste recycling approaches.