THE ITALIAN RESEARCH ON HYDROGEN AND FUEL CELLS THE ...

ances in Energy Systems
to Venere, 12-16 September 2006
ENTE PER LE
NUOVE TECNO
L’ENERGIA E L
THE ITALIAN RESEARCH ON
HYDROGEN AND FUEL CELLS
Francesco Di Mario, Angelo Moreno, Marina Ronchetti
ENEA, TER Department
C.R. Casaccia, Via Anguillarese 301, 00060 Rome, Italy

alian background
In Italy there is a growing interest in hydrogen and related technologies, like fuel
cells, according to the similar trends characterising the most industrialised
countries.
This interest is mainly driven from the following factors:
diversification of primary energy sources, with increase of energy security
and reduction of dependence on imported fuels
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (Italian target for Kyoto Protocol is
- 6.5%) and the local pollution in urban areas
creation of opportunities for the national industry to increase their capability
to provide innovative technologies, characterised by a high added value and
export potential

iers riers to hydrogen introduction
The development of hydrogen, as energy carrier, requires a
coordinated efforts for:
the development of critical
technologies for the whole
hydrogen cycle (production,
delivery, storage, conversion
and end use applications)
the overcoming of barriers,
like availability of
infrastructures, codes and
standards, public acceptance
Hydropower
H 2 production plant
Natural gas
Thermal
solar
CO 2
H 2
Wind
turbines
Biomass
PV
plant
Fuel cell plant
H 2
Power generation
plant
Filling station
Depleted gas well
Deep saline aquifer

ian Platform for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
To coordinate the activities in this field an Italian Platform for Hydrogen
and Fuel Cells was established in 2004 the Ministry of Education,
University and Research, with the following objectives :
to define an Italian research and deployment strategy for hydrogen
and fuel cell technologies and promote initiatives capable of
increasing the national industry’s competitiveness
to establish a strong and co-ordinate relationship with the European
Platform and to favour a major participation of the national
organizations
to avoid duplication of efforts between different projects so that
resources can be used in the most effective way

C Platform Structure
uropean Hydrogen & Fuel Cell
echnology Platform
FP)
Mirror Group
ITALIAN PLATFORM
(H 2 CC)
MINISTRIES (MIUR, MAP, MATT)
NATIONAL RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS
INDUSTRIES
STAKEHOLDER ASSOCIATIONS
Steering Committee
(30 members)
REGIONS
ENERGY / ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
orking
roups
39 experts)
HYDROGEN
PRODUCTION
DISTRIBUTION &
STORAGE
STATIONARY
POWER
GENERATION
DIVERSIFIED APPLICATIONS
& EARLY MARKETS
TRANSPORTATION
3 Support Groups:
ANDARDS & SAFETY CODES
FORMATION & EDUCATION
FINANCIALINSTRUMENTS
PROJECTS

search priorities
Technologies for cost-effective hydrogen production from
renewables sources (20% of the total production in 2030)
High efficient technologies for hydrogen production from
fossil fuels with CO 2 capture and storage
PEFC systems for propulsion of vehicles suitable for series
production (cost

ogen and Fuel Cells in National Research Plan
The most important research program in
this field started in 2005 in the framework
of a National R&D Programme on
“Hydrogen and Fuel Cells”, supported by
the Ministry of Education, University and
Research and Ministry of Environment
through the Special Integrative Fund for
Research (FISR).
FISR funding: 90 M€
Total cost of the projects: 120 M€
Duration: 3 years
14 projects funded
36 institutions involved among
industries, research organizations
and universities

R Projects
evelopment of technologies,
omponents and innovative
ystems for hydrogen production
om renewable sources or from
ssil fuels and hydrogen/CO 2
eparation
evelopment of systems for
ydrogen storage
evelopment of technologies,
omponents and systems for use
f hydrogen in transport field and
r distributed generation
FISR funding : 51.13 M€
ENEA - New technologies and innovative processes for the
future of hydrogen economy (Funding 10.668 M€)
FIAT Research Center - Microcombustor matrices for
hydrogen (Funding 6.057 M€)
Consorzio Interuniversitario per lo Sviluppo dei Sistem
a Grande Interfase – Hydrogen production and storage in
nanomaterials (Funding 4.296 M€)
Consorzio IPASS - Innovative systems for hydrogen
production from renewables (Funding 9.93 M€)
Consorzio Pisa Ricerche - Integrated systems for hydrogen
production and utilization in distributed power generation
(Funding 5.506 M€)
University of L’Aquila - Hydrogen production from light
multi-fuels and storage in porous materials (Funding . 6.882 M
University of Padoa – Hydrogen production from biological
processes (Funding 5.506 M€)
University of Perugia - Hydrogen production by refinery off
products and utilization in transportation (railways) and
distributed power generation ((Funding 4.818M€)

R Projects
Improvement of performances
and cost reduction through the
development of innovative
materials, components and cell
design
ENEA – Development of fuel cell technologies and
systems for their applications (Funding 7.484 M€)
CNR-ITAE - PEFC and SOFC development. New
materials and applications (Funding 9.729 M€)
Development and demonstration
of fuel cell systems for
transportation, stationary power
generation and portable units
Plant demonstration, monitoring
and verification of operative
behaviour of cells using different
fuels
ISR funding : 38.734 M€
University of Genoa - Development of a
pressurized MCFC system and 500 kW demonstrative
plant (Funding 4.989 M€)
University of Perugia - New MCFC systems for
distributed generation (Funding 7.484 M€)
University of Rome ” La Sapienza” -
Development of protonic membranes for PEFC
applications (Funding 4.294 M€)
INSTM - Hybrid and inorganic nano-systems for
the development of fuel cells (Funding 4.365 M€)

ian activities on Hydrogen
IRISBUS Project - Realization and testing FC
bus and development of related
infrastructures
FIAT CITY CAR HYDROGEN Project –
Realization and demonstration of fuel cell
vehicles (SEICENTO e PANDA)
Primo Settimo Project – Hydrogen
production from renewable energy (PV),
storage and use at ASM Spa (Pianeta)
Arezzo Project –H 2
distribution network for
goldsmith district; installation of small CHP
(PEFC) units
HBUS Project - Development of a small
hydrogen FC bus for historical centres
MultiEnergy Project – Hydrogen refuelling
station, integrated with a multifuel station
• Milano Bicocca – Integrated hydrogen project
• Zero Regio Project – R,D&D infrastructures for alternative motor fuels
(hydrogen and bio-fuel)
• BEAM Project (ASM Brescia) - Demonstration of methane/H 2
mixtures in internal
combustion engines; hydrogen production from biomass; fuel cell demonstration
• Hydrogen fron the sun (Brescia) - Hydrogen production from renewables (PV)
and utilization in fuel cell system (5 kW PEFC)
• Hydrogen Park (Porto Marghera) - Development
and application of hydrogen technologies in
stationary generation and trasportation
• Neo Project – Development of hydrogen-powered
light duty vehicles and of the infrastructure
necessary to its use
• HighValley - Installations renewable energy system
• EasyHy Project (CEA Bellini, Penne) – simplified
hydrogen system – production from PV
Sotacarbo Project – Hydrogen produced from coal
• Valmontone – Realization of a H 2
refueling station
at a amusement park / H 2
produced from renewables
R,D&D activities on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are also carried out at research centres of
ENEA, ENEL, Enitecnologie, Envipark, CNR and university institutes

F – Hydrogen/Fuel Cell Vehicles
CENT
RICER
FIAT
FC Cityclass Torino
FC Cityclass Madrid
Hybrid FC Europolis
APU FC
system
II generation FC with
load-follower powertrain
Full power
FC system
III generation
FC system
Seicento FC APU
Seicento Hydrogen
Panda FC Full Power
Panda fleet
City delive
2000 2002 2004
2006
Ye

o Regio Project
Lombardia & Rhein Main
towards Zero Emissions
oject duration: 5 years (Start November 15, 2004)
Development and
demonstration of
infrastructure systems
for hydrogen as an
alternative motor fuel
e project is co-financed by EC in the 6th Framework Programme
Infraserv GmbH & Co. Hoechst KG
(Project co-ordinator)
Lombardia Region
City of Mantova
Fiat Research Center
EC-JRC, Ispra
EniTecnologie
IEFE, Bocconi University
Sapio
Adam Opel AG
Agip Deutschland
Fraport AG
Linde AG
Lund University
Roskilde University
Saviko Consultants
Verkehrsgesellschaft Frankfurt

eframe
hase I
Development & construction of H 2 -infrastructure in the
Industry park, Hoechst
Realization of onsite H 2 -production systems in Mantova
Development and construction of 700 bar refueling
technology in Frankfurt
Development of safety standards for public integrated
refueling stations
Fleet implementation of biofuel cars and hybrid cars in Mantova
hase II
Dispenser
(< 350 bar)
Field tests with cars in Mantova and Frankfurt
Data acquisition and integrated data evaluation
Assessment of the economic competitiveness, identification and analysis of interested parties
Development of a strategy for policy makers to support and stimulate demand of H 2 and
biofuels in the transport sector
H2

ogen public station
Refining & Marketing Division of
Eni realised in a AGIP multienergy
station in Collesalvetti (near
Livorno) an integrated demo
system, producing energy by wind
turbines, by a photovoltaic field
and by a CHP micro turbine fuelled
with natural gas.
Produced electric energy is used
for normal utilization in the station
and to generate hydrogen
Opened on July, 19th

ghera Hydrogen Park
consortium for Hydrogen has been established
Marghera, an industrial area characterized by:
availability of large quantity of hydrogen
(6,000 tonn/year, 40% of the Italian
production) as by-product of industrial
processes
presence of many industrial organizations
already involved in hydrogen field
arious demonstration activities, both for
ationary and transport applications of hydrogen.
ENEL
VEGA - Parco Scientifico Tecnologico di Venezia
SAPIO
VENEZIA TECNOLOGIE
APRILIA
BERENGO
DOW POLIURETANI ITALIA
E.V.C. ITALIA
SAE IMPIANTI
UNIONE INDUSTRIALI PROVINCIA DI VENEZIA
ctivity total cost: 72 M€
10 M€ by Ministry of Environment / Veneto Region)

ghera Hydrogen Park
Planned projects
• PEFC integrated systems development for electricity production, hot water and air
conditioning
• “Zero emission” cycles development with hydrogen combustion
• New technologies development for hydrogen and electric power production from
coal
• CO 2
re-utilization systems
• Realization of a 100 kW prototype plant with SOFC and microGT fuelled by
hydrogen
• Development of hydrogen storage systems
• Experimental activities to fit out an hydrogen “vaporetto”
• Electricity production of hydrogen from biomass

tus of fuel cell activities in Italy
PEFC
1-50 kW systems for residential power generation
Development of systems for transportation
Modular systems for multi-MW power plants
MCFC
Development of systems for stationary applications (125
kW – 4 MW)
SOFC
Basic research on novel materials and components
Demonstration of a 100 kW CHP unit (GTT, Turin)
DMFC
Basic research on materials and components
Development of stacks for portable applications

era Fuel Cells
Hydrogen power modules for industrial vehicles
and equipment
Systems for cogeneration
Gasoline fuel processor and fuel cell stacks for
automotive
TATIONARY APPLICATIONS
PowerFlow- 2.5-5 kW PEFC module for a
variety of industrial applications
AVANTI - 4.6 kW CHP system
FORZA- modular systems (up to120 kW) for
multi-MW power plants and heavy-duty
applications
PowerFlow (5 kW)
AVANTI
FORZA
FC Qualification Lab O
RANSPORTATION
ANDROMEDA- 85 kW FC stack
STAR - gasoline fuel processor
Andromeda
STAR

era Fuel Cells
Automotive and Industrial applications
AVANTI – Demonstration tests
Mine vehicle (17 kW)
Loader for metal mining (90 kW)
NEF-Tokyo (Shinagawa)
Fork link (PowerFlow 5.5 kW)
FIAT Panda Hydrogen
Panda Hydrogen
DoD / U.S. Coast Guard, Bristol
Locomotive for surface railways

otronics Fuel Cells
1kW PEFC portable
power module
5 kW CHP PEFC system
Arcotronics Fuel Cells, in the frame
of a collaboration with ENEA,
developed a patent technology
(MEGA
- Membrane Electrode Gasket
Assembly) capable to ensure
minimized costs, easy maintenance
and high reliability
evelopment of PEFC stacks and integrated
ystems (500 W - 50 kW) for stationary applications
nd transportation.

otronics Fuel Cells
ojects in progress
evelopment of a 30 kW CHP unit (in co-operation operation with ICI Caldaie)
Micro CHP systems for residential uses (1- 4 kW)
(Piemonte Region, 2005-2007)
CELCO Project - 15 kW APU system for naval application
(Piemonte
Region, 2005-2007)
Hybrid Fuel Cell Vehicle - NEO (No Emission Outfit)
(Emilia Romagna Region 2005-2006)
30 kW CHP unit
ydrogen for Arezzo – Testing of 5 kW CHP units (Toscana Region 2005-2006)
evelopment and demonstration of 3-53
5 kW PEFC systems fuelled with hydrogen produce
om biomass gasification (Emilia Romagna Region 2005-2006)
ISR Project 2005-2008
2008 - Development of FC technology and systems for their application

aldo Fuel Cells
Development of stacks and balance of
plant components
Development of multi-megawatt demo
units
“Series 2TW” plants
Stack conditioning
(Guadalix)
Production and commercialization of
0.1 – 10 MW MCFC plant
“Series 2TW”
FA150R stack (AFCo)
Two electrochemical modules, each formed by two
stacks, integrated with their relevant ancillaries

aldo Fuel Cells
TECHNODEMO - 125 kW MCFC-GT plan
FN, Bosco Mareng
Size (Class)
Fuel
Site
First of a Kind
“Series 2TW”
Natural gas
Guadalix– Madrid
Technodemo
“Series 100”
Natural gas
Bosco Marengo
Hybrid Cycle
“Series 100”
Natural gas
Milan (I)
Naval Application
“Series 2TW”
Diesel
Marmara (TK)
Biomass Application
“Series 100”
Biomass gasification
Trisaia (I)
H 2
/CO 2
“Series 2TW”
Hydrogen
Milano Bicocca (
part of its industrial business plan, AFCo has
up a new manufacturing facility for stacks and
wer plants in Terni, having an initial capacity of
W/yr.
Biomass application
MC-WAP Naval APU
BICEPS
“Series 100”
“Series 2TW”
2 MW-class plants
Landfill gas
Diesel
Digester and
Landfill gas
Giugliano-Napoli

Turbine Technologies (GTT)
EOS Project
Energia da Ossidi Solidi
emonstration of a 100 kW SOFC plant (Siemens
chnology) inside the Piedmont Hydrogen
ystem.
ooperation with Polytechnic of Turin and
nvironment Park (Hysylab)
he unit supplies power and thermal energy for
eating and air conditioning (50 kWt).
he unit is connected to the municipality grid
hrough GTT grid) and fuelled by natural gas.
First phase: 2004-2007
Second phase: start up 2008
100 kW CHP unit
uration: May 2004 - December 2009

R - TAE Institute
ctivities in fuel cell field are focused on development of:
Materials
and cell components (DMFC, PEFC, MCFC, SOFC)
PEFC and SOFC stacks (few hundreds of W)
Microcells, fuelled with hydrogen and/or methanol, for portable
power generation
HYGen I
Hydrogen generator for fuel cells - Units (based on ATR process,
power up to 5 kWe) for polymer electrolyte fuel cells for
residential applications and niche markets
HYGen II
Conceptual view

drogen and Fuel Cells activities in ENEA
Hydrogen production
Fossil fuels (NG, coal) and renewable
resources (thermal solar, biomass)
Hydrogen storage
Metal hydrides and sodium borohydride
Hydrogen utilization
Fuel cells and advanced thermal cycles
Technical and socio-economic studies to evaluate the prospects
of hydrogen and related technologies

R Project
H 2
TEPSI Project
Duration: 36 months
Total cost: 15.39 M€
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROCESSES TO FACE
THE TRANSITION TO A FUTURE HYDROGEN SYSTEM
Hydrogen production through solar-powered thermo-chemical water splitting
(Sulphur-iodide and mixed ferrite processes)
Integrated cycle for production of hydrogen and electric power from coal with
zero emissions
Development of materials for hydrogen storage (metal and chemical hydrides)

R Project
Duration: 36 months
Total cost: 10.8 M€
DEVELOPMENT OF FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGIES
AND SYSTEMS FOR THEIR APPLICATIONS
Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
• R&D of innovative materials and
components
• Development of stack and new cell
configurations
• Realization and testing of 1-5 kW
systems, running with different fuels
Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells
• R&D of innovative materials and components
• Development, realization and demonstration of
a 500 kW MCFC hybrid system simulator at of
ENEA Casaccia Centre
• Experimental operation of 125 kW MCFC stack
coupled with biomass gasification
• Environmental impact and life cycle analyses

A participation in EU Projects
HyWays – Development a European hydrogen energy roadmap, through a
comparative analysis of regional hydrogen supply options and energy
scenarios, including renewable energies
HarmonHy - Assessment of the activities on hydrogen and fuel cell related
regulations and standards on a worldwide level
HYSYS – Development of components for hybrid FCEV
HY-CO
– Coordination of national R&D programmes in the field of
hydrogen and fuel cells to established a European research area - support
to the Italian Ministry of Research
INNOHYP-CA
- Innovative high temperature routes for hydrogen
production
FCTESQA – Fuel cell testing and standardization

ticipation in national projects
EA is involved, together with industries and research institutions in
monstration projects
Milano Bicocca Project - Integrated project for H 2
development in
urban areas, promoted from Lombardia Region and Milan Municipality
Hydrogen for Arezzo – Hydrogen distribution network for the
goldsmith district and use in FC
IRISBUS Project – Realization and testing of a fuel cell bus and
development of relative infrastructures
Neo Project
Project – Development of hydrogen-powered light duty
vehicles and of the infrastructure necessary to its use
BEAM Project
BEAM Project - Demonstration of methane/H 2 mixtures in ICE;
hydrogen production from biomass; fuel cell demonstration

national collaborations
Italian government bodies and public and private organizations are engaged
in the main international collaboration in the field of hydrogen and fuel cells
International Partnership for Hydrogen Economy
promoted by US Department of Energy
European Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technology Platform
of the European Commission
Implementing Agreements IEA on Hydrogen, Advanced Fuel
Cells and Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum

clusions
In Italy there is a large interest in hydrogen and related
technologies, like fuel cells.
Many R, D&D projects are being carried out in this field, in the
frame of European and national programs, with the
involvement of industries, research organisations and users.
The resources employed can be estimated in 50 M€/year.
Italy is participating in the most important international
collaboration in this field.
An effort has been undertaken to coordinate the programs
with the establishment of an Italian Platform on Hydrogen and
Fuel Cells.

H 2
production
Storage and delivery
Stationary generation
Transportati
• H 2
produced from fossil fuels
20 - 30% from decentralized plants
(NG reforming and electrolysis)
• Road transport as a compressed gas
or cryogenic liquid in tanker trucks or
tube trailers
• Small-scale on-site steam reformers
and electrolysers supply H 2
at fueling
station
• High pressure (350-700 bar) or
cryogenic tanks for on-board H 2
storage
• Fuel cell systems for distributed
generation
(PEFC < 250 kW, SOFC < 500 kW,
MCFC 0.1- 5 MW)
• PEFC (1-15 kW) systems for
residential uses
• PEFC systems for niche markets (UPS
and back-up units, portable
applications)
• Hydrogen used in gas turbines and
combined-cycle plants
• Several tens of filling sta
in urban areas
• Urban fleets of hydrogen v
(cars, delivery vans, buss
• Hybrid fuel cell rail vehicl
• Fuel cell (PEFC, MCFC) pr
systems for marine applic
• APU systems for rail vehic
passenger and mercantile
• H 2
produced from:
► fossil fuels in centralized plants
with CO 2
separation and
sequestration or its re-use
► renewables (biomass, etc)
► thermochemical-cycles using
solar energy (demonstrative
pilot plants, some tens MW)
• Start of H 2
production from nuclear
power plants (in case available)
• Hydrogen delivered
via pipelines
(transport distance
of 30-50 km)
• Advanced solid-state
H 2
storage systems
(energy capacity
about 8%w)
• Significant
diffusion of small
and medium-size
distributed
generation plants
(PEFC and HTFC)
• Hydrogen used in combined-cycle
(H 2
/O 2
) integrated with CO 2
separation and sequestration
systems
• FCV become equivalent in
performances and safety t
traditional vehicles
• Significant market share f
(0.5-1 million units/year)
• Start of series production
rail vehicles (tram, locomo
• APU units for rail transpor
• Fuel cells as back-up unit
aeronautic applications
• H 2
production from different fossil
resources and renewables (biomass,
wind, hydro)
• Direct production from solar energy
• Hydrogen delivered via pipelines
(transport distance of 100-300km)
• Hybrid HTFC/GT
systems for
distributed power
generation
• Advanced combined-cycle plants
• Use of hydrogen as carrier for
storage of renewable energy
• FC propulsion systems ar
and competitive technolog
• FCV obtain a relevant mar
• Direct hydrogen use in fue