SOURCES SOUGHT
A -- Opportunity for Joint Research of Technology for the Hybrid Sulfur Thermochemical Cycle for Production of Hydrogen
- Notice Date
- 2/23/2006
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Department of Energy, Westinghouse Savannah River Company (DOE Contractor), Savannah River Site, PO Box A, Aiken, SC, 29802
- ZIP Code
- 29802
- Solicitation Number
- Reference-Number-SR16TC21-js
- Response Due
- 3/27/2006
- Archive Date
- 4/11/2006
- Description
- Washington Savannah River Company (WSRC), managing contractor of the Savannah River Site for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is soliciting expressions of interest from companies wishing to participate in a joint research project under a cost-shared subcontract with the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) to develop critical technology for the Hybrid Sulfur (HyS) thermochemical cycle for the production of hydrogen. The HyS Process is one of the baseline candidates identified by the U.S. Department of Energy for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using thermal energy for advanced nuclear reactors or solar central receivers. It is a two-step hybrid cycle (one thermochemical reaction and one electrochemical reaction) that involves only sulfur, oxygen and hydrogen compounds. Experimental work has begun on the sulfur dioxide depolarized electrolyzer, the major developmental component in the cycle. Proof-of-concept tests have established proton-exchange-membrane (PEM) cells as a viable approach for conducting this reaction. Further development of the HyS Process will require clear definition of the cost-effective electrolyzer performance targets, such as cell size, current density, cell resistance and long-term durability. Fundamental material science is needed to develop PEM materials and microstructures that can achieve these performance targets. A major technical requirement for the electrolyzer is the elimination or minimization of elemental sulfur formation caused by the crossover of sulfur dioxide from the anode to the cathode of the cell. SRNL is seeking industry or academic partners to participate in cooperative research and development that would result in membranes or membrane-electrode-assemblies meeting these requirements. SRNL would characterize and test the membranes in their existing electrolyzer test facilities. It is expected that one or more companies will be selected to participate by performing work under a cost-shared subcontract with SRNL. Initial period of performance is expected to be one year, with extensions for continued work dependent of the degree of success of the research. Any company interested in participating in this research project must respond with a letter of interest (may be submitted by email) no later than March 27, 2006, summarizing the company?s business and technical expertise and motivation for pursuing this opportunity. Responses should be limited to not more than three pages, including all attachments. Based on the responses, SRNL may issue one or more solicitations for competitive procurement. Questions and expressions of interest may be addressed to Jack Simon, Savannah River National Laboratory, Building 999 W Room 348, Aiken, SC, 29808; via telephone at (803) 819-8420; via fax at 803-819-8416; or via email at jack.simon@srnl.doe.gov. This is not a solicitation for a procurement; it is a request for parties interested in collaborative research opportunities only.
- Record
- SN00993189-W 20060225/060223211924 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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