MODIFICATION
A -- Opportunity for Joint Research of Technology for the Hybrid Sulfur Thermochemical Cycle for Production of Hydrogen
- Notice Date
- 2/27/2006
- Notice Type
- Modification
- 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
- Point of Contact
- Jack Simon, Scientist, Phone (803) 819-8420, Fax null,
- E-Mail Address
-
jack.simon@srnl.doe.gov
- Description
- This Modification incorporates several corrections into the description and is therefor reprinted in its entirety. 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 by using thermal energy from advanced nuclear reactors or solar central receivers. It is a two-step hybrid cycle (one thermochemical reaction and one electrochemical reaction) that only involves 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 electrolyzer designs meeting these requirements. Potential areas of research include membranes, membrane-electrode-assemblies, cell designs, and electrocatalysts. SRNL expects to characterize and test the experimental membranes or other components in their existing electrolyzer test facilities. The PEM concept using sulfur dioxide dissolved in concentrated sulfuric acid described herein is the baseline approach; however, alternative designs and innovative concepts will be considered and are encouraged. It is expected that one or more companies will be selected to participate by performing work under cost-shared subcontracts with SRNL. The 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 eight pages, including all attachments, and should clearly outline the area of research to be pursued and the planned approach. Based on the responses, SRNL may issue one or more solicitations for competitive procurement. Questions, requests for additional background information and expressions of interest should 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 procurement; it is a request for parties interested in collaborative research opportunities only.
- Record
- SN00995310-W 20060301/060227211740 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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