AMPS project drives the future: Strong collaboration for solid oxide cell manufacturing

The AMPS project aims to develop efficient production processes for SOC components. As a leading manufacturer of high-tech production systems, SITEC is at the heart of the development of laser welding and automatic handling systems.

Electrification is key to reducing carbon emissions, but not always feasible or cost-effective. In particular, hard-to-abate industries and heavy-duty transportation need alternatives such as hydrogen or e-fuels. Efficient and affordable electrochemical technologies like fuel cells and electrolyzers are crucial to this transition. High temperature technologies offer high efficiency and flexibility, with the ability to operate reversibly within the same component, making them versatile for multiple applications.

About AMP

AMPS is a Horizon Europe funded project (8.7 M€ budget, 6.6 M€ funding) that started in June 2023. It is a strong European collaboration, coordinated by VTT, bringing together major companies and research institutes. The main focus of the project is to advance, demonstrate and validate low-cost, high-volume production techniques and quality control measures for the manufacture of SOC (Solid Oxide Cell) components and stacks. These objectives will be achieved in real-time production environments, underscoring the project's commitment to practical and impactful contributions to the field.

Key goals of AMPS include automated high-speed production of SOC cells, bipolar and interconnect plates, and automated high-speed stack assembly with integrated quality control. Full component tracking and optimized mass production will be achieved through the use of virtual twins.

Our contribution

As an established manufacturer of production equipment, SITEC is a key player in the AMPS project. The first system for the production of laser-welded bipolar plates left our factory in Chemnitz almost 20 years ago. Since then, we have continued to develop and improve our systems.

"Over the years, we at SITEC have focused on expanding our knowledge of hydrogen and continuously improving our technologies and systems. Our enthusiasm for hydrogen is great and drives us every day to establish SITEC as a leading technology company at the forefront of the industry," says Dr. Robin Schulze, Head of Development.

SITEC is responsible for the laser welding of bipolar plates and interconnects as well as the automated handling of SOC components. The focus is on developing systems for large-scale production that can process these sophisticated components with the highest precision and at low cost.

 

Press release by AMPS

More information: https://www.amps-project.eu/