About PEPPER

WP

Development, Manufacturing and Upscaling of PCC Cells

Leader: DTU

Focus:
Development and manufacturing of two types of planar PCCELs—Cermet Supported (CS-PCC) and Metal Supported (MS-PCC)—at industrially relevant sizes (~100 cm²).

Key activities:
• Development of advanced layers to improve performance, efficiency and reduce raw material use.
• Use of scalable manufacturing methods (tape casting, screen printing, MS-PVD).
• Performance testing of cell prototypes.

WP

3D Numerical Design of Stack and Component Development

Leader: DLR

Focus:
Develop and validate a 3D numerical model of the PCCEL stack, optimized for thermal performance, faradaic efficiency, and dynamic operation.

Key activities:
• Develop a 3D cell and stack model informed by experimental electrochemical data.
• Optimize stack design with internal manifolds tailored to PCCEL electrochemistry (steam at oxygen electrode).
• Develop and test stack components including bipolar plates, coatings, and sealing materials.
• Evaluate corrosion resistance of materials under high-temperature steam-rich environments.

WP

Manufacturing and Analysis of Environmental and Economic Sustainability of the Planar PCCEL Short Stacks

Leader: AVL

Focus:
Build and evaluate four prototype short stacks (2 CS-PCC, 2 MS-PCC) and assess environmental and economic viability.

Key activities:
• Stack integration and fabrication using optimized components.
• Techno-economic and life cycle assessment.
• Development of a commercialization roadmap based on sustainability and performance metrics.

WP

Performance Validation

Leader: CEA

Focus:
Validate the electrochemical performance, durability, and pressure-relatedization behavior of developed PCCEL cells and short stacks.

Key activities:
• Conduct endurance tests of cells (1000 hours) and short stacks (5000 cumulated hours) at ambient pressure.
• Evaluate start-up behavior (hot idle and cold start dynamics) under ambient conditions.
• Test individual cell performance under pressurized conditions (up to 10 bar).
• Perform post-test analysis to identify and understand degradation mechanisms.
• Define and implement harmonized testing protocols to ensure comparability and reproducibility of results across partners.

WP

Project Management & Coordination

Leader: DLR

Focus:
Ensure efficient project coordination, risk mitigation, quality control, and compliance with EU standards.

Key activities:
• Coordinate project planning, progress tracking, and EC reporting.
• Manage internal communication, data sharing, and conflict resolution.
• Monitor risks and ensure quality control across all work packages.
• Define and implement an Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) strategy.

WP

Communication, Dissemination & Exploitation

Leader: GG

Focus:
Promote project outcomes, engage stakeholders, and support exploitation of results.

Key activities:
• Launch and manage the project website and communication channels.
• Execute dissemination strategy through publications, events, and social media.
• Develop the Plan for Exploitation and Dissemination of Results (PEDR).