ITM Power has announced an early result from the initial phase of their high power density fuel cell membrane testing, which is supported by a grant from the Carbon Trust. They have demonstrated exceptionally high power densities with their proprietary hydrocarbon membrane materials for hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells. A step change from the current state of the art has been achieved, with what is believed to be the highest power density ever recorded for a PEM fuel cell (5.5W/cm2 and 10A/cm2) using pure oxygen.
While the Company’s initial investigations focused on hydrogen and oxygen fed fuel cells, a commercial fuel cell system for deployment in a vehicle requires air to be used as the oxidant. ITM has now successfully demonstrated the performance of the membrane in a hydrogen/air fuel cell developing over 2.1W/cm2 and 4A/cm2, more than doubling the power density performance presently available on the market. This early result with air exceeds the ambitious target of 1.5W/cm2 as defined as part of the Carbon Trust project and is further evidence of the potential for ITM Power’s materials to offer a step change in performance.
Commenting for ITM Power, CEO Graham Cooley said: “I am very pleased with the rate of technical progress. Exceeding our power density target for the fuel cell during the initial phase of the Carbon Trust project shows the huge potential of our materials and the enthusiasm with which we are attacking this development. I look forward to reporting further progress on completion of the project.” Pierre Gaudillat, Technology Commercialization Manager, the Carbon Trust added: “We are delighted with how the fuel cell project with ITM is progressing. It is clear that ITM’s technology has a great deal to offer and we continue to facilitate introductions to potential commercial end users interested in these exciting developments.” The summary of the power density performance achieved by ITM’s patented membrane technology has been updated on the company’s website www.itm-power.com www.carbontrust.co.uk
Fuel Cell Power 