SBIR-STTR Award

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate the use of titanium nitride coated aluminum in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell bipolar plates as a replacement to the carbon and titanium bipolar plate parts currently in use. Simplified bipolar plate fabrication methods will also be examined during the course of this research effort. Although the power generation problems for PEM fuel cells have largely been solved, problems with weight and cost remain. One of the heaviest and costliest components in a fuel cell stack is the bipolar plate. During the Phase I program, Analytic Power will determine the feasibility of using titanium nitride coated low cost metals, the type(s) of plastic that can be used for seal frames, and whether or not the plastic-to-metal bond is adequate for use in pressurized fuel cells. The proposed materials and methods will be incorporated into the fabrication of fuel cell stacks and flow distribution, water management and sub-stack performance tests to evaluate the new materials and fabrication methods will be conducted. Success in this program will lead to dramatic reductions in PEM fuel cell stack costs. This reduction in cost will bolster efforts underway to introduce PEM fuel cells into next generation vehicles. Cost reductions achieved by this research effort will also further the commercialization of PEM fuel cells as either stationary or portable power generation units.

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will produce a low cost proton exchange membrane fuel cell as a pollution free electric power source. The Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell is an efficient, pollution free power source. The relatively high cost and weight of fuel cells have limited use in transportation applications. Analytic Power will lower the cost and weight of PEM fuel cells by using a composite plate structure that is inserted in the injection mold. Three candidate bipolar plate designs that emerged from the Phase I project will be tested for longevity and optimum performance. To demonstrate the range of fuels that the PEM fuel cell may use for transportation applications, Analytic Power will conduct operational tests on fuel processors. The fuel cell will be tested on pure hydrogen, reformed diesel fuel, natural gas, propane and ammonia. Commercial applications of the research include clean power for vehicles and affordable residential power generation, both of which would directly benefit the NGV program. Transportation applications include automobiles, bicycles, mopeds, and industrial electric trucks.