Tailor PEM - Part 1. Development of tools for tailored Danish PEM fuel cells stacks for the early market
Only the nichemarket is accepting the relatively high prices there is to fine within the fuel cell stack. The high develop costs is holding the stack producers in a spiral characterized by its low turnover. The purpose of the project is to create a design tool and an automatic production method. This shall reduce the production costs, tailor fuel cell stacks form different applications and demands and increase the outlets
Only the niche markets can presently accept the very high Fuel Cell [FC] cost. The low turnover andthe high cost of stack development entails that the FC stack manufactures has a limited product line with very limited design options. The overall objective of the Tailor PEM project is to establish a design tool and an automated production method, decrease production cost of fuel cells even in small-scale production. This design tool will enable stacks to be tailored for different applications and demands even in small-scale productions. That will change the possible product design from research/supply driven to a customer demand driven. Meeting end-user demand and decreasing production price will give a unique first mover advantage in the fuel cell marked. The Tailor PEM project aim to meet the Danish 'Road Map' targets as defmed in the Danish PEM strategy. The outcome ofthe project will bring IRD and Denmark in a unique situation worldwide, opening new sales possibilities, as the FC stack can be custom made and affordable in small-scale production, and with a potential of huge cost reductions on large-scale production. The project is divided in two Phases, the present application concern Phase I only.
The TailorPEM project has with its new research, modeling of the dynamic processes followed by new design and process engineering decreased production price to meet the Danish ‘Road Map’ targets as defined in the Danish PEM strategy.
Given this technology level at the current market, the project has enabled IRD and partners to be in the forefront in the growing commercial fuel cell market. Given the market size and growth potential, this is a great opportunity for the consortium and Denmark.
The project partners have supplemented each other very well with their experience in stack development and manufacturing as well as system integration and market knowledge in the different market segments. And the quality of the manufactured fuel cell stacks has been sufficient to fulfill the demands of very demanding system integrators.
The outcome of the project opens new possibilities as the FC stack and module can be custom made and produced for an affordable cost in small scale production and with a potential of high cost reductions on large scale production.
The overall results of the TailorPEM project are the establishment of a design tool together with efficient and optimised production methods with the potential for automated production in larger scale. The outcome of the project has decreased production cost of IRD’s fuel cell modules even in small scale production. The design tool has enabled stacks to be tailored for different applications and demands. This is changing the product design from research/supply driven to a customer demand driven.
Cost efficient production methods for small scale stack and module manufacture with the additional objective to automate stack assembly and manufacture has been obtained in the TailorPEM project. These results include
• Design specifications of graphite flow plate moulds reducing tooling and fabrication cost for flow plate production
• Low cost mould material and low cost polishing process especially suitable for small scale flow plate production
• Low cost seal design and seal process suitable for both small scale production and large scale automated production
• Design and production process stack end plates, 2 types, either end plates with no deflection in the stack (developed within associated EUDP project) or a low weight end plate for transportable application.
• All polymer infra-structure for stack module for easy assembly
Key figures
Category
Dokumenter
Participants
| Partner | Subsidy | Auto financing |
|---|---|---|
| IRD Fuel Cells A/S | 9,20 mio. DKK | 6,14 mio. DKK |
| Sener | 6,60 mio. DKK |
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