Fuel cell and battery high added value components validation

Kurzfassung

A Basque research center helped by an industrial partner is developing polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and Li-ion batteries technology mainly for portable applications. Partners are sought for technical cooperation as manufacturers of novel materials and components for these technologies.

Details

The electrochemical energy storage systems are in their heydays. There are a range of portable, stationary and mobile applications that are demanding systems of energy storage with continuous progress in performance, safety, durability and cost; such as batteries for electronic portable devices and electrical and/or hybrid vehicle, as well as for fuel cells for the above mentioned electrical vehicle and for diverse portable applications (generally remote systems not connected to the grid) or stationary.

This research centre develops lithium–ion batteries and polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) technologies. Additionally and financed by public funds, several lines of basic/oriented research aligned with these targets are supported. Consequently, the research centre is able to evaluate practically all kind of materials and components which could be used in lithium-ion batteries and PEMFC technologies, as well as in super capacitors. This capacity includes practically the whole chain of value that goes from the simplest materials up to the final prototype, including the manufacture of materials (such as the elaboration of electrodes based on active nanomaterials, manufacture of electrolytic membranes, mechanic components and so on), the electrochemical characterization and the prototype integration.
In this way, the research centre offers the possibility of establishing collaboration agreements with developers of new materials and novel components on the above mentioned technologies.

Innovative Aspects:
Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells and Li-ion batteries offer many innovative aspects over any other generation technologies, such as, high performance, safety, more durability, and both are environmental friendly. Both technologies can be used in new applications in the field of the electric car and portable appliances, being competitive with conventional technologies, like lead-acid and nickel metal-hydride batteries. These advantages will promote the development of these technologies as key tools within the short and middle time, bringing benefits for the society as they reduced economic cost (€/kWh) as well as creating employment in sectors of high added value.