GAIA
next Generation AutomotIve membrane electrode Assemblies
GAIA aims to developing a high performance automotive MEA that provides the materials and designs that satisfy the cost target by providing high power density at high current density, while also attaining the other essential objectives of durability, reliability and high operation temperature. Its intention is to:
- Realise the potential of these components in next generation MEAs showing a step-change in performance that will largely surpass the state of the art by delivering a beginning of life power density of 1.8 W/cm2 at 0.6 V;
- Validate the MEA performance and durability in full size cell short stacks, with durability tests of 1,000 h with extrapolation to 6,000 h;
- Provide a cost assessment study that demonstrates that the MEAs can achieve the cost target of 6 €/kW for an annual production rate of 1 million square metres.
GAIA will develop and bring together advanced critical PEM fuel cell components. These components will be integrated into a fuel cell that is capable of delivering on the most challenging of the performance, cost and durability targets required for large-scale automotive fuel cell commercialisation. New designs, architectures, constructions and deposition methods will be used at the level of the components and at the level of their integration in the catalyst layer, where novel constructions and coating methods will be used. While some of the materials and components are early developments with the technology concept formulated, the majority have already been proven experimentally. These components will be further advanced, optimised and integrated into next generation automotive MEAs to demonstrate the application of the technology.
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INSPIRE
Integration of Novel Stack Components for Performance, Improved DuRability and LowEr Cost
INSPIRE is a three-year research and development project supported by a grant of €7.0 million from Europe’s Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU), under Grant Agreement Number 700127, a unique public-private partnership supporting research, technological development and demonstration in the fuel cell and hydrogen energy sectors in Europe. This industry-led project has an overall aim of bringing together the most advanced critical PEMFC stack components existing today and integrating these into a fuel cell that is capable of delivering on the most challenging of the performance, durability and cost targets required for large-scale automotive fuel cell commercialisation. The components have already been consistently demonstrated in the laboratory and are being further developed, scaled and integrated into an advanced generation automotive fuel cell stack to demonstrate the application of the technology in an industrially-relevant environment. Consortium members include fuel cell component suppliers, academic institutions and car manufacturer BMW Group.
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MAMA-MEA
Mass Manufacture of MEAs Using High Speed Deposition Processes
The MAMA-MEA project highlights:
Developing a novel continuous process for PEM fuel cell sealed CCM manufacture based on sequential deposition of key component layers – an “additive layer” CCM deposition process.
- Identification, assessment and integration of mature deposition techniques (already) employed in thin-film layered devices outside the fuel cells industry.
- Establishing the capability of the process for a step-change increase in manufacturing output by greater than 10 times compared to state-of-the-art continuous manufacturing.
- Validation of sealed CCMs in a stationary application fuel cell stack.
- Increased competitiveness of European fuel cell industry as a consequence of the project results.
VOLUMETRIQ
VOLUme Manufacturing of PEMFC Stacks for TRansportation and In-Line Quality Assurance
VOLUMETRIQ is a Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Undertaking project funded under the call FCH-01.2-2014 on “Cell and stack components, stack and system manufacturing technologies and quality assurance”. It will demonstrate operational OEM stack performance requirements for ElringKlinger’s automotive PEM fuel cell platform, with production readiness via validated volume capable manufacturing processes and quality control systems for both automotive fuel cell stack platform, and for major constituent cell components. Stack components will be manufactured, involving improvement of existing methods and enhancement through automated manufacturing processes and tests to achieve robust volume yield and cost delivery.
The project will validate a complete “at scale” stack production package which will be overseen by the automotive OEMs, BMW and Daimler
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