AFC Energy achieves major breakthrough with 500 hour trial of electrode
October 17th, 2006
AFC Energy, the developer of next generation alkaline fuel cells, announces that it has successfully completed a 500 hour trial of its ultra low cost electrode at transient power loads significantly ahead of schedule and without measurable degradation of performance.
This key milestone for the company has been completed using AFC Energy’s low cost materials for the catalyst, electrodes and base-substrates.
AFC Energy’s new fuel cell system design uses a number of unique developments including reverse pressure differential. These developments dramatically reduce the cost of the finished fuel cell and create the first commercially viable hydrogen fuel cell system with a potential two year payback.
AFC Energy’s technological breakthrough will create a significant step change for the fuel cell industry.
In addition the system’s balance of plant has been cost engineered in a novel, monocoque construction including a new replaceable electrode design, eliminating the need for an impregnable, un-repairable stack.
This allows for a low number of integrated components to be used and for the replacement of individual low-cost electrodes. With the operating temperature not exceeding 70 degrees centigrade the majority of components will be made from plastic.
As a result it will offer the first real opportunity for existing industries to adopt environmentally responsible ‘green’ technologies without a cost disadvantage.
AFC Energy recently completed a private placing to raise £1.4 million to part finance the acquisition of the alkaline fuel cell technology and to accelerate its development. Prior to this approximately £6 million was spent on developing the technology. The company intends to seek an IPO in early 2007.
Howard White, Chairman, AFC Energy said;
“Alkaline fuel cells have the potential to be the lowest cost fuel cell technology and we are intent on engineering a commercially viable solution by 2009.
“We believe that a payback of less than three years for a new technology is an imperative for mass adoption.
“We are developing an aggressive and robust commercialisation program and are linking up with major multinational companies with the intention of entering into application specific partnerships.”