“The cost estimates reduce the cell stack cost by some two orders of magnitude in comparison to the competition. In addition AFC Energy have important new cell stack and control design concepts that will simplify cell maintenance, assist in quick electrode replacement and manage water balance…. It is the low cost feature of the electrode that makes the AFC Energy fuel cell technology attractive against it competitors.”
Prof. Keith Scott – Knowledge House, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
AFC Energy’s research shows that low cost and high reliability in fuel cells are best attained by low power density of the electrode and cost engineering all aspects of the fuel cell system.
The team has applied sound cost engineering development processes to create new and cheaper designs that produce reliable and efficient power generation, without the need for expensive and complicated materials to be used.
The end result is a reliable alkaline fuel cell system, produced at a very low cost compared to other fuel cell technologies, with cheap, easily replaceable components.
Design
- Replaceable electrodes
- Low cost electrode, stack and system
- Low component count
- Simple, Low complexity system
- High Reliability
- Modest power density: long life
Materials
- Low cost
- Long term availability
- Abundant
Manufacture
- Good Manufacturability
- Less than 2% waste
- High volume capability - 10K/mtrs/day
- Using only existing processes
- Repeatable, closed loop control systems
Competitive Advantage
- Electrode cost 2 orders of magnitude cheaper
- Electrode replacement-overcomes extended lifetime concerns
- Low pressure and temperature allows use of low cost materials
- Serviceable and low maintenance