Newsletter Nr. 06/2015
Intelligent Energy provides automakers with high-performance fuel
cell architecture
A new 100kW automotive fuel cell architecture from Intelligent Energy provides vehicle manufacturers
with a high-performance option for their next generation of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
The architecture has been developed in response to increasing market demand for next-generation,
high-power automotive fuel cell solutions and is the result of extensive research, engineering, cost
reduction and test activities undertaken by Intelligent Energy’s Motive division. The system builds upon
the company’s successes in developing advanced zero emission solutions both independently and with
its automotive customers.
Designed to deliver primary motive power within an advanced electric driveline, the 100kW fuel cell
architecture and core technology will be available to vehicle manufacturers through technology
licensing programs and joint development agreements.
The 100kW platform takes full advantage of Intelligent Energy’s stack technology, which offers world
leadership in power density of 3.5kW/l (volumetric) and 3.0kW/kg (gravimetric), whilst being
engineered for low-cost, high-volume series production.
The key enabler for these high power densities is the company’s proprietary, evaporatively-cooled (EC)
technology. Compared to conventional liquid-cooled fuel cell stacks, the EC design removes the need
for individual cooling channels between each cell. This delivers a considerable advantage in terms of
stack mass and volume, and helps contribute to Intelligent Energy’s leadership in stack power density
which translates into in-vehicle packaging and weight advantages.
With 25 years of experience in the development and delivery of high power density, scalable fuel cell
systems, Intelligent Energy already has non-exclusive, collaborative commercial relationships in place
with a number of global vehicle manufacturers.
“Our capability and proven technology provides a cost-effective opportunity for any vehicle
manufacturer without a presence in this fuel cell power-band to jump ahead of its competitors,” says
James Batchelor, managing director of Intelligent Energy’s Motive division. “Our 100kW platform
provides automotive OEMs with a fast-track route to our next-generation, evaporatively-cooled stack
technology, integrated into a compact system architecture.”
Intelligent Energy employs world-class engineers and technology specialists, led by seasoned
professionals with expertise in fuel cell technologies and the automotive field. The 100kW architecture
is being announced at a time when consumer awareness of FCEVs is growing, boosted by new vehicles
being launched by Toyota, Hyundai and Honda.
“The concept, design, technology elements and IP package are all in place to enable the platform to be
applied to customer vehicle programs today,” Batchelor added.
Intelligent Energy has a long association with the automotive industry, including a successful eight-year
relationship with the Suzuki Motor Corporation. The collaboration has seen the introduction of the
world’s first type approved fuel cell powered scooter, powered by 4kW fuel cell systems that are based
on Intelligent Energy’s complementary air-cooled (AC) technology. The two companies have also
established a joint venture business that manufactures stacks and fuel cell systems from a ready to
scale production facility in Japan.
Quelle: http://www.enginetechnologyinternational.com/news.php?NewsID=67459
Freitag, 27. März 2015