Low Carbon Hydrogen

Viability of fluorine-free PEM fuel cells

THE PROBLEM

Currently the membrane electrode assembly (“MEA”) is the largest single contributor to the overall cost of the proton exchange membrane (“PEM”) fuel cell stack, at 60-80% the cost of the stack. A move away from MEAs based on PFSA membrane materials to those based on hydrocarbon membrane materials will reduce the MEA cost by ~ 15%. This may also enable higher net system performance through an increase in stack operational temperature, increasing both volumetric and gravimetric power density.

THE SOLUTION

This project aims to demonstrate the technical and commercial viability of PEM fuel cell stacks incorporating hydrocarbon membranes. A fuel cell system utilizing a hydrocarbon-based MEA would benefit from a 50% lower membrane cost (10% lower overall stack cost) and significantly lower parasitic system losses due to a higher operating temperature range and thus a more efficient over all power system. Lower capital costs and less balance of plant demand will result in a more favourable total cost of ownership over diesel-based competitors and thus drive deployment of solutions.

The project will progress with the goal of producing a cost reduced, efficient hydrocarbon membrane-based stack designed with membranes from Ionomr Innovations Inc.

PROJECT STATUS
Active
PROJECT CATEGORY
Low Carbon Hydrogen
FUNDING RECIPIENT
Illuming Power Inc.
CICE FUNDING AMOUNT
$500,000
PROJECT VALUE
$1,565,000
  • “This project enables a step change in the cost of PEM fuel cells. The use of a hydrocarbon membrane-based MEA paves the way to elevation of stack operating temperature by ~ 25-30°C, improving efficiency and resolving a significant limitation of currently available PEM fuel cell materials. Additionally, current MEA technology is based on fluorinated polymers that are both expensive and environmentally detrimental throughout the lifecycle of the product. CICE is helping Illuming Power Inc. with project funding and with assistance in connecting us with other key players in the Hydrogen ecosystem. CICE shares our vision of the project’s shape, direction and outcome."
    Simon Farrington, CTO of Illuming Power Inc. VISIT ILLUMING POWER