Low Carbon Hydrogen

MEA technology for heavy-duty truck applications

THE PROBLEM

Zero-emission heavy-duty trucks require significant improvements to efficiency and durability. To reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) and expand the applicability of fuel cell stacks/systems, making them competitive with heavy-duty diesel engines, fuel cell systems must operate more efficiently than the diesel engines and perform reliably in hotter and drier conditions than current technology. However, these operating conditions result in significant stress on the fuel cell components. State-of-the-art materials in commercial Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) are challenged to provide the long-term durability and performance required to meet the operating conditions of heavy-duty applications.

THE SOLUTION

Boosting hydrogen fuel cell efficiency, durability, and performance for zero-emission heavy-duty fuel cell electric vehicles to compete with diesel trucks.

Unilia’s CICE-funded project will develop an engineered solution that can compete with diesel trucks. This involves a proprietary MEA concept that is targeted at high power applications with corresponding improvements to cost and durability. The innovative MEA technology integrates recent advancements in novel membranes, catalysts, and ionomers and applies design and process engineering expertise to mitigate degradation and increase efficiency. 

The new MEA technology targets a 50% improvement in power density (at 95°C, 40% RH) over incumbent commercial MEAs.  This advancement will allow heavy-duty fuel cell systems to generate gross power levels comparable to diesel engines, due to higher operating temperatures with minimal humidification requirements, which in turn supports broader market adoption. 

PROJECT STATUS
Active
PROJECT CATEGORY
Low Carbon Hydrogen
FUNDING RECIPIENT
Unilia (Canada) Fuel Cells Inc.
CICE FUNDING AMOUNT
$700,000
PROJECT VALUE
$2,063,401
  • “This project is crucial for overcoming major barriers in the heavy-duty vehicle market by developing a high-performance fuel cell solution capable of competing with diesel trucks. With CICE funding support and Unilia’s core expertise, we are well-positioned to demonstrate commercial readiness for a new generation of MEA technology tailored to heavy-duty applications, paving the way for broader adoption of fuel cell solutions.”
    Carmen Chuy, Technology Development at Unilia (Canada) Fuel Cells Inc. DISCOVER UNILIA