Our System

Fuel Cell

How a Fuel Cell Works

Our System

The Electrode

Milestones

Types of Fuel Cell

Applications

The Truth About CO₂

AFC Energy’s philosophy behind the design of the complete fuel cell system is to reduce overall costs.

By utilising production engineering processes developed by the team together with the novel processes for which patents have been filed, we’re producing an alkaline fuel cell system at a fraction of the cost of our competitors. Professor Keith Scott of The University of Newcastle upon Tyne estimates that the cost of AFC Energy’s electrode is approximately 1/10th of other comparable fuel cells. In addition, the ability to replace individual electrodes at minimal cost will provide a new dimension to the life of alkaline fuel cell systems.

The dramatic decrease in estimated costs results not only from a far less expensive replaceable electrode but also from:

• A substantially reduced number of components in the system (”balance of plant”);
• As a result of low operating temperature and near ambient pressure environments, the design of the cartridge and system can be dramatically simplified;
• Operation of the electrodes in parallel using bi-polar cell arrangement allows individual electrodes rather than the whole stack (as in conventional systems, where electrodes are arranged in series);
• Eliminating the need for a nitrogen pacification system in order to shut the system down;
• Minimal abrading of the catalyst as a result of the dry-side electrode;

AFC Energy is targeting to produce a 3.5 kW system at a cost of below £2,000 (based upon a production rate of 1,000 kW per annum). Five patents have been applied for in relation to the system, including:

1. Unique water management
   
   All fuel cells produce water as a by-product of the electrochemical reaction.
   
   This is unavoidable, but what one does with the water greatly influences the reliability and continuous operation of the system and the life and efficiency of the electrodes.
   
   Through the unique properties of AFC Energy’s electrode, the water produced at the active surface is drawn into the liquid electrolyte. By regulating the boil off rate in the air stream, in conjunction with the water production rate into the electrolyte, it is possible over a large range of operating conditions to have a water neutral balance in the system. The electrolyte is kept at its peak concentration throughout a wide operating range and the balance of plant requirements to maintain water neutrality are reduced.
   
   
2. Closed-loop cell voltage monitoring
   
   In this arrangement, each cell’s output is monitored by the controller; but in addition to monitoring the voltage, the cell output can be influenced to ensure even load across all cells
   
   
3. Monocoque construction
   
   By following cost reducing measures and processes AFC Energy has designed the fue l cell and its system as one unitary construction. This means that pipe runs, connections and the number of components in the system have been dramatically reduced and there is no longer a significant difference between the stack and the system.
   
   Monocoque construction is a principle long and successfully practised in the automobile industry.