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.
Illuming Power Inc. is helping the heavy-duty transportation industry adopt low carbon hydrogen solutions.
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.
