Nordic Collaborators to Demonstrate Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Technology

Five Nordic partners are now joining forces to further develop and demonstrate proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology suitable for operation in cold Nordic climate. The 2 year project is supported by the Nordic Energy Research through a 4.4MNOK grant.

PowerCell (SE), a joint venture between Volvo (SE) and StatoilHydro (NO), was established in 2005 for development and commercialization of PEM fuel cell systems for Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) applications. In this project Volvo Technology (SE) will in close cooperation with SINTEF (NO) provide R&D support for PowerCell for further technology development. This collaboration is based on Volvo Technology’s PEM fuel cell stack development and SINTEF’s experience with advanced PEM fuel cell characterization over the last 15 years.

The improved PEM fuel cell stack will be demonstrated by implementing it in a vehicle for niche transport applications powered by hydrogen. H2 Logic (DK) will provide system integration experience and lead the work of assembling a more reliable and efficient system.

The partners aim at reducing system cost significantly as well as incorporating the capability of sub-zero temperature operation. This way the project will contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of the technology and its viability for cold Nordic climate applications. Experiences from fuel cell system operation will be shared with SMEs and OEMs in an open Nordic workshop to facilitate knowledge transfer and development of next generation PEM fuel cell technology aiming at further reduction in cost and increased efficiency and durability.