Fuel cells - investing in a clean future

A planar, ceramic solid oxide fuel cell stack

Fuel cells are high-efficiency devices that convert the chemical energy of a fuel (typically hydrogen or a hydrocarbon) directly into electricity without the need for combustion.

There are several fuel cell types, each suited to different applications. However, they all have one thing in common - they are invariably based on a 'stack' of individual cells that need joining and sealing. For fuel cells, which need to operate continuously for tens of thousands of hours, joining presents a considerable challenge.

This is exactly the type of challenge in which TWI has developed expertise through the Core Research Programme. A new CRP programme 'Joining and Sealing for Fuel Cells' began in 2002. Previous programmes have studied the bonding of polymers for fuel cells and work on ceramic reinforced braze systems for ceramic-ceramic and ceramic-metal joints and glass-ceramic systems for improved thermal expansion matching.

In addition, TWI combines practical engineering experience of these systems with finite element modelling to improve joint design and minimise residual stresses.

Further information

Fuel cells - the quest for renewable energy - (Available to TWI Industrial Members only).

For more information on TWI's expertise in this area contact power@twi.co.uk