Nextech Receives Funding For Advanced Fuel Cell Stack Technology
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NexTech Materials, Ltd. is pleased to announce that it has received funding for three unrelated projects based on its advanced SOFC planar stack technology. Most recently, the Department of Energy, through its SECA program, selected NexTech to develop its planar FlexCell(TM) SOFC technology for large scale stationary power systems. NexTech has also been selected by the U.S. Navy for two development projects. One is to design a fuel cell system for underwater vehicle applications and the other is to develop stack technology for use in a land based APU.
NexTech has been developing advanced planar SOFC stack technology based on its FlexCell(TM) concept under support of the Air Force, State of Ohio and private funding for the past four years. The unique electrolyte-supported design, combined with advanced anode and cathode systems, delivers high power density, unparalleled sulfur tolerance, and scalability to large areas.
"We are very pleased to have our technology selected for further development by multiple agencies. The rigorous technical evaluation that our approaches have successfully passed is a strong validation of our technology," says Bill Dawson, President and CEO.
Details on the DOE funded project can be found at www.netl.doe.gov/publications/press/2008/08016-SECA_Projects_Awarded.html. Funding from the Navy is through a two year Phase II SBIR contract with the Office of Naval Research (ONR), and through a one year contract award with Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).
SOFCs offer potential performance advantages for power applications, where the use of commonly available fuels is required. They have been demonstrated to produce power at the highest efficiency of any fuel cell and can operate on natural gas and reformed hydrocarbon fuels.
Partners in these projects include, the Ohio Department of Development, who was instrumental in providing seed funding through the Third Frontier Program, and Ohio State University who will be working with NexTech to design mechanically robust large area fuel cells
About NexTech:
NexTech's vision is to be a global leader in the development and manufacturing of innovative products for energy and environmental markets. NexTech is a leading developer and supplier of materials, components and services for the fuel cell industry and is dedicated to reducing the manufacturing and operating costs of fuel cells and other electrochemical devices. NexTech's customers are located in over 35 countries and include leading researchers, developers and manufacturers throughout the world. NexTech Materials, Ltd. was founded as a privately held company in 1994 and has grown into one of Ohio's leading technology companies. NexTech recently expanded its manufacturing and R&D facilities located in Lewis Center Ohio. NexTech has many products in the pipeline including fuel cell stacks for military and residential power applications, sensors for gas detection and control systems, catalysts for energy conversion systems, and membranes for gas separation devices. For more information, please visit our web site www.nextechmaterials.com.
