MEAs are suitable for stationary PEM fuel cells.
Press Release Summary:
PRIMEA(R) Series 56 MEAs (membrane electrode assemblies) is composed of ion exchange membranes and 2 electrodes that convert fuel into electricity. Arranged in stacks of 10s to 100s within 1 fuel cell, MEAs integrate ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) membrane into electrochemical applications. They are offered with optional gas diffusion media. MEAs are also available for transportation and portable applications.
Original Press Release:
W.L. Gore & Associates Launches Next Generation Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) For Stationary PEM Fuel Cells
PRIMEA® Series 56 MEA Offers Unprecedented Combination of Durability and Power Density
Elkton, MD, February 28, 2002 - Gore Fuel Cell Technologies, a division of W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., announces the commercial availability of PRIMEA® Series 56 MEAs (membrane electrode assemblies) for use in stationary PEM (proton exchange membrane or polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cells.
Accelerated testing has confirmed the product's performance as the most durable MEA available for stationary applications. Additionally, PRIMEA® Series 56 MEAs feature power density ratings that meet or exceed industry requirements when operating with either hydrogen or reformate fuel streams.
"This is our fourth product innovation within five years," said John Mongan, Product Specialist. "We have worked with nearly all of the major fuel cell developers in that time to produce an MEA that will enable fuel cells to work efficiently and reliably. More than 80% of the public stationary PEM fuel cell demonstration and commercial systems placed in the field over the last three years have utilized Gore fuel cell products. With each product generation, we have set new industry standards in durability and power density. PRIMEA® Series 56 is the MEA that will enable the industry to reach its next generation performance targets."
An MEA is the 'heart' of a PEM fuel cell. It is composed of an ion exchange membrane and two electrodes that convert fuel into electricity. MEAs are arranged in stacks of 10s to 100s within a single fuel cell, depending upon system design.
By integrating its core technology - ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) membrane - into electrochemical applications, Gore has developed an MEA that delivers lower voltage decay rates, higher voltage efficiency and longer membrane life while maintaining high power density. By employing Gore's PRIMEA® Series MEAs, fuel cell developers will see improved stack life, reduced stack size and weight, and low cell-to-cell variation.
To maximize product performance, PRIMEA® MEAs are offered with optional gas diffusion media.
Gore's new MEA manufacturing facilities are believed to deliver the highest volume commercial MEA capacity in the world, exceeding projected market needs for the next three years. With redundant sites for assured supply, Gore provides stack developers with a guaranteed source of consistent product to meet commercial production demand while ensuring total quality control. Consistent product with reproducible performance allows developers to speed their R & D efforts, backed by Gore's full technical support.
"As a large and diverse technology leadership company, Gore has the resources to focus on this emerging market," said Mongan. "Gore is committed to using our manufacturing experience, scientific know-how and composite membrane expertise to make fuel cells a market reality."
"The launch of Series 56 is another example of Gore's commitment to commercialization," Mongan continued. "Gore has invested proactively in the technology, in R & D, in manufacturing capacity, and in quality control to ensure that we are leading the industry out of the lab and into the market. Another strength is our technical support team. Hundreds of Gore associates are working on MEA technologies to help fuel cell developers and stack manufacturers make their systems worry-free. We are here to provide a continuous path to the most cost-effective MEA solutions."
In addition to PRIMEA® Series 56 MEAs for stationary applications, Gore Fuel Cell Technologies also offers MEAs that are designed for transportation and portable applications
W. L. Gore and Associates, Inc., produces fluoropolymer products providing innovative solutions throughout industry in electronics, energy storage, medical implants and technical fabrics. Posting annual sales exceeding $1.4 billion, Gore operates more than 45 facilities and employs more than 6,000 associates around the world, with headquarters in Newark, Delaware, USA.
For more information, visit: http://www.gore.com/fuelcells
or contact:
W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
Gore Fuel Cell Technologies
201 Airport Road
Elkton, MD 21922 USA
Tel: 410-506-7700
Fax: 410-506-7633
E-mail: fuelcells@wlgore.com
