Fuel Cells: R&D, Testing and Evaluation

A fuel cell (F.C) is an electromechanical device, like a battery, that is continuously fueled (e.g., by fuel plus oxygen from the air). Each cell consists of electrolyte (a conducting ionic membrane) with an integrated porous anode and cathode. Hydrogen and /or hydrocarbon fuels react at the anode side, while oxygen from air reacts at the cathode side. The output is electrical energy in the form of direct current. When hydrogen is used as the fuel, the final exhaust product is simple water (i.e. zero oxides of sulfur and nitrogen, zero hydrocarbon soot, and zero carbon dioxide or monoxide).

Fuel cell technologies offer unique opportunities for significant reductions in both energy use and emissions for transportation and stationary power applications.

F.C represents a radically different approach to energy conversion, one that could replace conventional power generation technologies like engines and turbines in applications such as automobiles and power plants. Like batteries, fuel cells produce electrical energy electrochemically. Fuel cells operate quietly and relatively compact.

F.C promises the efficiency improvement that could lead to considerable energy savings and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.  They are employed for improvement in air quality in the U.S.  They have the potential to be used in a wide range of applications ranging in power level from a few watts to more than a megawatt. Hydrogen based-Fuel Cells open a path to increased energy resource diversity, including increased use of renewable energy sources, as they become cost-effective.

MATCO Evaluation and Testing of the following type of Fuel Cells:

1) Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEMFC)

2) Direct Methanol (DMFC)

3) Solid Oxide (SOFC)

In addition, MATCO can provide R & D and corrosion testing for the following fuel cells:

• alkaline fuel cells
• phospheric acid fuel cells
• molten carbonate fuel cells
• solid oxide fuel cells

The above fuel cells operate at different temperatures and each is best suited to particular application. MATCO can provide corrosion control measures and corrosion testing.

MATCO having a pioneer background in electrochemical testing of electrodes and electrolytes of devices will provide the following:

• Bulk Alloy surface coating for electrodes using chemical reaction method
• Electrode Alloy Microstructure evaluation
• Corrosion engineering, testing and evaluation

• XRD Measurements
• Scanning Electron Microscopy
• Auger Microscopy of Alloy Surfaces
• Electrode Corrosion Resistance Evaluation

Why Choose MATCO? As one of the premier testing and failure analysis firms featuring state of the art equipment, MATCO is able to provide a unique and diverse blend of services. Thousands of investigations have been performed at MATCO, ranging from jet engines and boiler tubes, to computer components and implants. Projects are not only conducted on your schedule from initiation to completion with competent and experienced personnel, and conducted in a discrete manner that ensures confidentiality as well.

Analysis Team Our Fuel Cells Analysis team is comprised of certified and experienced personnel from a variety of technical disciplines including: mechanical engineering, electrochemical engineering, coating, chemistry, metallurgy, and materials science. We also have a vast array of laboratory and field testing equipment. All of MATCO's testing equipment is calibrated on a routine basis in accordance with both national and international standards, and is ready to be put to use at a moment's notice.

Dr. M. Zee(*)                                                              Mr. Geoff Rhodes (*)

Dr. George Bayer                                                       Mr. Sam Scheinman

Dr. Kasraie, PE                                                          Dr. Huiping Xu