Application of ceramic technology for cost effective manufacturing of small fuel cell systems

Small SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell) and PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cells systems have reached a promising level of maturity. The authors report on development of different ceramic technologies and materials that allow for cost effective fabrication of components such as robust electrochemical MEA's (membrane electrode assemblies), glass seals and contact interlayers. Operating experiences of SOFC stacks manufactured with these components are briefly discussed. For the manufacturing of both fuel cell types the authors especially emphasize the use of thick film, hybrid and multilayer ceramic technology. First results on fully funtional PEM micro fuel cell systems manufactured by low temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) technology are presented. Entnommen aus <a_href="http://www.fiz-technik.de/db/b_tema.htm" target="_blank">TEMA</a>