ACAL to unveil liquid cathode fuel cell power module

The new technology is a model hydrogen fuel cell system which uses a platinum free liquid cathode called FlowCath. According to ACAL, the FlowCath powered module demonstrates a practical product prototype which it claims could become a commercial reality in under two years. According to ACAL, the prototype is considerably smaller than many people thought possible for a liquid cathode FC system. The technology involves replacing the platinum catalyst on the cathode in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell with a low cost, durable liquid chemical. This, says ACAL, significantly reduces the overall platinum content, while delivering the same level of fuel cell power density as traditional platinum cathode systems. The technology is said to address the balance of plant costs by eliminating the need for hydration, pressurisation, separate cooling and other mechanical sub-systems commonly found in conventional PEM fuel cells. ACAL Energy is leading a £1.9million collaborative project recently started to build the world's first installed system using FlowCath fuel cell technology in a practical application. The fuel cell specialist describes the project, supported by the Technology Strategy Board, as 'a major step on the commercialisation road map for this innovative technology'. Dr SB Cha (pictured), chief executive officer at ACAL said: "Field demonstration of our FlowCath technology is a very important milestone for the company. This application requires the unit to run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will be an excellent example of the robustness and reliability of our low cost fuel cell technology. We are delighted to be part of a world class project team and we are grateful to the UK Technology Strategy Board for their strong support." FC EXPO, runs from 3rd to 5th March at Tokyo Big Sight.