The US Department of Energy has announced $17.9 million in cost-shared financial assistance awards to fund new research in advanced fuel cells at three Massachusetts companies:
Nuvera Fuel Cells was selected for a $11,350,000 cost-shared contract for research to develop an advanced high efficiency quick-start fuel processor for transportation applications. Successful development would address the long start-up time and poor system efficiency issues common to conventional fuel cell power systems.
Mechanology LLC was selected for a $2,735,000 contract to develop and test the Toroidal Intersecting Vane Machine air compressor/expander/motor design. Current fuel cell air compressors are too inefficient to meet system development goals.
Arthur D. Little Inc. was selected for four contracts totaling $3,825,000 to: 1) study various fuels for vehicle fuel cell power systems, 2) develop a next-generation hybrid compressor/expander module that provides compressed air and energy recovery in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell system, 3) analyze the viability of the use of polymer electrolyte membrane and solid oxide fuel cells as auxiliary power units for on-road vehicles, 4) develop projections of platinum group metal (PGM) supplies and markets to analyze the potential impact of fuel cell commercialization on the PGM market and world reserves.
All contract awards are subject to final negotiations. Approximately 20 to 25 percent of the total cost of each project will be funded by the industry partner.
For more information, contact DOE, 202/586-4940 or 202/586-5806.
