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Fuel Cell Membrane Measurement System for Manufacturing--Scribner Associates Incorporated, 150 E. Connecticut Avenue, Southern Pines, NC 28387‑5528; 910‑692‑5966; www.scribner.com
Dr. Kevin R. Cooper, Principal Investigator, kevin@scribner.com
Dr. Kevin R. Cooper, Business Official, kevin@scribner.com
DOE Grant No. DE‑FG02‑06ER84574
Amount: $686,206
Successful adoption of fuel cells by the automotive market
demands reducing the cost, and increasing the quality and consistency, of
proton exchange membrane materials. To
achieve these goals, tools and procedures will be needed to measure the
through-thickness resistance, one of the key parameters of fuel cell membranes. This project will develop an automated, high-throughput
membrane measurement system to enhance manufacturing quality control, increase
manufacturing efficiency, and decrease membrane cost. The cornerstone of this measurement
technology is a novel electrode design, which will permit rapid, reproducible,
and accurate measurements. In Phase I, a
novel electrode was developed and shown to facilitate the accurate, repeatable
measurement of the through-thickness resistance (or conductivity) of bare
as-manufactured membranes. Robust,
user-friendly test hardware for rapid reproducible measurement also was
developed. In Phase II, the system will
be further refined by developing: (1) an
easy-to-use automated cell fixture with integrated, optimized, high-durability
electrodes; (2) application-specific control and measurement electronics, and
user-interface software; and (3) robust measurement protocols for high accuracy
and repeatable operation. A prototype of
the membrane measurement system will be evaluated using production materials
and established protocols.
Commercial Applications and Other
Benefits as described by the awardee: The measurement system should improve the
manufacturing of fuel cell membranes and thereby lower fuel cell costs. In turn, lower
fuel cell membrane costs will accelerate market entry and growth of this
technology, notably into the crucial but cost-sensitive automotive sector.