The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) was established by the Regional Development Agency, One NorthEast, as a UK wide resource to stimulate and drive innovation within the Process Industry. Its Fuel Cell Application Facility works with the aim of establishing fuel cells as a commercially viable low carbon energy technology. To support this aim, it has established a Development Centre, designed to support all parts of the fuel cell supply chain.

The Development Centre, together with its experienced support team and extensive range of partner organisations, can offer technical support to product and project developers, OEM Systems integrators and manufacturers, reducing the risks associated with the commercialisation of the technology.

Using experience gained in a number of public demonstration projects, the Development Centre supports companies working within the fuel cell industry as well as companies considering the industry as a potential new market.

It is equipped with advanced fuel cell test stations, allowing fuel cell testing and experimentation on a wide range of fuel cells, from single cell assemblies to 15 kWe systems. Dynamic load testing can be carried out on PEM, DMFC and SOFC systems, with full data logging. The Centre offers LABVIEW capability for fuel cell testing and control and CHEMCAD capability for the design and simulation of complete fuel cell systems. Filling facilities for hydride and composite hydrogen tanks are also available.

Health and safety advice is offered to fuel cell users on fuelling systems and design, as well as the analysis, identification and quantification of sulphur species present in fuels.

Confidential and independent testing and evaluation services allow both manufacturers and consumers to evaluate the performance of their systems.

Development facilities, incorporating private office space, are also available, allowing fuel cell companies to develop new systems with minimal capital risk.

For further information on the Development Centre, or to discuss a particular application or project, please contact: Dr. Jon Helliwell on 01642 455340 or e-mail: fcafinfo@uk-cpi.com. Further details are available at: http://www.uk-cpi.com