NexTech receives funding for SOFC development

NexTech Materials, Ltd. has announced it has received funding for three unrelated projects based on its advanced SOFC planar stack technology.  Most recently, the Department of Energy, through its SECA program, selected NexTech to develop its planar FlexCell SOFC technology for large scale stationary power systems.  NexTech has also been selected by the U.S. Navy for two development projects.  One is to design a fuel cell system for underwater vehicle applications and the other is to develop stack technology for use in a land based APU.

NexTech has been developing advanced planar SOFC stack technology based on its FlexCell concept under support of the Air Force, State of Ohio and private funding for the past four years.  The company claims their unique electrolyte-supported design, combined with advanced anode and cathode systems, delivers high power density, unparalleled sulfur tolerance, and scalability to large areas.

Details on the DOE funded project can be found at www.netl.doe.gov/publications/press/2008/08016-SECA_Projects_Awarded.html.  Funding from the Navy is through a two year Phase II SBIR contract with the Office of Naval Research (ONR), and through a one year contract award with Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).

Partners in these projects include, the Ohio Department of Development, who was instrumental in providing seed funding through the Third Frontier Program, and Ohio State University who will be working with NexTech to design mechanically robust large area fuel cells.

www.nextechmaterials.com

Source: Fuel Cell Today