R-34
11-01-2003, 03:43 PM
Researchers at the German Research Centre in Jülich (“Forschungszentrum Jülich”) have developed a new metal alloy that is suitable for high temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). Together with steel manufacturer ThyssenKrupp, the research centre aims to bring the new alloy to a commercial stage.
The new metal (trade name “Crofer 22 APU”) can be used to produce interconnectors in a much cheaper way than with previous materials. The alloy is a mixture of various elements, containing a large amount of chrome which helps to reduce the heat expansion during the fuel cells operating temperature of about 900 degrees Celsius. Other constituents include lanthanum, manganese und titanium.
One possible application for the use of the new fuel cell material could be the automotive industry. BMW is already using the alloy in its SOFC auxiliary power unit (APU), part of the company’s hydrogen and fuel cell demonstration and research programme.
fuelcelltoday.com
The new metal (trade name “Crofer 22 APU”) can be used to produce interconnectors in a much cheaper way than with previous materials. The alloy is a mixture of various elements, containing a large amount of chrome which helps to reduce the heat expansion during the fuel cells operating temperature of about 900 degrees Celsius. Other constituents include lanthanum, manganese und titanium.
One possible application for the use of the new fuel cell material could be the automotive industry. BMW is already using the alloy in its SOFC auxiliary power unit (APU), part of the company’s hydrogen and fuel cell demonstration and research programme.
fuelcelltoday.com