High-efficiency hydrogen fuel cells developed by NGK

NGK Insulators Ltd has successfully developed a solid oxide fuel cell that uses hydrogen gas as the fuel and also has achieved a lower heating value of 63%, which is one of the highest in the world. It can give a power output of 700W and can operate in temperatures of 800 degree C. The resistance value was lowered by completely coating the cell’s supporting anode with a thin film of electrolyte and secured a sufficient power generation area by forming cathodes on both sides of the cell. The thickness of the cell is only 1.5mm. The new fuel cell can generate power on both top and bottom sides and the flow channels eliminate the need for separators which is needed to separate fuel gas from air. The company aims to commercialize this cell technology for home as well as for commercial facilities like convenience stores and shopping malls. The company is also planning to advance the development with joint ventures and technical alliances.

[Techon]