ElringKlinger : fuel cell stack acknowledged as "Best Success Story" as part of European R&D project

ElringKlinger AG has succeeded in developing a low-temperature fuel cell stack (NM12) with a very high power density. As part of the VOLUMETRIQ project sponsored by the European Commission, ElringKlinger unveiled PEMFC stacks with exceptional performance characteristics, thus setting an international benchmark. The NM12 stacks are suitplable for use in both passenger cars and commercial vehicles as well as in other applications requiring a high level of performance.

The ElringKlinger-engineered fuel cell stack is an integral part of the VOLUMETRIQ research and development project sponsored by the European Commission and the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU). Other key partners involved in the development of the cell components include Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells, Solvay Specialty Polymers, and CNRS Montpellier. The NM12 platform has exceptional performance characteristics: the volumetric power density is 5.7 kW/l. The current density of 2.5 A/cm² is another central objective to have been achieved as part of this project, underlining the high performance.

ElringKlinger's ability to drive innovation within the area of fuel cell development has been widely lauded at an international level: At the FCH JU Awards 2019, ElringKlinger was among the winners thanks to its VOLUMETRIQ project, having received the accolade of 'Best Success Story' within the 'Hydrogen & Fuel Cells' category. The FCH JU Awards, presented yesterday evening in Brussels, recognize particularly successful and innovative projects in the field of fuel cell and hydrogen technology in Europe.

'The ElringKlinger-engineered low-temperature NM12 PEM fuel cell stack features metallic bipolar plates with an electrical output of up to 150 kWel for automobile and commercial vehicle applications. We have thus developed a stack platform that represents an international benchmark when it comes to performance characteristics. As our industrialization expertise was consistently applied as early as the component development stage, the NM12 is a fuel cell stack intended for series production. Our success is a testament to the innovatory drive of ElringKlinger,' explains Armin Diez, Vice President E-Mobility and New Business Areas at ElringKlinger AG.

ElringKlinger has been active in the field of fuel cell technology for more than 20 years, its focus being on PEMFC stacks. Combining the benefits of high power density and highly dynamic power supply, they are the perfect choice for mobile applications and - in conjunction with a decentralized supply of hydrogen - they are already a viable option for today's mobility needs.

About the FCH JU
The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) is a unique public private partnership supporting research, technological development and demonstration (RTD) activities in fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies in Europe. Its aim is to accelerate the market introduction of these technologies, realising their potential as an instrument in achieving a carbon-lean energy system. The three members of the FCH JU are the European Commission, fuel cell and hydrogen industries represented by Hydrogen Europe and the research community represented by the research grouping Hydrogen Europe Research.
www.fch.europa.eu

About VOLUMETRIQ
VOLUMETRIQ is a project launched as part of the Horizon2020 funding program coordinated by the European Commission. It is centered around hydrogen and fuel cell technology. With this EU project, funding is directed at development activities focusing on 'cell and stack components, stack and system manufacturing technologies, and quality assurance', the emphasis being on establishing reliable and efficient series production for PEM fuel cells.

This project has received funding from the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking under grant agreement No 671465. This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, Hydrogen Europe and Hydrogen Europe research.
www.volumetriq.eu