SwRI: Fuel Cell Manufacturing Systems Technology

  image of SwRI-developed pilot-scale manufacturing system for catalyzing practical quantities of PEM fuel cell electrode material under a Department of Energy-sponsored program
 

SwRI developed a pilot-scale manufacturing system for catalyzing practical quantities of PEM fuel cell electrode material under a Department of Energy-sponsored program.

Fuel cell manufacturing is still in its infancy, with most systems being produced individually. Fuel cell production entails numerous challenges to the manufacturer, including critical handling issues, contaminant-free environment, and precise component assembly. Effective commercialization of fuel cells requires an efficient, high-volume manufacturing process with high accuracy, repeatability, and good quality control. Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has a proven reputation in employing a multidisciplinary engineering approach to develop system solutions.


Fuel Cell Manufacturing System Development

SwRI conducts a wide range of manufacturing system development programs for a variety of industrial and government clients. Emphasizing process simplification and practical application of technology, SwRI engineers work toward four key objectives:

  • Improving resource utilization

  • Simplifying operational procedures

  • Minimizing process variability

  • Improving product producibility

Fuel Cell Manufacturing Services

Using a proven structural approach to system development, SwRI engineers offer a wide variety of services, including:

  • Feasibility studies

  • Technology assessments

  • System definitions of functions, operations, hardware and software

  • Special equipment specification

  • Detailed hardware design and fabrication

  • Turnkey system and facility development

  • System integration

  • Evaluation and testing

  • Control and user interface development

  • Operator training

  • Maintenance planning and onsite support

For more information about manufacturing systems technology capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Joe Redfield at jredfield@swri.org or (210) 522-3729.

©1998-2009 Copyright Southwest Research Institute
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http://www.swri.org/4org/d03/vehsys/fuelcel2/manufac.htm?
Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) is an independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions using multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving. The Institute occupies more than 1,200 acres and provides nearly two million square feet of laboratories, test facilities, workshops, and offices for more than 3,300 employees who perform contract work for industry and government clients.