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About the TCP

About us

With roots tracing back to 1990, the AFC TCP is dedicated to propelling electrochemical conversion technologies, with a primary focus on fuel cells and electrolyzers, forward on a global scale. We foster international collaboration to surmount challenges and harness opportunities in the commercialization of these technologies. Through research, technology development, and dissemination endeavors, we champion progress in stationary and transportation power applications, emphasizing polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), and electrolyzer systems.

Our Vision

Addressing the opportunities and barriers of electrochemical conversion technology commercialization by fostering the development of fuel cell and electrolyzer technologies and their applications internationally and communicating their benefits.

About Fuel Cells

With roots tracing back to 1990, the AFC TCP is dedicated to propelling electrochemical conversion technologies, with a primary focus on fuel cells and electrolyzers, forward on a global scale. We foster international collaboration to surmount challenges and harness opportunities in the commercialization of these technologies.
Through research, technology development, and dissemination endeavors, we champion progress in stationary and transportation power applications, emphasizing polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), and electrolyzer systems.

Understanding Fuel Cells

Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that directly convert the energy of a chemical reaction into electricity, with heat produced as a by-product. Similar to primary batteries, fuel cells store fuel and oxidant externally, ensuring continuous operation as long as fuel and oxidant (typically oxygen or air) are supplied.

Applications of Fuel Cells are:

Stationary Power Systems

Deployed globally, stationary fuel cell systems demonstrate remarkable fuel efficiency and reliability. They serve various stationary needs, powering homes, businesses, and industrial facilities.

Transportation

Fuel cell engines, comprising a fuel processor, fuel cell stack, and power conditioner, are poised to replace internal combustion engines in vehicle powertrains. Fuel cells offer clean and efficient propulsion, promising a transformative shift in automotive technology.

Portable Power

Fuel cells are gaining traction as portable power sources for devices like laptops and mobile phones. Their compact size, high energy density, and extended operating times make them ideal for on-the-go energy needs.

Fuel cells represent a cutting-edge energy solution with broad applications across industries. As research and development in fuel cell technology progresses, they hold the potential to revolutionize power generation, transportation, and portable energy solutions, paving the way for a sustainable energy future.

Advancing fundamentals of water electrolysis

Hydrogen and electricity are complementary energy carrier thanks to the technology of Water electrolysis and fuel cells. Hydrogen is expected to play a central role in enabling the international trade of renewable energy.

Water electrolysis technologies are available in the temperature range from 80 to 860°C. The most mature technologies—namely proton exchange membrane (PEM), alkaline, anion exchange membrane (AEM) and solid oxide electrolysis—are currently being scaled up to multi-megawatt systems to accelerate their commercialization.

Performance and durability must be maintained at every scale— from single cell and stack to the module and balance of plant. For electrolyzers, this necessitates identifying degradation mechanisms, anticipating long-term characteristics, and evaluating the economics of scale.

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Contact

Secretariat Technology Collaboration Programme on Advanced Fuel Cells
Marietta Sander
Science Park, Munscheidstr. 14,
D-45886 Gelsenkirchen
Germany

Mobile: +49 171 865 0862
E-Mail: secretariat@ieafuelcell.com 

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