Fuel Cell Technology has been the subject of enormous interest during the past two decades. Apart from their relevance in realizing the Hydrogen Economy, fuel cells are considered promising due to their high efficiency irrespective of the size of the System, Modular Nature, Simple Operation, Wide Range of Operating Temperatures and Flexibility in using various fuels with reformer or direct use etc. The fuel cell business is expected to grow substantially in the coming years and the projected spending on R & D and application development related to fuel cells is expected to reach US$ 18.9 billion in 2016 according to a report published recently. Although it will take time for fuel cells to penetrate markets now serviced by other power devices, the efforts accompanying the above investments are certain to take fuel cells closer to actual utilization.

Continuous increase in commercial energy costs and environmental concerns will also contribute to fuel cell commercialization. ARCI’s Centre for Fuel Cell Technology (CFCT) established in Chennai specifically contributes to national efforts in the above emergent field. Although mandated to develop the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell Technology, CFCT is gearing up to play a key role in varied aspects of the hydrogen economy. Since inception in 2004, CFCT has made considerable progress and is on the verge of taking up programs to demonstrate actual applications.

The specific goals of CFCT include

• Development of PEM fuel cell technology for use in UPS & Emergency Power Supply Systems, decentralized power generation and in transport applications.
• Conducting cutting-edge research to address a range of technical challenges in Fuel Cell Development, Prototyping, Commercialization and Market Acceptance and carry out Application Demonstration Programs.
• Network/Collaborate with other Laboratories, Institutions and Industries as required at various levels of Fuel Cell Development, starting from Fundamental Science and Engineering to Product Development and Demonstration.

Areas of Work

Fuel Cell Systems   PEM Fuel Cell   Direct Methanol Fuel Cell   Alkaline Fuel Cell (upcoming)   Borohydride Fuel Cell (upcoming)   Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (upcoming)   Microbial Fuel Cell (upcoming)

Hydrogen Generation Technologies   Electrolysis   Chemical Hydrides   Photo Electrochemical (upcoming)