November 13, 2001 Meeting

Topic: Materials Challenges for Affordable PEM Fuel Cells
Speaker: Chris Vargas, Materials Engineer, International Fuel Cells

Directions: Trout Brook Brewhouse
45 Bartholomew Ave., Hartford
(I-84 E or W, Exit 46, Left at bottom of ramp,
2^nd light (Park St.) go left,
2^nd right is Bartholomew. Ph: (860) 951-1680

Technical Chairperson: Arnie Grot

Social Hour sponsored by: Stanley P. Rockwell Company

Reservations: Call Laura or Linda at Dynamic Metals (860) 583-3336 by noon November 9^th. Please call in ASAP – thanks!

Abstract:

A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that combines hydrogen fuel and oxygen to produce electricity, heat, and water.  The first fuel cell was invented by Sir William Grove in 1839, but the technology did not receive serious interest until the 1960's, when NASA chose alkaline fuel cells to generate power for the Gemini program and every other manned space mission since.  Currently, the only commercial fuel cell is International Fuel Cell's PC-25, a 200 kW phosphoric acid fuel cell.  While over 200 PC-25 units have been sold, the limiting factor for high volume sales has been the relatively high capitol cost.  However, recent developments in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells are allowing fuel cells to be competitive with other power generation methods.

Speaker's Bio

Chris is a Materials Engineer in the Research and Technology Group at International
Fuel Cells.  He previously worked at Motorola Semiconductors and at Pratt and
Whitney.  Chris graduated from Drexel University with a B.S. in Materials Engineering.

Links:

• International Fuel Cells
• Fuel Cells 2000
• HydrogenSource
• National Fuel Cell Research Center
• Fuel Cell Today