ACAL Energy commissions innovative fuel cell system
21 December 2011
ACAL Energy has successfully commissioned the first field test system of its innovative FlowCath platinum-free liquid cathode fuel cell technology. The installation proceeded as planned at the Solvay Interox chemical plant in Warrington, Cheshire, and is capable of producing 3kW of gross electrical power. It will provide power to a remote environmental monitoring system located at the facility.
In designing and commissioning the system, ACAL Energy has successfully met the requirements of a formal ‘HAZOP’ review and on-site safety requirements for installation at a COMAH 1 category chemical plant, ensuring an extremely high level of safety.
ACAL Energy’s technology eliminates most of the platinum in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell, replacing it with a lower cost liquid chemical. Fuel cell systems utilising FlowCath offer a clean and economic alternative to traditional fossil fuel generators in stationary and transportation applications requiring 1kW to 200kW of electrical power.
In addition to Solvay Interox, ACAL Energy is partnered in this project by Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells, UPS Systems and the University of Southampton.
“It is always gratifying when the carefully laid plans come to fruition in such a clear and tangible way”, said Bob Longman, VP Engineering at ACAL Energy. “The installation provides a suitable showcase for the organisations currently considering FlowCath technology for their applications.”
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