The Institution of Mechanical Engineers held a one-day conference in London on 28th February on Fuel Cells for automotive applications. The main topics discussed were technical issues, implementation of the technology and potential markets.

Melanie Sadler (QinetiQ) addressed challenges and developments across the entire spectrum of fuel Cell vehicles, paying attention to fuel storage and cost reduction. Achieving lower costs has been examined for many components, including the noble metal content in electrodes. Careful use of chemistry and engineering ought to optimise the platinum and ruthenium content in a fuel Cell.

Work with alkaline fuel Cells was described by A. willett (Fuel Cell Systems). These were the first fuel Cells to be seriously demonstrated (by Francis Bacon in 1959). NASA have used alkaline fuel Cells with platinum group metal electrodes since the Apollo programme. The low operating temperature provides some benefits for vehicles, but carbon dioxide has to be removed from the air intake. This technology has ‘trickle-charged’ an electric taxi.

Chris Dudfield (Intelligent Energy) gave details on more conventional platinum-based proton exchange membrane technology for sole power in a car. He listed many prototypes using this technology.

A project underway to put a fuel Cell into use in the town of Woking, U.K., was described by J. Kenna (Energy for sustainable Development). He showed the logistical and regulatory challenges which lie even beyond the immediate technical hurdles.

Finally, the motion: This house believes that the fuel Cell electric vehicle will comprise 10% of a new car market in 2010’, was defeated, despite strong support from Gary Acres (Consultant) and many positive comments. Professor James Randle (University of Birmingham) won the day. Nonetheless, the impression was given of a market almost on the verge of expansion.