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Company Provides Improved Method for Manufacturers Testing Fuel Cell Performance

Fuel cell equipment manufacturers will be able to more efficiently test the performance of fuel cell electrodes through new technology developed by a Purdue Research Park-based company.

The Powerstat test station, launched Wednesday (Nov. 4) by NuVant Systems Inc., can evaluate key components of proton exchange fuel cell electrodes. NuVant is based in the Purdue Research Park of Northwest Indiana's Purdue Technology Center.

The Powerstat evaluates membrane electrode assembly (MEA) components, including the polymer membrane that is located between the fuel cell positive and negative electrodes. The Powerstat increases fuel cell testing efficiency by providing current up to 18 amps along with options to control temperature and reactant flow rates.

Eugene Smotkin, founder and CEO of NuVant Systems, explained the function of the MEA in a fuel cell.

"The MEA, a polymer electrolyte sandwiched between electrocatalytic layers, is the heart of the fuel cell," Smotkin said. "The MEA separates the hydrogen on one side from the oxygen on the other. When a hydrogen molecule is split into two protons and two electrons, the protons pass through the MEA and the electrons provide useful electricity. The protons and electrons then combine with the oxygen on the other side of the membrane to produce water. If an MEA is not functioning properly, the fuel cell voltage and current will decrease."

Smotkin said Powerstat was created by NuVant Systems to address a performance drawback in products that evaluate MEAs. In contrast to traditional load units, the Powerstat can provide power required for testing one electrode layer separately from the other.

"Proper evaluation of a fuel cell's MEA requires single-cell fuel cells properly paired with electronic instrumentation," he said. "For every square centimeter of active fuel cell electrode area, the instrumentation must deliver at least one amp at voltages up to 0.8 volts. The Powerstat pairs with larger 5- to 10-square centimeter single-cell fuel cells and packs a higher maximum current of 18 amps."

Smotkin says the Powerstat may accelerate research required for consumer acceptance of fuel cells.

"Acceptance of fuel cells can be bolstered by significant improvements in MEA performance and pricing," he said. "Additionally, entirely new MEA structures are now in demand as developers pursue non-platinum based fuel cell catalysts."

Powerstat and other NuVant Systems fuel cell products can be purchased on the products page of the company's Web site at http://www.nuvant.com/

About NuVant Systems Inc.

NuVant Systems develops and integrates catalysts and electrolytes for stationary and portable fuel cell electrode assemblies. NuVant has pending patents for inorganic fuel cell electrolytes operating between 250-400 degrees Celsius. NuVant's patented high-throughput characterization instrument, the Arraystat System, provides a competitive edge by enabling precise, accurate parallel evaluation of electrode assembly components and fabrication methods under fuel cell conditions. The Arraystat also will benefit the electrochemical energy storage, electro-synthesis and the electrochemical sensor industries through direct sales or R&D partnering.

About Purdue Research Park of Northwest Indiana

The Purdue Research Park of Northwest Indiana sits on 386 acres west of I-65 in Merrillville. This laboratory and office facility serves as the anchor for the state-certified technology park - Ameriplex at the Crossroads - under development by Purdue Research Foundation and Holladay Properties. The 48,000-square-foot Purdue Technology Center of Northwest Indiana is slated to expand to 60,000 square feet in 2010. It opened as Purdue's first satellite technology center in January 2005 and currently serves 24 technology-based tenants. Employment within the center currently numbers approximately 100, including researchers with advanced degrees, recent college graduates and interns.