Ener1, Inc. (OTC: ENEI), a developer of advanced lithium batteries and fuel cell technologies, announced it has filed a U.S. patent application for a new method and apparatus that enables the rapid start-up of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell in sub-zero temperatures without the use of external devices. Cold start performance capabilities are crucial to the development of fuel cells for automotive applications.
"Ener1's goal is to provide fuel cells that are safe, reliable and comparable in performance to conventional combustion engines, three factors that will contribute to the commercial success of electric vehicles," said Kevin P. Fitzgerald, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Ener1. "Our design and method in cold-starting adds to our growing intellectual property portfolio in fuel cell technology and will make Ener1's fuel cells more attractive to the automotive industry."
Ener1's approach for cold starting is to heat the fuel cell by a self- regulating exothermal chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen that takes place uniformly over the cathode catalyst. The process is designed to provide controlled, safe and fast heating of the fuel cell without the use of additional external devices.
Ener1's cold-start technology was developed to work with the company's patent-pending fuel cell integrated feedback control system. Ener1's fuel cell control system will feature other performance enhancements that are required for transportation applications, including the ability to operate efficiently under difficult conditions such as peak acceleration and braking. Its water management controls are intended to prevent over-drying of the fuel cell membrane, which can cause deterioration and lead to potential safety hazards.
Ener1 also announced that it has filed a U.S. patent application for its alkaline fuel cell control system. This system features many of the same benefits as the company's PEM fuel cell integrated feedback control system. Potential applications for Ener1's alkaline fuel cell system include air and space craft, submarines, and stand-by generators.
Ener1 expects to complete its PEM fuel cell control system prototype by the first half of next year. Production will take place at Ener1's manufacturing facility in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
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