Fuel cells are electrochemical power sources with the advantages of high power density and high efficiency. NPL assists the UK fuel cell industry with innovative in situ measurement techniques, computer modelling and catalyst characterisation.

Fuel cell technology is still an emerging alternative energy source with a small number of modest-sized companies undertaking development work in the UK.

NPL assists UK industry to stay at the forefront of this emerging sector by providing solutions to measurement issues hampering the development of more efficient and cost-effective fuel cells. These include in-situ techniques for measurement of temperature and gas composition, modelling of fuel cell systems, assessment of fuel cell durability and the study of catalytic processes on the micro- to nano-scale.

The depletion of fossil fuel resources, energy security, and government environmental policy represent the most significant drivers towards the development of a global hydrogen economy.

The advantages of fuel cells over other sources of power are:

• high efficiency
• low emissions
• modularity
• fuel flexibility
• high power density

The three major issues currently confronting fuel cell developers and manufacturers are:

• cost of components
• establishment of a refuelling infrastructure
• durability of the systems in service