Lewis Center, OH – 

The U.S. Commerce Department’s Advanced Technology Program today announced an award to NexTech Materials, Ltd. (Lewis Center, OH) for its project entitled High-Power-Density Solid Oxide Fuel Cells for Aerospace Applications. This ATP project concerns the development of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) architecture and manufacturing process that offers unparalleled power density, improved manufacturability, better mechanical integrity and ability to use liquid hydrocarbon fuels. The proposed concept represents an order of magnitude improvement over current fuel cell development efforts that are focused on land-based, mass-market commercial opportunities.  NASA Glenn Research Center (Cleveland, Ohio) will support the project in the areas of materials development, cell/stack fabrication, and single-cell testing. SOFCo-EFS Holdings LLC (Alliance, Ohio) will support the project with testing of single cells and stacks under application-specific conditions. The total cost of this project is $2.5 million; ATP will provide up to $2 million.

William Dawson, President/CEO of NexTech, states, "This project allows NexTech to stay on the cutting edge of solid oxide fuel cell manufacturing technology and significantly improves on our state-of-the-art planar, tubular, and hybrid fuel cell designs."

This project is targeted at producing new fuel-efficient auxiliary power systems to meet current and future transportation needs.  Vehicles have an increasing number of electrically powered systems for operation and passenger comfort. Automotive electrical power demand alone has quadrupled over the past five years and auxiliary power units (APUs) not driven by the motive engine will likely satisfy future demand. For aircraft applications, SOFC-based APUs could reduce fuel usage by 70 percent on the ground and 40 percent in flight.  APUs for transportation must be light and compact, withstand mechanical shock and vibration, and use the same fuel as that used for motive power in order to easily integrate with existing systems.  Successful deployment of this technology will fundamentally change vehicle design and offer competitive advantages to adopters.      

“We’re honored that the ATP has recognized the potential benefits of the technological advances put forth by the NexTech team and its partners,” says Matt Seabaugh, Fuel Cell Group Leader and primary investigator.  The ATP selected 32 projects for funding from among nearly 900 proposals.

About NexTech Materials

NexTech Materials, Ltd. is a leading developer and supplier of materials and components for the fuel cell industry and is dedicated to reducing the manufacturing and operating costs of fuel cells.  NexTech's customers are located in over 20 countries and include leading researchers, developers and manufacturers throughout the world.  NexTech Materials, Ltd. was founded as a privately held company in 1994 and has grown by 35% per year on average.  NexTech recently expanded its manufacturing and R&D facilities located in Lewis Center Ohio.  NexTech has over 20 ongoing R&D projects aimed at development of cutting edge materials and component manufacturing technologies.  For additional information about NexTech Materials, Ltd., please call (614) 842-6606 or visit our web site http://www.nextechmaterials.com. 

About the Advanced Technology Program

The Advanced Technology Program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology bridges the gap between the research lab and marketplace, stimulating prosperity through innovation. Through partnerships with the private sector, the ATP accelerates the development of innovative technologies that promise significant commercial payoffs and widespread benefits for the nation. The ATP provides a mechanism for industry to extend its technological reach and push the envelope of what can be attempted. ATP awards are made on the basis of rigorous peer-reviewed competition, considering the scientific and technical merit of each proposal and its potential benefits to the U.S. economy. For more information about the ATP, visit www.atp.nist.gov.