This patent relates to the assembly of a fuel cell stack. It covers CFCL’s technical know-how in best combining solid-oxide fuel cells and metal interconnect plates to form the fuel cell stack, in a manner which promotes optimal performance. CFCL has invented an electrical collector which connects the fuel cells to the interconnect plates. This allows CFCL to use metal interconnect plates which have high electrical conductivity, along with a beneficial protective oxide layer. This can improve electrical efficiency of the fuel cell stack while increasing its lifetime.

CFCL has already been granted patents on the invention in Australia, New Zealand and the USA. The European patent has been validated in the important markets of UK, Germany, France and Italy. A patent application is also pending in Japan.

Brendan Dow, Managing Director of CFCL, commented:
“This patent is a further endorsement of the depth and breadth of the Company’s intellectual property. We are pleased to have received the patent in markets which are key to us as we continue to advance our development programmes on a global platform, in particular with blue chip European utility customers and appliance partners. Our growing patent portfolio confirms that CFCL has market leading technologies in the sector.”