Intelligent Energy’s PEM fuel cell designs combine novel fluid and thermal management techniques with the use of thin metallic bipolar plates, resulting in a simpler stack that is easier to manufacture. Integrated humidification and cooling reduces component count, eliminating conventional balance of plant, resulting in a smaller and more reliable system. The Intelligent Energy stacks offer a power to volume performance in excess of 2.5 kW per liter.

In 2005, the company unveiled a purpose-built fuel-cell motorbike. The ENV (Emissions Neutral Vehicle) bike was engineered and built from the ground up, based around Intelligent Energy’s CORE fuel cell. The CORE is completely detachable from the bike and could be used to power anything from a motorboat to a small domestic property. The World Economic Forum selected the company as one of its Technology Pioneers 2006 for that work. (Earlier post.)

Intelligent Energy is also working with Boeing on a fuel-cell powered light aircraft prototype. (Earlier post.)

Suzuki first began fuel cell research with GM in 2001, with the joint development of four-wheeled fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). So far, that work has developed three Japanese mini-car FCVs; the joint development with GM continues with the aim of further commercializing the vehicle.

Resources:

• Intelligent Energy presentation