Morphic Technologies subsidiary, Cell Impact AB, has received an order for flow plates intended for a prototype series of fuel cell stacks. The customer is one of the ten largest automotive manufacturers in the world.
The prototype series will evaluate the ability of Cell Impact’s unique technology to manufacture fuel cell plates for several stacks. Fuel cells convert hydrogen to electrical energy, driving the vehicle through an electrical motor. The entire system is a substitute for today’s combustion engines.
”Strategically speaking this is enormously important. Once the customer enters into massproduction, we will establish production capacity in connection with their production facilities. This gives optimal economy of production for both of us”, says Martin Valfridsson, CEO of Cell Impact.
An environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels
A fuel-cell system produces electricity by hydrogen reacting with oxygen. The potential of fuel cells is huge. With hardly any negative environmental effects at all, the fuel cell technology could potentially replace combustion engines, heat- and power generators and batteries as energy units for everything in society; industry, residences, vehicles, mobile electronics and beyond.
“Considering its virtually non-existant impact on the environment, the greatest potential lies in fuel cells intended for the automotive industry. Advances are no longer propelled only by technological progress within companies, but also by end-user demand,”says Martin Valfridsson.
The efficiency ratio in a fuel cell system is approximately 2-3 times higher than traditional combustion engines. The plates are used in fuel-cell stacks for propulsion. While today’s powertrains in vehicles are built around a combustion engine and a gearbox, the powertrain in a fuel cell vehicle is replaced by a fuel-cell stack and electrical motor. This hydrogen-based driveline releases nothing but steam when operated and thereby does not contribute to greenhouse gases.
In the short-term, Morphic intends to establish itself as a globally recognized fuel-cell supplier, focusing on becoming the leading international supplier with a 50% market share by 2012.