Development of fuel cells integrated with hardware and software for monitoring, diagnostics, control and peripherals

• Grant number: 00/13120-4
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: August 01, 2001
• End date: December 31, 2004
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Industrial Electronics, Electronic Systems and Controls
• Principal Investigator: Gerhard Ett
• Grantee: Gerhard Ett

Abstract

Electrocell proposes to establish the technological consolidation of a complete package for the development of a fuel cell with the application of the concept of an intelligent system, incorporating hardware and software for monitoring, making diagnosis, controlling and simulation software, assuring greater reliability and safety of operation. This project will assure the strategic development of a project for the generation of alternative energy through the use of renewable sources, with the opportunity of technologically consolidating the generation of electrical energy based on the concept of no environmental harm, principally in urban centers, that is to say, through the use of fuel cells associated with the application of hydrogen as a fuel which results in the residue H20, differing from the type of combustion which produces C02, the gas mainly responsible for the greenhouse effect. Fuel cells to be developed by the company will be applicable for use in the automobile sectors, in residential and industrial buildings and as a source of electrical energy of small wattage for poorer communities and where the national electrical distribution network finds it difficult to reach. The company is proposing the development of hardware and software for monitoring, making diagnosis, control and the construction of cells of 1.2 kW fed by hydrogen, fossil fuels and fuels obtained from renewable sources. Also as part of this technological package is the supply to the market of all of the peripherals needed for the use of this source in the areas of automobiles and the generation and distribution of energy. (AU)