Mercedes Mullins
Intelligent Energy is a UK-based fuel cell engineering business that develops and manufactures proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology for various markets, including automotive, aerospace, UAVs, and power generation. With a focus on zero-emission solutions, they have introduced fuel cells for cars, motorcycles, and even the first crewed fuel cell-powered flight. The cost of their fuel cells varies depending on the application and scale, but they have received funding and investments to further develop and commercialize their technology. For example, their IE-DRIVE™ fuel cell system is expected to cost around £100 per kW under full-scale manufacturing conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Intelligent Energy predicts its DRIVE fuel cell system will cost around 100 GBP per kW by the end of the decade |
| Cost-effectiveness | Air-cooled fuel cell systems are cost-effective for power ranging from a few watts to several kilowatts |
| Cost-efficiency | Intelligent Energy has worked to secure new cost efficiencies in its manufacturing processes |
| Cost of manufacturing | Evaporatively-cooled (EC) fuel cell systems are designed for high-volume, low-cost manufacturing |
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What You'll Learn
Cost of manufacturing
Intelligent Energy is a UK-headquartered fuel cell engineering business that develops and manufactures proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology. The company's products are used in a range of markets, including automotive, stationary power, materials handling equipment, aerospace, and UAVs.
Intelligent Energy's manufacturing processes have been designed for high-volume, low-cost production. The company has invested in R&D to streamline assembly and secure new cost efficiencies without compromising quality. For example, they have developed a novel direct water injection system that reduces the component count and bill of materials, such as removing the need for a humidifier and related parts.
The company's IE-DRIVE™ product, a fuel cell system for passenger cars, is expected to cost around £100 per kW under full-scale, high-volume manufacturing conditions. This makes it a cost-competitive solution compared to BEV and ICE alternatives.
Intelligent Energy has also established joint ventures to develop and manufacture fuel cell systems for various applications. For instance, the SMILE FC System Corporation, a joint venture with Suzuki Motor Corporation, manufactures air-cooled fuel cell systems for the automotive and other industry sectors. In 2013, SMILE FC Corporation announced a ready-to-scale production line for its fuel cell systems, utilizing Intelligent Energy's semi-automated production technology.
The company's fuel cell technology has also received awards and recognition. In 2010, its fuel-cell taxi received The Engineer Technology and Innovation Award. In 2018, Intelligent Energy was awarded £17 million to accelerate the development of zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells.
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Cost of automotive fuel cells
The cost of automotive fuel cells varies depending on the specific technology and application. Intelligent Energy, a leading developer of proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology, has predicted that its DRIVE fuel cell system for passenger cars will cost around £100 per kW by the end of the decade under full-scale, high-volume manufacturing conditions. This price point is expected to make it a cost-competitive alternative to internal combustion engines and battery-electric vehicles.
Intelligent Energy's PEM fuel cells offer power outputs ranging from 800W to over 300kW, catering to various automotive applications. The company has also developed air-cooled and evaporative-cooled fuel cell systems, with the latter providing higher power generation capabilities of up to 200kW. These systems are designed for high-volume, low-cost manufacturing, utilizing modular architecture that can be easily adapted for different applications.
In addition to Intelligent Energy's automotive fuel cell solutions, the company has also ventured into fuel cell development for other transportation sectors. For instance, their IE-Soar 2.4kW fuel cell power module is designed for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and has been optimized for use in the Gryphon UAS hexacopter. This fuel cell system is currently the most power-dense hydrogen fuel cell commercially available for multi-rotor drones.
Intelligent Energy has also made significant strides in the commercialization of fuel cell technology for motorcycles and scooters. In collaboration with Suzuki Motor Corporation, they developed the world's first fuel cell motorbike, the ENV, and later the Suzuki Burgman fuel cell scooter, which achieved European Whole Vehicle Type Approval. These initiatives highlight the company's commitment to reducing emissions across various transportation sectors.
The cost implications of adopting fuel cell technology in the automotive industry are complex and depend on various factors, including manufacturing processes, economies of scale, and technological advancements. However, with the growing emphasis on sustainability and the anticipated growth of the global fuel cell market for passenger cars and vans, expected to reach £596 billion by 2040, the cost of automotive fuel cells is likely to become more competitive in the future.
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Cost of UAV fuel cells
Fuel cells are rapidly emerging as a leading power solution for drones and UAVs. They offer advantages such as long-endurance flight, high efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that generate electricity by converting chemical energy from fuel—usually hydrogen—into electrical energy.
Compared to lithium-ion batteries, fuel cells provide greater energy density and longer flight times. While batteries are more readily available and cost-effective, they are limited by their charging time and capacity. Fuel cells are cleaner, quieter, and more efficient.
Intelligent Energy is a leading developer of PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell technology for drones and UAVs. Their lightweight, power-dense UAV fuel cell modules allow customers to bypass the constraints of traditional battery technology, significantly extending drone flight times and ranges while producing clean DC power in a robust and lightweight package that can be refuelled in minutes.
The cost of Intelligent Energy's fuel cell modules for UAVs is not publicly available. However, the company has received funding and awards for its technology, indicating that its products are competitive in the market. The IE-Soar 2.4 kW FCPM, for example, was released in July 2020 and is the most power-dense hydrogen fuel cell commercially available for its target application.
Overall, the cost of UAV fuel cells may vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific requirements of the UAV platform. Fuel cells offer a range of benefits that make them a competitive and attractive option for powering drones and UAVs.
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Cost of fuel cells for power generation
Intelligent Energy is a UK-headquartered fuel cell engineering business that develops and manufactures proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technologies. The company's products range from 800W to over 300kW and are used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, power generation, telecoms, marine, rail, UAV, and materials handling.
While I couldn't find specific prices for Intelligent Energy's fuel cells for power generation, I did find some information on the costs associated with their fuel cell technology. Intelligent Energy's PEM fuel cells offer a simplified and cost-effective power solution. Their air-cooled fuel cell systems, for instance, use low-power fans for cooling and oxidant supply, making them suitable for a wide range of applications with power requirements ranging from a few watts to several kilowatts.
The company's evaporatively-cooled (EC) fuel cell systems are designed for high-volume, low-cost manufacturing. These systems offer efficient thermal management, reducing system complexity, mass, and cost. EC fuel cell systems can provide power generation ranging from a few kilowatts up to 200kW.
Intelligent Energy's fuel cells also offer lower lifecycle costs compared to other power sources. While the initial capital cost may be higher, their low maintenance and operational costs offset these expenses, making them a more economical choice over time. Additionally, fuel cells can provide reliable power during periods when renewable energy sources may not be available, ensuring uninterrupted power for critical applications.
Overall, while specific price information for Intelligent Energy's fuel cells for power generation is not publicly available, the company emphasizes the cost-effectiveness and low-cost nature of its fuel cell technologies, making them a competitive option for power generation applications.
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Cost of fuel cells for aerospace
Fuel cells are an alternative to traditional power sources for aerospace applications. They offer several benefits, such as high specific energies for longer-duration flights and fast fuelling capabilities. The cost of fuel cells for aerospace varies depending on the specific application and the manufacturer.
One prominent manufacturer in the fuel cell industry is Intelligent Energy, a UK-based company with representation in the US, Japan, South Korea, and China. The company was founded in 2001 and has since become one of the world's leading hydrogen fuel cell manufacturers, serving various industries, including aerospace. Intelligent Energy's fuel cell technology is divided into two platforms: air-cooled (AC) and evaporatively-cooled (EC). Their air-cooled fuel cell systems use low-power fans for cooling and can provide power from a few watts to several kilowatts. These systems are cost-effective and are used in a wide range of applications, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and automotive applications.
In 2008, Intelligent Energy established IE-CHP, a joint venture with SSE plc, to develop fuel cells for combined heat and power (CHP) applications. IE-CHP received CE certification for its 10 kWe/12 kWth CHP fuel cell, allowing it to be sold in the European Economic Area. This certification confirms that the product meets EU regulatory and conformity standards. While the exact cost of Intelligent Energy's fuel cells for aerospace applications may not be publicly available, their focus on cost-effective solutions and their recognition in the industry suggest competitive pricing.
Another manufacturer in the aerospace fuel cell industry is Honeywell. Honeywell offers liquid-cooled hydrogen fuel cells in 600W and 1200W capacities, suitable for military and commercial missions. These fuel cells offer silent operation and long-duration flights. However, Honeywell's website does not explicitly mention the cost of their fuel cells for aerospace applications.
Plug Power, another prominent player in the industry, has become a leader in fuel cells for UAVs through its acquisition of EnergyOr. Plug Power's fuel cells have powered the world's first fuel cell multirotor UAV, used in conjunction with the French Air Force. While Plug Power's website highlights the benefits of their fuel cells for aerospace applications, specific pricing information is not readily available.
Overall, the cost of fuel cells for aerospace applications can vary depending on the manufacturer, the specific requirements, and the scale of the deployment. While exact pricing may not be publicly disclosed, the benefits offered by fuel cells, such as increased flight duration and fast fuelling, make them a compelling alternative to traditional power sources in the aerospace industry.
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Frequently asked questions
Intelligent Energy predicts its DRIVE fuel cell system will cost around £100 per kW by the end of the decade. This makes it a more affordable option than BEV solutions and comparable to ICE.
Intelligent Energy's evaporatively-cooled (EC) fuel cell systems are designed for high-volume, low-cost manufacturing. Efficient thermal management of the EC fuel cell stack reduces system complexity, mass and cost.
In 2018, Intelligent Energy received £17 million to accelerate zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell development. In 2015, a £22 million initiative was launched to develop hydrogen fuel cells for passenger cars.
The cost of the IE-Soar 2.4kW Fuel Cell Power Module is not publicly available. However, it is the most power-dense hydrogen fuel cell commercially available for its target application.
