VTT awaiting marketization of its fuel cell technology
Fuel cells can be made into a source of power for a consumer product

The Finnish research on fuel cell technology is so far advanced that it would now be worthwhile to commence production as a source of power on a small scale – for example to replace batteries. In the future portable IT equipment, domestic appliances, motors and for example entertainment devices could obtain the energy they need from totally recyclable, lightweight and safe fuel cells.

The fuel cells appear as membranes between the black plates. On a small scale the model is appropriate for a mobile phone or PC battery. High resolution image Photo: VTT

The most recent advantage with the fuel cell developed by VTT is that it is now possible to replace the formerly required graphite with reasonably priced composite material. The new fuel cell is easier to manufacture and its recyclability is superior. The VTT fuel cell also recovers energy from the water-cooling.

The hydrogen required for the fuel cell is currently a by-product of industry, and it is already being bottled. Small quantities appropriate of the consumer's needs are already available thus the same fuel cell can be used for a long time.

In European fuel cell development the aim is to keep up with the USA and Japan. VTT, Helsinki University of Technology (HUT), Åbo Akademi University and enterprises have developed technology in the field on funding from VTT, HUT and Tekes.

"When the fuel cell is manufactured almost entirely of technical plastic it is ideal: lightweight and safe. Manufacturing it this way is moreover fast and inexpensive. There is already ample expertise in the field in Finland. What we now need is a company to marketize fuel cell expertise and make it into profitable business. This needs to be done fast, because the development and commercialisation of fuel cells elsewhere are already well advanced. In Finland we haven't even begun to commercialise fuel cell expertise," says Tomi Heiskanen, managing director of Optatech Oy.

Further information:

Photo: Matti Lindfors
VTT Processes Matti Valkiainen, Senior Research Scientist tel. +358 9 456 6380, mob. +358 40 764 2480 matti.valkiainen@vtt.fi	Optatech Oy Tomi Heiskanen, managing director tel. +358 9 525 9310, mob. +358 400 491 568 tomi.heiskanen@optatech.fi