Public Funding for Bramble Energy Limited

To reach Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions green hydrogen is needed, particularly for hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy industry, aviation etc.. The majority of green hydrogen is currently produced using alkaline or PEM electrolysers. Alkaline electrolysers are well established technology, although do not operate well under dynamic load conditions, which is needed when operating with intermittent renewable electricity. They also utilise porous membranes, which is a safety risk for hydrogen cross-over, particularly during operation at low loads. PEM electrolysers have higher performance and efficiency than alkaline systems, and can operate on DI water, rather than strong alkaline electrolytes, although localised low pH conditions at the membrane require expensive platinum group metal (PGM) catalysts and materials (e.g. Titanium) in the electrolyser stack. They also utilise fluorine-based membranes, which are an environmental and health risk. Anion exchange membrane electrolysis (AEMEL) in theory combines the benefits of alkaline and PEM electrolysis. However, in practice commercial AEMEL systems have not been able to demonstrate the durability of alkaline or the flexibility to operate under renewable loads as PEM electrolysers. Within the "**POWER: P**rinted Circuit Board **O**ptimized **W**ater **E**lectrolysis with **R**educed PGM" project Bramble Energy will work with Tripod Technology Corporation (TPT) and Tripod Nanotechnology Corporation (TPNT) to develop a low-cost AEM electrolyser that is able to meet durability and flexibility requirements. This will be produced based on Bramble's technology leveraging printed circuit boards (PCBs) for lower-cost and mass manufacturable electrolyser bipolar plate, alongside novel catalyst and membrane electrode assembly for electrolyser cells developed by TPT and TPNT, respectively. Overall the project will prove out the electrolyser materials and manufacturing methods against European targets for electrolyser cost, performance and durability for 2030\. This will position the POWER consortium to scale and commercialise the technology from 2028 onwards.

Project HyFan will develop and de-risk the key technology bricks required for an integrated hydrogen fuel cell propulsor designed for the commercial drone market. The best-in-breed consortium will be led by Blue Bear, and will also include Bramble Energy, TOffeeAM and Aurata technologies. The programme will cost £799,261 over 18 months and it will advance the integrated hydrogen propulsor to TRL5 via a ground and flight test programme.

The HEIDI: Hydrogen Electric Integrated Drivetrain Initiative project will develop a hydrogen fuel cell double-deck bus, using innovative, low-cost fuel cell technology developed in the UK. This fuel cell bus will only emit water. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is crucial to decarbonizing our public transport and improving air quality in our towns and cities. The fuel cell has been developed by Bramble Energy, and is based on their patent protected technology using the manufacturing process from the printed circuit board industry to produce fuel cells. Bramble Energy will work with Aeristech to develop a high efficiency air compressor for the fuel cell and Equipmake who will develop motor, power electronics and battery management system for the bus. The University of Bath will also support this project through vehicle simulations to optimize the performance of the fuel cell-battery hybrid powertrain. The UK based consortium in the HEIDI project will support fuel cell manufacturing in the UK for buses and commercial vehicles and, using a novel, low-cost method to manufacture fuel cells will accelerate the cost reduction of fuel cells, their use across society and the reduction of CO2 emissions.

ZEHPHyr1, Zero Emission Hydrogen Powered Hovercraft, is an 8-month feasibility which will de-risk the key barriers to zero-emission hovercraft operations. These barriers include -- operational barriers (socio-economics, crew training, regulations, life cycle impact), technical barriers (hydrogen-based propulsion system) and availability of hydrogen infrastructure (production, storage, distribution, bunkering, integration with wider infrastructure/mobility). The central innovation in the project is the replacement of the diesel engines in today's hovercraft with a zero-emission hydrogen propulsion system consisting of MW class fuel cells, electric thrusters and high-power batteries. The project's goal is to find credible solutions to overcoming the above barriers and in doing so, pave the way for follow-on phases of development, where the novel propulsion system will be demonstrated on 12-seat and 80-seat hovercraft. Introduction of zero-emission hovercraft into commercial service is expected in 2027/28, with letters of support received from potential end users. In addition to the hovercraft, additional spillover products are expected to be commercialised as a result of the project, namely MW class fuel cells and batteries (into other marine vessels) and electric thrusters (into other industries, e.g., aerospace). The project team consists of a best-of-breed consortium well placed to deliver the desired goals of the project. Led by Blue Bear, the team includes, Griffon Hoverwork Limited, Bramble Energy, Nyobolt, Aquatera and the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC).

Continuing our efforts to help the UK meet its emissions targets of reduction of GHGs from shipping by at least 50% by 2050, SEA-KIT (SK) and Bramble Energy (BE) are partnering again in this CMDC2 project to design a 12m uncrewed surface vessel (USV) that is powered entirely by hydrogen using Bramble's patented PCBFC technology. The hydrogen fuel will use the BE's new and novel Printed Circuit Board Fuel Cell (PCBFC). CMDC1 proved the concept that the technology can be applied to the maritime industry. This project will take that technology and optimise it for operation in a marinised environment. The updated design of the hydrogen-powered USV will likely require more electrical power in order to provide vessel performance that will be attractive to the target market and subsequently, this project includes the new design of a PCBFC and its system suitable for this commercial application. Designing the USV from the ground up to be powered by hydrogen allows much greater flexibility for the hydrogen storage to overcome hydrogens lower volumetric energy density. The project will require the close co-operation between the project partners with regulators and classification bodies during this design stage to ensure the entire safety case is robust to reduce risks to final vessel certification. A key output from this project is to achieve approval in principle for the fuel cell, its system and the USV. The market segment this HUSV will target is deep water offshore as well as coastal surveying and remotely operated vehicles (ROV). The combination of: highly capable surveying and inspection instrumentation; improved safety at sea (crewless) and zero-emissions will make a very compelling alternative to current crewed survey vessels and their large carbon footprint. This project makes a significant step towards that goal. In order to achieve this goal by Aug 2023, SK and BE will apply all lessons learnt from CMDC round 1 and engage regulators at the beginning of the project. Pre-application validation checks included discussion with Lloyds to gauge confidence in gaining approval in principle in the timeframe and it was confirmed achievable.

Bramble has developed a disruptive and innovative approach to designing and manufacturing hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen fuel cells are zero emission technology, utilising green hydrogen, fuel cell technology has a real potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the transport sector. Hydrogen fuel cells also offer advantages of quick refuelling (typically <5 minutes) and longer vehicle ranges than battery electric vehicles. In particular use cases there is therefore a demand for fuel cell vehicles in the light duty vehicle sector. Different to any other fuel cell manufacturer, Bramble has designed a proton exchange membrane fuel cell within a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board fuel cell (PCBFC(tm)) has a series of advantages, including a simpler design, lower bill of materials cost and a manufacturing process which leverages the existing PCB supply chain to scale-up fuel cell production. The Pilot Scale PCBFC Manufacturing project will install a semi-automated assembly line for fuel cell stacks in the UK, with capacity to manufacture 2,000 fuel cell stacks per year. This will accelerate the manufacturing scale-up of low-cost fuel cell stacks, supporting the opportunity the APC has identified to produce up to 10 GW of fuel cell stacks/year from 2030 for the light duty vehicle sector. The Pilot Scale PCBFC Manufacturing line will enable low-cost hydrogen fuel cells to be manufactured in the UK, supporting high-value jobs in green technologies.

Bramble Energy has developed a disruptive and innovative approach to designing and manufacturing hydrogen fuel cells. Different to any other fuel cell manufacturer, Bramble has designed a proton exchange membrane fuel cell within a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board fuel cell (PCBFC) has a series of advantages, including a simpler design, lower cost materials and a manufacturing process which leverages the existing PCB supply chain to scale-up fuel cell production. The PCBFC Range Extender feasibility study will develop robust and detailed business case to manufacture the printed circuit board fuel cell (PCBFC) for the automotive sector in the UK. The project will engage with stakeholders across the supply chain, end-users, OEMs and infrastructure providers. The detailed business case will address the challenges of the fuel cell sector, namely the high cost of fuel cell vehicles, and work with customers and hydrogen suppliers to develop a robust and detailed business case for manufacturing fuel cells in the UK. This will have significant job creation opportunities both directly within the PCBFC manufacturing, but also across the UK's hydrogen and fuel cell supply chain, a sector which has a crucial role in reducing CO2 emissions and delivering Net Zero.

The International Maritime Organisation's Greenhouse Gas study highlighted that maritime transportation emits around 940 million tonnes of CO2 annually and is responsible for around 2.5% of global greenhouse gas. Without action it is projected to increase between 50% and 250% by 2050\. With the ever-increasing global focus on sustainability and decarbonisation, the IMO targets a 50% reduction in emissions by 2050\. In parallel, marine authorities are mandating greener drive solutions, especially in closed areas such as marinas and city waterways. Technology has a key role to play in achieving an aggressive reduction in CO2\. However, the industry must evolve to adapt new technologies that increase sustainability, especially technologies that have been developed and demonstrated in other industries, such as the automotive sector. CHAMP (Clean Hybrid Alternative Marine Powertrains), led by Mathwall Engineering Limited, aims to demonstrate the potential performance that can be achieved with introduction of hybrid technology in recreational, defence and small to medium-sized commercial vessels. The project will develop and prototype key technologies, including the application of sustainable fuels, enabling rapid deployment of hybrid powertrains across these sectors. This approach provides a significant step towards zero emission capability. The project will also build the technology road map to deliver zero emission capability through follow-on steps. Mathwall Engineering has designed a unique architecture and control strategy that provides leading levels of sustainable operation, whilst allowing access to the high performance potential of a hybrid powertrain. The project aims to: 1) Validate the role of hybrid powertrains in marine markets, evaluating technical and commercial feasibility of our proposed architecture. 2) Develop, manufacture and demonstrate key technologies that enable deployment of a hybrid solution. 3) Support the design process with digital engineering tools and techniques, plus rig based validation, allowing programme timing to be significantly compressed. 4) Deliver a technical demonstration rib, validating project concept targets and attributes in a suitably challenging real-world setting. 5) Investigate and demonstrate an operational model, allowing a recreational boat club to deliver services in a carbon neutral environment. 6) Create a roadmap that helps industry achieve electric and zero carbon propulsion, including the commercial strategy for interfacing with global boat manufacturers and system integrators, enabling UK marine powertrain industry to position itself as the premiere supplier of technology and products for hybrid and zero emission marine solutions. CHAMP aims to build sovereign capability and position the project partners at the forefront of sustainable propulsion in marine applications.

Achieving Net Zero is contingent not only on decarbonising the UK's roads, rails and air space, but also the inland and costal waterways. The maritime sector contributes to 940 million tonnes of CO2 per year, equating to roughly 2.5% of global greenhouse gasses. Fuel cells are one of the most promising technologies for decarbonising the maritime sector as they provide not only a range extender to pure battery systems, that might otherwise not be practical, but also remove the reliance on a charging base. However, they require cost reduction, systemisation and work on regulatory issues to penetrate these large markets. This project brings together a strong, UK based commercial consortium to develop a fuel cell system for mass maritime decarbonisation. The consortium will be led by Bramble Energy, a fuel cell manufacturer developing a highly innovative fuel cell technology based on printed circuit boards (PCBs), spun out from UCL and Imperial College. Bramble's disruptive fuel cell technology is capable of rapid scale-up to gigawatt volumes, using existing UK manufacturing and supply chain. Bramble Energy will partner with Barrus, the UK's leading marine engine supplier. Barrus will provide the vital technical, commercial and legislative requirements of the marine market, as well as the direct route to market exploitation. The BRAMBUS feasibility project will develop a detailed design and business case for Bramble Energy's highly innovative PCBFC(tm) (printed circuit board fuel cell) to deliver a marinised hybrid (fuel cell and battery) combined heat and power (CHP) system. The project will advance the technology readiness level from 2-3 to 5, resulting in a commercially viable, fully integrated and packaged design that will be able to operate in a recreational inland waterway vessel. The UK is globally recognised as a maritime nation, with a shipbuilding industry that exports around the world. There is an opportunity to strengthen the UK's global position by developing zero-emission solutions that will decarbonise the UK's waterways and which can be exported, increasing the capability of the UK's shipbuilding, fuel cell and hydrogen supply chain.

We are currently entering the 'age of electrochemical power', displacing fossil fuels and the internal combustion engine. The critical need to decarbonise the transport sector has led to major improvements in battery technology and the rapidly growing uptake of electric vehicles. Li-ion battery technology has led the way and resulted in massively improved performance and reduced cost. However, the weight/size, recharging time and cost of batteries are a challenge for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Hybridising fuel cells with batteries deliveries a 'best of both worlds' scenario that can deliver the needs of this sector. Fuel cells are an electrochemical energy technology that has the highest know efficiency for conversion of chemical fuel into electricity. They work by electrochemically splitting fuel molecules (e.g. hydrogen), with the consequent passage of electrical current. There is no combustion or moving parts involved, and the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), which operates on hydrogen fuel at a temperature of 50-80C, is considered to be the most promising fuel cell type for automotive applications. While the PEFC shows great promise and delivers in terms of performance (efficiency, power density, etc.) it still requires cost reduction, a means of large-scale manufacture and improvements to longevity. Bramble Energy's technology uses printed circuit board (PCB) materials and manufacturing techniques to realise a low-cost, light-weight, rugged system with fundamental advantages that make it highly design flexible and durable. The Bramble Energy approach thinks about the structure of a fuel cell in a different way. A traditional fuel cell needs capital intensive, bespoke manufacturing techniques tailored specifically to each application. A Bramble Energy fuel cell uses only standard PCB materials and manufacturing techniques such that its production can be done, in principle, at any PCB production plant worldwide. The global commercial road vehicle market was valued at USD 1.32 trillion in 2017 and is a major source of CO2 emissions. Hydrogen fuel cells offer the opportunity to decarbonise this sector, which, due to weight and range requirements, is exceedingly difficult to electrify using lithium-ion batteries alone. This project will demonstrate how fuel cells can be incorporated within conventional lithium-ion battery modules, and demonstrate the approach in an operational 'mule' vehicle, such that the fuel cell effectively becomes part of the battery pack space within a vehicle. This will significantly improve the ability of fuel cells to be integrated within electric vehicles, improve manufacturability, system weight/volume performance and cost.

Involutions INVO-EDU is the next generation of Electric Drive Unit for heavy-duty, zero-emissions HGV applications, that matches or exceeds the performance of existing ICE drivetrains and is capable of being retrofitted into existing vehicles by simply removing the ICE and gearbox and connecting the INVO-EDU directly to the prop shaft. INVO-EDU an Electric Drive Unit that can power any heavy commercial vehicle with a performance to match or exceed the replaced ICE driveline, whilst providing the highest duty cycle efficiencies available in the electric heavy-duty commercial vehicle market. The high efficiencies achieved with the INVO-EDU via the continuously variable control capability make it possible to achieve the required driving range within the practical installation of the battery, fuel cell and hydrogen tanks on the vehicle. Involutions partner in this project is Bramble Energy, their innovative fuel cell will complement the INVO-EDU, increasing the UK content of the total drive solution, giving a very robust fuel cell, critical for this type of application and at a significantly lower cost, which is a key factor, given the fuel cell capacity required. The **INVO-EDU** provides: 1\.**Instant and uninterrupted torque** (stall torque 37 kNm) **and Power delivery_,_ (**300kW/650 kW peak) feels like direct drive, performs like multi-speed**.** Start ability 39%, Acceleration 41.4 secs, Vmax 120 kph 2\.**Wide operating efficiency,** Variable ratio drive extends the efficient operating window of the base electric machine. (HHDDT composite efficiency 91.1%) 3\.**Robust 100% recyclable motors**, 8500 rpm AEM SR electric machines. Robust to passive rectification and over-voltage failures. 4\.**Robust and Reliable Transmission**, built for improved reliability with inherently fewer potential failure modes, no synchronisers -- no friction clutches -- no rotor cooling seals -no double engagement failure modes. 5\.**Power Dense,** 2.4 kW / litre 6\.**Commercially competitive**. Bramble Energy Fuel Cell provides:- 1.Target cost 5x cheaper 2.4x fewer components 3.Fully customisable 4.£0 CAPEX spend 5.Robust and durable

The HySMART (Hydrogen Stack Manufacturing using Advanced Robotics Technology) feasibility project is driven by an urgent need for fuel cell (FC) system producers and associated supply chain to drive down cost from \>€150/kW to <€50/kW (2025), and <€45/kW (2030) at 100k units/yr. (HE.2018), enabling FC vehicles to be offered on a cost competitive basis. Current processes are bespoke and limited in volume and size, providing limited opportunities to reduce costs, with current commercial sales of global automotive FC's -- in 1,000's/year. This project will study real-world applications of automation and inline testing for volume production of hydrogen FC stacks, to include end user requirements. Focusing on the development, integration and application of robotics, software controls and machine learning solutions for producing FC stack technologies. This will be achieved through a feasibility study to include: * Developing a technology roadmap to demonstrating robotics stack manufacturing FC capability * Key component development (MEA's, endplates, bi-polar plates) for in-house automated production to feed into final modular stack manufacture * Implementation of advanced inline testing capabilities, to provide a no faults forward stack production capability * Analysis of co-operative interaction capabilities and associated learnings in this key area of the FC system production process * Developing advanced automation concepts in 3D and test virtual manufacturing scenarios (digital prototyping) * Study end user requirements specific to active implementation into light/medium duty automotive applications The main HySMART deliverable will be key outputs from a comprehensive demonstrator study, detailing advanced product designs and validating key technical challenges; developing FC components ('design for assembly/disassembly'), installation/implementation of in-house robotics manufacturing, and inline testing capability producing high quality conformable modular FC stacks for light/medium duty vehicle applications. HySMART will result in the following benefits: * Instill automotive sector confidence in hydrogen FC technology, accelerating commercial uptake. * Provide industry stakeholders (manufacturers, OEM's, supply chain, etc.) with the operational and technical requirements of using advanced robotics in UK FC stack volume manufacture. * Enhanced conformational capabilities for FC stack developers to provide diverse and system range. * Roadmap to production of working robotic FC stack demonstrator with enhanced inline testing capabilities. * Implementation and roll-out of novel production processes, providing advanced cost-effective modular FC stack systems. * A FC stack system architecture, manufacturable by automation, delivering improved efficiency, and reproducibility. * Opportunities to develop and expand products into additional markets and sectors. Total project size will be £800,607, last 12 months and involve 5 UK partners (Bramble Energy, Microcab, Loop Technology, UCL and HSSMI).

We are currently entering the 'age of electrochemical power', displacing fossil fuels and the internal combustion engine. The critical need to decarbonise the transport sector has led to major improvements in battery technology and the rapidly growing uptake of electric vehicles. Li-ion battery technology has led the way and resulted in massively improved performance and reduced cost. However, the weight/size, recharging time and cost of batteries are a challenge for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Hybridising fuel cells with batteries deliveries a 'best of both worlds' scenario that can deliver the needs of this sector. Fuel cells are an electrochemical energy technology that has the highest know efficiency for conversion of chemical fuel into electricity. They work by electrochemically splitting fuel molecules (e.g. hydrogen), with the consequent passage of electrical current. There is no combustion or moving parts involved, and the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), which operates on hydrogen fuel at a temperature of 50-80C, is considered to be the most promising fuel cell type for automotive applications. While the PEFC shows great promise and delivers in terms of performance (efficiency, power density, etc.) it still requires cost reduction, a means of large-scale manufacture and improvements to longevity. Bramble Energy's technology uses printed circuit board (PCB) materials and manufacturing techniques to realise a low-cost, light-weight, rugged system with fundamental advantages that make it highly design flexible and durable. The Bramble Energy approach thinks about the structure of a fuel cell in a different way. A traditional fuel cell needs capital intensive, bespoke manufacturing techniques tailored specifically to each application. A Bramble Energy fuel cell uses only standard PCB materials and manufacturing techniques such that its production can be done, in principle, at any PCB production plant worldwide. The global commercial road vehicle market was valued at USD 1.32 trillion in 2017 and is a major source of CO2 emissions. Hydrogen fuel cells offer the opportunity to decarbonise this sector, which, due to weight and range requirements, is exceedingly difficult to electrify using lithium-ion batteries alone. This project will demonstrate how fuel cells can be incorporated within conventional lithium-ion battery modules such that the fuel cell effectively becomes part of the battery pack space within a vehicle. This will significantly improve the ability of fuel cells to be integrated within electric vehicles, improve manufacturability, system weight/volume performance and cost.

The objective of the PCB-Flow project is to reduce the high costs of redox flow batteries, making them more economically viable for use in supporting the integration of increased amounts of variable renewable energy required for the UK to meet its net-zero commitments. Flow batteries are a promising technology for addressing the unique energy demands created by the transition to a low carbon energy system, but adoption has been hindered to date by their high up-front capital costs. The two largest factors in the cost of a large commercial flow battery system are the electrolyte and the power stack. This project brings together two innovative technologies developed in the UK which directly address those high cost elements with the potential to significantly reduce the overall costs of this long duration energy storage solution. This project represents the combination of two technologies developed in the UK and could lead to a UK based manufacturing capacity for low cost flow batteries, driving down the cost of long duration energy storage, increasing the flexibility and resilience of the UK's energy systems to crises like those posed by the current COVID-19 pandemic, and ultimately helping the UK meet its decarbonisation and climate change objectives.

Companies and organisations around the world are rapidly developing ventilators to help deal with respiratory issues caused by COVID-19\. However, they are all facing a supply issue for in-line oxygen sensors which monitor the concentration of oxygen the patient is receiving. When the oxygen concentration is too low, the treatment is ineffective, whereas when the concentration is too high it can have adverse effects on the body. This therefore requires an oxygen concentration feedback sensor that allows the ventilator operator to quickly and accurately assess the oxygen concentration being administered to the patient. Bramble Energy has a solution. Using our patented materials and manufacturing routes for the development of hydrogen fuel cells using the printed circuit board (PCB) industry, we are able to produce a high precision, low cost and mass manufacturable electrochemical in-line oxygen sensor that can be used with any ventilator technology to provide feedback oxygen concentrations to operators. Electrochemical sensors have proved to be long term, high precision components in many everyday applications. At Bramble Energy, we are designers and manufacturers of high precision electrochemical devices using the PCB industry; we therefore believe that we are the only company with the manufacturing and testing capabilities to rapidly prototype these devices and bring them to market cost and time efficiently. In collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) we intend to produce a mass manufacturable oxygen sensor for deployment with ventilators required to assist in respiratory issues commonly seen with the COVID-19 virus.

Fuel cells are energy conversion devices which convert fuel directly to electricity in a single step that does not require combustion. This highly efficient process enables the production of clean electricity as the only emission at point of use is pure water. However, high material and manufacturing costs have hindered their widespread adoption in numerous industries. Bramble Energy have commercialised a highly innovative fuel cell technology based on printed circuit board (PCB) technology, enabling a cost-effective, highly flexible and scalable manufacturing route. While the technology has been verified to reach a competitive cost target at high volumes, it is currently only deployed in the temporary power market. This is due in part to a lack of opprtunity and demonstration for specific applications such as the micro combined heat and power (mCHP) market. The mCHP market allows for more energy to be utilised from a fuel compared to a centralised system by efficiently producing heat and electricity in homes and small buildings and transmitting the energy over a short distance. This project will enable Bramble Energy to demonstrate its technology’s performance in conditions for mCHP and assess the economic feasibility of introducing it to the market.

Bramble Energy is a recent UK start-up, manufacturing printed circuit board fuel cells. This project aims to broaden our approach to innovation from predominantly engineering driven to one in which user needs drive technology development. To date, around $20 billion (£16 billion) of public money has been invested in research and innovation for the fuel cell sector globally. This has so far received a poor return on investment, with low market entry and technology costs remaining high. No fuel cell company has demonstrated profitability to date. The reasons underlying this lack of performance in the sector are complex, but one major factor is the technocentric engineering-led culture of the industry that does not fully take into account market needs. The average fuel cell goes through multiple design cycles after initial product launch before it finds a market that it can successfully sell into. This has resulted in an average cost of development up to the first commercial revenue cycle of $1.3 billion (£1 billion). Embedding user-centred design in Bramble Energy will ensure that new products being developed will better meet user needs and be market read after the first full design cycle. This will reduce our development costs and time to market, putting us ahead of our competitors.

Hydrogen fuel cells are a promising technology which can provide clean electricity from an alternative fuel. They have long been hailed as a means to provide more sustainable energy, however they have been hampered by high costs and complexity of manufacture. At Bramble Energy, we have developed a low-cost fuel cell based on printed circuit board technology. By using materials already produced at large volumes, integrated with well-established manufacturing methods, we are able to scale production quickly and at lower cost. In order to further improve the performance of our systems we want to extend their lifespan beyond the acceptable values which we can currently achieve. By working with NPL we intend to study the ways in which our cells lose performance under accelerated degradation conditions. By understanding the mechanisms leading to degradation we intend to improve our the lifetime of our product to exceed that achievable by other technologies.

This industry-led project will focus on proving out a highly innovative fuel cell range extender system in order to showcase the feasibility of a novel fuel cell stack as an alternative to conventional systems, which will drastically 1) reduce the cost of the system, 2) reduce the weight per power output, and 3) reduce the size of the system with increased flexibility with regards to form factor. The project consortium will work towards the commercialisation of UK IP in the area of fuel cell technology and manufacturing. The project output will be the showcasing of this novel technology in a retrofitted Renault-Kangoo ZE-HE by Symbio with a replaced UK developed and manufactured fuel cell range extender system. The 15-month project will be used to prove the feasibility of using this technology in a vehicle and demonstrate its economic and ecological advantages. The consortium members encompass the whole supply chain including end user representation as well as an academic partner who developed the technology IP in previous projects. The project is expected to significantly reduce system cost, decrease the CO2 emissions of Light Commercial Vehicles and will potentially create jobs in the UK supply chain.