Mon, 01 February, 2021
TWI is partnering with Ceres Power Ltd and OpTek Systems Ltd for a collaborative project on the manufacturing of a next generation solid state fuel cell.
The ‘Solid Oxide Cell Range Extender System’ project – ‘SOCRATES’ - is being partially funded through the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) under the categories of ‘energy storage and energy management’ and ‘strategic technologies for the UK auto industry.’
This project will enable the development of a 5kW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) stack design to fulfil requirements from automotive OEMs as a key green power generation technique. The project will evolve validation of interim technology and manufacturing processes, along with customer focused activities and initial end user engagement. TWI’s key role in the project is to define stack welding developments and manufacturing support.
For TWI, the SOCRATES project will enable the development of facilities and expertise in high temperature mechanical testing of thin cross section coupons. In addition, robotic welding procedure development for the materials and joint designs used in the SOFC will further develop our skills and experience in these materials and enhance our in-house knowledge of the capabilities of the latest developments in arc welding and other process equipment. This will enable TWI to offer these capabilities to our Industrial Members and support other bids for collaborative projects.
The Socrates Project is funded by Innovate UK (Ref. 113186)
