Lyngby, 2 October 2007

On 2 October, the leading European expertise on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) convened at Topsoe Fuel Cell in Lyngby, Denmark with the aim of exchanging experience on SOFC, with particular focus on test results and degradation.

The event was featured as a round table discussion with a number of presentations by the participants. Niels Christiansen, Director of Innovation at Topsoe Fuel Cell, explains: "The objective of the meeting was to exchange experience and know-how at the highest possible level. The subjects on the agenda included mechanical and electrochemical properties of SOFC, material stress characterisation, stack results, cyclic testing and design for Auxiliary Power Units (APU)".

The guests included FZ Jülich, University of Karlsruhe, Risø National Laboratory, BMW and Topsoe Fuel Cell. The event was initiated and hosted by Niels Christiansen. "Degradation is a serious issue for all types of fuel cells. Even though fuel cell development is facing a number of challenges, degradation is one of the more fundamental issues that has to be solved in order to satisfy market demands", explains Niels Christiansen. "Degradation is caused by several different mechanisms, and many of these can only be addressed at the fundamental scientific level," he continues. The seminar participants were selected on the basis of their leading European expertise on material science, ceramics and electrochemistry.

"It has been a pleasure to participate in this seminar. The presentations and the dialogue has been first rate. We are priviliged to have a leading cluster of international expertise on degradation in Northern Europe, and we trust this initiative will strengthen this expertise and the network", says Peter Vang Hendriksen of Risø. "We hope this seminar will be the first in a string of seminars on SOFC. This is an area where Europe posseses unique competencies, even in an international perspective, and this initiative is well suited to maintain and fortify this advantage", adds Peter Vang Hendriksen.