SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Material Sciences

Fuel Processor Testing & Development

Modeling & Optimization

Systems Development & Integration

Evaluation, Measurement, & Characterization

Manufacturing Systems Technology

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	SwRI developed a pilot-scale manufacturing system for catalyzing practical quantities of PEM fuel cell electrode material under a Department of Energy-sponsored program.

Fuel cell manufacturing is still in its infancy, with most systems being produced individually. Fuel cell production entails numerous challenges to the manufacturer, including critical handling issues, contaminant-free environment, and precise component assembly. Effective commercialization of fuel cells requires an efficient, high-volume manufacturing process with high accuracy, repeatability, and good quality control. Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has a proven reputation in employing a multidisciplinary engineering approach to develop system solutions.

Fuel Cell Manufacturing System Development

SwRI conducts a wide range of manufacturing system development programs for a variety of industrial and government clients. Emphasizing process simplification and practical application of technology, SwRI engineers work toward four key objectives:

• Improving resource utilization

• Simplifying operational procedures

• Minimizing process variability

• Improving product producibility

Fuel Cell Manufacturing Services

Using a proven structural approach to system development, SwRI engineers offer a wide variety of services, including:

• Feasibility studies

• Technology assessments

• System definitions of functions, operations, hardware and software

• Special equipment specification

• Detailed hardware design and fabrication

• Turnkey system and facility development

• System integration

• Evaluation and testing

• Control and user interface development

• Operator training

• Maintenance planning and onsite support

For more information about manufacturing systems technology capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Joe Redfield at jredfield@swri.org or (210) 522-3729.

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Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.

September 30, 2008