Nov 18 2005
BTU International has announced the signing of a license and joint development agreement with Boston University, focused on improving processes used to manufacture solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). The technology is applicable to both high-temperature and intermediate-temperature material systems. The development program will be conducted in BU's Manufacturing Engineering Department by Professors, Uday Pal and Srikanth Gopalan.
"The insight and knowledge regarding SOFC material systems to be contributed by BU is significant," said Paul J. van der Wansem, chairman and chief executive officer of BTU International. "Combining this with BTU's extensive experience in thermal processing applications will allow us to develop a unique and important body of knowledge that will be used for the cost-effective manufacturing of solid oxide fuel cells."
"BTU and BU have had a productive relationship for several years," said Donald A. Seccombe, Jr., director of research of BTU International. "We are expecting that this joint development will allow us to address topics--such as one-step co-firing, lower sintering temperatures and faster binder removal--that have an impact on planar SOFC manufacturing costs."
"We chose to partner with BTU on this program because of their significant knowledge in thermal processing technology and integrated manufacturing systems," said Dr. Uday Pal, of BU. "BTU provides invaluable applications knowledge and real world experience which has been instrumental in the success of our program to date."
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