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Inocel, compact, very-high-power, high-performance fuel cells

Published on 15 December 2022
A faster transition from fossil fuels to efficient and clean energy to decarbonize mobility and stationary energy storage”

Inocel, with its PEMFC (proton exchange membrane fuel cell) technology, is removing hurdles to the widespread adoption of fuel cells. The company’s fuel cell, which offers unrivalled power for its size, will be available in a 300 kW format in 2024.

PEMFC module © INOCEL


Inocel’s very-high-power PEMFC is based on two years of research and development conducted by 30 scientists and engineers. The company holds licenses to fifteen CEA patents on the technology, which has set a new state of the art in terms of power for a fuel cell this compact. At just 100 kg and 110 liters for the 300 kW version, the fuel cell is three times more powerful for its size than the solutions currently on the market.

Several modules can be combined to build systems from 300 kW to 3 MW, with the latter packaged in a standard shipping container. The fuel cell achieves efficiencies of 60% and a lifespan that puts it at the state of the art. And it is also very responsive, ramping up to full power in just 1.5 seconds.

The startup, which has set up shop in at 2,000 m2 facility in Grenoble, has 35 employees, and continues to work with the CEA on R&D, taking advantage of the organization’s advanced development and testing capabilities to optimize the technology.


Key figure: 3

For its size, Inocel’s fuel cell is 3x more powerful than other fuel cells on the market.


Key markets:

  • Maritime transportation
  • Heavy land vehicles: trucks, buses, construction vehicles
  • Stationary applications: commercial buildings, multi-unit residential buildings

Technology

  • High-power PEMFC
  • Integration into all kinds of energy systems.

Year founded: 2022

Originating instituteLiten