Purdue Research Park Producing New Fuel Cell Test Station

NuVant Systems Inc. on Thursday (Sept. 2) launched a new product called EZlab that may make it easier for researchers in university laboratories and companies to compare the performance of electrode components in fuel cells, which generate electricity from fuels like hydrogen, hydrocarbons and alcohols.

The EZlab enables comprehensive analysis of fuel cell electrode components, where chemical reactions occur to produce electricity. In addition to short-term performance studies, longer-term lifetime studies can be conducted to reveal fuel cell failure modes.

EZlab test stations are developed, assembled and manufactured at the Purdue Research Park of Northwest Indiana, which is located in AmeriPlex at the Crossroads.

Eugene Smotkin, founder of NuVant Systems and professor of materials chemistry at Northeastern University in Boston, said the EZlab turnkey system differs from similar products in a number of ways.

"EZlab is modular and can interface with a variety of fuel cells, including hydrogen- or alcohol-fueled cells," Smotkin said. "All the components are on the front panel, not hidden inside like other test stations, which will maximize ease of use for educational labs."

NuVant Systems developed the EZlab at the request of a colleague of Smotkin.

"Paul McGinn of the University of Notre Dame requested that NuVant Systems design and produce a fuel cell test station that was optimized for educational purposes," Smotkin said. "These fuel cell stations are in use by Professor McGinn and Sanjeev Mukerjee, professor of physical chemistry and materials chemistry at Northeastern University. My colleagues at NuVant Systems and I would like to see the EZlab fuel cell test station in teaching labs throughout North America."

About NuVant Systems Inc.

NuVant Systems (http://www.nuvant.com) develops and integrates catalysts and electrolytes for stationary and portable fuel-cell electrode assemblies. NuVant has pending patents for intermediate temperature fuel cells. NuVant's patented high-throughput characterization instrument, the Arraystat System, enables precise, accurate, parallel evaluation of electrode assembly components and fabrication methods under fuel-cell conditions. NuVant also provides equipment for fabrication of fuel cell electrodes and a comprehensive list of electronics for evaluation of electrochemical device characterization.

About Purdue Research Park

The Purdue Research Park (http://www.purdueresearchpark.com) has the largest university-affiliated business incubation complex in the country in four locations across Indiana. The parks are home to about 200 companies that employ 4,000 people and are located in West Lafayette, Merrillville, Indianapolis and New Albany.