Das Projekt "NextGenCell - The next generation of stationary fuel cells (NEXTGENCELL)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Vaillant GmbH durchgeführt. Objective: Designed as a joint EU and US collaborative effort in the framework of the EU-US Cooperation Agreement on fuel cells, NextGenCell aims to bring domestic fuel cell microCHP (1-5kWel) next step towards commercialisation. In FP5 Vaillant, Plug Power, and othe r European partners have demonstrated low temperature PEM fuel cell microCHP systems. Three major hurdles were identified: 1. Costs must be reduced significantly, 2. Reliability must be improved via system simplification, 3. System temperature must be increased. High Temperature (HT) PEM MEA technology at 160-180 C has the potential to overcome those hurdles. R&D on MEA, Fuel Cell System, components development and integration will lead to a developed and tested 1-5kW HT PEM fuel cell prototype microCH P system with modular design for global markets. Specific objectives relevant to TP 6.1 at production volumes are: 1. Total system costs less than 400 EUR/kW: - Significant system simplification (no CO clean-up and water management) - Increase mechanical stability of MEA - Reduction of system costs (e.g. of Balance of Plant, fuel processor, maintenance/recycling) and low cost bi-directional inverter development 2. Modular system design: - modular system design for different market applications (CHP and future tri-generation) - Increase electrical efficiency up to 35Prozent with 85Prozent total efficiency 3. Durability greater than 40.000 hours: - MEA Development with more stable cathode material and corrosion -resistant cathodes 4. Electronic control systems for optimal heat and power management and reduced costs; - CHP hydraulics concept Development (system scalability 1-5kW) - Embedded controller with 70Prozent less cost - microCHP Controls optimisation in a Virtual Power Plant. The team is based on strong industrial and scientifically partnership, includes a SME and participants from Acceding Country Bulgaria and Slovenia as one of the new member states. Five participants have expressed to join the Joint Technology Platform (JTI).