Research partners at DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) and the University of Pittsburgh have designed a piezoelectric microvalve for integration in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Using micro electrical mechanical systems (MEMS) technology, the fully integrated valve will optimize air and hydrogen flow to help eliminate problems including poor fuel conversion efficiency, hot spots, decreased cell life, and reduced cell voltage. Based on a patent pending flow and energy management concept developed by the NETL Gas Energy Systems Dynamics Focus Area, the system controls cell-to-cell flow distribution inside a fuel cell stack. The University of Pittsburgh is manufacturing the first prototype for testing. (photo shows PEM fuel cell on the test stand)