Global Gathering 2017
Global Challenges of the 21st Century

Pinakin S. Patel (M.S. CHE '77) 

Director • Fuel Cell energy, Inc. 

Pinakin Patel has been actively engaged in the development of all types of fuel cells for over three decades. His technical innovations include development of internal reforming fuel cell technology, advance separation technology for hydrogen co-production, and solid state compressor for hydrogen. He led collaborative research and development efforts with many reputed international companies such as Sanyo and Mitsubishi in Japan, Haldor Topsoe and Elkraft Power Co. in Denmark, and Global Thermal Electric in Canada, with a cumulative value exceeding 300 million dollars. He led the design team for the first 2 MW fuel cell power plant for demonstration at Santa Clara, Calif. Patel is currently the director of Special Systems and Research at FuelCell Energy, focusing on advance technology development for co-production of green hydrogen and clean power from municipal waste-water. Patel holds 15 U.S. patents and has authored over 100 publications and seminar presentations in the United States, Canada, Japan, Europe, and India.