Case Study: Intelligent Energy Limited achieves integrated electrical–mechanical fuel‑cell design with SOLIDWORKS

Launching an Integrated Approach to Fuel-Cell Applications with SOLIDWORKS Electrical

Intelligent Energy Limited, a U.K.–based global power technology company pioneering proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel-cell applications, needed to bring the same rigor to electrical systems development that it had long applied to mechanical design. To move away from fragmented 2D schematics and improve collaboration between electrical and mechanical engineers, Intelligent Energy turned to SolidWorks and implemented SOLIDWORKS Electrical 3D to standardize component placement, automate wiring routing, and address emerging packaging challenges earlier in the development process.

Using SolidWorks’ integrated tools—SOLIDWORKS Electrical 3D alongside SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation, SOLIDWORKS Plastics and SOLIDWORKS Composer—Intelligent Energy automated key steps, simplified placement of sensors and actuators, refined air-intake manifold designs with CFD, eliminated voids and stress lines in molded parts, and improved manufacturing handoffs across language barriers. The SolidWorks solution delivered measurable process improvements and productivity gains through automation and tighter electromechanical integration, enabling faster, more reliable development of fuel-cell applications.

Intelligent Energy Limited

Matthew Lennard

Principal Engineer–Mechanical Engineering