FuelCellsWorks

It’s been an interesting 30 days.  On April 9, Honda’s wondrous FCX Clarity was named the World Green Car of the Year at the New York International Auto Show.  Less than a month later, on May 7, Energy Secretary Chu proposed eliminating the program designed to make sure the U.S. reaps the environmental and energy security benefits of fuel cell vehicles, and that U.S. companies can meet the competition with their own models.

Now that the budget is out, word is circulating that the Chu proposal to cut $100 million from the hydrogen-fuel cell budget came at the last minute.  The President’s Office of Management and Budget had approved full funding for the hydrogen program, but proposed cuts in nuclear and coal programs.  The Department of Energy appealed, and proposed to move the money out of hydrogen and into those clean, green, benign pathways of coal and nuclear power.  Go figure.

But it’s not that simple.  Dr. Chu made it clear that he believes in the battery pathway for vehicles.  The benefits of this pathway depend largely on “greening” the grid, which will take decades.  Meantime we still get more than half our electricity from coal in the U.S.   The Energy Information Administration, a DOE agency, estimates we will still be getting half (47%) of our power from coal in 2030 and the amount of coal fired electricity will grow by 20% over the next 20 years.

As an advocate for EVs in the wars in California in the 1990’s I can also say that battery vehicles are tough to sell to consumers.   Yes, they ought to be easier.  And I still believe battery EVs can fill an important market niche.  Maybe something has changed that justifies Chu’s fresh optimism.  But until the battery advocates all start buying battery EVs I’ll be a skeptic.

Bob Rose, Executive Director, US Fuel Cell Council

Membrane electrode assemblies from BASF make the environmentally friendly energy suppliers lighter and more affordable

Anyone expecting to hear the engine roar into life when the “Antares DLR-H₂” motor glider takes off, will be in for a surprise: the aircraft rises almost sound­lessly from the runway. And there’s no smell of fuel either. Because the Antares is the first manned aircraft to be powered exclusively with hydrogen (H₂). The fuel cell system that makes this possible is hidden in the underwing pods. This is where the electricity for the on-board electronics and electric motor is generated. The heart of the system is a membrane electrode assembly, MEA for short, developed by BASF Fuel Cell (BFC). In the MEA, chemical energy generated by the reaction between oxygen and hydrogen is converted directly into electricity and heat (see Graphic and Info box).

The Antares DLR-H₂ was built by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Lange Aviation company to test the fuel cell’s potential for aviation applications. “BASF is participating in the pilot project to promote an innovative energy technology which will really be taking off in the near future, and not just on board aircraft,” emphasizes Dr. Carsten Henschel of BFC. “In times of scarce energy resources the fuel cell can, for example, help maintain security of supply because hydrogen can be obtained from a wide variety of sources: from wind or solar energy and from natural gas or diesel. Moreover, it is much more efficient than conventional energy technologies and the only waste gas it emits is water vapor.”

The challenge now facing the developers is to keep the fuel cell system as small and lightweight as possible for practical applications. The key factor in achieving this is for the system to have as few components as possible. Conventional low temperature fuel cell systems operate at a maximum of 80 degrees Celsius. They need a large number of ancillary units and a complex control system to function in airplanes both on the ground and at high altitudes. The MEA developed by BASF is now opening up new horizons for system builders: it contains the world’s first commercially available membrane for fuel cells which allows operating temperatures of up to 180 degrees Celcius. The innovative systems are marketed under the brand name Celtec^®. Fuel cells equipped with this material can be cooled by the air and don’t have to be moistened with water. This eliminates the need for air humidifiers, water pumps, tanks, valves and cleaning systems.

The outstanding efficiency of the Celtec^® membrane isn’t obvious at first glance: the approximately hand-sized, super-thin rectangle looks like any conventional plastic film. BASF’s research scientists, however, have succeeded in developing a membrane based on the temperature stable polymer polybenzimidazole. This plastic, which is also used for firefighters’ suits, endows the BFC membrane with outstanding resistance to heat. A high operating temperature also prevents impurities in the hydrogen from building up on the platinum coated electrode (anode). In the MEA, platinum acts as a catalyst initiating the electrochemical reaction. Impurities would block its catalytic activity. Because high-temperature fuel cells tolerate higher levels of impurities in the hydrogen than low-temperature systems, hydrogen purification becomes easier – making the fuel cell system even more robust, simple and cheaper to manufacture. “Thanks to Celtec^®, fuel cell systems now need a third fewer components. This reduces the costs by up to 40 percent. The development of the high-temperature membrane has finally made the fuel cell interesting as a commercial sales product,” explains BFC expert Henschel.

To make a fuel cell capable of producing sufficient electricity for practical applications such as powering the Antares motor glider, several cells are combined into a fuel cell stack. This is because a single cell can only deliver a voltage of about 600 to 700 millivolts. Specially for the Antares, the Danish company Serenergy has developed a particularly lightweight, air-cooled stack system consisting of many hundreds of cells with Celtec^® MEAs. Each of the MEAs is enclosed in a matrix of electrically conductive graphite plates. The plates connect the individual cells together, conduct the electricity onwards and supply the MEAs with hydrogen and oxygen through special ducts. With these combined forces, the fuel cell is capable of lifting the Antares into the skies.

“Following the test flights in the Antares, we intend to install the fuel cell in our Airbus A320, where it will be optimized for use in wide-bodied aircraft to make the on-board electricity supply more efficient in future,” explains Dr. Josef Kallo of the DLR in Stuttgart. Installed in a wide-bodied aircraft, the fuel cell would be a real all-rounder: not only can the electricity it generates be used to supply energy, the by-products heat and water could also serve as “antifreeze” for the wings and to supply the washrooms. The DLR test series with the Antares are scheduled for completion in 2010 and the fuel cell will take then off for the first time in DLR’s “A320 ATRA”.

The Prospects

The demand for BASF’s Celtec^® products is already substantial: in addition to the BASF Fuel Cell production facility in Frankfurt, a new plant is therefore due to come on stream this summer in Somerset (New Jersey) in the USA. BASF has built up a permanent customer base and is also involved in research projects sponsored by the European Commission and the German Federal Government. About 150 companies and institutes are now banking on Celtec^®. And the trend is rising because the fuel cell is just about to make the quantum leap from the laboratory into the marketplace.

High-temperature fuel cells could soon be used for portable applications in cam­ping, to supply electricity and heat in private homes or – in the distant future – in automobiles. The technology is also a hot topic for the electronics industry which is looking to the fuel cell to provide up to five times longer life cycles for mobile telephones, radio equipment and laptops.

The Info Box

Electrochemistry enters the fast track

The history of the fuel cell begins in 1838 in the laboratories of the German-Swiss chemist Christian Friedrich Schönbein and the Welsh physicist William Robert Grove. These scientists tested the principle of the fuel cell in joint experiments. Unfortunately, the materials were so difficult to obtain that their invention was simply left to gather dust in the electrochemistry textbooks. It was not until more than a century later that American aerospace engineers first put the technology into practice: a fuel cell journeyed into space with the Apollo space capsules.

The electrochemical reaction in the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell takes place in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA): hydrogen and oxygen are continuously introduced into the two electrodes of the MEA – hydrogen into the anode, oxygen into the cathode. The two electrodes are separated from each other by a polymer membrane. With the aid of a catalyst, the hydrogen is split into positively charged protons and negative electrons. The polymer membrane only allows the protons to cross to the other side. The electrons have to take a detour through an electrical conductor: electrical current flows. Finally, the protons and electrons meet up again with the oxygen at the cathode to produce water.

The oxidizing agent oxygen is abundantly present in nature. It is usually supplied to the fuel cell in the form of air which has an oxygen content of about 21 per­cent. After the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell in which oxygen is consumed, the remaining components of the air are left over: nitrogen, noble gases and carbon dioxide. These three form the “inertizing gas” which the fuel cell gives off again at the cathode. And like the by-products heat and water, the cathode gas can also be used again on board an aircraft. Introduced into the kerosene tanks, it reduces the flammability of the kerosene-air mixture and thereby prevents explosions.

SOUTHBOROUGH, MA–Protonex Technology Corporation (LSE: AIM: PTX and PTXU), a leading provider of advanced fuel cell power systems for portable, remote and mobile applications, today announced that it has received a $265,000 contract from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for advanced development of highperformance fuel cell systems for small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This award expands upon a series of efforts by Protonex to miniaturize fuel cells for use in smaller UAVs.

Under the terms of this AFRL contract, Protonex will integrate a miniaturized high performance fuel cell system into development partner AeroVironment’s (NASDAQ: AVAV) “Raven” UAV to demonstrate first flight capabilities for this plane under fuel cell power. The resulting UAV, powered by the Protonex fuel cell system, would be targeted at longer duration mission capabilities. AeroVironment’s Raven is the highest volume production UAV and is a battle proven, lightweight UAV designed for rapid deployment and high mobility for both military and commercial applications.

The advanced fuel cell power system designed for this smaller UAV is a scaled-down version of a system that was previously integrated into AeroVironment’s “Puma” UAV platform. By incorporating a Protonex power system, the Puma UAV was able to demonstrate three to four times the flight endurance capability of advanced batteries.

“We are very pleased that, with the continued support of the AFRL, we are finding new, mission-critical opportunities for our technology within UAVs,” commented Dr. Paul Osenar, Chief Technology Officer for Protonex. “Optimizing our advanced fuel cell systems for smaller, higher volume production UAVs will help us broaden our access to other military and commercial markets.“

Federal Funds Will Be Used To Support Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Work

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative John Boccieri (D-Alliance) today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded nearly $1.4 million to the Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems (US) Inc.

“It’s critical we support and encourage the forward-looking research conducted at Rolls Royce Fuel Cell Systems if we are to reduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil,” said Boccieri. “These federal funds to Rolls Royce Fuel Cell Systems continue Ohio’s support to advance fuel cell technology which has great promise for a clean, reliable, and affordable source of alternative energy.”

These dollars will specifically fund solid oxide fuel cell durability work, a key component to the Rolls Royce 1 mega watt solid oxide fuel cell power system concept of high efficiency and ultra low emissions.

“These funds will have a significant impact in our efforts to reduce technical risk for the long term performance of our 1 mega watt systems,” said Mark Fleiner, president of Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems (US) Inc. “We are very pleased with this support.”

Within the past week a number of ambitious politician plans for electric and hydrogen cars in Copenhagen & Denmark have been published. The new climate plan for the municipality of Copenhagen sets the target that 85% of all cars in the municipality service are electric and hydrogen powered in 2015 corresponding to 600 cars. A new energy plan from the Conservatives government party in Denmark suggest a continuation of the present registration tax exemption on electric & hydrogen cars throughout 2015, thus avoiding the normal taxation on up to 180% of the base car price. The plan also calls for strong investments in hydrogen refuelling stations allowing for all new car sales in 2025 to be electric and hydrogen only. Further public funding for energy R/D/D are to be doubled to €134 million annually, where 1/3 of the funds in the past have been spent on hydrogen and fuel cells.

The political plans continue and significantly support the strong efforts of the Hydrogen Link Denmark as well as the Scandinavian Hydrogen Highway Partnership to ensure the region as one amongst the first in the world where hydrogen fuel cell cars are market introduced.

Today four hydrogen refueling stations and around 20 vehicles are in operation in Scandinavia with ongoing activities to ensure further 9 stations in the coming year together with up to 50 vehicles. Earlier this year the Municipality of Copenhagen signed a contract on supply of 15 fuel cell vehicles to be put in operation onwards the United Nations Climate Meeting in December together with plans for a hydrogen refueling station.

Onwards 2015 it is the ambition to further increase number of vehicles and stations in Denmark as well as Scandinavia enabling market introduction. The political plans for electric and hydrogen vehicles are an important step towards ensuring the necessary market frame conditions and political support for such development.

Below are summarized the main electric & hydrogen car initiatives in the political plans:

Electric & hydrogen car initiatives in Conservatives government party

• Target that all new car sales in Denmark in 2025 are electric and hydrogen

• Continuation of registration tax exemption on electric & hydrogen cars throughout 2015 (avoiding up to 180% tax on base car price)

• Roll-out of national network of hydrogen refueling stations & infrastructure by 2011

• Initiation of tests with hydrogen busses in the major cities

• Free public parking for electric & hydrogen cars

• Doubling of annual national support for R&D and demonstration of new energy technologies from €67 million to €134 million, including support for fuel cell vehicles & hydrogen refueling stations (1/3 of all annual public funding in the past have been spent on hydrogen & fuel cells)




Electric & hydrogen car initiatives in Copenhagen Municipality Climate Plan

• From 2011 all new car procurement in the municipality are to be electric & hydrogen

• In 2015 85% of all municipality cars are to electric or hydrogen, corresponding to 600 cars

• Free parking in Copenhagen for electric & hydrogen cars

• CO2 emissions from busses to be reduced with 25% through use of electricity & hydrogen

• Vision of becoming a CO2 neutral municipality in 2025

Washington DC–The National Hydrogen Association (NHA) and U.S. Fuel Cell Council (USFCC) issued the following joint statement regarding the Obama Administration’s FY 2010 budget request for the U.S Department of Energy.

“The cuts proposed in the DOE hydrogen and fuel cell program threaten to disrupt commercialization of a family of technologies that are showing exceptional promise and beginning to gain market traction.

“Fuel cell vehicles are not a science experiment. These are real vehicles with real marketability and real benefits. Hundreds of fuel cell vehicles have collectively logged millions of miles.

“Both the National Academy of Sciences and NHA’s recent Energy Evolution report conclude that a portfolio of vehicle technologies is needed to achieve the nation’s energy and environmental security goals and that hydrogen is essential to success. Hydrogen also advances the Obama Administration’s goals of greener power generation and a smarter power grid.

“The newest fuel cell vehicles get 72 miles per gallon equivalent with no compromise in creature comforts. Fuel cell buses operating in revenue service achieve twice the fuel economy of diesel buses. Hydrogen production costs are already competitive with gasoline. Projected vehicle costs have been reduced by 75%. These are accomplishments of the Department’s own program in partnership with industry. It would truly be a government waste to squander them by walking away just as success is in sight.

“The National Academy recommended a portfolio approach and we are frankly puzzled at the Energy Department’s decision to ignore that recommendation even as the Department uses other material from the same report to justify its proposed cut.

“We are also concerned that the Department appears to be walking away from its Market Transformation activities, which support fuel cell deployment in early commercial applications. This Congressionally-mandated program is demonstrating the ability of fuel cells to provide a competitive and green alternative to battery-based systems in vehicles and in power supply.

“Finally, we are concerned that the Department has proposed to cut funds for the Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA). SECA success could dramatically lower the cost of carbon sequestration, improve power plant efficiency, and enable a virtually pollution-free coal plant in the future. Additional funding will hasten SECA progress.”

The NHA and USFCC collectively represent more than 200 companies and organizations.

# # #

CONTACT:

NHA: Patrick Serfass, 202-223-5547, ext. 366

serfassp@HydrogenAssociation.org

USFCC: Bud DeFlaviis, 202 293 5500, ext. 35

bdeflaviis@usfcc.com

About the U.S. Fuel Cell Council

The USFCC is an industry association dedicated to fostering the commercialization of fuel cells in the United States. Our members include the world’s leading fuel cell developers, manufacturers, suppliers and customers. www.usfcc.com

About the National Hydrogen Association

The National Hydrogen Association (NHA) is the Nation’s premier hydrogen trade organization led by over 100 companies dedicated to supporting the transition to hydrogen. Efforts are focused on education and outreach, policy, safety and codes and standards. Since 1989, the NHA has served as a catalyst for information exchange and cooperative projects and continues to provide the setting for mutual support among industry, research and government organizations. Find out more at: www.HydrogenAssociation.org

Munich. In 2008, 15 new hydrogen refuelling stations opened worldwide, increasing the total number to 175. This is the result of an annual assessment by H2stations.org, a website of the hydrogen and fuel-cell internet portal of TÜV SÜD and Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik (LBST). Another 108 refuelling stations are currently in the planning stage.

In their hydrogen and fuel-cell portal, TÜV SÜD and LBST offer extensive information and services for interested members of the public and professional users. “The H2stations.org website features interactive maps showing all hydrogen refuelling stations currently in operation or planning worldwide”, says Matthias Altmann, Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik. “In 2008, the map of Germany showed a total of 21 hydrogen refuelling stations, with another 12 stations to be added by 2010.”Throughout Europe – including Germany – the number of refuelling stations increased by seven to its present number of 49, and rose by eight in North America to total 84. “The global increase in the number of hydrogen refuelling stations can be regarded as an indication that the industry is preparing for the market launch of vehicles powered by hydrogen or fuel cells”, says Altmann

In addition to H2stations.org, the hydrogen and fuel-cell internet portal also includes the H2mobility.org website, which offers an overview of hydrogen vehicles, the HyWeb.de newsletter, in-depth technical information and a guide through standards and regulations. “The internet-based database is updated on an ongoing basis and free for non-commercial use”, explains LBST expert Altmann. “We also offer more in-depth data and targeted data analysis for our commercial clients.” TÜV SÜD’s and LBST’s shared hydrogen and fuel-cell internet portal can be found at www.netinform.de/H2

Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik GmbH (LBST) specializes in energy and environmental consultancy. The renowned experts support their international clients from industry, the financial sector, politics and professional associations in all issues arising within the context of technology, strategy and sustainability. LBST’s comprehensive expertise is based on two decades of continuous experience by an interdisciplinary team. The international service group TÜV SÜD has held a 47-per-cent stake in Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik since 2006. The common goal of the companies is the safe and cost-effective application of renewable energy carriers.

Further information about Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik and TÜV SÜD can be found on the Internet at www.lbst.de or www.tuev-sued.de respectively.

FuelCellEurope, the European association of fuel cells developers and users, and VDMA Fuel Cells, the group of manufacturers of systems and components for fuel cells in the German Engineering Federation, signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the recent Hannover Fair 2009.

This MoU enhances a closer relationship and a common framework and understanding between FuelCellEurope members and the members of VDMA Fuel Cells to foster cooperation between the organisations and contribute to the acceleration of the commercialisation of fuel cell technologies in Germany and Europe as a whole through joint actions such as networking and lobbying for fuel cells.

FuelCellEurope and VDMA Fuel Cells commit themselves to strengthen collaborative efforts: to share information related to industrial, scientific, political and regulatory developments; to promote policies that facilitate access for fuel cell technologies to markets, including the reduction of national entry barriers throughout Europe and the introduction of instruments for market deployment among policy makers, the fuel cell industry, research and the general public.

Jean-Marc Tixhon, Chairman of FuelCellEurope comments: “VDMA is a prominent player in the industrial spheres in Germany. Since a couple of years they have made determinant progress in Germany where the fuel cell industry is now starting to find a credible space amongst sustainable energy options. We at FuelCellEurope are delighted to build on their success and our European outreach to synergise efforts and amplify our impact throughout Europe. More than ever cooperation is a core component to get our messages heard by the many decision makers influencing our technologies and markets. I very much welcome this cooperation. This is an important step to coordinate efforts in Europe and we intend to replicate such agreements with interested partners throughout Europe“.

Michael Bode, Chairman of VDMA Fuel Cells concludes: “FuelCellEurope is constantly strengthening its position as the representative of the European fuel cell industry in Brussels and worldwide. In a more and more European and global market it is vital that the German fuel cell industry cooperates with FuelCellEurope as the European voice of the industry vis a vis the European Parliament, the Commission and the Council. The Memorandum of Understanding is the well suited umbrella for such cooperation. VDMA Fuel Cells as the representative of the German fuel cell industry and FuelCellEurope will jointly act as catalysers to the commercialisation of fuel cells.”

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About FuelCellEurope

FuelCellEurope is the European association of fuel cell producers. As the European association serving fuel cell and hydrogen industries, FuelCellEurope’s mission is to: “Accelerate the research and deployment of world-class fuel cell technologies for applications in transport, stationary and portable power.”

FuelCellEurope brings together member organizations from 10 European countries, as well as USA, Canada, China and Japan. Members include fuel cell developers, equipment manufacturers, users, energy companies, automotive manufacturers, service companies, academia and research institutions.

For further information, please visit: www.fuelcelleurope.org or contact Patrick Maio by email: p.maio@fuelcelleurope.org or telephone: +32 22 11 34 14

About VDMA Fuel Cells

VDMA Fuel Cells is a group of the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) based in Frankfurt, Germany. VDMA Fuel Cells is the industry network of the manufacturers of fuel cell systems and components in Germany with more than 50 main industry players.

VDMA Fuel Cells offers the unique opportunity to both streamline the topical issues of the sector and identify in a common approach the framework for an efficient roll-out of the technology. VDMA Fuel Cells key activities include networking for business opportunities, optimisation of systems and components, lobbying for market deployment strategies, coordination of industry initiatives and public relations.

Asst. Majority Leader Lew Fidler & Environmental Protection Chairman James Gennaro Urge Congress and NYC to Develop & Advance Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

Cars to be made available for photographs in City Hall parking lot from 12:30 – 1:00 pm

On Thursday, May 7 at 1 pm in the Council Committee Room, General Motors will be sending their Director of Fuel Cell Activities, along with two new Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles, to testify at the Environmental Protection oversight hearing on Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles and the Transition to Alternative Technologies.

The impetus for the hearing is Proposed Resolution No. 1223-A, a resolution sponsored and championed by Council Assistant Majority Leader and Brooklyn Council Member, Lew Fidler.  The resolution calls upon the U.S. Congress to both “fully explore adopting legislation and/or regulatory measures to incentivize the immediate marketing and use of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles” as well as “develop the re-fueling infrastructure to support these vehicles and to consider making the
manufacture and importation of gasoline combustion vehicles unlawful” by a date that would be later determined.  The resolution further calls upon our own city to “take steps to advance the use of hydrogen fuel cell technology and to find ways to promote New York City as an economic center for hydrogen fuel cell
technology.”

“Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are the Holy Grail,” declared Fidler.  “They are zero emission, totally non-polluting automobiles.  We are inches away from the
technological leap needed to mainstream them and that leap will change the world.”   He continued, “We will be taking huge steps to clean our air, to be less dependent on foreign oil and it will have earth shaking geo-political consequences.  It behooves us to press this envelope forward in any way we can, to start working now on developing the infrastructure necessary to support these vehicles in a safe and energy efficient way.  And while we are at it, there is no reason that New York City cannot become a leader in the clean, efficient production of hydrogen.  I am urging the Bloomberg Administration to press this agenda forward now as part of a plan for a greener, cleaner future for New York.”

LIVERMORE, Calif. — Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have successfully designed and demonstrated key features of a hydrogen storage system that utilizes a complex metal hydride material known as sodium alanate. The system, developed through a multiyear project funded by General Motors Corp., stores 3 kilograms of hydrogen and is large enough to evaluate control strategies suitable for use in vehicle applications.

The design tools developed by Sandia researchers now provide GM with a workable template for future designs, which is expected to significantly save the company costs and time when developing hydrogen storage systems for onboard vehicular applications.

“For GM, the enduring value of this project can be found in the design concepts, computational tools, and control strategies that Sandia developed,” said Jim Spearot, GM lead executive for hydrogen storage. “With this new body of knowledge and information, we will be able to quickly design viable systems as new storage materials emerge.”

Methods have been validated

Sandia researchers are quick to point out that the system was not meant to fit on board a vehicle, and that sodium alanate will not be the material of choice for onboard storage of hydrogen. But, although it is indeed larger and heavier than a viable automotive storage system requires, the system’s engineered elements address many of the thermal management issues that are necessary for successful vehicular storage of hydrogen.

“We’ve shown that we can engineer vehicle-scale energy storage systems to meet a variety of operating requirements and driving cycles, and our design methods have been validated for relevant materials,” said Sandia engineer Terry Johnson.

Johnson said Sandia is well-equipped to do similar work on behalf of other companies, including those that manufacture rolling stock, specialty, or heavy-duty vehicles. Companies that focus on other niche applications, including underwater, military, or unmanned aerial vehicles, would likely benefit from Sandia’s expertise, too, he said.

Modular heat exchange system allows flexibility

In addition to its size and storage capacity, the unique features of the Sandia system include an advanced heating system whereby a fraction of the stored hydrogen is used to provide heat to release the remaining hydrogen. This method — the catalytic combustion of hydrogen — is not new, Johnson said, but is unique to this particular application and the first to be successfully demonstrated. “We chose not to use resistive (electrically driven) heating, because it would have necessarily resulted in a larger and heavier system,” he said.

After considering a number of thermal management options, Sandia selected a “shell and tube” heat exchanger, a heating technique common in many industrial processes. The “SmartBed” — a term coined by Sandia that refers to the method for controlling a modular storage system — consists of four identical modules, each of which contains a shell and tube heat exchanger. The material used to store the hydrogen — sodium alanate — resides within the tubes, which essentially serve as a high-pressure storage vessel. Inside the shell, a heating fluid circulates to transfer heat to and from the sodium alanate.

The modular design of the system means that only a minimum amount of the storage material needs to be heated at any one time. The design also aids in the packaging of the system to fit on board a vehicle.

Sandia’s work with GM on a hydrogen storage system reflects the lab’s long history of exploring basic science for energy and transportation. From developing renewable means of producing hydrogen, to discovering the science behind hydrogen safety, to creating the building blocks of hydrogen and fuel cell systems, Sandia scientists and engineers are actively working to help hydrogen and fuel cells take their place in a sustainable energy future. Sandia is actively seeking commercial partners to further develop its hydrogen storage technologies.

About 300 students at Holly High School got an up-close look at a Ford auto with a hydrogen fuel cell Wednesday as part of lessons on alternative-fuel systems.

“This is a way to get them excited about science because some of the students want to become engineers,” said chemistry teacher Rebecca Dudek, who hosted three sessions for science, math and engineering students. “We use the automobile as something from the real world to apply what they’re leaning in the classroom.”

To Read the Entire Article: http://www.detnews.com/article/20090507/SCHOOLS/905070392/1026/Holly-students-get-first-hand-look-at-hydrogen-fueled-cars

LATHAM, N.Y., May 7, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Plug Power Inc. (Nasdaq:PLUG), a leader in providing clean, reliable energy solutions, today provided a progress update and reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2009.

The Company has adjusted the first two of its 2009 milestones to reflect activities and progress in realizing opportunities for its GenSys(r) product to support power needs in the Indian telecommunications industry. The revised milestones are:

 * Secure 1,000 orders consisting of both GenDrive(tm) and GenSys fuel
   cell units (previously stated: secure 500 unit orders)
 * Contain net cash used for operating expenses to the range of $38-42
   million for the full year (previously stated range: $33-37 million)
 * Release GenDrive class 2 product in the fourth quarter, broadening
   the GenDrive product portfolio
 * Announce path and timeline to profitability in the fourth quarter

“The first quarter of 2009 was an important transitional period for our Company as we continued to drive fuel cells toward commercialization,” said Andy Marsh, Plug Power’s CEO. “It was exciting to see so many of the purchase orders collected in 2008 come to fruition as GenDrive units were put to use across North America.”

During the first quarter of 2009, Plug Power shipped 186 GenDrive units as customers across the country adopted fuel cell power units into their operations. Most notably, 140 class 3 GenDrive fuel cell units were shipped to Central Grocers for the grand opening of its state-of-the-art facility. Operators at the $90 million Central Grocers facility will handle all goods with hydrogen fuel cell powered lift trucks.

“Plug Power recognizes that there are multiple solutions to meet customer energy needs, and we also recognize the places where fuel cells are the best option,” Marsh continued. “Plug Power has been a leader in the fuel cell industry for over a decade and our reliable products for the material handling, prime and residential power markets will allow us to continue to drive commercialization.”

Financial Results

Revenue for the first quarter of 2009 was $2.6 million. This compares with revenue in the same period of 2008 of $3.7 million.

Net loss for the first quarter of 2009 was $8.2 million, or $0.06 per share on a basic and diluted basis. This compares with a net loss of $20.7 million, or $0.24 per share, for the first quarter of 2008.

Product Orders, Shipments and Backlog

Total (GenDrive, GenSys and GenCore(r)) product shipments in the first quarter were 198 units. Total product backlog at March 31, 2009, was 284 units. As noted in the milestone update, the Company has adjusted its expectation upward to 1,000 unit orders and remains committed to meeting this by year end.

Revenue

Product and service revenue was $1.3 million for the first quarter of 2009, and research and development (R&D) contract work also contributed $1.3 million to the quarter’s revenue total. These amounts compare to $0.9 million of product and service revenue and $2.9 million of R&D contract revenue for the first quarter of 2008.

Deferred product and service revenue at March 31, 2009 was $4.5 million. This compares to $3.7 million at March 31, 2008. Plug Power defers recognition of product and service revenue and recognizes revenue on a straight-line basis over the service period of each sold system. Accordingly, Plug Power expects to recognize the deferred product and service revenue over future periods as service commitments are fulfilled.

Operational Results

Total cost of revenue for the first quarter of 2009 was $2.7 million, comprised of $0.5 million for product and service cost of revenue and $2.2 million for R&D contract cost of revenue. This compares to total cost of revenue of $6.6 million in the first quarter of 2008, which was comprised of $1.6 million of costs of product and service revenue and $5.0 million of cost of R&D contract revenue.

R&D expenses for the first quarter of 2009 were $4.5 million compared with $10.0 million for the first quarter of 2008.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $3.2 million for the first quarter of 2009 compared with $6.5 million for the same period in 2008.

Cash and Liquidity

Net cash used in operating activities for the first quarter of 2009 was $12.8 million. On March 31, 2009, Plug Power had cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities of $88.7 million and net working capital of $80.7 million, compared with $146.8 million and $145.5 million, respectively, at March 31, 2008.

Conference Call

Plug Power has scheduled a conference call today at 10:00 am ET to review the Company’s results for the first quarter of 2009. Interested parties are invited to listen to the conference call by calling 877.407.8291, or 201.689.8345 for international participants.

The webcast can be accessed by going to the Investors section of the Plug Power Web site (www.plugpower.com) and selecting the conference call link on the Presentations page. A playback of the call will be available online for a short period following the call.

About Plug Power Inc.

Plug Power Inc. (Nasdaq:PLUG), an established leader in the development and deployment of clean, reliable energy solutions, integrates fuel cell technology into motive, continuous and backup power products. The Company is actively engaged with private and public customers in targeted markets throughout the world. For more information about how to join Plug Power’s energy revolution as an investor, customer, supplier or strategic partner, please visit www.plugpower.com.

Plug Power Inc. Safe Harbor Statement

This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to statements regarding our growth plan. We believe that it is important to communicate our future expectations to our investors. However, there may be events in the future that we are not able to accurately predict or control and that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations we describe in our forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the risk that unit orders will not ship, be installed and/or convert to revenue, in whole or in part; Plug Power’s ability to develop commercially viable energy products; the cost and timing of developing Plug Power’s energy products; market acceptance of Plug Power’s energy products; Plug Power’s ability to manufacture energy products on a large-scale commercial basis; competitive factors, such as price competition and competition from other traditional and alternative energy companies; the cost and availability of components and parts for Plug Power’s energy products; Plug Power’s ability to establish relationships with third parties with respect to product development, manufacturing, distribution and servicing and the supply of key product components; the cost and availability of fuel and fueling infrastructures for Plug Power’s energy products; Plug Power’s ability to protect its Intellectual Property; Plug Power’s ability to lower the cost of its energy products and demonstrate their reliability; the cost of complying with current and future governmental regulations; the impact of deregulation and restructuring of the electric utility industry on demand for Plug Power’s energy products; and other risks and uncertainties discussed under “Item IA-Risk Factors” in Plug Power’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (”SEC”) on March 16, 2009, and the reports Plug Power files from time to time with the SEC. Plug Power does not intend to and undertakes no duty to update the information contained in this communication.

 Plug Power Inc.
 Financial Highlights
 Balance Sheets (Dollars in thousands):
 (unaudited)
                                                   March 31,  Dec. 31,
                                                     2009      2008
                                                   --------  --------
 Assets
 Current assets:
   Cash and cash equivalents                       $ 15,998  $ 80,845
   Trading securities - auction rate debt
    securities                                       55,701    52,651
   Available-for-sale securities                     72,717    23,844
   Accounts receivable, net                           1,677     2,151
   Inventory                                          6,843     6,264
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets          1,582     2,351
                                                   --------  --------
     Total current assets                           154,518   168,106
 Restricted cash                                      1,777        --
 Property, plant and equipment, net                  16,798    17,770
 Investment in leased property                        2,462        --
 Auction rate debt securities repurchase agreement    7,174    10,224
 Intangible assets, net                              12,180    12,843
 Other assets                                           201       169
                                                   --------  --------
     Total assets                                  $195,110  $209,112
                                                   ========  ========
 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 Current liabilities:
   Accounts payable                                $  1,569  $  3,275
   Accrued expenses                                   4,199     9,945
   Borrowings under line of credit                   62,875    62,875
   Current portion long term debt                       285        --
   Deferred revenue                                   4,548     5,426
   Other current liabilities                            363       414
                                                   --------  --------
     Total current liabilities                       73,839    81,935
  Long term debt                                      1,368        --
  Other liabilities                                   1,308     1,313
                                                   --------  --------
     Total liabilities                               76,515    83,248
 Stockholders' equity                               118,595   125,864
                                                   --------  --------
     Total liabilities and stockholders' equity    $195,110  $209,112
                                                   ========  ========
 Statements of Operations
  (Dollars in thousands):                  Three months ended March 31,
 (unaudited)                               ----------------------------
                                                2009          2008
                                             -----------  -----------
 Revenue
   Product and service revenue                  $  1,283     $    850
   Research and development contract revenue       1,339        2,887
                                             -----------  -----------
     Total revenue                                 2,622        3,737
 Cost of revenue and expenses
   Cost of product and service revenue               484        1,638
   Cost of research and development contract
    revenue                                        2,219        4,974
   Research and development expense                4,465       10,036
   Selling, general and administrative
    expense                                        3,239        6,461
   Amortization of intangible assets                 506          575
                                             -----------  -----------
     Operating loss                               (8,291)     (19,947)
   Interest and other income and net
    realized gains (losses) from
    available-for-sale securities                    430        2,121
   Change in fair value of auction rate
    securities repurchase agreement               (3,050)          --
   Net unrealized gains (losses) on trading
    securities                                     3,050           --
   Impairment loss on available-for-sale
    securities                                        --       (2,795)
   Interest and other expense and foreign
    currency gain (loss)                            (296)        (107)
                                             -----------  -----------
     Net loss                                   $ (8,157)    $(20,728)
                                             ===========  ===========
 Loss per share: Basic and diluted              $  (0.06)    $  (0.24)
                                             ===========  ===========
 Weighted average number of common shares
  outstanding                                128,472,637   88,071,196
                                             ===========  ===========

CONTACT:  Plug Power Inc.
          Media Contact:
          Katrina Fritz Intwala
            (518) 782-7700 ext. 1360
          Investor Relations Contact:
          Cathy Yudzevich
            (518) 782-7700 ext. 1448

The FlowCath fuel cell system (earlier post) from Acal Energy. has achieved more than 1,000 hours continuous operation with no deterioration of performance.

FlowCath technology replaces the expensive precious metal catalysts found on the cathode side of conventional membrane-based fuel cells with less expensive liquid-based oxygen reduction catalyst systems. These significantly reduce cost at the same time as improving performance, according to the company.

The results were achieved with single cells under carefully monitored conditions. In addition, the company confirms that operation of the complete fuel cell stack and integrated system has now achieved more than 100 hours cumulative operation at power levels of nearly 60W, well above its 50W design specification.

ACAL Energy technology had earlier announced peak power performance of more than 600 mW/cm2.

The company is aiming for delivery of a 1kW demonstration unit by this summer, and to have 5,000 hrs continuous running data on a single cell—and 25,000 hrs on a stack—by this time next year.

The new Mercedes-Benz Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid bus will have its world premiere from 7 to 11 June at the UITP Congress in Vienna (the World Congress of the International Association of Public Transport). This fuel cell hybrid bus has been developed within the context of the global “Shaping Future Transportation” initiative and is the first representative of the new generation of fuel cell models from Daimler Buses. The outstanding characteristic of the Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid is its comprehensive environmental friendliness: it emits no pollutants whatsoever while running and is also virtually silent. It is therefore exceptionally well suited to operation in heavily polluted city centres and in metropolitan areas. The Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid is the next logical step on the path to zero-emission public transport, which Daimler had already announced it would take, and thus represents an important element in the development of the mobility solutions of the future.

Linear development from NEBUS to the Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid

Daimler Buses has taken a linear approach to developing this technology: the process started in 1997 with the NEBUS research vehicle – the world’s first bus to be equipped with a fuel cell drive system – and has continued via the recently launched Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid with a diesel-electric hybrid drive. The latest development for 2009 is the new Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid. Starting in the autumn, Mercedes-Benz Buses will subject this bus to intensive testing in a large-scale fleet test in several European cities. This test will be conducted along the same lines as the successful CUTE test carried out by the European Union between 2003 and 2006. Since 2003, a total of 36 Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses equipped with fuel cell drives have performed outstandingly well in service with 12 public transport operators on three continents as part of the CUTE test, its HyFLEET:CUTE follow-up project and other related testing programmes. In covering a combined total of more than two million kilometres in some 135,000 hours of operation, the buses have impressively demonstrated the suitability of the environment-friendly fuel cell drive for everyday practical use.

Components from the Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid

The new Mercedes-Benz Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid draws on the experience gained with the outstanding performance of the 36 fuel cell test buses. The enhanced fuel-cell system is complemented by an all-new drive system developed in synergy with the Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid. Shared components here include axles fitted with electric hub motors, lithium-ion batteries to store energy, and all electrically powered ancillary components. The entire drive system is designed for the greatest possible efficiency. Thanks to regenerative braking – that is to say, the recovery of braking energy – the Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid is able to achieve hydrogen savings of between 10 and 25 percent, depending on the traffic conditions and topography.

The Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid is based on the proven platform of the top-selling Mercedes-Benz Citaro urban bus and features fuel cells powered by hydrogen. Compared with previous fuel cell buses, the Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid will consume much less hydrogen thanks to a hybrid drive with a sophisticated control unit. The model thus offers major benefits in terms of resource conservation and reduction of emissions associated with producing the required hydrogen.

VANCOUVER–Ballard Power Systems (TSX: BLD; NASDAQ: BLDP) today announced that it has signed a supply agreement with FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) to deliver a one megawatt distributed power generation solution for use in a utility load management demonstration project. The project is designed to test the unit’s application for providing peaking capacity and load management over a three-year period. Initial plans call for the trailer-mounted unit to be delivered in December 2009 and located in Ohio.

This product offering positions Ballard to enter into a new market space focused on clean distributed power generation. Government support for these applications is strong, particularly in the US where the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has provided stimulus funds in the form of tax code changes, and direct funding for initiatives such as Smart Grid programs. This sale to FirstEnergy utilizes an outstanding product credit and is subject to the receipt of partial funding from tax grants provided by stimulus funds.

Ballard’s proven heavy-duty proton exchange membrane (PEM) based FCvelocity(TM) products, which power bus fleets around the world and offer world leading performance, reliability, and robustness, will be leveraged for this application.

“We see the sale to FirstEnergy as an entry step into distributed power generation, in niche applications where Ballard can provide fuel cell solutions which leverage the unique advantages of PEM, such as scalability and responsive load following. We are also exploring other clean energy distributed power generation opportunities using waste hydrogen,” said John Sheridan, Ballard’s President and CEO. “By using our existing heavy-duty FCvelocity(TM) products, we are able to test this market without incurring significant development cost.”

“This demonstration project will provide valuable information about utility scale fuel cell technologies and their potential to provide cost-effective solutions for peak demand and load management, as well as helping to meet our advanced and renewable energy goals in the states where we operate,” said Gary R. Leidich, FirstEnergy Executive Vice President and President of FirstEnergy Generation.

About Ballard Power Systems

Ballard Power Systems (TSX: BLD; NASDAQ: BLDP) is recognized as a world leader in the design, development, manufacture and sale of clean energy fuel cell products. Ballard’s mission is to accelerate fuel cell product adoption. To learn more about what Ballard is doing with Power to Change the World(R), visit www.ballard.com.

Ballard, the Ballard logo and Power to Change the World are registered trademarks of Ballard Power Systems Inc.

Mayor David Miller, Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone and actor and environmentalist Ed Begley Jr. announced the winners of the 2009 Green Toronto Awards at the Direct Energy Centre on the Green Living Show Main Stage last month.

The Green Toronto Awards, the result of a partnership between the City of Toronto and Green Living, recognize the individuals, organizations and companies that are helping lead the way to a greener Toronto.

The 10 winners, selected from among the largest number of nominations ever received by the City, were awarded a prestigious Green Toronto Award and $5,000 to donate to a registered charity of their choice.

One of the winners was Enbridge Gas Distribution for building an innovative hybrid fuel cell plant that produces near zero-emission electricity: Energy Conservation Award, sponsored by Ontario Power Authority.

The hybrid fuel cell is located at Enbridge Gas Distribution’s head office in Toronto. The plant was built on approximately 22 parking spots in the company’s parking lot. It converts unused pipeline energy into clean electricity that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and, since the fuel cell does not burn fuel, the plant supports cleaner and healthier air in cities where air quality is a growing concern.

The innovative power plant, which integrates two existing low-carbon technologies to generate 2.2 megawatts of ultra-clean electricity or enough to serve up to 1,700 Ontario homes.

SOMERSET – Praising the company for its work in developing innovative technologies, Governor Jon S. Corzine today participated in the official ribbon cutting ceremonies for BASF’s new state-of-the art fuel cell production facility. Forty new green jobs will be created at the site.

“ New Jersey has long been renowned for innovation and discovery,” Governor Corzine said. “I am pleased this tradition of excellence is being advanced in BASF’s new world-class fuel cell facility here in Somerset . Projects like this are exactly the type of private investment commitment that will create a more sustainable environment, keep our economy moving and put people to work. We are fortunate to have this facility in New Jersey along with the promise it holds for the future.”

BASF develops and manufactures the central components of fuel cells, an environmentally clean power-generating technology. Fuel cells make energy use more efficient, cost-effective and less harmful to the environment. The technology has great potential in a wide range of applications. The Somerset site is the only fuel cell production facility in the world that can produce ready-for-production high-temperature Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEAs).

The company’s proprietary fuel cell technologies, powered solely by hydrogen, are currently being used by a number of alternative energy suppliers and as a replacement to more traditional batteries in several electronic products. This new facility will meet growing demand from clients as the technology continues to gain momentum.

“BASF has made a decisive breakthrough in fuel cells with the development of the high-temperature MEA,” said Dr. Andreas Kreimeyer, Research Executive Director and Member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF. “The aim of the world-class Somerset , New Jersey facility is to meet the current and greatly increasing demand from customers. Future enhancements and refinements of BASF’s proprietary MEA product in conjunction with system developments by our alternative energy partners will make fuel cell energy realistic, affordable and widely available.”

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the US Department of Energy has approved a grant to BASF Fuel Cell for $2 million over the next three years for fuel cell technology manufacturing.

BASF has more than 1,900 employees in New Jersey.

Fuel cell technology enables the efficient and alternative energy supply for numerous consumer products and applications

FLORHAM PARK, N.J.– Furthering its leadership position in the development of energy management solutions, BASF today announced it has officially opened its BASF Fuel Cell production facility in Somerset, New Jersey. The modern facility uses advanced production and automation technologies to fabricate ready-for-use high-temperature Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) units — the heart of the fuel cell. In a MEA, hydrogen and air react to water generating electrical power and heat. The proprietary and innovative BASF products are marketed under the brand name Celtec(R) and will enable the fuel cell industry to meet the current and growing challenges of future energy supply.

BASF’s tradition of materials innovation and commitment to sustainable development continues with this advancement from BASF Fuel Cell. The novel MEA developed by BASF is opening new horizons for system builders as it contains the world’s first commercially available high temperature membrane for fuel cells that allows operating temperatures in the range of 320 to 360 F (120-180 degrees C). This innovation, with the unique ability to run without any humidification, has therefore a considerable advantage over other Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell technologies, including a far simpler system and tolerance to impurities in hydrogen and air.

Celtec(R) high-temperature MEAs are used in numerous product applications, e.g. private home electricity and heat supply units providing electricity and hot water at unprecedented efficiencies or backup-systems to ensure electrical power.

“BASF has made a decisive breakthrough in fuel cells with the development of the high-temperature MEA,” said Dr. Andreas Kreimeyer, Research Executive Director and Member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF, at the inaugural event. “The aim of the world-class Somerset, New Jersey facility is to meet the current and greatly increasing demand from customers. Future enhancements and refinements of BASF’s proprietary MEA product in conjunction with system developments by our alternative energy partners will make fuel cell energy realistic, affordable and widely available.”

The most immediate challenge facing developers is to develop a highly reliable and cost effective fuel cell system for practical applications. The key factor in achieving this is for the system to have as few components as possible. Conventional low temperature fuel cell systems, which operate at a maximum of 175 F (80 degrees C) need a large number of ancillary units, a complex control and hydration system as well as a reformer with a hydrogen gas purification unit to function. Fuel cells equipped with BASF’s high-temperature Celtec(R) MEA are tolerant to impurities in the hydrogen gas; they can be cooled by the air and do not have to be hydrated with water. This eliminates the need for air humidifiers, water pumps, tanks, valves and cleaning systems.

“Thanks to the proprietary Celtec(R) MEA from BASF, fuel cell systems now need substantially fewer components and this translates into cost savings for our customers,” said Dr. Horst-Tore Land, CEO, BASF Fuel Cell Inc. “The development of the high-temperature MEA enables our customers to manufacture commercially viable fuel cell products.”

About BASF Fuel Cell GmbH

BASF Fuel Cell GmbH is a supplier of materials for fuel cells and reformers. The company is a leading supplier for high temperature membrane electrode assemblies, developed and commercialized in the Celtec(R) product line. Additionally, a broad variety of catalysts for fuel cells and reformers is covered by the product line Selectra(R). BASF Fuel Cell continues the fuel cell activities of BASF, Engelhard and PEMEAS. For further information go to www.basf-fuelcell.com

BASF – The Chemical Company. We don’t make a lot of the products you buy. We make a lot of the products you buy better.(R)

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 15,000 employees in North America, and had sales of approximately $17.5 billion in 2008. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.com/usa.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals, as well as oil and gas. As a reliable partner, BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges, such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF has approximately 97,000 employees and posted sales of more than euro 62 billion in 2008. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced the release of $3,255,820 from the U.S. Department of Energy to support clean energy research and development projects in Akron and Canton. Brown helped secure part of the federal funding through the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009 (H.R. 1105).

“Ohio can become the Silicon Valley of clean energy manufacturing—with institutions in Akron and Canton leading the way on fuel cell development,” Brown said. “These new federal funds will support the research and development of clean energy sources that will reduce carbon emissions while bringing new jobs and economic activity to Northeast Ohio.”

The funds were included in The Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009 (H.R. 1105), which become law on March 11, 2009.

The University of Akron will receive $1,713,721 for research and development of fuel cells that can convert coal into electricity with minimal environmental impact. The funds will be used to develop fuel cells capable of serving more than 50 households. Researchers at the University of Akron have already developed a fuel cell that can provide energy to one household.

North Canton’s Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems will receive $1,542,099 to develop fuel cells for commercial use. Specifically, the funds will support the development of durable, solid-oxide fuel cell processing capabilities to reduce the carbon footprint of our nation’s electric grid.  According to Rolls-Royce, this research could lay the foundation for the creation of facilities employing more than 300 Ohioans in clean energy service jobs.

Brown has been working to position Ohio as the Silicon Valley of clean energy manufacturing. He has visited advanced energy companies throughout Ohio and held clean energy roundtables to assess how the federal government can make investments that support the creation of clean energy jobs. Brown secured more than $5.9 million in funds this year to support Ohio’s burgeoning clean energy industry.

On April 15, Brown convened more than 300 clean energy leaders and companies with federal energy officials for a Clean Energy Summit co-hosted by Battelle Memorial Institute. Brown is working to connect Ohio companies and institutions engaged in clean energy research and development with federal resources. Ohio has received more than $360 million in economic recovery funds to develop, manufacture, and install clean energy sources.

Melbourne-based clean energy company Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited (ASX/AIM: CFU), a global leader in fuel cell development, today announced it had appointed Dr Peter Binks to its board.

Dr Binks, based in Melbourne, will be a non-executive director of the Company and will join the Board’s Technical Committee, drawing on his strong technical skills and experience commercialising innovative technologies.

Dr Binks, aged 49, has had a successful career with McKinsey & Company, BHP, Telstra and Nanotechnology Victoria Ltd. He is currently CEO of NanoVentures Australia Ltd, a company set up to attract funding and commercialise outcomes from Nanotechnology Victoria.

After completing a science degree at the University of Tasmania (Hons) majoring in Physics, Dr Binks attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. He completed his doctoral thesis in Theoretical Physics.

Dr Bink’s current directorships or partnersips are: Director and CEO of Nanotechnology Victoria Ltd; Director and CEO NanoVentures Australia; Director of NanoVic Commercial; Director Quintain NanoSystems; Director NanoVic IP Holdings. From January 2006 to June 2008 Dr Binks was also a Director of The Australian Nano Business Forum. There are no further disclosures required under schedule 2(g) of the AIM rules.

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have won a $1.6 million federal grant to develop new methods for manufacturing a key fuel cell component.

The multi-year grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to create new technology and processes for faster, more cost-effective manufacturing of fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). Comprised of a stacked proton exchange membrane (PEM), catalyst, and electrodes, MEAs are the heart and soul of a fuel cell.

“The new system we plan to develop is essentially a high-speed, high-quality assembly process for fuel cell MEAs,” said Ray Puffer, principle investigator of the project and program director for industrial automation at Rensselaer’s Center for Automation Technologies and Systems (CATS). “If successful, we anticipate this project will yield a major reduction in the time it takes to make MEAs, as well as improved uniformity, less defects, and lower manufacturing costs. The end result will be cheaper, more reliable fuel cells for everyone.”

Fuel cells are a promising green technology that convert a fuel, such as hydrogen or, less commonly, natural gas, into electricity via an electro-chemical reaction. In the case of hydrogen fuel cells, the only byproducts are water and heat, making it a true zero-emissions energy source. The prohibitive cost of producing and manufacturing fuel cells, however, have thus far prevented more widespread adoption and use of the technology. Typical fuel cell applications under development include portable electronics, such as laptop computers or tactical radios for the military, as well as with vehicles, and residential or industrial combined heat and power systems.

Like every mass-produced product, from automobiles to candy bars, it is imperative that every unit to roll off the manufacturing line look, perform, taste, and behave exactly the same. Fuel cell MEAs are no exception. Working with Rensselaer collaborators Daniel Walczyk, professor of mechanical, aerospace, and nuclear engineering, as well as CATS Director John Wen, professor of electrical, computer, and systems engineering, Puffer will develop materials, designs, and adaptive process controls for MEA manufacturing. The team will work to automate new sensing technology into the MEA pressing process, to help ensure less defects and greater uniformity of performance.

The second main objective is to reduce the time it takes to press and assemble MEAs. To accomplish this, Puffer and his team will develop a novel, robust ultrasonic bonding process for assembling and fusing together the different components of high-temperature PEM MEAs. Ultrasonic welding uses high-frequency vibrations and pressure, rather than heat, to conjoin two pieces of metal or plastic. Early ultrasonic pressing designs and experiments have been promising, Puffer said, and have the potential to reduce the pressing process of a single MEA to less than one second.

“To be cost effective, the time it takes to manufacture a single MEA must be measured in milliseconds, or at most, a few seconds,” Puffer said. “Similarly, the time it takes to assemble a stack must be measured in seconds or minutes, instead of hours.”

The new DoE grant awards $1.61 million over 42 months. An additional $870,000 in cost share by project participants brings the total project budget to nearly $2.5 million. Partnering with Rensselaer are: Arizona State University, of Tempe, Ariz.; BASF Fuel Cell GmbH, of Germany and Somerset, N.J.; Progressive Machine and Design, LLC, of Victor, N.Y.; and UltraCell Corp., of Livermore, Calif.

For more information, visit the CATS Web site. The CATS is supported by the New York State Foundation for Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) as a designated Center for Advanced Technology.

Adaptive Materials chief business officer Michelle Crumm was recently featured on WomenEntrepreneur.

The interview, focused on successful federal contract work, offers Crumm’s perspective on how working with the government has supported the company’s success.

For revealing insight, read the Q&A!