FuelCellsWorks

The new Model 840 is targeted for applications requiring gas flow rates up to 12 SLPM

Scribner Associates, Inc. (Southern Pines, North Carolina) is pleased to announce the release of the Model 840 Integrated Fuel Cell Test Stations. The new Model 840 is targeted for applications requiring gas flow rates up to 12 SLPM and is intended for use with single cells and short stacks.  Its design is based on the time-tested 850 series of turn-key fuel cell test stations.

The Model 840 uses Scribner’s 890e Multi-Range Electronic Load (10/50/100A 125W 20V or 12/62/125A 500W 20V) for accurate, wide-range current measurement. The 840 features dual range anode and cathode mass flow controllers for wide range flow measurement and control, auto-water fill and software controlled wet/dry gas switching, ideal for RH cycling. Also included are input selector valves and  a 16-channel data acquisition module for additional voltage and temperature measurements.  Available options include internal reformate simulation, stack voltage monitor and Scribner’s 880 FRA for EIS and HFR measurements. As with Scribner’s other fuel cell products, the Model 840 comes with FuelCell^®, the industry’s most powerful and user-friendly application software.

A product data sheet is available for download at www.scribner.com/files/840.pdf. For more information on customized fuel cell testing options contact Scribner Associates, Inc.  +1-910-695-8884  Email: info@scribner.com Web: www.scribner.com

Zurich, Switzerland–C.En Ltd., developer of a breakthrough hydrogen storage technology, has announced that it has completed a round of equity financing with global insurance and financial giant Generali Group.

Generali Group is one of the largest insurance groups in Europe, operating in over 60 countries, with more than 460 subsidiary companies in the insurance, financial and property fields.

Generali Group is committed to the development of various realms of sustainability, and is focused on pioneering technological innovations in the environmental sector.

Funding by Generali Financial Holdings (FCP-FIS) – as well as by other leading global partners- will be used to further enhance environmentally sustainable applications of C.En’s hydrogen storage technology.

C.En’s unique and innovative technology enables the storage of hydrogen, at very high pressures, in special glass capillaries, thereby offering the first compact, lightweight, safe and economical hydrogen storage solution. “We are fortunate to add Generali to our strong group of existing investors who support our vision and unique technology,” notes Mr. Moshe Stern, President and C.E.O. of C.En Ltd., and adds, “The funding will help advance our vision of turning hydrogen into the leading clean energy source of the future.”

Lifeloc Technologies, Inc. is introducing LifeGuard – a personal breathalyzer which uses platinum fuel cell technology to provide the most accurate breath alcohol content (BAC). Now, fuel cell technology will be in the reach of the average consumer.

Denver, Colorado — Monitor yourself and your loved ones like law enforcement officials monitor the roads with LifeGuard – a personal breathalyzer which uses platinum fuel cell technology to provide the most accurate breath alcohol content (BAC), the amount of alcohol in ones system.

The majority of personal breathalyzers on the market today are inaccurate and unreliable due to the use of semiconductor sensors. For the first time, Lifeloc Technologies, Inc. is putting fuel cell technology, the only choice for United States law enforcement, in the reach of the average consumer with LifeGuard. LifeGuard stands above all others in terms of accuracy, quality and ease of use and is ideal for those wanting to test themselves or their loved ones. When buying a hand-held alcohol tester, your best option is a fuel cell option, which is rated highest in personal and professional use.

“We wanted people to have the ability to bring the best technology into their homes for alcohol screening – which is exactly what LifeGuard does,” said Barry Knott, president of Lifeloc Technologies, Inc. “LifeGuard meets every consumer and family’s alcohol screening needs from testing a family member to conducting morning-after testing.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every day 36 people in the United States die and approximately 700 more are injured in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. In one year, that equates to more than 13,000 deaths and more than 250,000 injuries. The costs associated with driving under the influence (DUI) are staggering – the emotional cost of injuring someone, the potential loss of job or income, the reality of jail time and an average cost of $10,000 per offense. For just $299, consumers can purchase a LifeGuard breathalyzer allowing them to monitor their BAC and making the most informed decisions for themselves and their family.

Born from more than 25 years of leadership experience in designing and manufacturing breathalyzers for law enforcement and workplace testing, LifeGuard’s uses are endless. It allows you to be a responsible host, testing friends or family before allowing them to drive home or to screen minors to detect underage drinking. Most importantly, LifeGuard allows you to make informed decisions about your behavior.

Lifeloc Technologies, Inc. does not advocate drinking and driving on any level, even one drink can cause impairment. What we do offer is a tool to allow you to make the most informed decision for you and your loved ones. To learn more about LifeGuard and how to purchase your own personal breathalyzer, visit www.lifeguardbreathtester.com today.

About Lifeloc Technologies, Inc.:
Lifeloc Technologies, Inc., is a leading global designer and manufacturer of personal and professional portable breath alcohol testers commonly known as “breathalyzers.” More than 35 countries currently utilize Lifeloc’s breath alcohol testing equipment for workplace, law enforcement, education and corrections testing. Lifeloc products are recognized worldwide for their ease-of-use, accuracy and reliability. For more information on Lifeloc, please visit www.lifeloc.com, www.lifeguardbreathtester.com or call 1-800-722-4872.

The Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) issued a broad agency announcement (BAA) on November 12, 2009, for the demonstration of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells for backup power at federal facilities. This project is funded through a partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE) Fuel Cell Technologies Program, along with cost share from U.S. Army RDECOM-TARDEC and support from multiple federal host sites.

The BAA is available electronically at FedBizOpps under solicitation number W9132T10BAA01. Hard copies are not available.

For consideration for award under FY10 funding, pre-proposals must be submitted no later than December 30, 2009. All responsible sources who are either PEM fuel cell manufacturers or who can provide a signed letter of agreement to work with a PEM fuel cell manufacturer for the supply of fuel cell(s) may submit a proposal for consideration.

ERDC intends to award firm fixed-price contracts as a result of this BAA announcement. For more information, see the full solicitation announcement.

New technologies have potential to reduce costs, improve efficiency and make fuel cells economically viable.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — UC Riverside (UCR) Professor of Chemical and Environmental Engineering Yushan Yan’s proposal “Quanternary Phosphonium-based Hydroxide Exchange Membranes” is one of 37 selected for negotiations for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) newly formed Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) awards for transformative energy research projects.

DOE Secretary Steven Chu announced the funding decisions, which were the result of reviewing more than 3,700 qualified concept papers that were submitted.

Yan’s proposed project focuses on the development of a new generation of high-performance hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cells (HEMFCs). In the letter informing him of the selection, the DOE cited Yan’s application as “…among those of the highest scientific and technical merit, and is part of an ARPA-E portfolio of high impact projects that have great potential to revolutionize the U.S. energy sector.”

By switching fuel cell electrochemical reactions from an acidic medium to a basic one and utilizing a highly conductive hydroxide exchange membrane (HEM), high-performance hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cells (HEMFCs) are innovative and radically different from the proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) that have been intensively researched and developed in the past two decades.

HEMFCs have ability to solve some of the most significant commercialization barriers of PEMFCs, including catalysts cost and durability, while at the same time achieving PEMFCs’ high power and energy density. Yan’s ARPA-E project will develop a series of technologies to produce commercially viable high-performance Quaternary Phosponium (QP)-based HEMs with high hydroxide conductivity, outstanding alkaline-stability and suitable dimension-stability.

The project will help the U.S. maintain its technological lead in developing and deploying advanced energy technologies. More specifically, the proposed fuel cell technology can be used to replace international combustion engines for powering vehicles, resulting in much-reduced or zero emissions. The fuel cell technology and its reverse operation as an electrolyzer together can also be used for energy storage that is necessary for the efficient use of wind/solar-based electricity.

If successful, and assuming a reasonable market share, the technology will reduce gasoline consumption by 163 million barrels and eliminate 60 million metric tons of CO2 emissions every year.

Modeled after the Department of Defense’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), ARPA-E was established under the America Competes Act of 2007. Yan’s project is part of the first round of projects funded under ARPA-E, which is receiving a total of $400 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

NYK ‘Super Eco Ship 2030’

JAPAN – With shipping emissions and pollution very prominent in the news recently and the Copenhagen Climate Change talks upcoming all of the worlds shipping lines are under increasing pressure to introduce ‘greener’ ships. Now Japanese carrier NYK Lines, in common with other major shippers such as Toyota and Mitsui O.S.K Lines, has revealed its own concepts for a low emission container freight vessel that the company states it wishes to have in service by 2030.

The NYK ‘Super Eco Ship 2030’, which is being designed in cooperation with the Monohakobi Technology Institute, Finnish marine consultants Elomatic and ship designers Garroni Progetti S.r.l. of Italy, will produce 70% less CO2 emissions than current vessels by the use of some very innovative design.

The vessel will be powered by Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) fuel cells which produce 30% less CO2 than comparable marine diesels, whilst the 2030 will also have 31,000m2 of solar panels in addition to retractable sails.

The design also features a bow-mounted bubble projector to reduce friction as the ship moves through the water and it is proposed that the vessel will actually break into segments in port so as to facilitate freight handling and thus aid efficiency.

NYK state that they plan for their fleet to produce zero emissions by 2050.