FuelCellsWorks

The U.S. Navy issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for on-board hydrogen storage and power systems for tractor utility vehicles known as “yard dogs.” The RFP is for basic and applied research and development to identify on-board hydrogen storage materials, processes, and power system designs for these vehicles. Responses are due Feb. 12, 2010.

For more information, see the full solicitation.

Cheshire, UK –Visitors to FC EXPO 2010 will be able to see an important new development in fuel cell technology: a model hydrogen fuel cell system which uses a platinum-free liquid cathode, FlowCath®. The FlowCath® powered module demonstrates a practical product prototype which could well become a commercial reality in less than two years. Interest is expected to be strong.

This is the first time that ACAL Energy has exhibited at FC EXPO, running from 3rd to 5th March at Tokyo Big Sight. Visitors to their booth #9-42 will be able to see and examine the prototype that is considerably smaller than many people thought possible for a liquid cathode FC system.

FlowCath® technology provides a radical step change in cost and performance, by replacing the platinum catalyst on the cathode in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell with a low cost, durable liquid chemical. This significantly reduces the overall platinum content, while delivering the same level of fuel cell power density as today’s platinum cathode systems.

The technology also inherently addresses the balance of plant costs by eliminating the need for hydration, pressurization, separate cooling and other expensive mechanical sub-systems commonly found in conventional PEM fuel cells.

Dr Andrew Creeth, inventor of the Flowcath® technology, will be addressing the Technical Conference which runs alongside the trade show. He will speak on the first day in the exhibitors’ Product/Technology seminar.

ACAL Energy will be exhibiting with their Japanese agent, Sumitomo Corporation, and their booth will be manned by English and Japanese speakers. They welcome end users, suppliers, developers, academics and media commentators to meet them at the show, and to see a first-hand demonstration of the Flowcath® model. To book a specific meeting time, please contact one of the people named below.

ACAL Energy is leading a £1.9 million collaborative project recently started to build the world’s first installed system using FlowCath® fuel cell technology in a practical application. The project is supported by the UK’s Technology Strategy Board. It will be a major step on the commercialisation road map for this innovative technology.

For further information, please contact Amanda Lyne at ACAL Energy:
Tel: +44 (0)1928 511581
E-mail : alyne@acalenergy.co.uk Web: www.acalenergy.co.uk

Among the many advanced vehicles set to hit the road in the next several years, a few under development at Daimler, Honda, Mercedes Benz and other automakers are being design to run on hydrogen fuel cells. But they will still hit the big roadblock facing their electric-powered peers: How will drivers… (Read more)