Industry News & Information Leader
The Dutch minister of mobility Camiel Eurlings makes 5 million euro available for companies that experiment with driving on hydrogen.
By doing so he would like to stimulate the development of Hydrogen technique in transport. It’s about lorries, busses and other vehicles.
See full article:
SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass. –Protonex Technology Corporation (LSE: AIM: PTX and PTXU), a leading provider of advanced fuel cell power systems today announces that, as anticipated in its results announcement of 13 January 2010, it has received a $1.85 million contract award from the U.S. Army CECOM, as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, to develop and deliver advanced portable battery charger / APU fuel cell systems. This contract award also includes three option phases which, if awarded, could increase the total value of this contract to $6.4 million and could include delivery of over 100 production units.
Under the terms of this five-month, phase one program, Protonex will develop the next-generation of its existing M250-CX platform by increasing its power output, integrating additional battery management and charging capabilities, reducing overall size and weight, and further ruggedizing the system for field use. At the conclusion of the phase one program, Protonex is expected to deliver multiple portable battery charger/APU systems to the U.S. Army for further testing and field use.
Development of a next-generation system based on the existing 250-watt platform will provide the military with lightweight, extremely quiet and fuel efficient power systems that can be used as portable field battery chargers or auxiliary power units (APUs). Use of the M250-CX could enable new mission scenarios and allow a switch to rechargeable batteries in the field, thereby reducing overall weight and saving significantly on the hundreds of millions of dollars spent annually on non-rechargeable batteries in the field by the US Department of Defense.
Commenting on the contract, Scott Pearson, Chief Executive of Protonex said:
“With this significant award, our development work on the M250 platform of products has been supported to date by a total of $9.6 million in contracts from the U.S. Army and the U.S. Department of Defense. This contract represents continuing support from our military customers and validates the need for alternative power solutions for U.S. soldiers in the field where batteries and generators fail to provide acceptable performance.”
“In addition, the potential follow-on funding contemplated by the three program options could pave the way to low volume procurement of the M250-CX systems within the U.S. Army and other military and government agencies.”
Protonex’ M250-CX system is a lightweight, 250-watt portable power system designed to meet the stringent demands of a wide range of military battery charging and auxiliary power unit applications. The unique design combines advances in fuel cell energy conversion and battery charging technology into one complete product solution to provide military battery charging and 28V auxiliary power with extremely low weight, noise, and thermal signature.
Notes to Editors
About Protonex Technology Corporation
Protonex Technology Corporation develops and manufactures compact, lightweight and high- performance fuel cell systems for portable power applications in the 100 to 1000-watt range. The Company’s fuel cell systems are designed to meet the needs of military, commercial and consumer customers for off-grid applications underserved by existing technologies by providing customizable, stand-alone portable power solutions and systems that may be hybridized with existing power technologies. The Company is headquartered in Southborough, Massachusetts.
AFC Energy (AIM: AFC), the low cost developer of fuel cell technology, is pleased to announce that Air Products Limited (”Air Products”), the global leader in hydrogen fuelling and infrastructure has indicated its intention to collaborate with them in their SuperGreen Power Station bringing their vast wealth of expertise in supplying hydrogen, hydrogen handling equipment and knowhow.
This follows the announcement on 7 January 2010 when AFC Energy announced it has entered into a non-binding agreement with WSP Group plc with the intention of building and operating a SuperGreen power station based upon AFC Energy’s fuel cell systems. During the first stage a 50 kW power station will be constructed to demonstrate AFC Energy’s fuel cell systems working as part of an integrated power station. During the second stage it is intended with commercial support to build a 1 MW power station.
Ian Balchin CEO of AFC Energy, said: “We are delighted to have Air Products joining us in this opportunity. We believe that Air Products’ industry leading expertise in the hydrogen market will assist AFC Energy enormously in this exciting project.” Ian Williamson, European Director of Air Products, said: “We have seen AFC Energy technology develop over the last 3 years and are delighted to be part of this groundbreaking program.”
As rising energy costs, increasing waste-disposal fees and challenging greenhouse gas reduction requirements make it difficult to do business, the City of Rialto has found a way to overcome these challenges. The significant savings produced at its ‘green’ wastewater treatment plant has enabled the City to receive one of the largest incentives available through Southern California Gas Co.’s (The Gas Company) Self-Generation Incentive Program. The City of Rialto was awarded a $4 million incentive for its partnership with Chevron Energy Solutions to develop an ultra-clean fuel cell system that uses biogas produced from local restaurants kitchen grease to power the city’s wastewater treatment plant. As a result of this initiative, the City will reduce energy costs, create additional revenue and improve air quality.
“We applaud the City of Rialto for its resourceful approach to meet our state’s green energy goals and create a more sustainable future for its residents,” said Hal D. Snyder, vice president of customer solutions of The Gas Company. “Rialto’s wastewater treatment plant is a marvelous example of how creativity and collaboration not only can resolve a problem, but also turn them into cash.”
The Self-Generation Incentive Program is a statewide rate-payer funded program available to residential customers and commercial, industrial and agricultural businesses in California to help offset the cost of qualifying clean generation technologies, such as fuel cells, that are installed to meet all or a portion of the electric needs of a facility. Since the start of the program, The Gas Company has provided nearly $80 million in incentives that have helped customers to install 85 megawatts of efficient and renewable self-generation sources — enough to power about 55,000 homes.
The City of Rialto’s environmentally friendly system will reduce greenhouse emissions by nearly 5,500 tons annually, while decreasing the City’s energy costs by about $800,000 a year. The system includes a 900-kilowatt fuel cell power plant that will generate electricity without combustion using methane, a biogas produced naturally on site by the organic materials contained in wastewater. more
“The City Council and I are delighted to have found a solution that offers so many benefits all around,” said Mayor Grace Vargas. “We could not have accomplished our energy project without The Gas Company’s commitment to our community. This project is a ‘win’ for multiple stakeholders – our city taxpayers, restaurants, grease haulers and the environment.”
The remaining costs of the project will be paid for through the energy cost savings from fat, oil and grease (FOG) station revenues, without any impact on local taxpayers.
The City of Rialto lies in the west portion of the San Bernardino Valley, due west of the County Seat. Rialto is sixty miles to the east of Los Angeles and 103 miles north of San Diego. Rialto is proud to be a city of commercial, residential, educational, cultural and industrial growth.
The University of Glamorgan is celebrating after being awarded £630,000 to develop its research into biological fuel cells.
The fund is part of a £3.3million, four year grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to the SUPERGEN programme, a flagship initiative to help the UK meet its emissions targets through a radical improvement in sustainable power generation and supply. Glamorgan is one of eight UK universities involved in the project along with the universities of Surrey, Oxford, Glasgow, Newcastle, UCL, East Anglia and West of England.
The work at Glamorgan`s Sustainable Environment Research Centre is looking at how microbial fuel cells can be made to simultaneously treat wastes such as sewage, and generate electricity. Dr Giuliano Premier, an Engineer in the Faculty of Advanced Technology, who leads the University of Glamorgan’s work on SUPERGEN said, “This is excellent news for all involved in the project. Over the past four years our research has led to a better understanding of how biological fuel cells could be scaled-up. This further funding will enable us to investigate the optimisation of microbial biological fuel cells, through an increased understanding of natural processes and how they may be encouraged and enhanced”.
The money will be used to fund a post-doctorate post, three PhD studentships, and new equipment. This interdisciplinary, cross-faculty research will be carried out at the University’s new state-of-the-art science laboratories in the Faculty of Health, Sport and Science which will be officially opened in February 2010.
The University of Glamorgan also undertakes research into various aspects of producing and using hydrogen as a fuel, including the critical issues of storage and use in fuel cells, and is home to a Renewable Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Centre at Baglan Bay.
BOTHELL, Wash. — Neah Power Systems, Inc. (’Neah’) (OTCBB:NPWZ) (www.neahpower.com), the Company developing fuel cells and fuel cell-based renewable energy solutions, announced today that it has reached agreements separately with Ebeling Heffernan (EF), a public markets Consultancy Company based in Bangkok, Thailand, and First Equity Trust to purchase from the company up to $10 million of Neah Power’s common stock between January 26, 2010 and January 25, 2011, with a firm commitment of a minimum of $500,000 at a $1.00 per share (restricted stock) by January 26, 2010. The company also reported that it has received a total of $200,000 from the investors, at a valuation of $1.00 per share in restricted stock.
Dr. Chris D’Couto, Neah CEO, said, “This investment from Ebeling Heffernan and First Equity underscores their confidence in the technology and the management of the company. Tremendous progress has been made by the company and we are now taking orders for our fuel cell and renewable energy solutions, which includes our Solcool line of products.”
Ebeling Heffernan last October sponsored Neah’s introduction to the Asian market with a presentation to energy producers and government agencies from Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, China and Japan. The Company’s unique technology and products are partially funded by the U.S. Navy, which with Intel Capital, Novellus Systems, Frazier Technology Ventures, Castile Ventures, have invested more than $40M into the company. Neah’s patent-protected anaerobic fuel cells are especially suited to transportation, being able to operate in airless conditions, such as in space and underwater, and is attractive to other transportation implementations (automobiles, trucks, two wheelers, forklifts, etc.) as hybrid implementations where the fuel cell is used to keep a battery constantly charged, and the battery then drives the motor.
About Neah Power
Neah Power Systems, Inc. (NPWZ) is developing long-lasting, efficient and safe power solutions for the military and for portable electronic devices. Neah uses a unique, patented, silicon-based design for its micro fuel cells that enable higher power densities, lower cost and compact form-factors. The company’s micro fuel cell system can run in aerobic and anaerobic modes.
About Ebeling Heffernan
Ebeling Heffernan (EF) is a public markets Consultancy Company formed by two experienced stock market analysts, each of whom founded and currently operate two venture capital companies in the USA and Hong Kong. EF showcases its client’s products and services throughout Asia and invests in innovative businesses, the latest technology, novel pharmaceuticals and new markets.
EF offers local companies access to the USA public market sector, providing corporate consultancy, representation, finance, and introductions to global public markets. EF operates several online publications, one of which, Live Trading News, focuses on the broader market and on highlighting investment opportunities in Asia, as many of Asia’s largest companies are not known to western investors.
EF proffers coverage and analysis that offers a new perspective on investing in Asia, covering Real Estate, Travel, Living and Political news, presenting a superior perspective on the various countries of Asia.
A New Prototype Fuel Cell/Hybrid Electric Bus Departs for “The Other Columbia”
Columbia, SC — The Hydrogen Hybrid Bus, a University of South Carolina (USC) mobile test laboratory for hybrid electric, hydrogen fuel cell powered mass transit, departed Columbia, SC today to operate in British Columbia during the 2010 Winter Games.
A purpose-built, 35-foot, 37 passenger bus, the Hydrogen Hybrid Bus, began its journey north, traveling to it’s builder, Proterra, located in Golden, Colorado where it will be serviced for cold weather operations.
“The biggest thing we have to do to the bus is install supplemental heat for the fuel cells and for passenger comfort,” said Dale Hill of Proterra, the bus manufacturer. “The bus was originally planned to have heat later in its life cycle since South Carolina’s climate is relatively mild and the new body composition holds heat and cold quite well. But, when considering operating in Victoria, BC, we needed to accelerate its installation for the opportunity to gather this kind of data at this time in the project,” Hill added.
The composite-bodied Hydrogen Hybrid Bus combines a unique bank of fast-charge, lithium titanate batteries, with two, 16-kw hydrogen fuel cells to produce clean propulsion, emitting only water vapor. “The bus is clean and green. By using hydrogen, one of the most plentiful elements on the Earth, and state-of-the-art batteries, we are able to produce renewable electric power in a lighter, more aerodynamic package better suited for today’s transportation demands in the US and elsewhere,” added Hill.
In South Carolina for testing, since August of 2009, the bus will return to Columbia to become part of the University of South Carolina transit fleet once the Canadian demonstration is concluded.
“Because the bus has done so well here, (in Columbia) we think it is ready for a higher visibility engagement with a different set of challenges,” said Jason Hanlin of the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), the project manager for the Hydrogen Hybrid Bus. Operating during those winter conditions will yield valuable data from a strong contrasting environment for comparison against data gathered in South Carolina. It will also provide an opportunity for others to evaluate this leading edge technology,” Hanlin said.
“SCRA is pleased to lead investment in this and other projects that develop and grow a sustainable alternative energy economy in the Midlands and throughout South Carolina,” said Bill Mahoney, SCRA CEO, one of the Hydrogen Hybrid Bus project partners.
The Hydrogen Hybrid Bus is part of the National Fuel Cell Bus Program. Media interested in information about the Hydrogen Hybrid Bus are asked to contact Jeff Ranta, Public Relations Manager for the Hydrogen Hybrid Bus (803) 600-3091, jeff@bigfishadpr.com. For more information about the bus visit www.hydrogenhybridbus.com.
A New Prototype Fuel Cell/Hybrid Electric Bus Travels to British Columbia
The Hydrogen Hybrid Bus, a University of South Carolina (USC) mobile test laboratory for hybrid electric, hydrogen fuel cell powered mass transit, will be leased to BC Transit for demonstration and evaluation with support from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Canadian Government.
On Monday at 11 AM, the 35-foot, 37 passenger bus begins its journey north, leaving from Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (CMRTA)’s lot on 3613 Lucius Rd. and traveling to Golden, Colorado where it will be serviced for cold weather operation and then proceed to Victoria, British Columbia for transit operation. Pending final approval from the Canadian Government, the bus will begin carrying passengers for approximately one month to support the influx of visitors to Victoria during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The bus has been in Columbia undergoing testing since August of 2009. Upon completion of the BC Transit demonstration, the bus will return to Columbia to become part of the University of South Carolina transit fleet.
“The biggest thing we have to do is install supplemental heat for the fuel cells and for passenger comfort,” said Dale Hill of Proterra, the bus manufacturer. “The bus was originally planned to have heat later in its life cycle since South Carolina’s climate is relatively mild and the new body composition holds heat and cold quite well. But, when considering operating in Victoria, BC, we needed to accelerate this planned installation for the opportunity to gather this kind of data at this time in the project,” Hill added.
The composite-bodied Hydrogen Hybrid Bus combines a unique bank of fast-charge, lithium titanate batteries, with two, 16-kw hydrogen fuel cells to produce clean propulsion, emitting only water vapor.
“The bus is clean and green. By using hydrogen, one of the most plentiful elements on the Earth, and state-of-the-art batteries, we are able to produce renewable electric power in a lighter, more aerodynamic package better suited for today’s transportation demands in the US and elsewhere,” added Hill.
“Because the bus has done so well here, we think it is ready for a higher visibility engagement with a different set of challenges,” said Jason Hanlin of the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), the organization managing the project. “The passenger demand and climate extremes during the Winter Olympics will provide us with data from a contrasting environment for comparison against data gathered in South Carolina. It will also provide an opportunity for others to evaluate this leading edge technology,” Hanlin said.
“SCRA is pleased to lead investment in this and other projects that develop and grow a sustainable alternative energy economy in the Midlands and throughout South Carolina,” said Bill Mahoney, SCRA CEO.
Part of the National Fuel Cell Bus Program, the Hydrogen Hybrid Bus will be one of several hydrogen-fuel-cell powered buses used by the BC Transit during the Olympic Games. Media interested in covering this story are asked to contact Jeff Ranta, Public Relations Manager for the Hydrogen Hybrid Bus (803) 600-3091, jeff@bigfishadpr.com. For more information about the bus visit www.hydrogenhybridbus.com.
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Facts about the Hydrogen Hybrid Bus:
A prototype, the Hydrogen Hybrid Bus was built by Proterra with funding from the Federal Transit Administration as part of the National Fuel Cell Bus Program, managed by the Center for Transportation and the Environment. The demonstration in Columbia, SC is the result of a partnership of local agencies and businesses including the University of South Carolina – City of Columbia Fuel Cell Collaborative, SCRA, Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (CMRTA), the City of Columbia, EngenuitySC, Signature Transportation Services, and the University of South Carolina (USC).
The Hydrogen Hybrid Bus is engaged in a three-year demonstration and evaluation project to prove the feasibility of advanced, hydrogen fuel cell technology applications for mass transit.
The primary mission of the demonstration program is to gather and transmit data to federal and state agencies on the bus’ performance including the onboard fuel cells and fast charge battery components. All of the captured data is sent to various locations for evaluation, including the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado for public reporting.
South Carolina and USC were the first choice of bus demonstration and evaluation locations because of their prominence in fuel cell and hydrogen research.
Costs for transporting the bus and managing the bus on site will be borne by the British Columbia Transit Authority. The Canadian Government is providing all required funding for the Winter Games phase of the bus demonstration.
For more information about the Hydrogen Hybrid Bus, visit www.hydrogenhybridbus.com
- Dantherm Power develops clean energy, fuel cell backup power systems
- Partners bring extensive expertise in fuel cells and other clean energy
solutions
- Joint investment in Dantherm Power will accelerate development of fuel
cell markets
VANCOUVER–Ballard Power Systems (TSX: BLD; NASDAQ: BLDP) announced that it has acquired a controlling interest in Denmark-based Dantherm Power, partnering with co-investors Danfoss A/S and Dantherm A/S.
Dantherm Power develops clean energy backup power systems, utilizing Ballard’s hydrogen fuel cell technology, for telecom equipment suppliers including Motorola and Ericsson. The joint investment and partnering support from Ballard, Danfoss and Dantherm is expected to result in accelerated development of fuel cell backup power applications across Europe.
“Dantherm Power has a strong track record in fuel cell backup power systems in telecommunications, including the largest European fuel cell installation for TETRA emergency networks as well as for telecom service providers”, said John Sheridan, Ballard’s President and CEO. “Through this Dantherm Power investment, Ballard will now be actively involved with delivery of complete backup power systems, in addition to providing fuel cell stacks and power modules to leading companies including IdaTech, Plug Power, Baxi Innotech and ISE Corporation, in other markets.”
Torben Duer, President and CEO of Dantherm A/S, which is a manufacturing partner of Dantherm Power, added “Dantherm Power is already supplying clean energy power products to some of our key customers, like Motorola. This investment will increase momentum behind fuel cell product development work at Dantherm Power and will help accelerate growth of fuel cell power in the backup telecom market.”
“This strategic co-investment with Ballard, the leader in fuel cells, and Dantherm A/S creates a leading supplier of fuel cell power solutions”, commented Niels Christiansen, President and CEO of Danfoss A/S. “We believe that this relationship will work well for our clean energy strategy, which today includes wind, solar and biofuels. We believe that fuel cell power can play an important role in our key markets, including renewable energy products and environmentally friendly heating.”
Investment Details
Ballard is investing $6 million for a controlling interest in Dantherm Power, in two tranches between 2010 and 2012. Ballard will also provide knowledge and intellectual property related to core fuel cell technology. Dantherm Power will continue its current commercial initiatives, including sales of hydrogen-based products incorporating Ballard’s fuel cell stack. In addition to its cash investment, Dantherm A/S will continue to provide operational support and collaborative sales and marketing activities through its worldwide sales organization. Danfoss A/S will invest cash, proprietary technology, expertise, as well as operational and commercial assistance through its network of 93 sites in 25 countries. Executives from the three companies will form a new board of directors for Dantherm Power.
Background
Ballard Power Systems provides clean energy fuel cell products enabling optimized power systems for a range of applications. Ballard provides fuel cell stacks to leading fuel cell companies including IdaTech, LLC, Plug Power Inc., Baxi Innotech GmbH, Heliocentris Fuel Cells AG and FutureE Fuel Cell Solutions GmbH. Ballard also provides power modules to system integrators seeking a ‘plug-and-play’ approach including, for example, ISE Corporation which integrates Ballard power modules with hybrid electric drives on transit buses. Now with this investment in Dantherm Power, Ballard will also be actively involved with the delivery of complete backup power systems for OEM’s and other suppliers to the telecom sector in Europe.
About Dantherm Power
Dantherm Power is a 40-person company focused on development and production of commercially viable fuel cell-based backup power systems for use in IT and telecom network base stations. A significant recent market achievement has been the development, and deployment with Motorola, of 123 fuel cell based backup power systems for radio stations connected to Denmark’s new public safety network – SINE. To learn more about Dantherm Power, please visit http://www.dantherm-power.com.
About Danfoss A/S
Danfoss A/S is one of the largest industrial companies in Denmark with a global group focused on development and manufacture of mechanical and electronic components for a number of industries, including solar energy, heating, industrial automation, water control and high pressure systems. Danfoss A/S generated revenue of 3.6B Euros in 2008, with over 26,000 employees in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and other regions. Danfoss A/S is actively involved in clean energy solutions based on solar, wind and biofuel technologies. To learn more about Danfoss A/S, please visit http://www.danfoss.com/OtherSites/NAdirect/group+global.
About Dantherm A/S
Dantherm A/S (NASDAQ OMX Copenhagen: DANTH) is, in addition a shareholder in Dantherm Power, parent company of the two business divisions: Dantherm Air Handling and Dantherm Filtration. Dantherm A/S has factories and sales companies in a number of European countries, the USA and Asia and offers products, solutions and services based on the mission – clean air for people. Dantherm Air Handling has a broad range of products for electronics cooling for the telecom industry, industrial and residential ventilation, dehumidification and heating/cooling. Dantherm Filtration is a leading worldwide supplier of industrial air filtration products, solutions and services to a wide range of industries. To learn more about Dantherm A/S, please visit www.dantherm.com.
About Ballard Power Systems
Ballard Power Systems (TSX: BLD; NASDAQ: BLDP) provides clean energy fuel cell products enabling optimized power systems for a range of applications. To learn more about Ballard, please visit www.ballard.com
Chris Dinapoli and Greg Bufano hang out near the new – and green – hydrogen-fueling station in Eastchester.
BY Bill Egbert
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
The Bronx has taken another bold step into a greener future with the opening of the first hydrogen-fueling station by a city agency.
As part of the process of shifting from polluting gasoline and diesel to alternative fuels, the city Department of Sanitation unveiled the fueling point Thursday at its facility at 1635 E. 233rd St. in Eastchester.
The move is part of a program by Shell Hydrogen and General Motors to build a national network of hydrogen stations.
“The development of hydrogen-fueling stations and fuel-cell vehicles will bring our nation one step closer toward a sustainable and energy-independent future,” said Sanitation Commissioner John Doherty.
The new Bronx facility joins similar fueling points recently built in White Plains and at Kennedy Airport.
Along with the hydrogen-fueling station, the Sanitation Department gets the use of a Chevy Equinox fuel-cell vehicle as part of GM’s Driveway program, a field-testing initiative to gather detailed data on the vehicles in daily use.
Doherty said the electric SUV will be used by a Sanit supervisor in the Community Board 12 area of the northeast Bronx.
The Sanitation Department already has a large and growing fleet of hybrid collection trucks and street sweepers, and many vehicles that run on compressed natural gas, but none as green as a fuel-cell vehicle.
Fuel-cell cars are powered by electricity generated through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen taken from the air, with the only waste product being water.
The hydrogen-fueling point looks and functions much like a regular gasoline pump, but it fills the car’s tank with compressed hydrogen instead.
Gary Stottler, manager of field service for GM’s fuel-cell test fleet, said GM currently has more than 25 fuel-cell vehicles in the metro area. Many are being used by government agencies evaluating the technology for possible fleet purchases, but a significant number are with individual consumers and commuters.
“We’re trying to get as many potential users familiar with the technology as possible,” he said.
Currently GM’s Driveway program is limited to the Chevy Equinox, but future plans could include hydrogen-powered delivery vehicles, Stottler said, since fuel-cell technology “is very easy to scale up.”
Shifting a portion of the giant fleet of delivery trucks in the city to a zero-emissions fuel would vastly improve air quality in the asthma-ridden Bronx because the majority of truck traffic entering Manhattan passes through the borough.
Move over, Tigergen I; a new generation of hydrogen vehicle is about to be born.
Members of the University of Missouri’s Hydrogen Car Team are now in the construction stage of Tigergen II, which is expected to compete in March at Shell’s Eco-Marathon Challenge in Houston. MU’s roughly 40-member hydrogen car team has spent more than a year designing the vehicle and is now starting to put the pieces together.
“It’s pretty exciting to get it ready for competition instead of just having a demonstration vehicle,” said Forrest Meyen, a junior and president of the team.
Tigergen II has been entered in the competition’s Urban Concept category, which means the car must include parts found on traditional vehicles such as headlights and taillights, a brake pedal and turn signals. Unlike Tigergen I, which requires a driver to remove the entire top of the vehicle to get in, the new car will have to have a door.
Tigergen II is expected to be some 500 pounds lighter than its predecessor, with the team capping it at no more than 300 pounds. To do so, the body and chassis of the vehicle will be integrated as one load-bearing system composed of layers of carbon fibers. Balsa wood, a strong but lightweight wood, will be used for reinforcing beams and braces.
Brunnthal/Munich, Germany– Dethleffs and TV star Till Demtrøder rely on the EFOY fuel cell developed by SFC Smart Fuel Cell in the power supply of their concept vehicle “Cross Country”. Assisted by the TV star, well-known from the TV series “Grosstadtrevier” and “Hallo Robbie”, Dethleffs developed the “Globe4 Cross Country” concept vehicle, which is based on the success-ful Globe4 model. It will be presented at the CMT in Stuttgart, Germany for the first time. The custom-designed vehicle, a showcase of innovative design aspects, combines functional elements with dignified elegance and outdoors experience. The EFOY fuel cell provides reliable independence of the vehicle. It delivers reliable and emission-free energy, and guarantees maximum freedom in remote locations, far from the power grid.
”The Cross Country is a very intimate reflection of my way of life,” asserts Till Demtrøder. The vehicle will be his constant companion on the film set providing a mobile oasis. As well, it will accompany him on tour at horse-riding events provid-ing an elegant ensemble in concert with a horse trailer.
”In this project, we were looking for an independent and ecological power supply solution and we found it in the EFOY fuel cell,” explains Thomas Fritz, Managing Director at Dethleffs. ”The EFOY delivers clean off-grid energy and complements a modern, individual, responsible lifestyle, which is what the Globe4 Cross Country also stands for.”
”We are extremely pleased that the EFOY fuel cell was chosen for this unique project,” so Dr. Peter Podesser, CEO of SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG. ”The fuel cell provides enormous freedom and the ultimate in comfort because it is a quiet, light-weight and emission-free source of energy – just what more and more RV travelers are looking for.”
The EFOY fuel cell is available from 48 recreational vehicle manufacturers throughout Europe, either preinstalled or as an optional accessory. The fuel cells come in five different models with a charging capacity ranging from 600 to 2,200 watt hours per day. Consuming less than a liter of fuel per kilowatt hour, they are an economical, environmentally friendly, and convenient off-grid power supply for recreational vehicles. The EFOY M5 and M10 fuel cartridges with five and ten liters of fuel, respectively are available at over 1,400 sales points across Europe.
For further information visit www.efoy.com and www.sfc.com.
About SFC Smart Fuel Cell
SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG (www.sfc.com) is market leader in fuel cell technologies for mobile and off-grid power applications serving the leisure, industrial and defense markets. As one of Germany’s technology pioneers, SFC has won numerous innovation awards. SFC has alliances with leading companies in a wide range of industries. Unlike most other fuel cell manufacturers, who are in the research and development phase or run subsidized demonstration projects, SFC has shipped more than 16,000 fully commercial products to industrial and private end users for more than five years, and has created a convenient fuel cartridge supply infrastructure. SFC is DIN ISO 9001:2008 certified. SFC is based in Brunnthal, Germany, and has a sales and technical service office in the U.S. SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG is listed in the Prime Standard on the German stock exchange (WKN 756857).
SAN PEDRO, Calif.–Expanding its commitment to bringing cutting-edge, zero-emission solutions to port operations, the Port of Los Angeles is entering into negotiations with Los Angeles-based Vision Industries for the purchase and evaluation of Vision’s hydrogen fuel cell hybrid-electric trucks. The heavy-duty big-rigs will be tested to evaluate their suitability for short and medium distance cargo-hauling (or “drayage”) operations, and other similar applications.
Vision Industries has been marketing its Class 8 zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell hybrid-electric truck for more than a year and will now work with the Port of Los Angeles to further evaluate its performance in the rigorous port trucking environment. The Vision trucks are powered by a combination of a hydrogen fuel cell and lithium batteries and have a potential range of up to 400 miles.
“Los Angeles has been the worldwide leader in reductions in port emissions with initiatives like our highly successful Clean Air Action Plan and Clean Truck Program,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “Our commitment to working with companies that develop zero-emission trucks is another important strategy in our plan to grow Los Angeles green by being a catalyst in testing and bringing to market the most promising emission reduction technologies.”
“The Port’s partnership with Vision Industries reflects our unwavering commitment to pursuing sustainable clean air solutions for the long-term,” said Port Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D. “Our success with the Clean Truck Program has motivated us to continue to be at the cutting edge of zero-emission transportation solutions that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
“We are very pleased to work with the Port of Los Angeles to demonstrate the viability of our zero emission, hybrid electric/hydrogen fuel cell truck,” said Martin Schuermann, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vision Industries. “These vehicles are 30 percent to 40 percent less expensive to operate than diesel trucks. We expect a strong market demand once these trucks are in the hands of California medium and heavy duty equipment operators.”
The Port’s Clean Truck Program, which began in October 2008, has removed thousands of polluting trucks from the Port and delivered at least an 80 percent reduction in air emissions while maintaining an efficient drayage fleet.
Looking forward, the Port of Los Angeles believes that zero emission vehicles will be necessary in coming years in order to contribute to achieving the goals for the transportation and port sectors under California’s AB32 greenhouse gas reduction legislation and the City’s GreenLA initiative. This has led the Port to begin planning for a transition to zero emission vehicles over the next decade.
The Vision Industries trucks will be put through a series of on-road and laboratory tests to demonstrate its usefulness in a variety of drayage duty cycles, including different loads, road conditions and travel distances. Local drayage trucking companies are expected to assist with the demonstration over the next 12 to 18 months, and the University of California at Riverside’s College of Engineering Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) laboratories will help guide the data collection and analysis.
CE-CERT’s partnership with the Port of Los Angeles on this project is expected to help demonstrate the utility of zero emission vehicles in a variety of medium and heavy-duty vehicle applications that extend beyond the port setting. The Port of Los Angeles will be submitting a proposal for funding from the California Energy Commission to help support this project. The California Energy Commission has established an Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program to develop and deploy advanced transportation technologies to help attain the state’s climate change policies.
The Port of Los Angeles will continue working with Balqon Corporation, another Class 8 electric vehicle manufacturer, through an existing contract to demonstrate the use of its fully electric vehicle. The CE-CERT laboratories will also guide these evaluations.
The Port of Los Angeles is America’s premier port and has a strong commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that benefit the economy as well as the quality of life for the region and the nation it serves. As the leading seaport in North America in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates 919,000 regional jobs and $39.1 billion in annual wages and tax revenues. A proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, the Port is self-supporting and does not receive taxpayer dollars.
Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems has torn up its production plans and gone back to the drawing board.
The Business Times
By RONNIE LIM
(SINGAPORE) Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems (RRFCS) – a US$100-200 million alternative-energy joint venture (JV) in which the Singapore government has a stake – has torn up its production plans and gone back to the drawing board.
The project, which was started back in April 2005, had apparently targeted commercial production of its fuel cells this year. These plans may now be pushed back by as much as five years, BT understands.
RRFCS Pte Ltd – the Singapore subsidiary set up by the JV to undertake pilot production of equipment for small but powerful generators using fuel cells – is now in voluntary liquidation.
The JV was looking to make fuel cell-powered generators, each capable of providing a substantial amount of electricity – reportedly enough to power, for instance, 200 households, a hospital, a university or large commercial building.
The fuel cells were to generate electricity by combining fuel and air in an electrochemical reaction.
But BT understands that because of ‘technical issues’, the project has not been able to progress to production stage; hence the closure at this time of the Singapore operation.
‘The project has moved back again into R&D stage, which is being done in the UK and US,’ one source said, the latter because of new US government backing. It is understood that Rolls-Royce’s global fuel cell research is now US-led.
Last September, Rolls- Royce – which established its fuel cell systems US headquarters at Stark State College of Technology – announced that it was expanding its fuel cell research in North Canton, Ohio, adding another 60 jobs there.
Singapore consortium Enertek (comprising EDB Investments, Temasek Holdings and Temasek subsidiary Accuron Technologies), which earlier took a 25 per cent stake, is now understood to have a reduced stake in the JV with Britain’s Rolls-Royce.
‘Singapore’s collaboration in the JV remains,’ one source said. ‘The voluntary liquidation affects just RRFCS Pte Ltd, which was meant for the venture to scale up into the manufacturing stage.’
But this will likely be only around 2016 now, the source said.
Apart from an initial US$100 million, Rolls- Royce and the Singapore consortium were to have invested a further US$100 million in the venture. It is not known how much has been spent so far on the project.
When contacted about the closure of RRFCS’s Singapore operations, an EDB spokesman would only say ‘there is always risk associated with R&D work, and EDB continues to exercise utmost diligence in assessing and managing R&D projects. In the field of fuel cell research, Singapore also continues to build up its capabilities through agencies such as A*Star and Nanyang Technological University.’
Singapore, however, was not unaware of the risks involved.
The JV was a calculated bet at the outset, with then Second Minister for Trade & Industry Vivian Balakrishnan saying at its launch that Singapore must participate in the development of such alternative energy, even though ‘we can’t predict its future and final outcome’.
‘This project has significance . . . It is a model of how Singapore will function, and of Singapore’s niche in the value chain in the future,’ he had said.
Temasek managing director Tan Suan Swee had also cautioned at the time that there were commercial risks involved, in that the technology would not be easy to develop. But, if successful, it would be a major step towards reducing dependence on the world’s limited supply of fossil fuel.
This article was first published in The Business Times.
WHITE PLAINS—New York Power Authority (NYPA) President and Chief Executive Officer Richard M. Kessel today announced the roll-out of NYPA’s Sustainability Action Plan to formalize the implementation of future energy saving and environmental initiatives. NYPA showed its commitment to this effort by introducing a new clean operating fuel cell just installed at its White Plains office.
Kessel was joined by City of White Plains Mayor Adam Bradley, other elected officials, representatives from Federated Conservationists of Westchester County, Inc., other environmental organizations and Robert Byron, product manager, UTC Power stationary fuel cell business, to announce the new plan for future energy and environmental programs to be undertaken by NYPA.
Highlighting the announcement was the new energy saving 200 kilowatt (kw) fuel cell at NYPA’s downtown White Plains office building, which will generate 200 kw continuously, or about 1.6 million kilowatt hours annually, to supply approximately 20 percent of the building’s annual energy requirement. Waste heat from the unit will be used to heat and cool the office’s lobby areas.
This is the first fuel cell to be installed at an office building in Westchester County and its operation is expected to offset about 1,116 tons of carbon dioxide annually contributing to a cleaner environment.
“Leading by example is the way to show others of the benefits of making sustainability a part of everyday life—whether at work or in the home,” said Richard M. Kessel, president and chief executive officer, NYPA. “Sustainability is a practice long followed by the Power Authority. Today’s document formalizes the sustainability practices already underway and, most importantly, provides guidance on accomplishing even more in the future.”
“The new fuel cell is a physical demonstration showing NYPA is not only ‘talking the talk’ but ‘walking the walk’ when it comes to continuing sustainability efforts at the Power Authority,” Kessel added.
www.nypa.gov
“Sustainability is not new to the Power Authority but with the Sustainability Action Plan, we are saying to the public there is more we can do and more we will do to ensure a better environment for future generations,” said Michael Townsend, chair, Board of Trustees, NYPA.
“The City of White Plains is delighted to be the host of NYPA’s new energy saving fuel cell and appreciates NYPA’s commitment to sustainability and energy savings,” said Adam Bradley, mayor, City of White Plains. “As always, White Plains will look to NYPA for ways that it can improve its environmental footprint.”
“NYPA has been a long-time customer and champion of using fuel cells to generate clean on-site power, and UTC Power is extremely pleased to have our fuel cell system powering this sustainable building,” said Neal Montany, director, UTC Power stationary fuel cell business.
The NYPA Sustainability Action Plan was developed, written and produced by a diverse team of NYPA employees—ranging from environmental scientists to workplace safety professionals to facilities management experts to communication specialists. The plan combines NYPA’s longstanding energy saving and environmental conservation practices with future initiatives under one sustainability umbrella to achieve the goals of environmental stewardship, social equity and economic prosperity. The plan was reviewed by a wide-range of individuals and organizations across New York State to get community input prior to it being finalized.
The plan, entitled Generating Sustainability, is comprised of five sections representing NYPA’s major areas of activities: workplace, community, environment, marketplace and operations. It includes 21 key focus areas ranging from health and safety to stakeholder engagement to climate change adaptation. While the plan establishes a long-term framework, in order to make an immediate impact NYPA has identified 41 separate actions that it will strive to complete between 2010 and 2012.
Among the focus areas includes continuing attention to Green Workspaces to keep work environments healthy for NYPA employees and building visitors. Currently, NYPA’s White Plains office uses environmentally-friendly cleaning products and materials. In addition, the plan seeks to develop green guidelines for office renovations which will incorporate LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Commercial Interior standards and is being implemented in the renovation underway on the building’s fifth floor.
In 2006, the NYPA White Plains office building received Gold-EB (existing building) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Program. It was the first building in New York State to receive this designation. The Gold designation signifies that that the Clarence D. Rappleyea Building, which is the name of NYPA’s White Plains office building, at 123 Main Street, meets the rigorous LEED performance standards for five key areas: sustainable site development, energy efficiency, water savings, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. NYPA has also installed a solar system and microturbine that generate energy used in the building.
The plan can be viewed on the Web at www.nypa.gov/sustainability/plan.pdf
NYPA has been a pioneer in demonstrating and installing fuel cells. Westchester County is home to the world’s first fuel cell operating using anaerobic digester gas (ADG), installed by NYPA in 1997, at the county’s waste water treatment facility in Yonkers where it continues to operate. ADG is a byproduct of sewage treatment and a renewable energy source. For more information about the NYPA fuel in Yonkers, see http://www.nypa.gov/services/profiles/yonkersfuelcell.htm.
The new NYPA fuel cell in White Plains is a demonstration model of a new generation of fuel cells.
Including the new fuel cell, NYPA has installed about 16 fuel cells. The Central Park Police Station was one of the only buildings in New York City to have lights during the August 2003 black-out due to a fuel cell installed by NYPA. NYPA has also installed fuel cells at the New York Aquarium, Bronx Zoo, North Central Bronx Hospital, the State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and four waste water treatment complexes in New York City. An ongoing project has NYPA providing fuel cells for the World Trade Center site.
Fuel cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen in a chemical reaction without combustion. They are exceptionally clean and efficient, and require few moving parts, making them a quiet, reliable and safe source of power suitable for around-the-clock operation.
STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT
“The Federated Conservationists of Westchester County (FCWC) applauds NYPA for its long standing dedication to sustainability and clean energy efforts, as they are crucial to building a sustainable future for New York State. FCWC views NYPA as a partner in promoting and implementing sustainability initiatives, as well as a leader, continuing to set standards for industry, by integrating clean, energy efficient technologies into their own buildings,” stated Steven Levy, co-president, FCWC.
“NYPA’s environmental leadership at the state level is critical to ensuring that policies and practices safeguard future generations of New Yorkers,” says Kyle Rabin, director of the Manhattan-based Network for New Energy Choices. “The comprehensive Sustainability Action Plan illustrates the authority’s commitment to environmental stewardship, social equity and economic prosperity. Notably, the plan embraces the interconnections between energy and water and the importance of factoring both into policies, practices, and planning.”
“NYPA’s Sustainability Action Plan illustrates proactive leadership in meeting the needs of today without harming our future” said Miquela Craytor, executive director, Sustainable South Bronx. This plan represents a concentrated effort to ensure the Power Authority’s relationship for all New Yorkers is a sustainable one. We applaud their efforts and look forward to assisting in the implementation of the plan in our communities.
“This plan is a testament to NYPA practicing what they preach, and putting sustainability into action,” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director for Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “NYPA’s Sustainability Action Plan demonstrates needed leadership from the public sector to help fight climate change, create good jobs, and promote energy independence. It really is good planning that can reshape our future and bring us a better tomorrow.”
“We commend NYPA’s efforts to prioritize sustainability across the board, from daily operations and community investments to its major role in New York’s energy marketplace,” said Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY). “Generating Sustainability shows an important emphasis on demand response and other energy efficiency initiatives, a commitment to expanding NYPA’s renewable generation portfolio through projects like Great Lakes Offshore Wind, and a renewed focus on clean energy procurements. With initiatives such as these, NYPA continues to lead the State in developing a thriving clean energy economy that will benefit New Yorkers for generations to come.”
“The New York Power Authority has always been a major producer of clean, renewable hydropower at its Niagara power generating facility. Over the course of the last year, the Power Authority has moved into the vanguard of efforts to make New York State a national leader in all forms of renewable energy and related technology, including wind and solar power,” said Paul Dyster, mayor, City of Niagara Falls. “The City of Niagara Falls looks forward to working closely with NYPA in the future to create hundreds of sustainable “Green Collar” jobs, reduce our carbon footprint, and increase our state and nation’s supply of clean, renewable energy. We believe the Authority shares our “Green-to-Green” philosophy, recognizing that the highest best use for today’s renewable energy is to create renewable energy for the future, and we commend Governor Paterson and President and CEO Richard Kessel for their vision and leadership on energy issues.”
“NYPA’s commitment to sustainability in New York State is a positive step forward for the Buffalo Niagara region,” said Andrew J. Rudnick, President and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. “Our employers will have greater opportunity for cost savings from energy efficiency through the sharing of best practices and expertise; and the greater emphasis on renewable energy provides outstanding opportunity for manufacturers and other suppliers in Buffalo Niagara. For our employers, the economic impact of this action plan is a significant added benefit to the overall environmental strategy.”
About NYPA:
■ The New York Power Authority uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. ■ NYPA is a leader in promoting energy efficiency, new energy technologies and electric transportation initiatives. ■ It is the nation’s largest state-owned electric utility, with 18 generating facilities in various parts of New York State and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. ■ About 75 percent of the electricity it produces is clean renewable hydropower. Its lower-cost power production and electricity purchases support hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout the state. ■ For more information, www.nypa.gov.
About UTC Power:
UTC Power is part of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), which provides energy-efficient products and services to the aerospace and building industries. UTC is a founding member of the U.S. Green Building Council and the Pew Center on Global Climate Change and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index each year since it was launched in 1999. Based in South Windsor, Conn., UTC Power is the world leader in developing and producing fuel cells that generate energy for buildings and for transportation, space and defense applications. For more information, please visit www.utcpower.com
BOTHELL, Wash.– Neah Power Systems, Inc. (’Neah’) (OTCBB:NPWZ) , the company developing fuel cell-based renewable energy solutions, announced today that the Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) named it a finalist for Innovative Manufactured Product of the Year as part of its 15th annual Industry Achievement Awards (IAA). The awards recognize Washington State companies, organizations and students who best demonstrate technology and service innovation and excellence. To get more information and to register for the event, go to: www.washingtontechnology.org/IAA.
Neah Power was recognized for its innovation in the development of the most competitive fuel cell and fuel cell-based renewable energy solutions through its breakthrough technology and differentiated manufacturing model. The Company’s fuel cells are designed to replace existing rechargeable battery technology in mobile electronic devices. The Company focuses on the development of silicon-based fuel cells for military application and portable electronic devices. The Company has developed a direct methanol micro fuel cell that can serve as a replacement for batteries in a range of mobile products.
“We had a terrific group of applicants for this year’s Industry Achievement Awards. The finalists demonstrate once again the incredible creativity and innovation going on across all sectors of our industry,” said Ken Myer, president and CEO of the WTIA. “We congratulate all the finalists and look forward to unveiling the winners in March.”
“We are pleased and honored to receive this recognition from such an esteemed organization. This is further proof that our differentiated, IP – protected technology, our capital efficient manufacturing model, and our cost effective products can meet and exceed the needs of our customers,” said Dr. Chris D’Couto, President and CEO of Neah Power Systems. “We are grateful and appreciative of this recognition for our Infinity line of products.”
About the Washington Technology Industry Association
The Washington Technology Industry Association, founded in 1984, is one of the largest statewide associations of technology companies, IT departments and individual technology professionals in North America. With more than 1,000 members representing more than 125,000 employees in Washington State, the association is a catalyst for sharing expertise, fostering collaboration, delivering key business services and advancing the value and global impact of technology companies doing business in Washington. The association’s global partners are Microsoft, Regence BlueShield, Vertafore and Wells Fargo Insurance Services. The association’s funding partners are AH&T Insurance, F5 Networks, Moss Adams LLP and RealNetworks. For more information, go to www.washingtontechnology.org.
About NEAH Power
NEAH Power Systems, Inc. (NPWZ) is developing long-lasting, efficient and safe power solutions for the military and for portable electronic devices. NEAH uses a unique, patented, silicon-based design for its micro fuel cells that enable higher power densities, lower cost and compact form-factors. The company’s micro fuel cell system can run in aerobic and anaerobic modes, and is developing energy storage solutions based on its proprietary porous silicon technology. For fuel cell product information, or SolCool product information, please email products@neahpower.com.
Agreement creates co-development relationship to produce advanced analytical laboratory equipment
Lenno, Como (ITA) and Wallingford, Connecticut (USA)–An important agreement was signed today between Claind, a 30-year old Italian manufacturer of gas generators, and Proton Energy Systems, a leading American company that produces on-site hydrogen generation systems.
The agreement is a commercial and technological partnership that joins Claind’s many years of experience and world’s leading position in the generation of hydrogen, nitrogen and zero air products with Proton Energy’s expertise in the development and manufacturing of on-site hydrogen generation systems that utilize PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) technology. Proton Energy is the world’s leading supplier of PEM based hydrogen generators.
Through this technological interchange, Claind and Proton Energy will utilize the most advanced gas production technologies and offer the analytical laboratory market a highly reliable, safe and high performance solution for onsite hydrogen, nitrogen and zero air generators. Claind and Proton Energy are positioned to take advantage of each company’s strengths in the market and use this combined strength to become leaders in the laboratory equipment market.
Claind’s Chairman of the Board, Renzo Cogotzi and Sales Director, Nicola Tunesi, believe “The alliance with Proton has a double relevance for Claind: the commercial relationship with Proton will provide access to the American market for our nitrogen and air generators, where we are confident to enter together as main players. This cooperative agreement also allows Claind to utilize the most advanced PEM hydrogen generation technology, improving reliability and performance, for distribution in worldwide markets we are currently active in.”
“Proton Energy is excited about this co-development agreement with Claind, which will allow for an expansion of our product offering in the analytical laboratory market as well as an expansion of our hydrogen generator technology to markets not currently addressed,” said Robert Friedland, Proton Energy’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
“We look forward to the partnership between Claind and Proton Energy Systems,” said John Speranza, Proton Energy’s Vice President of Hydrogen Product Sales. “By partnering together, we can enhance our global capabilities and reach in the laboratory marketplace by expanding the portfolio of solutions that both companies bring to potential customers.”
The alliance strengthens the two companies as leaders in the development and manufacturing of gas generation technology for analytical applications. Both companies have developed a very good reputation in their respective markets and together will expand their reach beyond traditional geographical boundaries.
About Claind
Since its foundation, in 1979, Claind has grown up achieving the leader position in the European market as one of the main worldwide manufacturers of gas generators.
Claind instruments, based on exclusive patents, are the result of many years’ researches carried on by Claind technicians in association with many important research centers and Italian and foreign universities.
The safety and reliability of its products make Claind the selected supplier of gas generators in all the UK universities and the partner of main Industrial Manufacturers in the world.
About Proton Energy Systems
Proton Energy Systems designs and manufactures proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrochemical systems to make hydrogen from water in a zero pollution process producing safe, pure, reliable onsite hydrogen to meet today’s global hydrogen requirements. Proton Energy Systems has been developing and manufacturing world-class electrolysis systems since 1996, with thousands of units deployed world-wide, on every continent. With a reputation for building robust, reliable, and safe systems, federal, state, and commercial partners repeatedly seek the creative solutions that Proton Energy Systems has proven it is capable of delivering. For more information, visit www.ProtonEnergy.com .
UTC's 1,984-lb/900-kg “box” contains the fuel cell, electronic controls, and the hydrogen fuel, air and water management systems. To make the diesel-to-fuel-cell transition as seamless and easy as possible for the bus manufacturer, all connections to the fuel cell are on one face of a unit that can be installed in the space typically occupied by a diesel engine. Source: UTC
SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn. — UTC Power, a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company, today announced one of its latest generation PureMotion® Model 120 fuel cell powerplants for hybrid-electric transit buses has surpassed 5,000 operating hours in real-world service with its original cell stacks and no cell replacements. This powerplant is aboard an Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) bus operating in the Greater Oakland, California area.
According to UTC Power Vice President-Transportation Ken Stewart, “Stack durability matters. It is recognized by the industry as a key challenge in commercializing fuel cell vehicles worldwide. The last time we serviced the stacks in that bus, all of the candidates for President still had nine months of campaigning to do. UTC Power has significantly improved fuel cell stack durability and we’re confident that our progress will continue.”
AC Transit Interim General Manager Mary King commented, “This is an important milestone for our program that shows the steady progress of fuel cell technology and its potential value to urban transit fleets.”
A modified Van Hool A330 FC bus, ready for hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric service. Source: ABC
Three of AC Transit’s buses are equipped with UTC Power fuel cell systems and have now traveled more than 213,000 miles, with an average fuel economy that is 65 percent better than the control fleet of diesel buses running the same routes and duty cycles.
Fuel cell buses have a significant effect on reducing greenhouse gases, ranging from a 43 percent reduction over diesel buses if hydrogen is supplied from the reformation of natural gas, up to a 100 percent reduction when hydrogen is generated from on-site renewable sources like solar and wind power.
A recent report on worldwide hydrogen bus demonstration programs completed on behalf of the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration noted that zero-emission buses performed well across a wide range of operating conditions, including hilly and flat terrain, hot and cold temperatures and high and low-speed duty cycles. There were no major safety issues over millions of miles of vehicle service, and most participants found that drivers preferred fuel cell buses to compressed natural gas or diesel, noting their smooth ride, ease of operation, strong acceleration and ability to maneuver well in traffic.
“Demonstrations of fuel cell buses in real-world service significantly lower greenhouse gases today and are essential to commercial fuel cell product introductions in the future,” Stewart said. “We are extremely pleased to have a visionary company like AC Transit as a partner and look forward to many more years of a successful collaboration in advancing fuel cell bus technology.”
UTC Power has provided fuel cell power plants for fleet transportation since 1998 and its fuel cells have powered buses in the United States, Spain, Italy and Belgium. The company’s latest-generation proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell system has delivered more than 350,000 miles of commercial service for city transit bus fleets.
UTC Power is part of United Technologies Corp., which provides energy-efficient products and services to the aerospace and building industries. Based in South Windsor, Conn., UTC Power is a world leader in developing and producing fuel cells for on-site power at buildings and for transportation applications.
AC Transit serves more than 1.5 million people in 13 cities (including Oakland and Berkeley) and two counties in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area. With a fleet of 634 buses, it carries more than 67 million passengers annually.
Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid (Iwatani Corporation version)
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today delivered a Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid to Iwatani Corporation, an energy development company based in Japan. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid is Mazda’s latest hydrogen rotary engine (RE) vehicle which uses hydrogen as a fuel and features a unique hybrid system.
The delivery marks the fifth Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid to be leased by Mazda, and the second to be provided to Iwatani Corporation. The first model was delivered to Iwatani Corporation in May 2009. The new vehicle will be mainly used for business purposes and will be based at the Kitakyushu Hydrogen Station. It is the first hydrogen rotary engine vehicle to be leased in Kyushu, the most southwesterly of Japan’s four main islands.
The Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid uses a unique hybrid system with power delivered to the vehicle’s wheels by an electric motor. This powertrain substantially enhances the driving performance and boosts the hydrogen fuel driving range to 200 kilometers, twice the range of Mazda’s previous hydrogen vehicle, the RX-8 Hydrogen RE. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid can run on gasoline as well as hydrogen thanks to a dual-fuel system that was developed for the RX-8 Hydrogen RE.
Mazda’s program manager in charge of hydrogen RE development, Akihiro Kashiwagi, said, “Mazda is pleased to deliver a second Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid to the Iwatani Corporation. Iwatani has been a leader in advancing the use of hydrogen energy for years. We’re doubly delighted that the vehicle will be used in Fukuoka prefecture, an area known as a research hub for the real-world use of hydrogen energy.”
Main specifications of the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid
| Base model: | Mazda Premacy |
| Overall length: | 4,565 mm |
| Overall width: | 1,745 mm |
| Overall height: | 1,620 mm |
| Engine: | Mazda’s hydrogen rotary engine (with dual-fuel system) |
| Motor: | Alternating current synchronous motor |
| Maximum output: | 110 kW |
| Generator: | Alternating current synchronous generator |
| Battery: | Lithium-ion (Li-ion) |
| Seating capacity: | Five |
| Fuel: | Hydrogen and gasoline |
| Hydrogen tank: | 35 MPa high-pressure tank |
History of Mazda’s hydrogen vehicle development
| 1991 | Developed first hydrogen rotary engine vehicle, HR-X |
| 1992 | Conducted test drive of golf cart equipped with fuel cell |
| 1993 | Developed second hydrogen rotary engine vehicle, HR-X2 Developed MX-5 test vehicle equipped with hydrogen rotary engine |
| 1995 | Conducted Japan’s first public road tests of a hydrogen rotary engine vehicle, Capella Cargo. |
| 1997 | Developed Demio FC-EV |
| 2001 | Developed Premacy FC-EV, conducted first public road test in Japan |
| 2003 | Announced RX-8 hydrogen rotary engine development |
| 2004 | Received MLIT approval for public road testing of RX-8 Hydrogen RE |
| 2006 | Started commercial leasing of RX-8 Hydrogen RE in Japan (eight models have been delivered to date) |
| 2007 | Signed agreement to provide RX-8 Hydrogen REs to HyNor, a Norwegian national transportation project |
| 2008 | Commenced public road tests in Norway with RX-8 Hydrogen RE validation vehicle |
| 2009 | Commenced commercial leasing of Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid |
SOUTHBOROUGH, MA; Protonex Technology Corporation (LSE: AIM: PTX and PTXU) (”Protonex” or “the Company”), a leading provider of advanced fuel cell power systems today announces its preliminary results for the fiscal year ended 30 September 2009.
2009 HIGHLIGHTS
*Programme value includes contracts awarded to Mesoscopic Devices before acquisition in April 2007.
Post period end highlights
Commenting on the results, Scott Pearson, CEO of Protonex, said: “We are very happy with the progress made by the Company during a year in which we finalised several core technologies and launched the first of a sequence of important products. With the economy beginning to pull out of recession, along with the rising global shift towards finding cleaner alternative energy solutions, our expectations remain high as we begin producing and selling our first commercial and military fuel cell power products in 2010.”
A copy of the complete press release, including financials, can be obtained on our website at: www.protonex.com
Project funded by Technology Strategy Board
Cheshire, UK – ACAL Energy Ltd, the developer of affordable and reliable fuel cell systems, is leading a collaborative project to build the world’s first installed system using FlowCath® fuel cell technology in a practical application. The project represents an investment of £1.9 million and has been awarded funding by the Technology Strategy Board. It will see a fully operational demonstration system of a FlowCath® fuel cell unit installed at Solvay Interox’s large industrial site at Warrington, Cheshire, and will be a major step on the commercialisation road map for this innovative technology.
Joining ACAL Energy as partners on the project are: Solvay Interox Ltd, Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells, UPS Systems plc, the Centre for Process Innovation, the University of Southampton and the Manufacturing Engineering Centre at Cardiff University.
ACAL Energy and its partners will develop and operate a suitably sized, low cost FlowCath® fuel cell unit to provide continuous electrical power to a remote environmental monitoring system within the chemical manufacturing plant. The project commenced 1st December 2009, with the build and installation taking place in the second half of 2010. Ultimately, fuel cell systems utilizing FlowCath® will be a clean and economically sensible alternative to diesel and gasoline generators in stationary and transportation applications requiring 1kW to 200kW of electrical power.
ACAL Energy’s FlowCath® technology replaces the platinum catalyst on the cathode in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell with a low cost, durable liquid chemical. This will significantly reduce the overall platinum content, as much of the platinum in conventional PEM fuel cells is used in the cathode. ACAL Energy has developed a family of proprietary chemical compounds that deliver the same level of fuel cell power density as today’s platinum cathode systems. Further increases in power density are forecast in the future. The technology also significantly reduces 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.
“Field demonstration of our FlowCath® technology is a very important milestone for the company”, said Dr SB Cha, Chief Executive Officer of ACAL Energy. “This application requires the unit to run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and will be an excellent example of the robustness and reliability of our low cost fuel cell technology. We are delighted to be part of a world-class project team and we are grateful to the UK Technology Strategy Board for their strong support.”
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
IdaTech plc (AIM IDA.L), a global leader in the development and manufacture of clean and reliable PEM fuel cell products for critical backup power markets, today provides a trading update for 2009. The Company will announce its preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2009 at the end of March 2010.
Trading Update
IdaTech has delivered fuel cell system sales volumes ahead of market expectations, despite the extraordinarily difficult year for businesses globally, increasing the number of units sold by over 5 times the 2008 volume. Overall 445 systems were sold during 2009.
Revenue for the year was $6.6 million (2008 $5.9 million) an increase of circa 12% on 2008 with revenue from product sales almost doubling to $4.5 million from $2.4 million. The sales mix in the year compared with 2008 was more heavily skewed towards direct hydrogen systems which have lower selling prices than reformed systems. This was a result of two factors; the economic downturn resulting in IdaTech’s customers utilising certain Government subsidies which currently favour such direct hydrogen fuelled systems and the sale of 300 ElectraGenTMH2-I systems in India to ACME TelePower the Indian telecommunications supplier. The loss before tax on ordinary activities from continuing operations and the cash burn will also be better than market expectations.
During 2009, IdaTech focused its development resources on the next generation methanol/water fueled system and the natural gas fueled system. Once completed, both systems will demonstrate step changes in performance and in cost reduction, thereby positioning IdaTech to address a significantly increased portion of the critical power backup markets worldwide. As a result of this focus, IdaTech will devote its development effort to the 1-5kW power output product range. A non-cash, impairment charge, of $2.7 million (after tax) in the carrying value of the intangible assets will be recorded reflecting the shift away from the commercial development of the smaller 250 Watt product line. The valuation of the core technology of the business remains intact.
The Company also successfully renegotiated its Supply Contract with ACME TelePower to secure more favorable pricing and product launch timing. ACME TelePower remains a strong partner in the Indian Telecommunications market.
Additionally, the Company completed two development contracts. The most significant related to the advanced development of its proprietary metal membrane hydrogen purification technology, Hypurium™ for large scale industrial applications.
Contract Win
At the end of 2009, the Company received an order for 108 systems for delivery and deployment in the first quarter of 2010. This already positions IdaTech for 2010 with a backlog of nearly one quarter of the 2010 full year market expectations.
Further details of the performance of the business during 2009, the Company’s strategy for achieving sustainable growth and profitability and the outlook for 2010 will be provided in the preliminary results.
HIDDEN detail in the natural world could hold the key to future sources of clean energy. So say materials scientists who have created an artificial leaf that can harness light to split water and generate hydrogen.
Plant leaves have evolved over millions of years to catch the energy in the sun’s rays very efficiently. They use the energy to produce food, and the central step in the process involves splitting water molecules and creating hydrogen ions.
By mimicking the machinery plants use to do this, it is possible to create a miniature hydrogen factory, says Tongxiang Fan of The State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China. “Using sunlight to split water molecules and form hydrogen fuel is one of the most promising tactics for kicking our carbon habit,” he says.
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- APTS is a European specialty bus OEM based in The Netherlands
- Ballard power modules will be deployed on four advanced
APTS Phileas buses
- APTS Phileas buses represent a new zero emission concept for mass
transit in Europe
VANCOUVER- Ballard Power Systems (TSX: BLD; NASDAQ: BLDP) announced that it has received a sales order for five FCvelocity(TM)-HD6 power modules from Advanced Public Transportation Systems bv (APTS), a specialty bus OEM in The Netherlands, part of the VDL Group. The 150-kilowatt power modules will be installed and integrated by Vossloh-Kiepe with hybrid electric drive systems in 18-meter (60-foot) articulated Phileas buses manufactured by APTS.
Phileas is a new concept for passenger transport on high frequency dedicated bus lanes. When running on a free bus lane and equipped with magnetic markers for electronic lane assistance and precision docking, Phileas buses can offer the advantages of rapid rail transport.
Ballard’s power module is a ‘plug-and-play’ fuel cell-based product that enables system integrators to build clean energy buses more easily and at lower cost. These power modules incorporate sub-system components addressing humidification, hydrogen pressure regulation, hydrogen recirculation, water management, ventilation and controls. Since these sub-system components and fuel cell stacks are optimized within a power module, they can be more readily integrated with the bus hybrid electric drive system.
Michael Goldstein, Ballard’s Chief Commercial Officer stated, “The deployment of our FCvelocity(TM)-HD6 power modules with APTS and other customers such as BC Transit and Transport for London mean that fuel cell-based power solutions are gaining real traction in the global mass transit marketplace, delivering GHG reductions and energy conservation benefits.” He continued, “Ballard’s foundation of reliability and durability are an ideal fit for our customers in motive power, backup power and distributed generation.”
All the power modules will be shipped to APTS by the second quarter of 2010 and the first APTS Phileas bus incorporating a Ballard power module will be produced this year. Two Phileas buses powered by Ballard fuel cell modules will be operating in Cologne, Germany and two will be operating in Amsterdam. APTS currently has 70 Phileas buses in operation worldwide.
Ruud Bouwman, Director of APTS said, “We are certainly pleased to be working with Ballard on our Phileas buses. APTS sees a sizable potential European market for this fuel cell ‘tram on tires’ concept, with each fuel cell bus reducing CO2 emissions up to 155 tons per year.”
Ballard’s participation in demonstration programs through five generations of heavy duty fuel cell power modules has yielded over two million kilometers (1.2 million miles) of actual revenue service, transporting over seven million passengers on buses in various locations around the world. Ballard’s next generation heavy duty fuel cell power module, the FCvelocity(TM)-HD6, delivers enhanced fuel cell durability and improved efficiency at a reduced cost, while offering an industry leading 12,000-hour (5-year) warranty.
About Ballard Power Systems
Ballard Power Systems (TSX: BLD; NASDAQ: BLDP) provides clean energy fuel cell products enabling optimized power systems for a range of applications. To learn more about Ballard, please visit www.ballard.com.
This year will see the renowned Stuttgart company enter the era of emission free-electric mobility with three series production models – the latest of which is the Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL. As of October this year, it will join the Mercedes-Benz Cars line up of electric drive vehicles. The range already includes the smart fortwo electric drive, the pioneering battery-electric vehicle that has been in production since November 2009. Series production has also commenced on the fuel cell-powered Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL. With these three electric vehicles, the inventor of the automobile is setting decisively the scene for the era of electric mobility and redefining individual mobility.
A-Class E-CELL, B-Class F-CELL and smart electric drive
