Fuel Cell Technology Update - October 2001
TRANSPORTATION
Ballard and Ford Sign CAN$34.5M Agreement. Ballard Power Systems and Ford Motor Company have signed a three-year, CAN$34.5 million (US$22 million) agreement for its Mark 900 series fuel cell power modules and related engineering and support services. <http://www.ballard.com/viewpressrelease.asp?sPrID=236>
GM Introduces High-Density Fuel Cell Stack. General Motors has introduced a high-density fuel cell stack that generates 1.75 kW per liter, the highest power density announced by any fuel cell manufacturer. The new stack has a continuous power output of 102 kW, a peak power output of 129 kW, and a weight of 180 pounds (82 kg). <http://www.gm.com/cgi-bin/pr_display.pl?2512>
PSA Peugot Citroen Signs Two Agreements. PSA Peugeot Citroen have signed two strategic agreements with regard to fuel cell technology for their future models. The PSA agreement with CNR (National Centre for Scientific Research) extends existing research projects dealing with combustion and pollution reduction as well as cleaner, more economical engines, lightweight and recyclable components, theft prevention, new electrode materials, and high capacity batteries. The agreement with CEA (Atomic Energy Commission) concerns research on the hydrogen cycle (production, reforming, storage and safety) and also on fuel cells. <http://www.waitnews.com/psa_and_fuel_cells.htm>
BMW to Unveil Hydrogen Mini Cooper. BMW announced plans to unveil a hydrogen-powered Mini Cooper, featuring an internal combustion engine (ICE) similar to its Clean Energy cars. The Mini Cooper features an advanced hydrogen fuel storage tank that utilizes the same space as a conventional fuel storage tank. <http://www.mini.com>
STATIONARY POWER
IFC Provides England With First Fuel Cell. International Fuel Cells (IFC) has sold a PC25(tm) Power Plant that will power a recreational center in Woking, England, becoming the first commercial fuel cell operating in England. The 200kW PC25 system will be installed at Woking Park and will provide electricity and heat for the Pool in the Park recreational center as well as electricity to light the park. <http://www.internationalfuelcells.com/news/archive/090401.shtml>
MTU to Deliver Seven FC Power Plants in Europe. FuelCell Energy's (FCE) partner MTU Friedrichshafen announced that it will deliver seven new fuel cell power plants in Europe starting later this year. The 250-kW power plants are based on the Direct FuelCell technology of FCE. <http://www.fce.com/site/investor/press/releases/2001/09_18_01.html> - H Power and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Form H Power Japan. H Power Corp. and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. have formed H Power Japan, and will conduct a nine-month feasibility study relating to the sale and distribution of H Power's fuel cell products in Japan and potentially to other countries. <http://www.hpower.com/cgi-bin/pr.cgi?idPressRelease=46>
RWE Plans for CHP Technology by 2004. German utility RWE has plans to launch small-scale Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems for residential and commercial use by the end of 2004, using fuel cell technology. RWE believes that power production based on fuel cells could represent 10 percent of the wholesale market in Germany by 2001.
Suburban Propane Forms Strategic Alliance with Global Thermoelectric. Suburban Propane, L.P. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Global Thermoelectric, Inc. to develop and distribute solid oxide fuel cell power products in propane markets. Global's fuel cell technology will be modified to run on propane to provide power to customers living in remote areas. <http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/112074.html>
PORTABLE POWER
Penn Engineers Develop Liquid Diesel Fuel Cell. Chemical engineers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a prototype fuel cell that runs on diesel fuel. Penn researchers have been awarded $1.8 million by the U.S. Army and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Administration (DARPA) to develop a coffee-can-sized fuel cell capable of generating power equivalent to 50 D-cell batteries. <http://www.intertechusa.com/E-News/Energy/09/news06.htm>
Hydrogenics Awarded Contract for Portable Fuel Cell Project. Hydrogenics Corporation was awarded a contract by the Department of National Defence Canada for the next stage of development of its chemical hydride-fueled portable fuel cell power program. <http://www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/ir_site.zhtml?ticker=hyg.to&script=411&la yout=7&item_id=208521>
FUELS/REFORMERS/STORAGE
Marubeni Joins Japanese Fuel Cell Alliance. Marubeni Corporation has joined the Japanese Methanol Alliance to promote the introduction of methanol-powered fuel cell applications in Japan. Marubeni will provide expertise in fuel distribution and retailing and could also sell methanol through its network of retail service stations in Japan. methanex.com <http://www.methanex.com>
Millennium Cell Provides Fuel System to Ford. Millennium Cell has provided Ford Motor Company with a prototype Hydrogen on Demand fuel system for evaluation in automotive applications. The technology safely generates pure hydrogen or electricity from raw materials such as sodium borohydride. <http://www.millenniumcell.com>
FUEL CELL COMPONENTS
Donaldson Introduces New Fuel Cell Filter Products. Donaldson Company has introduced its FC3 line of fail-safe, integrated airborne contaminant and noise filtration systems designed specifically for fuel cell applications. The FC3 products are being used in jointly-funded contamination control research at Los Alamos National Laboratory. <http://www.donaldson.com/corp/news/>
SatCon Delivers 250-kW Power Conditioning Unit to Siemens. SatCon Technology Corporation shipped a 250-kW power conversion system to Siemens Westinghouse for use in Siemens' solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). SatCon also received an order from Siemens for two additional systems to be delivered by the end of 2001. <http://www.energyinfosource.com/dg/news.cfm?id=13193>
UCI Scientists Build Nanoscale Hydrogen Sensor. Chemists at the University of California-Irvine (UCI) have developed a practical nanoscale hydrogen sensor that can be used to detect dangerous levels of hydrogen in devices such as fuel cells and internal combustion engines.
Sekisui Develops New Membrane. Sekisui Chemical Company has developed a new electrolyte membrane that enables solid polymer fuel cells to operate at higher temperatures. Sekisui, in cooperation with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology and Chiba University, have developed a membrane derived from a mixture of several resin compounds with about 50 percent added silicon. The material can withstand temperatures of 200 to 250 degrees Celsius.
Hydrogenics Wins Order from Nissan Motor. Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has selected Hydrogenics Corporation's FCATS(tm) test systems to support expanding fuel cell research at the Nissan Research Center in Japan. The first-time order totals approximately CAN$1.1 million (US$699,000). <http://www.hydrogenics.com>
REPORTS/MARKET STUDIES
Cleaner Heavy Duty Vehicles. Cleaner Heavy-Duty Vehicles: Analyzing Trends in Advanced Drive Trains and Fuels is a new report by WestStart that looks at the transition to alternative vehicles and fuels. <http://www.calstart.org/misc/synopsis.html>
MISCELLANEOUS
NVCC to Offer Fuel Cell Certificate. Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC) will provide five courses to 20 students who qualified for a Fuel Cell Certificate Program. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be awarded a Fuel Cell Certificate and an interview with FuelCell Energy for possible future employment. ercc.com
Siemens Chooses Site for Fuel Cell Operation. Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation has selected the Pittsburgh area for the expansion of its stationary fuel cells business and will build a 430,000-square-foot manufacturing facility within Allegheny County.
REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS
Public Comments Sought on CA Draft Request for Bids. California Power Authority is seeking public comments on a draft Request for Bids (RFB) for "Stationary Fuel Cells." The Authority hopes to entertain orders of as much as 20 MW of fuel cell capacity by the fall of 2002, 50 MW the year after, and 300 MW the next year. <http://www.capowerauthority.ca.gov/Requestforbids/main.asp>
Fuel Cell Power Generation System. NineSigma, representing a client with expertise in fuel processing technology, is seeking proposals from potential partners interested in the development and commercialization of distillate fueled fuel cells in the 250-kW to 2.5-MW power generation range. <http://www.ninesigma.com/ManagedExchange/rfp_00128_1.html>
TACOM Issues RFP for Future Combat System Program. The U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (TACOM-ARDEC) is seeking proposals for its Future Combat System Multi-Role Armament and Ammunition System. The program will mature and integrate key technology enablers such as advanced propulsion. <http://procnet.pica.army.mil/cbd/RFP/01R0221/01R0221.htm>
Presidio Trust Revises Invitation for Bids for Fuel Cell Cogeneration Plants. The Presidio Trust has issued an RFP for delivery and installation of up to four 1-MW solid oxide fuel cell cogeneration plants. <http://www.presidiotrust.gov/trust/rfp2001_032.asp>
CONFERENCES/CALL FOR PAPERS
ABI's Fuel Cell Dynamics 2001 Rescheduled. Allied Business Intelligence (ABI) has rescheduled "Fuel Cell Dynamics 2001: Reality, Not Hype" to February 6-7, 2002. It is still at the Marriott Marquis in New York City, New York. Leading fuel cell companies will be presenting their views on the fuel cell industry, including future directions and opportunities. For more information, go to <http://www.alliedworld.com/energy/home.html>.
Transportation Transformation. "Transportation Transformation Conference: Sustainability," will be held October 29, 2001, at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, check out <http://www.semashow.com>.
Clean Air Technologies 2001. Clean Air Technologies 2001 will be November 5-6, 2001, at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California. For more information, go to <http://www.aqmdconferences.org>.
18th Annual NAESCO Conference. The 18th Annual National Association of Energy Service Companies' 18th annual conference, "Capturing the Chaos," will be November 7-9, 2001, at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida. For details, go to <http://www.naesco.org>.
4th Business Case for Opportunity and Investment in Fuel Cells. The Center for Business Intelligence (CBI) presents the "4th Business Case for Opportunity and Investment in Fuel Cells: Emerging Fuel Cell Technologies, Applications and Markets," to be held December 3-4, 2001, at the Omni Colonnade in Miami, Florida. <http://www.cbinet.com/>
Earth Technologies Forum. The 13th Annual Conference on Climate Change and Ozone Protection will be March 25-27, 2002, at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. For more information, go to www.earthforum.com <http://www.earthforum.com>.
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