Fuel Cell Technology Update - November 2001
TRANSPORTATION
Ballard Introduces Mark 902, Concludes Bus Demonstration with XCELLSIS. Ballard Power Systems has introduced the Mark 902, its most advanced fuel cell platform to date. The Mark 902 establishes a new standard of performance by optimizing lower cost, design for volume manufacture, reliability, power density and compatibility with customer system requirements. In other news, Ballard and XCELLSIS Fuel Cell Engines announced that the ZEbus (Zero Emission Bus) successfully completed its fuel cell demonstration program with SunLine Transit Agency in Thousand Palms, California. During the thirteen month demonstration, the ZEbus traveled more than 24,000 km (14,900 miles) with a total run time of 865 hours. <http://www.ballard.com/viewpressrelease.asp?sPrID=247>
Ballard Acquires XCELLSIS, Ecostar from DaimlerChrysler and Ford. Ballard Power Systems, DaimlerChrysler and Ford Motor Company have signed an agreement in which Ballard will acquire the interests of DaimlerChrysler and Ford in XCELLSIS GmbH and Ecostar Electric Drive Systems, LLC. This transaction increases DaimlerChrysler and Ford's commitment to, and reliance on, Ballard as their exclusive fuel cell engine supplier. <http://www.ballard.com/viewpressrelease.asp?sPrID=242>
GM, Suzuki to Work on Fuel Cell Cars, GM and Chevron Collaborate. General Motors Corp. (GM) and Suzuki Motors Corp. are expanding their alliance to cover the development of fuel cell vehicles. The collaboration will focus on developing small-car applications for fuel cell technology. GM and ChevronTexaco Corp. have formed a pact to speed the pace of introducing gasoline fuel cells in cars, a technology that cuts emissions of greenhouse gas carbon dioxide in half. <http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20011017/bs/gm_suzuki_dc_2.html>
Ford P2000 Breaks Endurance Record. A group of Ford Motor Company engineers, scientists and marketing specialists recently set a national endurance record with Ford's P2000 fuel cell vehicle. Ford broke the U.S. record for fuel cell endurance during a 24-hour test. The P2000 maintained an average on track speed of 65 mph and an average overall speed of 57.95 mph. Over the course of the 24-hour test, the vehicle traveled 1390.75 miles - further than any other fuel cell vehicle has traveled in a single day. <http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=9997>
Metallic Power Delivers Fuel Cell Prototypes to SCAQMD. Metallic Power has provided a demonstration fuel cell-powered riding lawnmower and a 2 kW portable power system for turf and garden care, to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). The zinc-air fuel cell was incorporated into a prototype electric motor provided by Toro Company. <http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Oct01/22Oct0104.html>
Palcan Signs MOUs with Chuang Yuan, Forever for FC Bicycles. Palcan Fuel Cell Company, Ltd. has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Chuang Yuan Group Company, Ltd. for the joint development of a fuel cell-powered bicycle. Palcan also signed an MOU with Shanghai Forever Company, Ltd. for the manufacturing and integration of Palcan's PalPac portable fuel cell system into Forever's electric bicycles and motor scooters. <http://www.palcan.com/s/NewsReleases.asp?ReportID=28716> <http://www.palcan.com/s/NewsReleases.asp?ReportID=28458>
Proton Receives Navy Contract. The Naval Research Laboratory has awarded a $6.2 million contract to Proton Energy Systems as part of a DARPA "Water Rocket" program that will apply Proton's PEM fuel cell technology to advanced space propulsion and energy systems. Proton's team on this contract includes General Dynamics, ATK Thiokol, Schafer Corporation, and Myers Manufacturing Company. <http://www.energyinfosource.com/dg/news.cfm?id=13565>
U.S. Army Awards $2.9 Million to Pittsburgh Electric Engine. The U.S. Army has awarded a $2.9 million contract to Pittsburgh Electric Engine, Inc. to develop a fuel cell engine. Development of the engine, which will combine traditional turbine and fuel cell technology, should begin in December.
STATIONARY POWER
GM Demonstrates Backup Power Unit, Will Work With Hydrogenics. General Motors Corp. unveiled a demonstration stationary power unit designed to provide backup power to cellular towers during power outages. The backup generator, known as the HyUPS system, is about the size of a refrigerator and can generate up to 25 kW for up to two hours. GM has teamed up with Hydrogenics Corporation for fuel cell product development, engineering, prototyping, testing, branding and marketing strategies. If the test of the backup unit is successful, 35 demonstration sites in California have been identified and Hydrogenics is working with Nextel Communications for investment in 2002. <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A8864-2001Oct29.html> <http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/011017/law032_1.html>
Chevron Data Center to be Powered by Fuel Cell. Chevron Corporation announced that a 200-kW fuel cell will soon be used to power the company's data center in San Ramon, California. The unit will cost $850,000 and will be fueled by natural gas. <http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2001/09/28/BU122253.DTL>
FuelCell Energy to Supply Coast Guard with Fuel Cell Power Plant. FuelCell Energy and PPL Spectrum have been selected to supply and install a 250-kilowatt Direct FuelCell power plant for the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod in Bourne, Massachusetts. Project sponsors include the National Energy Technology Laboratory, the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust, and Keyspan, Inc. <http://www.fuelcellenergy.com/site/investor/press/releases/2001/10_18_01.ht ml>
Cummins and McDermott Receive DOE Contract. Cummins Power Generation has received a contract for $20 million from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to initiate the first phase of developing an affordable and compact 10 kW fuel cell module. Cummins, working with McDermott Technology, Inc., intends to engineer a fuel cell power generation system for multiple consumer and commercial markets. <http://www.energyinfosource.com/dg/news.cfm?id=13468>
Ballard Joins Forces with EBARA and Osaka Gas. Ballard Power Systems will join forces with EBARA Corp. and Osaka Gas to develop a hydrogen fuel cell generator for the Japanese residential market. The power generator, to be launched in 2004, will likely sit outside the house and will use natural gas to generate about 1 kW a day. <http://www.ballard.com/viewpressrelease.asp?sPrID=244>
Fuel Cell Developers Collaborate in Germany. EWE, MVV, Ruhrgas AG and VNG AG are working together to launch fuel cells in the residential and industrial market by 2005. The companies, two utilities and two gas distributors and importers, will combine their resources for research and development and the implementation of fuel cell technology. <http://www.earthvision.net/ColdFusion/News_Page1.cfm?NewsID=18301>
CERL Awards Contract for Fuel Cell Systems to Plug Power. Plug Power received a $1.2 million award from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) to supply ten fuel cell systems to the Watervliet Arsenal in New York State. Installation of the systems is scheduled to be completed in December. <http://www.dodfuelcell.com/pr_101001.html>
Stuart Energy Signs LOI With Cheung Kong. Stuart Energy has signed a seven-year letter of intent (LOI) with Cheung Kong to sell hydrogen backup generators in the Asia-Pacific region that could be worth more than CAN$600 million in revenue. The LOI aims for a minimum of 2,750 hydrogen-based generators for buildings to be delivered by March 2004. stuartenergy.com
Global Thermoelectric Announces MOU with Citizens Gas. Global Thermoelectric, Inc. and Citizens Gas & Coke Utility of Indianapolis, Indiana, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding a project to modify Global's residential solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) products. <http://biz.yahoo.com/cnw/011010/global_mou_indianapol_1.html>
PORTABLE POWER
Tel Aviv University Develops Portable Fuel Cell. RAMOT, the Authority for Applied Research and Industrial Development at Tel Aviv University (TAU) is looking for investors for the establishment of a new start-up company called GreenFuel (temporary name), which will develop and manufacture fuel cells. The new company will focus on the development of fuel cells for portable devices.
GES Demonstrates 150-W Direct Methanol Fuel Cell System. Research funded by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory has resulted in the successful fabrication and testing of a complete "liquid feed direct methanol fuel cell system" by Giner Electrochemical Systems, LLC. (GES). The 150-watt system - which can store enough methanol for 5000 watt-hours of operation - will be used by the U.S. Army as a portable battery charger. <http://www.ginerinc.com>
Manhattan Scientifics and Mihama Announce Fuel Cell Cooperation, Demonstrate Power Holster Concept in Japan. Manhattan Scientifics is engaged in a cooperative effort with Japan's Mihama Corporation to establish a Japanese industrial team to complete development and prepare its MicroFuel Cell(tm) technology for commercial production. As part of this effort, Mihama presented the new PowerHolster(tm) portable charger fueled from sealed ampoules. The PowerHolster(tm) achieves 1 watt of power and could provide consumers with unprecedented cell phone talk time as well as the extended use of other portable electronics. <http://www.mhtx.com/media_center/pressrelease38.htm\>
General Dynamics Receives Fuel Cell From Acumentrics. General Dynamics Communication Systems has taken delivery of a tubular solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) developed by Acumentrics Corporation. General Dynamics plans to integrate the stacks into a series of advanced power sources - generators and auxiliary power units. <http://www.energyinfosource.com/dg/news.cfm?id=13407>
Defence R&D Canada To Study EVI DMFC. Defence R&D Canada is planning to begin a study of Energy Visions Inc.'s (EVI) direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) technology for evaluation in several military applications. One potential area of interest for initial use is a small portable power unit that can charge the soldier's battery packs. <http://energyvi.com/view.asp?PR=49>
FUELS/REFORMERS/STORAGE
BP to Build Hydrogen Fueling Stations in Singapore. BP and the Economic Development Board (EDB) have signed a letter of intent to build hydrogen refueling stations for future Singapore motorists driving hydrogen-powered vehicles. BP plans to install the hydrogen refueling facilities, which cost between US$500,000 to US$1.5 million each, in 2003. edie.net <http://just-auto.com/news_detail.asp?art=35408&dm=yes>
H2fuel Working on New Membrane Technology to Produce Hydrogen. H2fuel, LLC, an affiliate of Avista Labs, is developing new technology that would greatly reduce the cost of producing hydrogen for use in fuel cells. The new membrane-based technology works by eliminating carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide from readily available fuels such as natural gas and propane, thus allowing the production of nearly pure hydrogen. <http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/011017/sfw036_1.html>
FUEL CELL COMPONENTS
Vairex to Provide Air Delivery Systems for FCV. Guardian Technologies International, Inc., announced that Vairex Corporation has signed a contract to provide engineering and demonstration air delivery systems for a power plant for a fuel cell vehicle being developed by a leading auto manufacturer.
TMI Improves Clad Metal Systems. Technical Materials, Inc. (TMI) has achieved significant progress in developing clad metal systems for a variety of fuel cell applications. TMI has found clad metals offer excellent adhesion characteristics and outstanding ductility, making it better than other coating techniques.
REPORTS/MARKET STUDIES
FCVs in Europe. Frost and Sullivan has released a new report, "The European Fuel Cell Market for Vehicles, Components and Fuel Retailing," which predicts that the fuel cell market will increase by 2008, generating revenues of about 47.7 million Euros (US$43.4 million). <http://www.frost.com>.
Market Potential for Metal-Air Fuel Cells. Trimol Group, Inc., announced that Business Communications Company, Inc. (BCC) has just completed a Company-commissioned independent report entitled "Market Potential for Metal-Air Fuel Cells." The 98-page report examines all facets and applications of metal-air fuel cells. A summary of the report can be found on Trimol's web site - <http://www.trimolgroup.com>.
GM Sustainability Report. General Motors has released the "2000-2001 Sustainability Report," its eighth annual economic, environmental and social performance report. View the report at www.gmsustainability.com.
MISCELLANEOUS
Heliocentris Offering Two Fuel Cell Car Models. Heliocentris is offering two model cars just in time for the holidays - a direct methanol fuel cell model car and a hydrogen fuel cell model car educational kit. The hydrogen fuel cell model car is aimed at middle school science students and tech-ed science students. For more information, go to www.fuelcells.org/career/helios.pdf.
Thames and Kosmos Introduce New Science Kit. Thames and Kosmos recently introduced a new science kit that offers teachers and students the opportunity to build a model car fueled by hydrogen. The kit includes a reversible fuel cell that powers the car using sunlight and water. <http://www.thamesandkosmos.com>
Delphi Automotive Takes Part in Fuel Cell Ceremony. Delphi Automotive Sytems recently joined French government officials and representatives from other companies in a ground-breaking ceremony for a new fuel cell research center in France. The center will examine all technical aspects of fuel cells, including product development, measuring outputs, emissions reductions, downsizing and safety. delphiauto.com <http://www.delphiauto.com>
Siemens Westinghouse Breaks Ground on Fuel Cell Manufacturing Facility. Siemens Westinghouse has broken ground for a fuel cell manufacturing facility in Munhall, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. The company plans to launch its solid oxide fuel cell product line in the commercial market by Fall 2003. <http://www.siemenswestinghouse.com/en/press/pg20012609/index.cfm>
Texas Fuel Cell Trade Association Officially Formed. Fuel Cells Texas, a new trade association for promoting fuel cell commercialization in Texas, was officially formed in September 2001 and has announced its first quarterly meeting will be held on November 12. Meetings will be held in conjunction with the hearings of the Fuel Cell Advisory Committee, which is soon to be appointed by the Texas State Energy Conservation Office. For more information on Fuel Cells Texas, contact Dana Showalter at 512-480-2218.
REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS
NYSERDA Alternative Fuel Power Generation and Energy Storage Projects. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) invites proposals to demonstrate alternative fuels for power generation and energy storage for commercial applications. Maximum NYSERDA funding available for alternative fuel technologies is $500,000 per project. Maximum NYSERDA funding available for energy storage technologies is $1 million per project. Feasibility studies for both topics will also be accepted, with funding limited to $100,000 per project. Deadline for proposals is November 5, 2001. <http://www.nyserda.org/616pon.html>
Bioelectrocatalytic Fuel Cells. The Naval Surface Warfare Center is soliciting white papers for basic research, applied research, and advanced research projects in bioelectrocatalytic fuel cell power technologies and their applications in electric power and/or propulsion systems. It is anticipated that awards from this BAA will provide for a feasibility study with an option for a prototype. Deadline for proposals is November 16, 2001. <http://www.nswc.navy.mil/supply/solicita/02q3004/3004syn.htm>
DOD SBIR Fuel Cell RFP. The Department of Defense has issued its FY2002 Small Business Innovation Research solicitation and will begin accepting proposals on December 3, 2001. Solicitation topics for the participating DOD components - including Air Force, BMDO, and DARPA - can be found on the DOD SBIR/STTR web site. Topics for the Air Force include Compact Hydrogen Storage Using Metal Hydride, Micro JP8 Fuel Reformer, Advanced Electric Vehicle Research, and 72-kilowatt Hydrogen Fuel Genset. Other topics include Rechargeable Fuel Cells for BMDO, and Fuel Cells for Arms Control Applications for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The deadline for proposals is January 16, 2002. <http://www.sbirsttr.com/current/current.htm>
Air Force Seeks New Power Generation Technologies. The Air Force Research Laboratory is interested in receiving proposals for advanced technologies that facilitate the conduct of contingency base operations, and operations other than war. Topics include developing new energy and utility systems technologies that increase mobility, reliability and efficiency, with specific interest in power generation, power conditioning and distribution systems. <http://www.eps.gov/spg/USAF/AETC/TynAFBCS/Reference-Number-BAATYN02001/Syno psisR.html>
CONFERENCES/CALL FOR PAPERS
The Business Case of Fuel Cells. The Business of Fuel Cells for Stationary Applications, Europe 2001 takes place November 27-28, 2001, at Le Plaza Hotel in Brussels, Belgium. Go to www.eyeforfuelcells.com for information.
Distributed Energy Resources-The Power to Choose. "Distributed Energy Resources-The Power to Choose," the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Distributed Energy Resources' first annual Conference and Peer Review, will be November 28-30, 2001, at the Loews L'Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington, D.C. Register online at www.energetics.com/DER.html.
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/>
The Commercialization of Energy Technologies. "The Commercialization of Energy Technologies" will be January 17-18, 2002, at the Hilton New York in New York City. For details, go to www.cbinet.com.
Combi 2002. The 4th Annual International Symposium on Combinatorial Approaches for New Materials Discovery will be January 23-25, 2002, at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in San Diego, California. For more information, check out www.knowledgefoundation.com.
Fuel Cell Dynamics. "Fuel Cell Dynamics 2001: Reality, Not Hype" will be February 6-7, 2002, at the Marriott Marquis in New York City, New York. <http://www.alliedworld.com/energy/home.html>.
2002 Fuel Cell Seminar. The 2002 Fuel Cell Seminar will take place in Palm Springs, California, November 18-21, 2002. For more information, go to www.gofuelcell.com.
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