Latest: Ballard unveils smaller, better home generator
Tuesday January 8, 8:48 am Eastern Time
Ballard unveils smaller, better home generator
TORONTO, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Ballard Power Systems (Toronto:BLD.TO - news) said on Tuesday its EBARA affiliate unveiled a fuel-cell power generator for Japanese homes that is 40 percent smaller than earlier models and operates at higher efficiency.
The second-generation prototype of the natural-gas powered generator, under development with Tokyo Gas, has been upgraded to include an electrical inverter to convert direct current to usable alternating current power, the Burnaby, British Columbia, company said in a statement.
Improvements on the prototype include a 40 percent reduction to the unit's size, making it feasible for the unit -- which comprises a Ballard fuel cell, a water tank and a reformer made by Tokyo Gas and EBARA -- to operate in small homes.
Commercial sales are expected to begin in 2004, with the generators providing electric power for homes, as well as heat for space heating and hot water, said the companies in a statement.
Ballard is now testing fuel cells for use in automobiles and as power plants for homes, with the first test market in Japan, where its partner Tokyo Gas is the largest natural gas company with 8.9 million customers.
Shares of Ballard Power closed at C$48.66 on Monday, more than double their Sept. 14 low as investors see fuel cells soon becoming a viable alternative to nonrenewable fossil fuels.
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