Coleman Powermate and Ballard Power Systems Generate Power Out of Thin Air
AirGen(TM) Fuel Cell Generator Now Available to Industrial Users
AURORA, Ill., Dec. 3 -- Coleman Powermate, a leading power
equipment manufacturer, today introduced the AirGen(TM) fuel cell generator --
a machine that converts two of the most abundant elements in the universe
(hydrogen and oxygen) into electricity.
(Logo: newscom.com )
While it sounds like science fiction, fuel cells have played a pivotal
role in space exploration, and they are now making their way into the
marketplace.
"The AirGen(TM) fuel cell generator marks the dawn of the Hydrogen Age,"
said Gwen Wisler, president and CEO of First Alert/Powermate, Inc. "This is
the first step toward introducing fuel cells into homes and businesses."
According to Ken Frank, senior research and development engineer, the
AirGen(TM) fuel cell generator can be used as a portable power source or as an
emergency backup power system.
"It automatically senses when utility power fails and acts as an
uninterruptible power supply, keeping mission-critical computer and phone
systems online," said Frank. "It also acts as a surge protector, buffering
expensive electronics from dangerous power spikes and regulating voltage."
Unlike battery backups, which last mere minutes, the AirGen(TM) fuel cell
generator, powered by Ballard's Nexa(TM) power module, generates up to 1,000
watts of electricity as long as hydrogen gas is supplied. This is the world's
first commercial proton exchange membrane fuel cell generator for end-users.
The UL- and CSA-approved AirGen(TM) fuel cell generator has a built-in power
inverter that can generate alternating current (AC) power, according to Frank.
The power inverter by SoftSwitching Technologies converts the fuel cell's
direct current (DC) power into electricity that can power standard
electronics, computers and appliances.
The AirGen(TM) fuel cell generator is now available to industrial
customers directly from Coleman Powermate. Hydrogen fuel is supplied through
high-pressure cylinders and can be purchased from Praxair, Coleman Powermate's
exclusive hydrogen supplier with hundreds of locations throughout the US and
Canada.
A commercial/residential version of the AirGen(TM) fuel cell generator is
in the works. Instead of high-pressure cylinders, the unit will draw hydrogen
from three smaller fuel canisters that are inserted into the unit.
"Fuel cells will play an increasingly important role in back-up and
portable power generation," said Dennis Campbell, president and COO,
Ballard Power Systems (TSX: BLD; Nasdaq: BLDP). "The AirGen(TM) fuel cell
generator is a glimpse of the future as we see it. It is clear proof that
fuel cell technology is commercially viable and environmentally sound."
To help encourage the use of this new technology, a $1,000 manufacturer's
rebate is being offered in cooperation with the California Air Resources Board
for the first 50 California industrial businesses that purchase the AirGen(TM)
fuel cell generator.
For more information or to order an AirGen(TM) fuel cell generator, visit
airgen.com or call 800-445-1805.
Coleman Powermate, Inc., a subsidiary of the Sunbeam Corporation, is a
leading manufacturer of electric and fuel cell generators, air compressors,
and pressure washers. Headquartered in Aurora, Ill., the company has
manufacturing facilities in Nebraska and Minnesota and distributes its
products internationally. |
