Fuel Cells 2000's
Fuel Cell Technology Update -- November 1999
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For more information on any of the following stories, please contact Bernie
Geyer at bernie@fuelcells.org, or at (202) 785-4222. To subscribe or
unsubscribe, see the end of this message.
TRANSPORTATION APPLICATIONS
dbb fuel cell engines Unveils New Model Bus. Ballard Power System?s
affiliate company, dbb fuel cell engines, inc., unveiled a fuel cell powered
bus at the International Transportation Exposition in Orlando, Florida. The
Phase 4 (P4) engine, is almost 2,000 kilograms lighter than the Phase 3.
Full commercial production is planned for 2002.
Ballard Power Systems Receives Can$3.9-Million Order from Honda. Ballard
Power Systems has received a Can$3.9-million order (US$2.6 million) from
Honda to supply Ballard fuel cells, related equipment and support services.
Honda will use the fuel cells in its research and development program for
evaluation and development of fuel cell vehicles.
Fuel Cell Car Wins School Contest. Students at the Moerike School in
Heilbronn, Germany, were awarded first place for building a car running on
hydrogen fuel cells in a school contest, ?Protection of the Environment.?
The car has two PEM fuel cells and metal hydride storage, which could keep
it running for about 40 hours for a range of almost 15 km.
Ford?s FC5 Travels to Tokyo Motor Show. At the 33rd Tokyo Motor Show, Ford
Motor Company concentrated on the future of automobiles and their role in
the environment. Highlights included the Asian debut of the FC5, a
five-passenger, fuel cell powered car, as well as a showcase of future
alternatives to the fuels used in today?s automobiles and innovative new
technology aimed at bringing solutions for better motoring.
NJDOT Receives Federal Grant to Build Fuel Cell Vehicle. The New Jersey
Department of Transportation has received a U.S. Department of Energy grant
for $150,000 to develop and test a hydrogen generating system to power a
fuel cell electric vehicle. The car will compete in the May 2000 Tour de
Sol.
Zero Emissions Bus Will Visit Kennedy Space Center. The Kennedy Space
Center has invited Ballard?s Zero Emissions (ZE) transit bus to visit the
facility and educate the employees and public about alternative energy
sources. The visit is part of the Kennedy Center?s Alternative Fuel
Incentive Program.
Wisconsin High School Fuel Cell Vehicle Project Gets Corporate Sponsor. The
D.C. Everest Fuel Cell project is an independent study being performed by
seniors at Everest High School in Schofield, Wisconsin. The project entails
the design, construction and application of a Hydrogen-Air PEM fuel cell
system, with the ultimate goal of building an electric car powered by the
fuel cell. Wisconsin Power and Light will donate funding for completion of
the project?s first fuel cell prototype.
Zemar Attempting to Penetrate Marine Market. Fuel cell manufacturer ZeTek?s
subsidiary, Zemar, has announced that it will launch a fuel cell powered
boat in Germany in early 2000. Zemar has been working to get fuel cells
into the marine market for both propulsion and auxiliary power.
STATIONARY POWER
FuelCell Energy Generates Big Power. FuelCell Energy, Inc. has generated
more than 1 million kilowatt hours of power at the company?s Direct
FuelCell? power plant in Danbury, Conn. The plant produces high-grade waste
heat that can be utilized for cogeneration through high-pressure steam or
absorption air conditioning, resulting in an overall efficiency exceeding
75%. The plant has successfully operated for more than 5,700 hours with an
availability over 95%.
Pepco Introduces ?Interconnect Port? for Portable Generators. Pepco
introduced GenerLink?, a new ?plug-and-play? device that safely and
economically connects a portable generator to the home. During a power
outage, the homeowner simply plugs a generator into GenerLink?s?
interconnection port. By switching breakers on the household?s main circuit
panel, homeowners can select the appliances they wish to operate during an
outage, based on the generator?s electric capacity. Today, Americans own
more than 10 million small portable generators, up 30 percent in six years.
VITA Demonstrates Fuel Cell Technologies. Volunteers in Technical
Assistance (VITA) will demonstrate a variety of communications technologies
powered by DCH Technology fuel cells at their fall board meeting. VITA
focuses on bringing communications to the developing world, including
low-earth orbiting satellites and a variety of wireless systems emphasizing
rural applications. VITA sees fuel cells as a way for developing countries
to empower themselves with technology.
Industrial Park to Generate Electricity. When completed, the ?Pleasanton
Power Park? industrial park in San Francisco hopes to generate all the power
it needs on site using a wide range of technologies, including fuel cells.
The park would provide enough electricity on the premises to supply eight
industrial buildings, with enough extra to sell to the vicinity.
Pennsylvania Fuel Cell Project is an ?Energy Efficiency Success Story?.
The Safe Energy Communications Council has published ?Power Boosters:
Pennsylvania?s Energy Efficiency Success Stories?. A fuel cell installation
at Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) in Johnstown was selected as
one of the 40 success stories. The fuel cell has reduced CTC?s energy
consumption by 10 percent and has saved the company $21,540 per year.
Proton Energy Systems Wins NASA Contract. Proton Energy Systems has been
selected for a NASA Phase II Small Business Innovation Research contract
leading to the further development of an advanced fuel cell. Proton is
developing unitized regenerative fuel cell (URFC) products that convert
hydrogen and oxygen into water and electricity, and electrolyze the water
back into hydrogen and oxygen for use again in the fuel cell.
NYPA President Tells Conference of Distributed Power, CHP Potential. At the
Combined Heat and Power Conference, the New York Power Authority President
Eugene W. Zeltmann talked about the effects new technology will have on the
electricity industry. Zeltmann said that localized, distributed generation
such as fuel cells and rooftop solar systems have ?enormous potential for
our industry.? He also said that siting small distributed power
technologies close to the end user will be ?the most economical way to add
electric generating capacity.?
FUEL CELL COMPONENTS
Toyota Develops New Fuel Cell Components. Toyota Motor Corp. announced
that it developed new fuel cell system components that have increased system
power output while reducing system size. The new fuel cell system produces
70 kW compared to the previous 25 kW.
FUELS/REFORMERS/STORAGE
DaimlerChrysler and Nippon Mitsubishi Oil Co. Will Jointly Study Fuel
Infrastructure Options. DaimlerChrysler and Nippon Mitsubishi Oil Co. have
agreed to jointly study fuel infrastructure options for fuel cell vehicles.
Initial test vehicles will run on methanol, but the potential for other
fuels will be considered.
GM and Toyota Integrate Hydrogen Research. General Motors and Toyota are
working with the energy industry to develop hydrogen refueling standards and
a path toward the development of a cost-effective hydrogen distribution
system. The collaboration will combine the best of both companies? concepts
and technologies.
Synthetic Enzyme Produces Inexpensive Hydrogen. Scientists at the
University of Illinois have created a synthetic enzyme that produces
hydrogen fuel and is much cheaper than other methods, such as electrolysis.
The enzymes work at room temperature in water and make hydrogen by stripping
it from hydrocarbons, using iron catalysts. The synthetic enzyme, unlike
natural ones, works for a bit, then stops. Scientists hope to have a
non-stop, hydrogen producing enzyme within a few years.
NEW STUDIES OR REPORTS
Global Outlook for Fuel Cells in Automotive Applications 1999-2009. Kline &
Company has released a comprehensive report assessing the market potential
for fuel cells in automotive applications, specifically the impact of
technological developments and emerging global growth opportunities. The
report provides a long-term forecast for the demand of fuel cells, forecasts
by geographical region, and reviews of key success factors.
How to Commercialize Fuel Cell Technology. Advancetech Monitor recently
published ?The Business Case for Fuel Cell Technology: Applications,
Economic Analysis and Commercial Opportunities.? This industry report
examines why and how energy companies should capitalize on fuel cell
opportunities.
Fuel Cell Book Hot Off the Presses. A new book entitled, ?Powering the
Future: the Ballard Fuel Cell and the Race to Change the World? by Tom
Koppel, has just been published by John Wiley & Sons. It is said to be the
first popular book on modern fuel cells and it is a combined business,
technology, and company-history story. It is available in major bookstores
world-wide.
Effect of the Fuel Cell on German Car Industry. A recent study by the
Fraunhofer Institute determined that mass-production of fuel cell cars led
by Germany would result in an economic benefit of 150 million Euro/year and
2000 new jobs for the German car supply industry. If fuel cell technology
is introduced from other countries, it would lead to a loss of 150 million
Euro and more than 1000 jobs for Germany.
Fuel Cells: Applications and Opportunities. ?Fuel Cells: Applications and
Opportunities? examines the technical progress and market development to
2025 for decision-makers and analysts in industry, commerce and government.
The two-volume work from Escovale and IQPC includes a market overview,
application opportunities, and forecasts.
Case Studies Outline Pollution Reduction Strategies for Korea and India.
Two case studies outline realistic opportunities for Korea and India to
address the challenge of climate change. The Korean analysis said the
country?s ?economy and environment could benefit from advanced technologies
such as fuel cells? when capital costs decline. Electricity consumption in
India and Korea has more than doubled in the last decade, and both countries
expect to double their power supply again over the next 15 years.
American Businesses Interested in Generating Own Power. A recent survey of
American businesses reveals that they are increasingly interested in the
idea of generating their own electricity on site. The interest builds
around the appeal of technology that could give a business greater
independence from its energy supplier or utility company. The survey also
showed that businesses based in the Northeast, the South and in Western
states are significantly more interested in this concept than those in the
Midwest.
Fuel Cell Conference Proceedings Available. The Knowledge Foundation has
released a two-volume set of the proceedings and documentation from its fuel
cell research and development conference held earlier this year.
MISCELLANEOUS
Ballard Power Systems Replaces CFO. Michael Graydon has stepped down as
Chief Financial Officer of Ballard Power Systems; Paul Lancaster, a
long-time Ballard executive, has replaced Graydon temporarily. This is the
second time in two years the position has changed hands, but Ballard says it
is confident everything will operate without disruption during the search
for a successor.
GM Builds Research Center. General Motors has spent $30 million to convert
and equip a vacant warehouse in Honeoya Falls, New York, into an advanced
laboratory for fuel cell development. The lab is one of three fuel
cell-focused research centers GM has worldwide, and its current staff of 133
employees is reportedly growing.
FuelCell Energy, Inc. Announces Three-For-Two Stock Dividend. FuelCell
Energy, Inc. has declared a three-for-two stock dividend on its common stock
for stockholders of record on November 1, 1999.
CONFERENCES/CALL FOR PAPERS
The Emissions Trading Challenge Conference. The Energy Daily presents ?The
Emissions Trading Challenge: Crafting Market-Based Solutions for Climate
Change and Urban Smog,? November 15-16, 1999 in Washington, DC. For
complete details on the conference, please contact Mary Anne Besche,
Conference Director, at (202) 662-9728.
International Roundtable on Transportation. The United Nations? Department
for Economic and Social Affairs will sponsor the International Roundtable on
Transportation, Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development, December 5-7,
1999, in Cairo, Egypt. For information, contact Kathleen Abdalla, DESA,
(212) 963-8418.
F-Cells Infrastructure. IQPC?s Centre for Fuel Cell Commercialisation
presents a two-day interactive forum tackling the infrastructure challenges
facing the fuel cell industry, December 6-7, 1999 at the Midland Hotel in
Chicago. A post-conference workshop, ?Developing Stationary Hydrogen
Refueling Stations,? is offered on December 8, 1999. For more information,
call (973) 256-0211.
F-Cells Asia ?99. The first fuel cell technology forum in Japan is being
held December 6 ? 8 ,1999 at the Palace Hotel in Tokyo. This conference
tackles the three decisive commercial fuel cell challenges that face the
Asia-Pacific: Fuel Selection, Cost Reduction, and Real World Applications.
There are three post-conference workshops to choose from as well. For more
information, call ++(65) 325 6330.
The Business Case for Fuel Cells. The Center for Business Intelligence is
sponsoring ?The Business Case for Fuel Cells,? in San Diego, CA on December
9 & 10, 1999. For more information, contact Dr. Mike Silver at
(781)939-2585.
Combined Heat and Power Symposium. The United States Department of Energy
is sponsoring an international symposium, ?Combined Heat and Power: Energy
Solutions for the 21st Century, February 1-2, 2000 at the Marriott Wardman
Park, in Washington, DC. For more information, contact Jan Brinch at (410)
290-0370, ext. 215.
National Conference on Ethanol Policy and Marketing. The Renewable Fuels
Association presents ?Ethanol: Clean Air, Clean Water, Clean Fuel,? March
22-2, 2000 at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, CA. For more
information, call Bryan & Bryan, Inc., at (719) 942-4353.
Small Fuel Cells & Battery Technologies 2000. The Knowledge Foundation is
hosting the Small Fuel Cells & Battery Technologies 2000 conference, April
27-28, 2000 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans in New Orleans, LA. For more
information, call (617) 232-7400.
International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Trade Show. ?Where Applications &
Research Meet to Improve Grain and Cellulose Ethanol Production Technology,?
the 16th annual International Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Trade Show, will be
held June 20-23, 2000 at the Cleary International Centre in Windsor,
Ontario. For more information about the program or exhibit space, please
contact Bryan & Bryan, Inc. at (719) 942-4353.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
EERE Accepting Renewable Energy Solicitations. The DOE Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has a continuing interest in
receiving applications for grants and cooperative agreements supporting
renewable energy and energy efficiency basic research, directed and applied
research, cooperative demonstrations, and related activities.
Hydrogen Technologies Solicitation. The Office of Power Technologies (OPT)
of the Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy is seeking
research proposals that can advance hydrogen production, storage, and
utilization technologies. Applications are due by December 15, 1999.
Extracting Fuel Cell Reactants from Martian Atmosphere. The NASA/Lyndon B.
Johnson Space Center is seeking industry expertise to help develop a process
to produce rocket propellants and fuel cell reactants from the predominantly
carbon dioxide Martian atmosphere.
DOE?s Inventions and Innovations Program. The Office of Industrial
Technologies of the Department of Energy is funding a competitive grant
program called Inventions and Innovations and is accepting pre-proposal
abstracts for ideas and innovations that have a significant potential energy
impact and a potential future commercial market. Abstracts are being
accepted until March 17, 2000.
Open Bidding for Fuel Cell Demonstration. The State of Colorado has put out
a request for proposals for the demonstration of fuel cells as an emerging
technology to supply electricity to residential and small business
customers; including installation, operation, maintenance, monitoring and
technical evaluation. The due date is January 18, 2000.
Pre-Proposal Process for NICE\3\. The Office of Industrial Technologies of
the Department of Energy is funding a State Grant Program ? National
Industrial Competitiveness through Energy, Environment, and Economics
(NICE\3\). NICE\3\ will fund up to $525,000 for the first commercial
demonstration of innovative industrial technologies that reduce energy
consumption, waste production, and operating costs. Pre-proposals are being
accepted through March 17, 2000 for the May 2000 solicitation.
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created when hydrogen and oxygen are chemically combined. Fuel Cells 2000 is
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Bernadette K. Geyer, Director
Fuel Cells 2000
1625 K Street, NW, Suite 725
Washington, DC 20006 USA
Phone: 202-785-4222
Fax: 202-785-4313
email: bernie@fuelcells.org
Web Site: www.fuelcells.org |
