Fuel Cell Technology Update - June 2002
TRANSPORTATION
GM Demonstrates Gasoline-Fed Fuel Cell Vehicle. General Motors Corp. demonstrated the Chevrolet S-10, the world's first drivable fuel cell vehicle that extracts hydrogen from gasoline to produce electricity. The Chevrolet S-10 fuel cell pickup is equipped with a fuel processor that reforms low-sulfur gasoline onboard by a series of chemical reactions. When linked with a fuel cell stack, the reformer technology in the vehicle could achieve up to 40 percent overall energy efficiency, which is a 50 percent improvement over a conventional internal combustion engine. With a reformer fuel cell, the S-10 pickup could approach 40 mpg. Carbon dioxide emissions would be cut by up to 50 percent if the gasoline was reformed onboard and greatly reduced if the reformer were placed at the gas station. <http://media.gm.com/news/releases/020502_tech.html>
Nissan Orders More Mark 902 Modules From Ballard. Ballard Power Systems has received a $2 million order from Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. for Mark 902 fuel cell modules and support services, for delivery in 2002. <http://www.ballard.com/pdfs/8.%20Nissan.pdf>
STATIONARY POWER
NYPA Installs UTC Fuel Cell at Aquarium. The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has installed Brooklyn's first fuel cell at the New York Aquarium. The PC25TM fuel cell developed by UTC Fuel Cells generates 200 kilowatts of electricity and 700,000 Btu of heat while producing virtually no pollution. The PC25TM is powered by natural gas and will supply approximately 20 percent of the aquarium's daily requirements. The heat from the fuel cell will be used to preheat hot water for the administration building boiler and support system tanks. <http://www.nypa.gov/press/020515a.htm>
Plug Power Installs Fuel Cell at HARC. A consortium organized by the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) has announced the successful installation of a 5kW proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell system designed and manufactured by Plug Power. The system will be tested as part of a project to demonstrate the viability of fuel cells as a source of safe, clean and efficient electric power. <http://www.harc.edu/pressroom/02_0522.html>
Kamata Begins Field Tests of H Power Unit. Kamata Inc., a leading propane distributor in Japan serving a group of 800,000 consumers, has installed and is field testing one of H Power's 4.5 kW Residential Cogeneration Units (RCUs) at Kamata's Gotenba employee facility in Gotenba-city, Japan. This installation marks the first field test of a propane-powered proton exchange membrane (PEM) system for an actual load in the Japanese residential market. <http://www.hpower.com/cgi-bin/pr.cgi?idPressRelease=65>
DCH Ships Fuel Cell to Con Edison. DCH Technology, Inc. has sold and shipped a 5kW DCH Enable(TM) Fuel Cell System that will run on either direct hydrogen or natural gas to Con Edison Company of New York Inc. Con Edison will test and validate the system, then place the fuel cell with targeted customers for evaluation as a power quality system and/or peak shaving system. <http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/05-15-2002/0001728075&EDATE>=
FuelCell Energy, MWH Sign Distribution Deal. FuelCell Energy, Inc. has signed an agreement with MWH Energy Solutions, Inc. to distribute FuelCell Energy's ultra-low emission Direct FuelCells in municipal, utility, commercial and industrial applications. The initial distribution focus will be on U.S. wastewater treatment facilities. biz.yahoo.com <http://www.fce.com>
Norwegian Project Group Formed. Norske Shell, Aker Kvaerner and Statkraft have signed an agreement to form a project group that will look into the possibility of developing a fuel cell powered by natural gas. In order to develop fuel cells with the capacity of 10-20 megawatts before 2010, an estimated investment of around NOK 1 billion (US 126 million) will be necessary. <http://www.norwaypost.no/content.asp?folder_id=1&cluster_id=19766>
Plug Power Enters MOU with Honda R&D. Plug Power, Inc. has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Honda Research and Development (R&D) Company for the development of a home-based hydrogen vehicle refueling system. Under the agreement, Plug Power has also agreed to supply Honda R&D with two stationary fuel cell power generation systems. The companies expect to complete a definitive agreement for the development of a home refueling system later this year. The device will be fueled by natural gas and will supply electricity, hot water and heat, while providing hydrogen fuel for a fuel cell vehicle. <http://www.plugpower.com/news/NM_Detail2.cfm?ID=2346>
PORTABLE POWER
SAIT Develops Fuel Cell. Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT) has developed a credit card-sized fuel cell for cellular phones. The direct methanol fuel cell features an output density of 32mW/cm2 and is expected to be commercialized between 2004 and 2005. <http://www.powerpulse.net/cgi-bin/displaystory_new.pl?id=5801>
ECO Orders 50 H Power EPAC Systems. Energy Co-Opportunity (ECO) has placed an order for 50 of H Power Corp.'s recently introduced EPAC(tm)-500 direct hydrogen fuel cell systems. ECO has been demonstrating the EPAC since its pre-commercial launch in early February, and placed the order based on the initial interest of its member cooperatives. The EPAC-500, a self-contained, rack-mountable 500-Watt fuel cell power source, is designed for outdoor or indoor use. <http://www.hpower.com/cgi-bin/pr.cgi?idPressRelease=66>
DCH Receives Patent for Portable Technology. DCH Technology, Inc. has been granted a U.S. patent for significant improvements to its passive fuel cell technology that increases the power of a portable DCH Enable(TM) fuel cell generator by up to 50 percent. <http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020514/latu059_2.html>
FUELS/REFORMERS/STORAGE
Third Hydrogen Fueling Station in Japan Almost Complete. The construction of a new hydrogen supply station, the third to be built in Japan in the last year, is due to be completed by July 2002. The project is being overseen by WE-NET, Japan's government backed hydrogen energy program and will make use of hydrogen produced as a by-product of sodium hydroxide production. The two earlier stations showcase hydrogen produced from natural gas and hydrogen generated by electrolysis from water. The new refueling station will be located at the headquarters of Tsurami Soda Co., producers of sodium hydroxide, in Yokohoma. The hydrogen storage and distribution system, which is being developed by Iwatani International Corp, will be able to refuel five fuel cell vehicles at a time.
Lincoln Composites Demonstrates 10,000 Psi Hydrogen Fuel Tank. Advanced Technical Products' Lincoln Composites division has successfully tested a TUFFSHELL(tm) hydrogen fuel tank with an operating pressure of 10,000-psi (700 bar). <http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/05-21-2002/0001732204&EDATE=>
Scottish Island Considers Hydrogen Power. Scientists from the Scottish Fuel Cell Consortium (SFCC) recently presented a proposal to business interests from Scotland's Isle of Islay suggesting that the island community begin using hydrogen as a primary power source. SFCC said a small island locale would prove a good case study for a hydrogen power initiative, as it would be relatively easy to monitor. <http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/archive/15-5-19102-0-17-14.html>
FUEL CELL COMPONENTS
Ballard and EBARA to Develop Membranes. Ballard Power Systems and the Precision Machinery Group of EBARA Corporation and EBARA Research Co. Ltd. (EBARA) have entered into an exclusive agreement to develop pilot scale manufacturing processes and equipment for Ballard's BAM® Grafted Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM). The agreement consists of an initial 18-month development period jointly funded by both parties. During this period, EBARA will construct and demonstrate its pilot-scale manufacturing capabilities for BAM® Grafted PEM. Ballard will validate the performance specifications of the membrane manufactured by EBARA through demonstration in Ballard® fuel cell systems. <http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/020521/212613_1.html>
Teledyne Wins Contract for Test Stations. Teledyne Technologies Inc.'s subsidiary Teledyne Energy Systems, Inc. was awarded a contract to supply 32 MEDUSA(tm) RD test stations to a leading PEM fuel cell component manufacturer. The systems supplied under this multi-year contract will expand the customer's test capabilities and be used in the development of components used in the manufacture of PEM fuel cells. <http://www.teledyne.com/news/medusa2.asp>
REPORTS/MARKET STUDIES
Fuel Cells for Buildings. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers recently published "Fuel Cells for Building Applications," to provide building designers with information they need to identify fuel cell applications that will yield economic and environmental benefits. <http://www.ashrae.org/NEWS/2002_fuel.htm>
Global Automotive Market Study. AutomotiveCompass has released a new study titled, "Growth and Supply-Chain Dynamics of the Global Automotive Fuel Cell Market." Coverage and content include: marketing sizing; mapping the fuel cell supply chain by technology type and participant; competitive profiles; strategic alliances/partnerships across the supply chain; a SWOT analysis; strategic insight; and much more. To order the study, visit <http://www.automotivecompass.com/fuelcell.html>.
MISCELLANEOUS
Fuel Cells 2000 Offers New Comprehensive Charts. www.fuelcells.org, the award-winning website from Fuel Cells 2000, has several new additions, including a comprehensive light duty vehicle chart and fuel cell product charts. The product charts showcase existing and future fuel cell technologies in the stationary, portable and transportation markets.
Ohio Launches $103 Million Fuel Cell Program. Ohio Governor Bob Taft launched a $103 million Fuel Cell Initiative to invest in fuel cell research, project demonstration and job creation. Funds will be allocated in three ways: $75 million in low-interest loans to make strategic capital investments that will create and retain jobs; $25 million for research, development and demonstration of fuel cells; and $3 million for worker training. <http://www.state.oh.us/gov/one-pager.pdf>
FCCI to Distribute TechSys' SOFC Products. TechSys, Inc. has signed an agreement with Fuel Cell Companies, Inc. (FCCI) that will provide exclusive manufacturing and distribution for TechSys solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) products in China and South America. Under the agreement, FCCI will assume all costs for manufacturing, marketing and distributing the fuel cell products in the licensed territories, and will be required to meet certain performance thresholds. <http://www.energyinfosource.com/dg/news.cfm?id=15682>
SunLine to Open Beta Test Center. SunLine Transit Agency plans to open a test center to test advanced transportation technologies including fuel cell vehicles, hydrogen generation equipment, and fuel storage technologies. <http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/05-17-2002/0001730404&EDATE>
GM to Construct Fuel Cell Facility. GM plans to open an 80,000-square foot fuel cell research facility in upstate New York. The facility will investigate the mass production of fuel cells and employ 50 to 100 people.
USFCC Announces New Leadership. At the U.S. Fuel Cell Council's Spring meeting, new leadership was approved by the board. The 2002-2003 officers are George Earle, Plug Power, president; Jim Stike, Porvair, treasurer; and Eric Simpkins, IdaTech, secretary. www.usfcc.com
REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS
NASA to Construct Fuel Cell Test Facility. NASA/Glenn Research Center plans to release an Invitation for Bids for the construction of a fuel cell test facility. Approximately $1M - $5M is available for the procurement. The deadline for responses to the Invitation is July 3, 2002. <http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/synopsis.cgi?acqid=101509>
Hydrogen Research and Development Solicitation Announced. DOE is seeking applications for research and development projects involving technologies for the production, storage and utilization of hydrogen. Individual awards for first year funding will depend on the type of project proposed: Production project maximum awards will be $350,000, Storage project maximum awards will be $600,000, and Utilization project maximum awards will be $250,000. Total FY2003 funding available under this solicitation is estimated to be approximately $2.5 million. Deadline for applications is June 20, 2002. <http://e-center.doe.gov/iips/busopor.nsf/8373d2fc6d83b66685256452007963f5/9ce00a969113325d85256baa006cd47c?OpenDocument>
Naval Surface Warfare Center Seeks Fuel Cell Development. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Ship Systems Engineering Station seeks Analytical, Technical, Logistical and Program Support Services associated with R&D programs, including Fuel Cell Development. The deadline for responses to this solicitation is June 24, 2002. <http://www.eps.gov/spg/USN/NAVSEA/N00167/N6554002Q0358/SynopsisP.html>
Joint EERE/FE Science Initiative Solicitation. Research on hydrogen generation technologies and sensors for fuel cells are topics of interest under the "FY2002 Joint Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and Office of Fossil Energy Science Initiative." Approximately $10.1 million will be available to fund an estimated 20 awards under this solicitation. The closing date for submission of applications is July 2, 2002.
CONFERENCES/CALL FOR PAPERS
Mid-Atlantic Sustainability. The Mid-Atlantic Sustainability Conference, "Energy, Buildings, & the Bottom Line" will be June 26-29, 2002, at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey. For registration information, contact <http://www.nesea.org>.
FUEL CELL 2002. Fuel Cell 2002 is holding 2 parallel conferences, THE FUEL CELL WORLD and the 5th EUROPEAN SOFC FORUM, on July 1-5, 2002, at the Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Luzern in Lucerne, Switzerland. For more information, go to <http://www.efcf.com/conferences/index.shtml>.
Fuel Cell Short Course. The University of Michigan Chemical Engineering Department Continuing Education Program is offering a three-day course titled "An Introduction to the Science and Engineering of Fuel Cells and Fuel Processors" on August 7-9, 2002, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. For more information, please go to engin.umich.edu.
National Green Power Marketing Conference. The Seventh National Green Power Marketing Conference will be held September 30 - October 2, 2002, at the Loews L'Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington, D.C. Please visit <http://www.eren.doe.gov/greenpower/conference/> for more information.
Hydrogen Expo. The Hydrogen Expo will be October 10-12, 2002, in Hamburg, Germany. www.h2expo.com <http://www.h2expo.com>
Hannover Fair 2003. Hannover 2003 will be April 7-12, 2003 in Germany. More details can be found at <http://www.live-fair.com/hm03/index.html>.
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