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Canadian funding for two fuel cell forklift projects
NEWS of the original contract with the US Army [FCB, December 2003]. The new contract is worth $1 million. The refueler and the vehicle will both be designed and manufactured by Quantum’s Advanced Vehicle Concept Center in Lake Forest, California, and delivered to the US Army for demonstrations at military bases throughout the country. The HyHauler Plus is a lightweight trailermounted dispensing system for hydrogen fuel, specifically designed for fast fills up to 350 bar (5000 psi) with up to 5 kg of hydrogen per fill. Quantum says the self-contained unit can be easily transported by a full-size pickup truck or sport utility vehicle, and it is anticipated that it will be able to deliver enough fuel for up to 11 light-duty off-road vehicles. The refueler utilizes an on-board electrolyzer and an integral compressor which fills a cascade of Quantum’s ultra-lightweight TriShield™ storage tanks within the unit for eventual delivery to the FCV. Quantum will also design an easy-to-use dispensing system that will interface with the vehicle via an on-board touch screen control system. This is Quantum’s third contract supporting the Army in the development of hydrogen fuel cell systems applications. The US Army is currently evaluating FCVs because they feature a reduced thermal signature and near-silent propulsion. They would also have the capability to export electric power silently to power battlefield equipment, reducing the need to transport fuel to support battlefield operations. Contact: Quantum Technologies Inc, Irvine, California, USA. Tel: +1 949 399 4500, www.qtww.com Or contact: National Automotive Center, TankAutomotive Research, Development & Engineering Center, Warren, Michigan, USA. Tel: +1 586 574 8734, www.tacom.army.mil/tardec/nac
Canadian funding for two fuel cell forklift projects
T
wo Canadian fuel cell forklift truck projects, led by Hydrogenics Corporation in Toronto and BC-based Cellex Power Products, respectively, have been awarded a total of C$3.56m (US$2.6m) in funding from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). The development and demonstration projects were earmarked for funding, subject to successful contract negotiations, in the
June 2004
SDTC’s last funding round in October [FCB, December 2003]. The Hydrogenics-led project, which involves Class I sit-down-rider electric forklifts incorporating hydrogen storage, and a refueling station, is to receive a C$1.56m (US$1.14m) contribution from SDTC. The total project is estimated to cost approximately C$3.54m (US$2.5m), with the additional C$1.98m (US$1.4m) being provided by the consortium led by Hydrogenics, which also includes Deere & Company, FedEx Canada, General Motors of Canada, NACCO Materials Handling Group and the Canadian Transportation Fuel Cell Alliance. Two NACCO Class I electric forklifts will be outfitted with Hydrogenics HyPM fuel cell power modules. Deere and NACCO will assist in the integration of the fuel cell propulsion systems into the vehicles. The funding also supports the provision of a hydrogen refueling station to serve both forklifts. This refueler is designed and built around Hydrogenics proprietary PEM technology. Demonstrations of the forklifts and refueler will take place at GM and FedEx operations within the Greater Toronto area, and potentially other locations, throughout the coming fall and winter. The potential customer base for Class I forklifts is companies running multi-shift fleet operations, such as many in the automotive and transportation sectors. The Cellex project, which also involves Fuel Cells Canada and forklift dealer Arpac, is receiving a C$2m (US$1.4m) contribution from SDTC to develop hydrogen fuel cell solutions to power Class 3 industrial rider pallet forklifts. The consortium is providing an additional C$7m (US$5m) to the project, which will run until September 2005. Cellex reports good progress to date with product development and field trials. The customer base for Class 3 forklifts is large warehouse operations typically found in food distribution, general merchandizing retailing, and third-party logistics suppliers. These vehicles currently operate with industrial leadacid batteries and internal combustion engines; converting to fuel cell propulsion will provide superior truck performance and avoid harmful air emissions, which would be ideal for indoor facilities. Forklift fleets are seen as a potential ‘early adopter’ market for hydrogen power. Contact: Hydrogenics Corporation, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Tel: +1 905 361 3660, www.hydrogenics.com Or contact: Cellex Power Products Inc, Richmond, BC, Canada. Tel: +1 604 270 4300, www.cellexpower.com Or contact: Sustainable Development Technology Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Tel: +1 613 234 6313, www.sdtc.ca
In Brief Brazil, US agree hydrogen energy research collaboration The US and Brazil have announced a collaborative effort to advance hydrogen sector research, development and deployment activities. The effort is to be launched by establishing a joint team of US and Brazilian officials and experts to develop a hydrogen energy technology roadmap for Brazil. The roadmap will consider possible pathways for future hydrogen production, storage, transfer, end-use technologies, safety codes and standards, and outreach. FuelCell Energy sells Global thermoelectric generator line Connecticut-based FuelCell Energy has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its thermoelectric generator subsidiary, Global Thermoelectric in Calgary, Canada to RockWood Equity Partners. Under the agreement, RockWood will pay about C$22.75m (US$16.8m). FCE is retaining the solid oxide fuel cell technology development group, which includes intellectual property, experienced personnel, and manufacturing and R&D facilities. The transaction was expected to close in May. FCE acquired Global, a developer of planar SOFC technology as well as manufacturer and distributor of thermoelectric generators, last November. The company can now focus on commercialization of its molten carbonate Direct FuelCell stationary power plants and the development of next-generation, high-temperature fuel cell products, including SOFC technology through the DOE’s Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA). FCV road rally in southern California The California Fuel Cell Partnership will take its public outreach and awareness tour to the southern California coast in late summer with its third annual FCV road rally. The caravanstyle drive will take place 17–19 September, beginning in the Los Angeles area, then moving to Long Beach, through Orange County communities and on to San Diego. ‘The CaFCP’s Road Rallies have reached over 200 000 Californians in the last two years,’ says Firoz Rasul, chairman of Ballard Power Systems and 2004 CaFCP chair. ‘It’s a unique opportunity for the public to see first-hand this zero-emission, high-performing, environmentally friendly automotive engine of the future.’ Hydrogen-fueled FCVs from the CaFCP’s eight automakers will make the trip, stopping briefly in several communities on the way. CaFCP’s energy members will oversee hydrogen refueling, and other members will lend support through education and technical displays as well as volunteer services. For more information, go to: www.cafcp.org
Fuel Cells Bulletin
11
Canadian funding for two fuel cell forklift projects
T
wo Canadian fuel cell forklift truck projects, led by Hydrogenics Corporation in Toronto and BC-based Cellex Power Products, respectively, have been awarded a total of C$3.56m (US$2.6m) in funding from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). The development and demonstration projects were earmarked for funding, subject to successful contract negotiations, in the
June 2004
SDTC’s last funding round in October [FCB, December 2003]. The Hydrogenics-led project, which involves Class I sit-down-rider electric forklifts incorporating hydrogen storage, and a refueling station, is to receive a C$1.56m (US$1.14m) contribution from SDTC. The total project is estimated to cost approximately C$3.54m (US$2.5m), with the additional C$1.98m (US$1.4m) being provided by the consortium led by Hydrogenics, which also includes Deere & Company, FedEx Canada, General Motors of Canada, NACCO Materials Handling Group and the Canadian Transportation Fuel Cell Alliance. Two NACCO Class I electric forklifts will be outfitted with Hydrogenics HyPM fuel cell power modules. Deere and NACCO will assist in the integration of the fuel cell propulsion systems into the vehicles. The funding also supports the provision of a hydrogen refueling station to serve both forklifts. This refueler is designed and built around Hydrogenics proprietary PEM technology. Demonstrations of the forklifts and refueler will take place at GM and FedEx operations within the Greater Toronto area, and potentially other locations, throughout the coming fall and winter. The potential customer base for Class I forklifts is companies running multi-shift fleet operations, such as many in the automotive and transportation sectors. The Cellex project, which also involves Fuel Cells Canada and forklift dealer Arpac, is receiving a C$2m (US$1.4m) contribution from SDTC to develop hydrogen fuel cell solutions to power Class 3 industrial rider pallet forklifts. The consortium is providing an additional C$7m (US$5m) to the project, which will run until September 2005. Cellex reports good progress to date with product development and field trials. The customer base for Class 3 forklifts is large warehouse operations typically found in food distribution, general merchandizing retailing, and third-party logistics suppliers. These vehicles currently operate with industrial leadacid batteries and internal combustion engines; converting to fuel cell propulsion will provide superior truck performance and avoid harmful air emissions, which would be ideal for indoor facilities. Forklift fleets are seen as a potential ‘early adopter’ market for hydrogen power. Contact: Hydrogenics Corporation, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Tel: +1 905 361 3660, www.hydrogenics.com Or contact: Cellex Power Products Inc, Richmond, BC, Canada. Tel: +1 604 270 4300, www.cellexpower.com Or contact: Sustainable Development Technology Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Tel: +1 613 234 6313, www.sdtc.ca
In Brief Brazil, US agree hydrogen energy research collaboration The US and Brazil have announced a collaborative effort to advance hydrogen sector research, development and deployment activities. The effort is to be launched by establishing a joint team of US and Brazilian officials and experts to develop a hydrogen energy technology roadmap for Brazil. The roadmap will consider possible pathways for future hydrogen production, storage, transfer, end-use technologies, safety codes and standards, and outreach. FuelCell Energy sells Global thermoelectric generator line Connecticut-based FuelCell Energy has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its thermoelectric generator subsidiary, Global Thermoelectric in Calgary, Canada to RockWood Equity Partners. Under the agreement, RockWood will pay about C$22.75m (US$16.8m). FCE is retaining the solid oxide fuel cell technology development group, which includes intellectual property, experienced personnel, and manufacturing and R&D facilities. The transaction was expected to close in May. FCE acquired Global, a developer of planar SOFC technology as well as manufacturer and distributor of thermoelectric generators, last November. The company can now focus on commercialization of its molten carbonate Direct FuelCell stationary power plants and the development of next-generation, high-temperature fuel cell products, including SOFC technology through the DOE’s Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA). FCV road rally in southern California The California Fuel Cell Partnership will take its public outreach and awareness tour to the southern California coast in late summer with its third annual FCV road rally. The caravanstyle drive will take place 17–19 September, beginning in the Los Angeles area, then moving to Long Beach, through Orange County communities and on to San Diego. ‘The CaFCP’s Road Rallies have reached over 200 000 Californians in the last two years,’ says Firoz Rasul, chairman of Ballard Power Systems and 2004 CaFCP chair. ‘It’s a unique opportunity for the public to see first-hand this zero-emission, high-performing, environmentally friendly automotive engine of the future.’ Hydrogen-fueled FCVs from the CaFCP’s eight automakers will make the trip, stopping briefly in several communities on the way. CaFCP’s energy members will oversee hydrogen refueling, and other members will lend support through education and technical displays as well as volunteer services. For more information, go to: www.cafcp.org
Fuel Cells Bulletin
11