- Email: [email protected]
Greenland's hydrogen plant for renewable energy storage
NEWS vention. This compares with only 48 h when operated just using batteries. The logistical advantages of a 10-fold extension of unattended operating time are enormous. SFC Smart Fuel Cell is market leader in fuel cell technologies for mobile and off-grid power applications serving the leisure, industrial, and defense markets. SFC has shipped more than 17 000 fully commercial products to industrial and private end-users over the past five years or so, and has created a convenient fuel cartridge supply infrastructure across Europe. SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG, Brunnthal-Nord, Germany. Tel: +49 89 673 5920, www.sfc.com or www.efoy.com
AMI wins Army contract for 300 W SOFC
M
ichigan-based solid oxide fuel cell manufacturer Adaptive Materials Inc has been awarded a $4.7 million contract to develop a 300 W fuel cell system for the US Department of Defense. This contract award also includes three option phases that, if awarded, could include delivery of more than 100 fuel cells, increasing the total value of the contract to $5.6 million. The fuel cell systems that Adaptive Materials will deliver to the US Army will provide a lightweight, portable power source that soldiers can use to charge battery-powered devices in the field. Prototypes of the 300 W fuel cell will be delivered to the US Army in June. ‘Winning the 300 W contract from the Department of Defense is a huge accomplishment for Adaptive Materials,’ comments the firm’s chief business officer, Michelle Crumm. She adds that having to demonstrate the ruggedness, durability, and reliability of fuel cells significantly reduced the field of viable manufacturers in the bidding process. Adaptive Materials’ SOFC systems are being designed to serve as a portable battery charger capable of charging up to six batteries simultaneously. These batteries can be any combination of lithium-ion batteries used by the US Army for its field operations. The fuel cell systems will also provide a 28 V output. AMI is one of the first companies to develop, demonstrate, and deliver a portable, affordable, and fuel-flexible SOFC system. The company offers 50 and 250 W fuel cell systems that are powered by globally available and energy-dense propane, butane, and LPG. Adaptive Materials Inc, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. Tel: +1 734 302 7632, www.adaptivematerials.com
8
Fuel Cells Bulletin
Swedish myFC launches H3 fuel cell charger
T
he Swedish fuel cell company myFC has launched its H3 product line for recharging cell phones and other portable electronics, using its innovative FuelCellSticker™ micro PEM fuel cell technology. The hydrogen is supplied from water-activated, energized aluminum powder, available in single-use packets. The company says that its planar FuelCellSticker technology produces a fuel cell that is extremely thin (2.7 mm) and flexible, which allows it to be placed on small or curved surfaces – such as on the back cover or lid of a laptop. The cell provides a high power density, at 600 mW/cm3. And the myFC roll-to-roll, high-volume manufacturing technology allows the company to mass-produce the fuel cells and sell them at a competitive price. The H3 charger is a ‘portion charger’, which means that a portion of fuel is added to the fuel chamber, which is filled with water. The fuel consists only of natural substances and minerals. When the fuel reacts with the water, hydrogen is produced, which the cell converts into electric power. The H3 charger can also be used as a regular travel charger, since the internal battery allows recharging without activating the fuel cells. The H3 product line consists of two main products, the H3 Adventurer and H3 Off Grid. The H3 Adventurer is designed for users who want to use a cell phone, MP3 player, radio communication device, or other portable electronic device outdoors. This cordless charger has a micro-USB connector, which means that electronic devices can be recharged outdoors and far from a power outlet. The H3 Off Grid is designed to provide a flexible and cost-effective alternative to recharge cell phones for users in countries where there is no access to electricity or places to recharge your phone. Often these are countries in Asia, Africa, or South America, where the infrastructure can make it difficult to get continuous access to electricity to recharge electronic devices. myFC AB, Stockholm, Sweden. Tel: +46 8 5000 0200, www.myfuelcell.se
FUELING
Greenland’s hydrogen plant for renewable energy storage
G
reenland has inaugurated its first hydrogen plant for renewable energy storage. H2 Logic in Denmark developed and delivered the hydrogen plant, which is owned and operated by the national energy company, Nukissiorfiit. The plant is a test system to provide suggestions for how hydrogen can be used for future renewable energy storage in Greenland, through the H2KT project. Nukissiorfiit procured the mobile plant, which is now installed and in operation outside the power utility’s headquarters in the capital, Nuuk. The plant will also serve to increase public awareness. The fuel cells come from Canadian-based Hydrogenics [FCB, September 2009]. ‘In many periods of the year we have a reserve capacity at the hydro power plant that provides energy for the city of Nuuk,’ says Svend Hardenberg, energy director at Nukissiorfiit. ‘The idea is to use this capacity to produce electricity and split water into hydrogen and oxygen in the test hydrogen plant.’ Hardenberg continues: ‘In periods with larger energy consumption, typically during winter, we convert the hydrogen to electricity and heat in the fuel cell system in the test plant. This way, the hydrogen functions as a battery that stores energy for later use whenever needed.’ Around 60% of the electricity and heat produced by Nukissiorfiit comes from hydroelectric. The remainder is produced using expensive and polluting diesel. The many small settlements depend heavily on diesel, and cannot produce renewable energy on a larger scale. In the long term Nukissiorfiit hopes to eliminate the use of diesel for electricity and heat production, by increasing hydroelectric production in combination with developing hydrogen and fuel cells. Furthermore, the hydrogen could be used to fuel the transportation sector, and with the potential to generate more power through hydro than the country requires, the export of hydrogen may be a long-term opportunity. The test plant uses electricity from hydro to electrolyze water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is stored for later conversion into electricity and heat in a fuel cell, on demand. The excess heat from both hydrogen production and the fuel cell can be used for heating, while the electricity can be supplied to the grid or used in the Nukissiorfiit office building.
April 2010
NEWS The plant also includes a compression and distribution system that enables hydrogen storage under pressure in distributable containers. In this way the hydrogen can be distributed to other cities and settlements in Greenland, where it can be used for local energy production. The plant is also prepared for a future upgrade with a hydrogen refueling station, enabling the use of hydrogen as a fuel for transportation. H2 Logic A/S, Herning, Denmark. Tel: +45 9627 5600, www.h2logic.com H2KT project: www.h2logic.com/com/news/H2KT_infosheet-ENG.pdf Hydrogenics: www.hydrogenics.com Nukissiorfiit: www.nukissiorfiit.gl/dk/ (in Danish)
Air Products expected to complete installation of the Series 100 hydrogen fueling station at the university in March. The station will be used as part of the CABLED project – Coventry And Birmingham Low Emission vehicle Demonstrators – which will see 110 low-carbon vehicles operating between various locations in the region, including Microcab’s compact neighborhood vehicles. The project is funded by the UK government’s Technology Strategy Board and the Advantage West Midlands regional development agency. Air Products has installed more than 110 hydrogen fueling stations in 19 countries worldwide. Cars, trucks, vans, buses, scooters, forklifts, locomotives, aircraft, cell towers, materials handling equipment, and even submarines have been fueled with the company’s innovative hydrogen technology.
Air Products hydrogen stations for Korea, UK
Air Products, Hydrogen Energy Solutions: www.airproducts.com/h2energy
A
Coventry University, SURGE Applied Research Centre in Sustainable Regeneration: www.coventry.ac.uk/ researchnet/surge
ir Products has announced two further contracts for its hydrogen fueling stations. The US operation has signed a contract with SK Energy in Korea, to construct a hydrogen fueling station for a novel energy project to be based in World Cup Park in Seoul. And in the UK, Coventry University is to commission a Series 100 hydrogen station from Air Products Europe. The hydrogen station for SK Energy will come onstream in July, and will supply hydrogen produced solely from landfill gas to fuel a fleet of vehicles. This will be Air Products’ sixth hydrogen station in Korea. The project is part of Seoul’s push to use alternative supply means to generate 10% of its energy consumption by 2020, and to use hydrogen for 30% of that switch. Air Products’ compression, storage, and dispensing technology will fuel hydrogen fuel cell buses for public transit initially, and a small fleet of cars – intended to increase to as many as 100 public use vehicles. World Cup Park is a combination of several small parks adjacent to World Cup Stadium, site of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Final. SK Energy has developed its own hydrogen reforming technology, and applied it to a hydrogen fueling station in World Cup Park. Meanwhile, in the UK, Coventry University’s decision to house a hydrogen fueling station on campus makes it part of a cluster of Air Products stations across the region. Joining the universities of Birmingham and Loughborough, Coventry adds to the Midlands Hydrogen Ring of fueling facilities that will form the heart of a planned UK hydrogen fueling infrastructure to eventually span the whole country.
April 2010
SK Energy, Korea: www.skenergy.com
Microcab Industries Ltd: www.microcab.co.uk CABLED project: www.cabled.org.uk Midlands Hydrogen Ring: www.low-carbon-ktn.org.uk/ BMHF/RGpres-MidsH2Ring.pdf
Hydrogenics electrolyzers for German hydrogen station
C
anadian-based Hydrogenics has been awarded a contract for two HySTAT-60 electrolyzers by The Linde Group, for installation as part of a German hydrogen fueling station in HafenCity, Hamburg. The fueling station will be integrated and managed by the Swedish power conglomerate Vattenfall, one of Europe’s leading energy producers. The HafenCity fueling station is expected to supply hydrogen for both cars and buses, including the new fleet of Mercedes-Benz Citaro zero-emission fuel cell buses [FCB, December 2009]. The project is part of the Clean Energy Partnership in Hamburg and Berlin, and is supported by the German federal government as part of the National Innovation Program for hydrogen and fuel cell technology (NIP), coordinated by NOW GmbH.
The Hydrogenics HySTAT-60 units will produce a total of about 260 kg (570 lb) of hydrogen daily, and Linde will supplement this capacity with delivered hydrogen as needed. Commissioning of the completed station, in a redesigned industrial park within the city center, is expected in 2011. Hydrogenics is playing a key role in supporting Germany’s ambitious hydrogen vision, says the firm’s president/CEO, Daryl Wilson. Hydrogenics is one of the largest suppliers of hydrogen fueling stations, with more than 35 facilities around the world. The company is keen to play a leading part in Germany’s strategy to build the infrastructure – including hundreds of stations – necessary for a cleaner, more fuel-efficient economy. Hydrogenics is a leading developer and manufacturer of hydrogen generation and PEM fuel cell products and services, serving the growing industrial and clean energy markets. The company has operations in North America and Europe. Hydrogenics Corporation, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Tel: +1 905 361 3660, www.hydrogenics.com HafenCity Hamburg: http://en.hafencity.com Clean Energy Partnership: www.cleanenergypartnership.de NOW GmbH: www.now-gmbh.de German National Innovation Program for hydrogen and fuel cell technology: www.now-gmbh.de/index. php?id=80&L=1 (in English)
COMMERCIALIZATION
Wärtsilä, Hitachi Zosen to develop, market fuel cells in Japan
F
innish-based Wärtsilä and Hitachi Zosen in Japan have signed a business development agreement to develop and market solid oxide fuel cell based power solutions for distributed power generation applications in Japan. Wärtsilä and Hitachi Zosen will utilize and combine their extensive experience in technology and business development to provide this new and competitive power solution for the distributed energy market in Japan. The combined heat and power (CHP) applications, which can run on either city gas or biogas, will utilize Wärtsilä’s SOFC technology. The applications will be developed in collaboration by both companies, and marketed by Hitachi Zosen. Wärtsilä and Hitachi Zosen have cooperated
Fuel Cells Bulletin
9
AMI wins Army contract for 300 W SOFC
M
ichigan-based solid oxide fuel cell manufacturer Adaptive Materials Inc has been awarded a $4.7 million contract to develop a 300 W fuel cell system for the US Department of Defense. This contract award also includes three option phases that, if awarded, could include delivery of more than 100 fuel cells, increasing the total value of the contract to $5.6 million. The fuel cell systems that Adaptive Materials will deliver to the US Army will provide a lightweight, portable power source that soldiers can use to charge battery-powered devices in the field. Prototypes of the 300 W fuel cell will be delivered to the US Army in June. ‘Winning the 300 W contract from the Department of Defense is a huge accomplishment for Adaptive Materials,’ comments the firm’s chief business officer, Michelle Crumm. She adds that having to demonstrate the ruggedness, durability, and reliability of fuel cells significantly reduced the field of viable manufacturers in the bidding process. Adaptive Materials’ SOFC systems are being designed to serve as a portable battery charger capable of charging up to six batteries simultaneously. These batteries can be any combination of lithium-ion batteries used by the US Army for its field operations. The fuel cell systems will also provide a 28 V output. AMI is one of the first companies to develop, demonstrate, and deliver a portable, affordable, and fuel-flexible SOFC system. The company offers 50 and 250 W fuel cell systems that are powered by globally available and energy-dense propane, butane, and LPG. Adaptive Materials Inc, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. Tel: +1 734 302 7632, www.adaptivematerials.com
8
Fuel Cells Bulletin
Swedish myFC launches H3 fuel cell charger
T
he Swedish fuel cell company myFC has launched its H3 product line for recharging cell phones and other portable electronics, using its innovative FuelCellSticker™ micro PEM fuel cell technology. The hydrogen is supplied from water-activated, energized aluminum powder, available in single-use packets. The company says that its planar FuelCellSticker technology produces a fuel cell that is extremely thin (2.7 mm) and flexible, which allows it to be placed on small or curved surfaces – such as on the back cover or lid of a laptop. The cell provides a high power density, at 600 mW/cm3. And the myFC roll-to-roll, high-volume manufacturing technology allows the company to mass-produce the fuel cells and sell them at a competitive price. The H3 charger is a ‘portion charger’, which means that a portion of fuel is added to the fuel chamber, which is filled with water. The fuel consists only of natural substances and minerals. When the fuel reacts with the water, hydrogen is produced, which the cell converts into electric power. The H3 charger can also be used as a regular travel charger, since the internal battery allows recharging without activating the fuel cells. The H3 product line consists of two main products, the H3 Adventurer and H3 Off Grid. The H3 Adventurer is designed for users who want to use a cell phone, MP3 player, radio communication device, or other portable electronic device outdoors. This cordless charger has a micro-USB connector, which means that electronic devices can be recharged outdoors and far from a power outlet. The H3 Off Grid is designed to provide a flexible and cost-effective alternative to recharge cell phones for users in countries where there is no access to electricity or places to recharge your phone. Often these are countries in Asia, Africa, or South America, where the infrastructure can make it difficult to get continuous access to electricity to recharge electronic devices. myFC AB, Stockholm, Sweden. Tel: +46 8 5000 0200, www.myfuelcell.se
FUELING
Greenland’s hydrogen plant for renewable energy storage
G
reenland has inaugurated its first hydrogen plant for renewable energy storage. H2 Logic in Denmark developed and delivered the hydrogen plant, which is owned and operated by the national energy company, Nukissiorfiit. The plant is a test system to provide suggestions for how hydrogen can be used for future renewable energy storage in Greenland, through the H2KT project. Nukissiorfiit procured the mobile plant, which is now installed and in operation outside the power utility’s headquarters in the capital, Nuuk. The plant will also serve to increase public awareness. The fuel cells come from Canadian-based Hydrogenics [FCB, September 2009]. ‘In many periods of the year we have a reserve capacity at the hydro power plant that provides energy for the city of Nuuk,’ says Svend Hardenberg, energy director at Nukissiorfiit. ‘The idea is to use this capacity to produce electricity and split water into hydrogen and oxygen in the test hydrogen plant.’ Hardenberg continues: ‘In periods with larger energy consumption, typically during winter, we convert the hydrogen to electricity and heat in the fuel cell system in the test plant. This way, the hydrogen functions as a battery that stores energy for later use whenever needed.’ Around 60% of the electricity and heat produced by Nukissiorfiit comes from hydroelectric. The remainder is produced using expensive and polluting diesel. The many small settlements depend heavily on diesel, and cannot produce renewable energy on a larger scale. In the long term Nukissiorfiit hopes to eliminate the use of diesel for electricity and heat production, by increasing hydroelectric production in combination with developing hydrogen and fuel cells. Furthermore, the hydrogen could be used to fuel the transportation sector, and with the potential to generate more power through hydro than the country requires, the export of hydrogen may be a long-term opportunity. The test plant uses electricity from hydro to electrolyze water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is stored for later conversion into electricity and heat in a fuel cell, on demand. The excess heat from both hydrogen production and the fuel cell can be used for heating, while the electricity can be supplied to the grid or used in the Nukissiorfiit office building.
April 2010
NEWS The plant also includes a compression and distribution system that enables hydrogen storage under pressure in distributable containers. In this way the hydrogen can be distributed to other cities and settlements in Greenland, where it can be used for local energy production. The plant is also prepared for a future upgrade with a hydrogen refueling station, enabling the use of hydrogen as a fuel for transportation. H2 Logic A/S, Herning, Denmark. Tel: +45 9627 5600, www.h2logic.com H2KT project: www.h2logic.com/com/news/H2KT_infosheet-ENG.pdf Hydrogenics: www.hydrogenics.com Nukissiorfiit: www.nukissiorfiit.gl/dk/ (in Danish)
Air Products expected to complete installation of the Series 100 hydrogen fueling station at the university in March. The station will be used as part of the CABLED project – Coventry And Birmingham Low Emission vehicle Demonstrators – which will see 110 low-carbon vehicles operating between various locations in the region, including Microcab’s compact neighborhood vehicles. The project is funded by the UK government’s Technology Strategy Board and the Advantage West Midlands regional development agency. Air Products has installed more than 110 hydrogen fueling stations in 19 countries worldwide. Cars, trucks, vans, buses, scooters, forklifts, locomotives, aircraft, cell towers, materials handling equipment, and even submarines have been fueled with the company’s innovative hydrogen technology.
Air Products hydrogen stations for Korea, UK
Air Products, Hydrogen Energy Solutions: www.airproducts.com/h2energy
A
Coventry University, SURGE Applied Research Centre in Sustainable Regeneration: www.coventry.ac.uk/ researchnet/surge
ir Products has announced two further contracts for its hydrogen fueling stations. The US operation has signed a contract with SK Energy in Korea, to construct a hydrogen fueling station for a novel energy project to be based in World Cup Park in Seoul. And in the UK, Coventry University is to commission a Series 100 hydrogen station from Air Products Europe. The hydrogen station for SK Energy will come onstream in July, and will supply hydrogen produced solely from landfill gas to fuel a fleet of vehicles. This will be Air Products’ sixth hydrogen station in Korea. The project is part of Seoul’s push to use alternative supply means to generate 10% of its energy consumption by 2020, and to use hydrogen for 30% of that switch. Air Products’ compression, storage, and dispensing technology will fuel hydrogen fuel cell buses for public transit initially, and a small fleet of cars – intended to increase to as many as 100 public use vehicles. World Cup Park is a combination of several small parks adjacent to World Cup Stadium, site of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Final. SK Energy has developed its own hydrogen reforming technology, and applied it to a hydrogen fueling station in World Cup Park. Meanwhile, in the UK, Coventry University’s decision to house a hydrogen fueling station on campus makes it part of a cluster of Air Products stations across the region. Joining the universities of Birmingham and Loughborough, Coventry adds to the Midlands Hydrogen Ring of fueling facilities that will form the heart of a planned UK hydrogen fueling infrastructure to eventually span the whole country.
April 2010
SK Energy, Korea: www.skenergy.com
Microcab Industries Ltd: www.microcab.co.uk CABLED project: www.cabled.org.uk Midlands Hydrogen Ring: www.low-carbon-ktn.org.uk/ BMHF/RGpres-MidsH2Ring.pdf
Hydrogenics electrolyzers for German hydrogen station
C
anadian-based Hydrogenics has been awarded a contract for two HySTAT-60 electrolyzers by The Linde Group, for installation as part of a German hydrogen fueling station in HafenCity, Hamburg. The fueling station will be integrated and managed by the Swedish power conglomerate Vattenfall, one of Europe’s leading energy producers. The HafenCity fueling station is expected to supply hydrogen for both cars and buses, including the new fleet of Mercedes-Benz Citaro zero-emission fuel cell buses [FCB, December 2009]. The project is part of the Clean Energy Partnership in Hamburg and Berlin, and is supported by the German federal government as part of the National Innovation Program for hydrogen and fuel cell technology (NIP), coordinated by NOW GmbH.
The Hydrogenics HySTAT-60 units will produce a total of about 260 kg (570 lb) of hydrogen daily, and Linde will supplement this capacity with delivered hydrogen as needed. Commissioning of the completed station, in a redesigned industrial park within the city center, is expected in 2011. Hydrogenics is playing a key role in supporting Germany’s ambitious hydrogen vision, says the firm’s president/CEO, Daryl Wilson. Hydrogenics is one of the largest suppliers of hydrogen fueling stations, with more than 35 facilities around the world. The company is keen to play a leading part in Germany’s strategy to build the infrastructure – including hundreds of stations – necessary for a cleaner, more fuel-efficient economy. Hydrogenics is a leading developer and manufacturer of hydrogen generation and PEM fuel cell products and services, serving the growing industrial and clean energy markets. The company has operations in North America and Europe. Hydrogenics Corporation, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Tel: +1 905 361 3660, www.hydrogenics.com HafenCity Hamburg: http://en.hafencity.com Clean Energy Partnership: www.cleanenergypartnership.de NOW GmbH: www.now-gmbh.de German National Innovation Program for hydrogen and fuel cell technology: www.now-gmbh.de/index. php?id=80&L=1 (in English)
COMMERCIALIZATION
Wärtsilä, Hitachi Zosen to develop, market fuel cells in Japan
F
innish-based Wärtsilä and Hitachi Zosen in Japan have signed a business development agreement to develop and market solid oxide fuel cell based power solutions for distributed power generation applications in Japan. Wärtsilä and Hitachi Zosen will utilize and combine their extensive experience in technology and business development to provide this new and competitive power solution for the distributed energy market in Japan. The combined heat and power (CHP) applications, which can run on either city gas or biogas, will utilize Wärtsilä’s SOFC technology. The applications will be developed in collaboration by both companies, and marketed by Hitachi Zosen. Wärtsilä and Hitachi Zosen have cooperated
Fuel Cells Bulletin
9