- Email: [email protected]
Proton Motor to collaborate with Modl for stationary power
NEWS The breakthrough PowerCube technology – developed with Dutch PEM fuel cell manufacturer Nedstack – has been trialled by MTC and Leo to generate off-grid electricity at base transceiver stations, which house the equipment used to facilitate connections between voice and data users and their network. As well as providing a cost-effective, zerocarbon emissions replacement to diesel, the PowerCube is easily integrated into the operators’ existing power delivery systems. Through the trial, PowerCubes provided operators with continuous prime power (24/7 uptime) and/or efficient backup power to existing power delivery systems. The field trials began in February and continued for five months, at sites ranging from desert to mountain locations. MTC and Leo have achieved overall cost savings of between 20 and 60% compared with conventional diesel power delivery systems as a result of PowerCube technology delivering improved power efficiency levels and reduced fuelling and maintenance visits. For the trial, four PowerCubes were delivered and installed at diverse sites in and around the capital, Windhoek. Over three months, all four units were subjected to the extremes of Namibia’s climate conditions, topography, and varying power and logistical demands. At each site, PowerCubes were supporting mobile telephone radio equipment owned and maintained by MTC and Leo. The sites came with different existing power delivery systems, ranging from grid electricity through to solar and wind technologies. For example, on a mountain site within a wild game park 20 miles (32 km) north of Windhoek, a PowerCube came online in early March to provide backup power to an existing solar/battery hybrid power delivery system. This rural mountainous BTS required 1.5 kW, which the solar/battery solution was unable to supply continuously, leading to frequent radio downtime due to low solar power and depleted batteries. The PowerCube was configured to operate in a constant voltage, dynamic load-following mode, gradually increasing its output to support the radio load as the battery charge was depleted, to achieve continuous radio operation. Diverse Energy Ltd, Slinfold, West Sussex, UK. Tel: +44 1403 792010, www.diverse-energy.com MTC Namibia: www.mtc.com.na Leo Namibia: www.leo.na
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Fuel Cells Bulletin
Alpha integrates ReliOn fuel cell tech into hybrid test facility
I
n the US, renewable energy solutions specialist Alpha Energy is integrating a ReliOn E-2500™ hydrogen PEM fuel cell system into its state-of-the-art Hybrid Power System (HPS) Test Facility in Bellingham, Washington. The HPS Test Facility simulates demanding off-grid environments, and provides test engineers with an accurate, real-time representation of how certain products will perform in the field. If the fuel cell system meets Alpha’s rigorous performance standards, it will then be evaluated for implementation in future Alpha Energy projects. ‘Interest in the renewable energy sector is experiencing exceptional growth, with an increased focus on green technologies,’ says John Meyer, director of applications and system engineering for Alpha Energy. ‘Our HPS Test Facility is designed exclusively for these innovative alternative energy projects, and it continues to be a tremendous asset as we forge into an era emphasising clean energy.’ Initially installed in spring 2010, Alpha’s HPS Test Facility is a unique outdoor laboratory where various renewable energy technologies are tested with a range of load requirements and demands. In addition to the newly installed ReliOn E-2500 fuel cell system, the facility features a 7.5 kW wind turbine mounted on a 100 ft (30 m) lattice tower, expanded solar capacity, backup battery bank, and a DC power plant housing all power management electronics and controls. To ensure maximum reliability, test products must meet or surpass Alpha’s established performance criteria before consideration for subsequent projects. Launched last year, ReliOn’s E-2500 fuel cell system is designed around the company’s patented modular, fault-tolerant architecture, and provides 2.5 kW of power in a compact 8U rack-mountable package [FCB, March 2011, p4]. The system installed at Alpha’s HPS Test Facility is a 5 kW configuration housed in an environmentally hardened outdoor cabinet. ‘As the market for fuel cell power solutions continues to grow, the benefits of working with a company like Alpha become more substantial,’ says Mark Cohen, VP of product management for ReliOn. ‘While ReliOn has installed fuel cell solutions at more than 1450 commercial customer locations, Alpha’s strength in integrating complete renewable power
solutions for off-grid applications offers our customers a solution that serves an even broader variety of environments.’ Alpha Energy – a member of The Alpha Group and a division of Alpha Technologies Services – is a leading developer of turnkey photovoltaic systems for commercial, residential, institutional, and remote (off-grid) applications. The company is recognised as a market innovator in packaging renewable energy technologies. ReliOn Inc, Spokane, Washington, USA. Tel: +1 509 228 6500, www.relion-inc.com Alpha Energy, Bellingham, Washington, USA. Tel: +1 360 647 2360, www.alpha.com/Products/Renewable-Energy
Proton Motor to collaborate with Modl for stationary power
G
erman-based Proton Motor Fuel Cell GmbH has signed a cooperation agreement with Modl GmbH, a leading supplier of intelligent power system solutions, to address the need for interruption-free and energy-efficient storage for the stationary power supply market. This is particularly relevant in Germany, given the recent shutdown of nuclear power stations and the growing reliance on renewable energy supplies which are intermittent – so requiring increased storage. Modl, Proton Motor’s sales partner in southern Germany, has many years’ experience in the market and a large customer base for stationary power supply. Modl delivers a complete cabinet solution, including peripherals, while Proton Motor – a subsidiary of UK-based Proton Power Systems – supplies the stationary hydrogen PEM fuel cell system. The market for energy-efficient backup power supply is expected to experience significant growth in the near future, as expected power outages and power supply shortages become the focus of operators of mission-critical applications such as hospitals, data centres, telecom companies, and airports. Zero-emissions, compact energy storage systems are in demand from key decision makers. Both partners will offer complete solutions for uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and grid shaving applications based on Proton Motor’s hydrogen fuel cell technology and Modl’s product portfolio. The compact, eco-friendly products are specifically engineered to provide a long
September 2012
NEWS period of backup power of over 5 h, offering a real alternative to noisy and polluting diesel generators or pure battery applications. The products will range from 5 kW to 120 kW; the first joint projects are already under way. Proton Motor has more than 17 years’ experience in fuel cell and hybrid systems and industrial fuel cells. The company offers products and services in both stationary and mobile applications, from 19-inch rackmounted fuel cell systems for IT industry customers to servicing the Alsterwasser hydrogen fuel cell powered ferry in Hamburg harbour [FCB, December 2011, p8]. Proton Motor Fuel Cell GmbH, Puchheim, Germany. Tel: +49 89 12762 6520, www.proton-motor.de Proton Power Systems Plc, UK: www.protonpowersystems.com Modl GmbH, Pappenheim, Germany. Tel: +49 9143 6030, www.modl.de
LARGE STATIONARY
FCE’s German op sells first stationary system, to education ministry
I
n Germany, FuelCell Energy Solutions GmbH (FCES) has sold its first stationary fuel cell power plant, a subMW DFC250-EU® molten carbonate system, to BAM Deutschland AG for installation at the new federal ministry of education and research (BMBF) government complex in Berlin. FCES will manufacture and install the power plant, which is expected to be operational in 2014. Under a 10-year service contract, FCES will service and operate the power plant from a 24/7 service operations centre. The fuel cell power plant will meet approximately 40% of the electrical and 20% of the thermal power needs of the complex. A key benefit of the DFC250-EU unit being used in this application is the ability to provide both power and usable high-quality heat, supporting the economics through lower fuel usage as well as advancing sustainability initiatives. For this application, the heat will be used to generate steam for facility heating in the winter, and support an absorption chiller for cooling in the summer. This contract is a key milestone for FCES, since it was founded in May as a joint venture between the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS in Germany and US-based FuelCell Energy [FCB, May 2012, p1]. The three entities are collaborating
September 2012
to develop the European market for stationary fuel cell power plants, as well as perform advanced R&D on the Direct FuelCell® technology to further enhance the performance and cost profile. ‘Our ultra-clean onsite power generation solutions are applicable for a broad range of markets in Germany – such as this government complex – that require reliable and efficient power,’ says Chip Bottone, president and CEO of FuelCell Energy Inc and managing director of FuelCell Energy Solutions GmbH. This showcase government project in central Berlin highlights the strengths of a team that includes the capabilities of BAM Deutschland in the planning, construction and operation of turnkey large-scale projects in Germany, with the technological strength of Fraunhofer and commercial strengths of FuelCell Energy and its Direct FuelCell power plants. The contracts for the ministry’s power plant, installation, and service were executed in July, and will be included in FuelCell Energy’s order backlog for the third quarter of 2012. Contract terms include a down payment that is due during the fourth quarter. FuelCell Energy Solutions is 75% owned by FuelCell Energy Inc and 25% by Fraunhofer IKTS; the latter is focused on the development of new energy supply systems using ceramic system components. With its German manufacturing base, FCES is the manufacturing, sales, and service platform for the European Served Area for FuelCell Energy. FCES recently completed the acquisition of selected molten carbonate fuel cell assets from the former MTU Onsite Energy GmbH [FCB, July 2012, p8]. FuelCell Energy Solutions GmbH, Dresden, Germany. Tel: +49 800 181 8890 (international tollfree), www.fces.de FuelCell Energy Inc, Danbury, Connecticut, USA. Tel: +1 203 825 6000, www.fuelcellenergy.com Fraunhofer IKTS, Dresden, Germany: www.ikts.fraunhofer.de/en BAM Deutschland AG: www.bam-deutschland.de
PORTABLE & MICRO
Lockheed Martin, TMI to integrate fuel cells, solar for military use
T
he US Office of Naval Research has awarded a $3 million contract to defence giant Lockheed Martin for the design and development of solid
Fuel Cell Seminar & Expo 5–8 November, Uncasville, Connecticut The 2012 Fuel Cell Seminar & Exposition – being held this year at the Mohegan Sun casino resort in Uncasville – is the premier international gathering of the fuel cell and hydrogen energy industries with their stakeholders and customers. Technical presentations The meeting’s extensive technical programme features plenaries from some of the leading players in the sector, including speakers from UTC Power, Proton OnSite, the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association, and Toyota. The main parallel technical sessions cover topics such as telecoms, military (unmanned vehicles, sensors), portables, stationary power, APUs, non-automotive vehicle demonstrations (scooters, forklifts, buses), SOFC materials and fundamentals, PEM components, borohydride fuel cell R&D, modelling, catalyst R&D, fuel cell system reliability and cost reduction, economic and environmental life cycle analysis, global overviews and opportunities, product development, field tests, hydrogen production and refuelling in Hawaii, hydrogen infrastructure, fuels and processing, and education. There will also be an extensive set of poster presentations. Exposition The expo features US and international partners showcasing a global perspective of the latest developments, technologies and products in the hydrogen energy and fuel cell industries. It includes the innovative Supply Chain Exchange, a networking event to connect the hydrogen and fuel cell system OEMs in the region with suppliers to accelerate business growth and innovation. Short courses and workshops The main meeting will be preceded by a full-day course on Fuel Cell Fundamentals and Technology (led by Dr Jack Brouwer of UC Irvine’s National Fuel Cell Research Center), as well as two half-day Fuel Cell 101 for Educators courses. There will also be three free half-day workshops, on Business Services and Export, Investing in Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology, and Fuel Cells for Municipalities. Tour of local fuel cell, hydrogen facilities The Monday before the conference opens will see a full-day tour of some of the sites of fuel cell interest, including the University of Connecticut’s Center for Clean Energy Engineering, the UTC Power fuel cell installations at Cabela’s and Coca-Cola, UTC Power’s manufacturing facility and hydrogen refuelling station, the FuelCell Energy installation at Carla’s Pasta, and the commercial hydrogen refuelling station at Proton OnSite. Website: www.fuelcellseminar.com
Fuel Cells Bulletin
5
4
Fuel Cells Bulletin
Alpha integrates ReliOn fuel cell tech into hybrid test facility
I
n the US, renewable energy solutions specialist Alpha Energy is integrating a ReliOn E-2500™ hydrogen PEM fuel cell system into its state-of-the-art Hybrid Power System (HPS) Test Facility in Bellingham, Washington. The HPS Test Facility simulates demanding off-grid environments, and provides test engineers with an accurate, real-time representation of how certain products will perform in the field. If the fuel cell system meets Alpha’s rigorous performance standards, it will then be evaluated for implementation in future Alpha Energy projects. ‘Interest in the renewable energy sector is experiencing exceptional growth, with an increased focus on green technologies,’ says John Meyer, director of applications and system engineering for Alpha Energy. ‘Our HPS Test Facility is designed exclusively for these innovative alternative energy projects, and it continues to be a tremendous asset as we forge into an era emphasising clean energy.’ Initially installed in spring 2010, Alpha’s HPS Test Facility is a unique outdoor laboratory where various renewable energy technologies are tested with a range of load requirements and demands. In addition to the newly installed ReliOn E-2500 fuel cell system, the facility features a 7.5 kW wind turbine mounted on a 100 ft (30 m) lattice tower, expanded solar capacity, backup battery bank, and a DC power plant housing all power management electronics and controls. To ensure maximum reliability, test products must meet or surpass Alpha’s established performance criteria before consideration for subsequent projects. Launched last year, ReliOn’s E-2500 fuel cell system is designed around the company’s patented modular, fault-tolerant architecture, and provides 2.5 kW of power in a compact 8U rack-mountable package [FCB, March 2011, p4]. The system installed at Alpha’s HPS Test Facility is a 5 kW configuration housed in an environmentally hardened outdoor cabinet. ‘As the market for fuel cell power solutions continues to grow, the benefits of working with a company like Alpha become more substantial,’ says Mark Cohen, VP of product management for ReliOn. ‘While ReliOn has installed fuel cell solutions at more than 1450 commercial customer locations, Alpha’s strength in integrating complete renewable power
solutions for off-grid applications offers our customers a solution that serves an even broader variety of environments.’ Alpha Energy – a member of The Alpha Group and a division of Alpha Technologies Services – is a leading developer of turnkey photovoltaic systems for commercial, residential, institutional, and remote (off-grid) applications. The company is recognised as a market innovator in packaging renewable energy technologies. ReliOn Inc, Spokane, Washington, USA. Tel: +1 509 228 6500, www.relion-inc.com Alpha Energy, Bellingham, Washington, USA. Tel: +1 360 647 2360, www.alpha.com/Products/Renewable-Energy
Proton Motor to collaborate with Modl for stationary power
G
erman-based Proton Motor Fuel Cell GmbH has signed a cooperation agreement with Modl GmbH, a leading supplier of intelligent power system solutions, to address the need for interruption-free and energy-efficient storage for the stationary power supply market. This is particularly relevant in Germany, given the recent shutdown of nuclear power stations and the growing reliance on renewable energy supplies which are intermittent – so requiring increased storage. Modl, Proton Motor’s sales partner in southern Germany, has many years’ experience in the market and a large customer base for stationary power supply. Modl delivers a complete cabinet solution, including peripherals, while Proton Motor – a subsidiary of UK-based Proton Power Systems – supplies the stationary hydrogen PEM fuel cell system. The market for energy-efficient backup power supply is expected to experience significant growth in the near future, as expected power outages and power supply shortages become the focus of operators of mission-critical applications such as hospitals, data centres, telecom companies, and airports. Zero-emissions, compact energy storage systems are in demand from key decision makers. Both partners will offer complete solutions for uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and grid shaving applications based on Proton Motor’s hydrogen fuel cell technology and Modl’s product portfolio. The compact, eco-friendly products are specifically engineered to provide a long
September 2012
NEWS period of backup power of over 5 h, offering a real alternative to noisy and polluting diesel generators or pure battery applications. The products will range from 5 kW to 120 kW; the first joint projects are already under way. Proton Motor has more than 17 years’ experience in fuel cell and hybrid systems and industrial fuel cells. The company offers products and services in both stationary and mobile applications, from 19-inch rackmounted fuel cell systems for IT industry customers to servicing the Alsterwasser hydrogen fuel cell powered ferry in Hamburg harbour [FCB, December 2011, p8]. Proton Motor Fuel Cell GmbH, Puchheim, Germany. Tel: +49 89 12762 6520, www.proton-motor.de Proton Power Systems Plc, UK: www.protonpowersystems.com Modl GmbH, Pappenheim, Germany. Tel: +49 9143 6030, www.modl.de
LARGE STATIONARY
FCE’s German op sells first stationary system, to education ministry
I
n Germany, FuelCell Energy Solutions GmbH (FCES) has sold its first stationary fuel cell power plant, a subMW DFC250-EU® molten carbonate system, to BAM Deutschland AG for installation at the new federal ministry of education and research (BMBF) government complex in Berlin. FCES will manufacture and install the power plant, which is expected to be operational in 2014. Under a 10-year service contract, FCES will service and operate the power plant from a 24/7 service operations centre. The fuel cell power plant will meet approximately 40% of the electrical and 20% of the thermal power needs of the complex. A key benefit of the DFC250-EU unit being used in this application is the ability to provide both power and usable high-quality heat, supporting the economics through lower fuel usage as well as advancing sustainability initiatives. For this application, the heat will be used to generate steam for facility heating in the winter, and support an absorption chiller for cooling in the summer. This contract is a key milestone for FCES, since it was founded in May as a joint venture between the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS in Germany and US-based FuelCell Energy [FCB, May 2012, p1]. The three entities are collaborating
September 2012
to develop the European market for stationary fuel cell power plants, as well as perform advanced R&D on the Direct FuelCell® technology to further enhance the performance and cost profile. ‘Our ultra-clean onsite power generation solutions are applicable for a broad range of markets in Germany – such as this government complex – that require reliable and efficient power,’ says Chip Bottone, president and CEO of FuelCell Energy Inc and managing director of FuelCell Energy Solutions GmbH. This showcase government project in central Berlin highlights the strengths of a team that includes the capabilities of BAM Deutschland in the planning, construction and operation of turnkey large-scale projects in Germany, with the technological strength of Fraunhofer and commercial strengths of FuelCell Energy and its Direct FuelCell power plants. The contracts for the ministry’s power plant, installation, and service were executed in July, and will be included in FuelCell Energy’s order backlog for the third quarter of 2012. Contract terms include a down payment that is due during the fourth quarter. FuelCell Energy Solutions is 75% owned by FuelCell Energy Inc and 25% by Fraunhofer IKTS; the latter is focused on the development of new energy supply systems using ceramic system components. With its German manufacturing base, FCES is the manufacturing, sales, and service platform for the European Served Area for FuelCell Energy. FCES recently completed the acquisition of selected molten carbonate fuel cell assets from the former MTU Onsite Energy GmbH [FCB, July 2012, p8]. FuelCell Energy Solutions GmbH, Dresden, Germany. Tel: +49 800 181 8890 (international tollfree), www.fces.de FuelCell Energy Inc, Danbury, Connecticut, USA. Tel: +1 203 825 6000, www.fuelcellenergy.com Fraunhofer IKTS, Dresden, Germany: www.ikts.fraunhofer.de/en BAM Deutschland AG: www.bam-deutschland.de
PORTABLE & MICRO
Lockheed Martin, TMI to integrate fuel cells, solar for military use
T
he US Office of Naval Research has awarded a $3 million contract to defence giant Lockheed Martin for the design and development of solid
Fuel Cell Seminar & Expo 5–8 November, Uncasville, Connecticut The 2012 Fuel Cell Seminar & Exposition – being held this year at the Mohegan Sun casino resort in Uncasville – is the premier international gathering of the fuel cell and hydrogen energy industries with their stakeholders and customers. Technical presentations The meeting’s extensive technical programme features plenaries from some of the leading players in the sector, including speakers from UTC Power, Proton OnSite, the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association, and Toyota. The main parallel technical sessions cover topics such as telecoms, military (unmanned vehicles, sensors), portables, stationary power, APUs, non-automotive vehicle demonstrations (scooters, forklifts, buses), SOFC materials and fundamentals, PEM components, borohydride fuel cell R&D, modelling, catalyst R&D, fuel cell system reliability and cost reduction, economic and environmental life cycle analysis, global overviews and opportunities, product development, field tests, hydrogen production and refuelling in Hawaii, hydrogen infrastructure, fuels and processing, and education. There will also be an extensive set of poster presentations. Exposition The expo features US and international partners showcasing a global perspective of the latest developments, technologies and products in the hydrogen energy and fuel cell industries. It includes the innovative Supply Chain Exchange, a networking event to connect the hydrogen and fuel cell system OEMs in the region with suppliers to accelerate business growth and innovation. Short courses and workshops The main meeting will be preceded by a full-day course on Fuel Cell Fundamentals and Technology (led by Dr Jack Brouwer of UC Irvine’s National Fuel Cell Research Center), as well as two half-day Fuel Cell 101 for Educators courses. There will also be three free half-day workshops, on Business Services and Export, Investing in Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology, and Fuel Cells for Municipalities. Tour of local fuel cell, hydrogen facilities The Monday before the conference opens will see a full-day tour of some of the sites of fuel cell interest, including the University of Connecticut’s Center for Clean Energy Engineering, the UTC Power fuel cell installations at Cabela’s and Coca-Cola, UTC Power’s manufacturing facility and hydrogen refuelling station, the FuelCell Energy installation at Carla’s Pasta, and the commercial hydrogen refuelling station at Proton OnSite. Website: www.fuelcellseminar.com
Fuel Cells Bulletin
5