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reformer for fuel cells
NEWS
CCAT to lead regional hydrogen, fuel cell cluster in Connecticut
Element One, CHEM Toho Tenax develops sign reformer, PEMFC GDL using carbon fiber partnership agreement fabric for PEMFCs
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he Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology in East Hartford has received a grant from the federal Small Business Administration (SBA) to expand a growing hydrogen and fuel cell regional cluster centered in the northeastern US. This energy technology cluster is poised for growth to meet worldwide demand for clean and efficient electric power generation. ‘Maximizing a region’s economic assets is one of the best ways to create long-term job growth,' says SBA administrator Karen G. Mills. ‘We are announcing funding support for 10 regional economic clusters. SBA’s support will help expand the opportunities and the role small businesses play in these regional collaborations, which are enhancing the ability to create jobs locally and compete on a national and global scale.’ CCAT will work with its partners in New England and New York to support the collective industry through a public-private partnership for business development, workforce training, establishment of strategic market development activities, and increased deployment of fuel cell generation facilities. The project team includes CCAT, the Hydrogen Energy Center, Massachusetts Hydrogen Coalition, Clean Energy States Alliance, and the New York Fuel Cell Network. ‘Assistance to expand this technology cluster will lead to lower energy costs, improved environmental performance, and an increase in US based jobs,’ adds Joel Rinebold, energy programs director at CCAT and chair of the Coalition. ‘This is a great opportunity to invest in an emerging technology made in the region that will serve an expanding global market.’ [Joel wrote the feature on Connecticut published in FCB, June 2010.] Non-profit CCAT serves as a unique economic development center of excellence for the region, state, and nation. Its Energy Program administers the Connecticut Hydrogen-Fuel Cell Coalition, which comprises representatives from the fuel cell and hydrogen industry, labor organizations, academia, government, and other stakeholders. The Coalition works to advance the development, manufacture, and deployment of fuel cell and hydrogen technology and associated fueling systems in Connecticut and abroad.
regon-based methanol reformer developer Element One (E1) has signed a three-year strategic partnership agreement with Chung-Hsin Electric and Machinery Manufacturing Corporation (CHEM) in Taiwan. CHEM’s diverse business scope includes power equipment, power automation, wireless communication, and now renewable energy technologies including PEM fuel cell systems. Element One’s agreement with CHEM is for its methanol fuel reformers to be incorporated into CHEM’s next generation of PEM fuel cell systems, as well as with other fuel cell system integrators. The E1 Pegasus series of fuel reformers is well suited for PEM fuel cells that provide critical backup power solutions supporting remote wireline and wireless telecoms towers. CHEM plans to showcase the E1 reformer at the annual TiGiS green industry show in Taipei in late October. ‘Using compressed hydrogen is not economically viable or practical for much of our market, which limits the potential for fuel cell system sales,’ says Eric Chiang, chairman of CHEM. ‘E1 fuel reformers have proven themselves to be a reliable and cost-effective solution that will expand our market opportunities.’ ‘China is undergoing rapid growth in its telecom infrastructure, and represents an ideal opportunity for fuel cell and related companies to sell their backup power solutions,’ adds Dave Edlund, CEO of E1 and a recognized expert in fuel processing technology. ‘CHEM has extensive manufacturing facilities, and a significant market presence in Taiwan and China. We are very pleased to be working with CHEM, and feel that CHEM is an ideal strategic partner for E1.’ Element One designs, develops, and manufactures reliable hydrogen generators (fuel reformers) and hydrogen purifier products for PEM fuel cell system integrators. The company’s Pegasus reformer system utilizes an easily available liquid methanol and water fuel mix, provides runtimes of days to weeks, and effectively overcomes the high cost and logistic challenges of compressed hydrogen.
Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology Inc, East Hartford, Connecticut, USA. Tel: +1 860 291 8832, www.ccat.us
Element One LLC, Bend, Oregon, USA. Tel: +1 541 678 5943, www.e1na.com
Small Business Administration: www.sba.gov
October 2010
Chung-Hsin Electric and Machinery Manufacturing Corporation: www.chem.com.tw/c_about_a.aspx
I
n Japan, Toho Tenax – the core company of the Teijin Group’s carbon fibers business – has developed a gas diffusion layer (GDL) made of a carbon fiber fabric for use as an electrode component for PEM fuel cells. The new GDL is now available on a commercial basis. Toho Tenax says that the new fabric-type GDL exhibits better flexibility and strength than commonly used paper-type GDLs, which are carbon fiber sheets impregnated with resin or other materials. With the new fabric structure, roll-toroll processing can be performed at high speeds, enabling a reduction in user costs. Also, since no resin is needed, the water permeability can be further improved, enabling higher fuel cell outputs. The new product also has lower contact resistance than conventional fabric-type GDLs, according to the company. This is achieved by creating a uniform textile surface using various technologies refined by Toho Tenax, such as spinning, weaving, and carbonizing technologies. With low contact resistance, further improvements in fuel cell performance can be expected. The new GDL will be available in two thicknesses: 260 and 320 μm. Based on market growth, Toho Tenax anticipates sales volume of ¥1 billion (US$12 million) by 2015. In addition, based on market needs for smaller fuel cells, the company is already developing ultrathin fabrics with thicknesses of 200 μm or less. Toho Tenax Co Ltd: www.tohotenax.com/tenax/en
ACAT Global unveils catalytic converter/ reformer for fuel cells
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alifornia-based ACAT Global has introduced a new range of catalytic conversion solutions specifically for use with fuel cell power sources. The company says that these devices are onethird smaller than existing products. The proprietary fuel cell applications incorporate a hollow-core design and nickel-free construction for improved reformer efficiency. The firm expects to begin delivery of the innovative technology by the end of this year. ACAT Global’s innovative catalytic converter technology is already at work in vehicles worldwide. Its patented technologies include a
Fuel Cells Bulletin
9
NEWS truck emissions retrofit device and an auxiliary power unit (APU) reefer (refrigerated truck) emissions solution. These capitalize on aggressive emissions policies worldwide, and in North America, as set by both the US Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The County of Los Angeles recently approved a $33 million allocation of Recovery Zone Bonds to ACAT Global. The company’s technology, initially developed by General Motors and Delphi, is recognized internationally for its advanced catalytic converters. ACAT Global, Laguna Beach, California, USA. Tel: +1 949 678 9379, www.acatglobal.com
NuVant offers new fuel cell test station
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S-based NuVant Systems, which develops and licenses advanced fuel cell components and component evaluation instrumentation, has launched a new fuel cell test station. The company says that the EZLab system aims to make it easier for researchers to compare the performance of electrode components in fuel cells. The EZlab enables comprehensive analysis of fuel cell electrode components. In addition to short-term performance studies, longer-term lifetime studies can be conducted to reveal fuel cell failure modes. The EZlab test stations are developed, assembled, and manufactured at the Purdue Research Park in Indiana, where NuVant Systems is based. They are already being used at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, according to an InsideINdianaBusiness.com report. ‘EZlab is modular and can interface with a variety of fuel cells, including hydrogen or alcohol-fueled cells,’ explains Eugene Smotkin, NuVant’s founder and professor of materials chemistry at Northeastern University. ‘All the components are on the front panel, not hidden inside like other test stations, which will maximize ease of use for educational labs.’ NuVant Systems develops and integrates catalysts and electrolytes for stationary and portable fuel cell electrode assemblies. The company has pending patents for intermediate-temperature fuel cells. Its patented high-throughput characterization instrument, the Arraystat System, enables precise, accurate, parallel evaluation of electrode assembly components and fabrication methods under operating fuel cell conditions. NuVant also provides equipment for fabrication of fuel cell electrodes, 10
Fuel Cells Bulletin
and a comprehensive list of electronics for evaluation of electrochemical device characterization. NuVant Systems Inc, Crown Point, Indiana, USA. Tel: +1 219 644 3231, www.nuvant.com
Residential hydrogen fueling theme for 2011 student design contest
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he Hydrogen Education Foundation in Washington, DC has announced that residential fueling with hydrogen will be the theme for the 2010–2011 Hydrogen Student Design Contest. This year’s competition is sponsored by the US Department of Energy and Connecticutbased Proton Energy Systems. ‘Each year, the contest focuses on a key issue in the hydrogen and fuel cell industry,’ explains contest coordinator Kyle Gibeault. ‘For 2010– 2011 we’re looking at hydrogen fueling infrastructure from the residential perspective. Based on our experience in past years, I’m confident we will receive some very innovative and thoughtprovoking entries from the student teams.’ Teams will be tasked with planning and designing a residential hydrogen fueling system for a home, apartment complex, dorm, or other single residential building. As a part of their entry, teams will develop a technical design; conduct an economic analysis; and develop business, marketing, and public education plans for their systems. (The deadline for entries has been extended to 1 November.) The Grand Prize winning team will receive an expenses-paid trip to present their winning entry to thousands of industry professionals in a keynote session at the 2011 National Hydrogen Association Conference & Expo, taking place in Washington next February. Students from winning teams will also receive priority consideration for summer internships at participating sponsors at supporting organizations. Organized by the Hydrogen Education Foundation, the annual Hydrogen Student Design Contest challenges university-level students to develop innovative solutions to key issues facing the hydrogen and fuel cell industries. The contest showcases the talents of students in many disciplines, including engineering, architecture, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Hydrogen Student Design Contest: www.HydrogenContest.org Hydrogen Education Foundation: www.HydrogenEducationFoundation.org National Hydrogen Association Conference & Expo: www.HydrogenConference.org
RESEARCH
Selman awarded 2010 Grove Medal for pioneering fuel cells
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he prestigious 2010 Grove Medal was awarded to J. Robert Selman, University Distinguished Research Professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, at the recent Fuel Cells Science & Technology 2010 Conference in Zaragoza, Spain. The Grove Medal is a distinction awarded to those who have made valuable contributions towards the development and success of fuel cell technology. Candidates are selected and voted for by the Grove Steering Committee. The Medal is presented at the annual Grove Fuel Cell Event, which this year is the Fuel Cells Science & Technology Conference in Zaragoza. After being presented with the award, Professor Selman gave the Grove Medal Lecture to officially open the two-day conference program. Robert Selman has more than 30 years’ experience in battery and fuel cell research and development, and the global commercialization of these technologies. His expertise is the electrochemical engineering of batteries and fuel cells, and electrode materials for batteries and high-temperature fuel cell electrodes. ‘Robert Selman has contributed greatly to international fuel cell research and, more importantly, to the commercialization of the technology,’ says Professor Lars Sjunnesson, chair of the Grove Steering Committee. ‘It is fitting that he should be honored in this way and at this important event in the fuel cell calendar.’ Fuel Cells Science & Technology 2010: www.fuelcelladvances.com
US team finds cheaper low-temp catalyst for hydrogen purification
E
ngineering researchers from Tufts University and Harvard University in Massachusetts, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, have demonstrated the low-temperature efficacy of an atomically dispersed platinum catalyst, which could be suitable for onboard hydrogen production in fuel cell powered vehicles. The new Pt-based catalyst is highly active and stable, and is an alternative to current copper-
October 2010
CCAT to lead regional hydrogen, fuel cell cluster in Connecticut
Element One, CHEM Toho Tenax develops sign reformer, PEMFC GDL using carbon fiber partnership agreement fabric for PEMFCs
T
O
he Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology in East Hartford has received a grant from the federal Small Business Administration (SBA) to expand a growing hydrogen and fuel cell regional cluster centered in the northeastern US. This energy technology cluster is poised for growth to meet worldwide demand for clean and efficient electric power generation. ‘Maximizing a region’s economic assets is one of the best ways to create long-term job growth,' says SBA administrator Karen G. Mills. ‘We are announcing funding support for 10 regional economic clusters. SBA’s support will help expand the opportunities and the role small businesses play in these regional collaborations, which are enhancing the ability to create jobs locally and compete on a national and global scale.’ CCAT will work with its partners in New England and New York to support the collective industry through a public-private partnership for business development, workforce training, establishment of strategic market development activities, and increased deployment of fuel cell generation facilities. The project team includes CCAT, the Hydrogen Energy Center, Massachusetts Hydrogen Coalition, Clean Energy States Alliance, and the New York Fuel Cell Network. ‘Assistance to expand this technology cluster will lead to lower energy costs, improved environmental performance, and an increase in US based jobs,’ adds Joel Rinebold, energy programs director at CCAT and chair of the Coalition. ‘This is a great opportunity to invest in an emerging technology made in the region that will serve an expanding global market.’ [Joel wrote the feature on Connecticut published in FCB, June 2010.] Non-profit CCAT serves as a unique economic development center of excellence for the region, state, and nation. Its Energy Program administers the Connecticut Hydrogen-Fuel Cell Coalition, which comprises representatives from the fuel cell and hydrogen industry, labor organizations, academia, government, and other stakeholders. The Coalition works to advance the development, manufacture, and deployment of fuel cell and hydrogen technology and associated fueling systems in Connecticut and abroad.
regon-based methanol reformer developer Element One (E1) has signed a three-year strategic partnership agreement with Chung-Hsin Electric and Machinery Manufacturing Corporation (CHEM) in Taiwan. CHEM’s diverse business scope includes power equipment, power automation, wireless communication, and now renewable energy technologies including PEM fuel cell systems. Element One’s agreement with CHEM is for its methanol fuel reformers to be incorporated into CHEM’s next generation of PEM fuel cell systems, as well as with other fuel cell system integrators. The E1 Pegasus series of fuel reformers is well suited for PEM fuel cells that provide critical backup power solutions supporting remote wireline and wireless telecoms towers. CHEM plans to showcase the E1 reformer at the annual TiGiS green industry show in Taipei in late October. ‘Using compressed hydrogen is not economically viable or practical for much of our market, which limits the potential for fuel cell system sales,’ says Eric Chiang, chairman of CHEM. ‘E1 fuel reformers have proven themselves to be a reliable and cost-effective solution that will expand our market opportunities.’ ‘China is undergoing rapid growth in its telecom infrastructure, and represents an ideal opportunity for fuel cell and related companies to sell their backup power solutions,’ adds Dave Edlund, CEO of E1 and a recognized expert in fuel processing technology. ‘CHEM has extensive manufacturing facilities, and a significant market presence in Taiwan and China. We are very pleased to be working with CHEM, and feel that CHEM is an ideal strategic partner for E1.’ Element One designs, develops, and manufactures reliable hydrogen generators (fuel reformers) and hydrogen purifier products for PEM fuel cell system integrators. The company’s Pegasus reformer system utilizes an easily available liquid methanol and water fuel mix, provides runtimes of days to weeks, and effectively overcomes the high cost and logistic challenges of compressed hydrogen.
Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology Inc, East Hartford, Connecticut, USA. Tel: +1 860 291 8832, www.ccat.us
Element One LLC, Bend, Oregon, USA. Tel: +1 541 678 5943, www.e1na.com
Small Business Administration: www.sba.gov
October 2010
Chung-Hsin Electric and Machinery Manufacturing Corporation: www.chem.com.tw/c_about_a.aspx
I
n Japan, Toho Tenax – the core company of the Teijin Group’s carbon fibers business – has developed a gas diffusion layer (GDL) made of a carbon fiber fabric for use as an electrode component for PEM fuel cells. The new GDL is now available on a commercial basis. Toho Tenax says that the new fabric-type GDL exhibits better flexibility and strength than commonly used paper-type GDLs, which are carbon fiber sheets impregnated with resin or other materials. With the new fabric structure, roll-toroll processing can be performed at high speeds, enabling a reduction in user costs. Also, since no resin is needed, the water permeability can be further improved, enabling higher fuel cell outputs. The new product also has lower contact resistance than conventional fabric-type GDLs, according to the company. This is achieved by creating a uniform textile surface using various technologies refined by Toho Tenax, such as spinning, weaving, and carbonizing technologies. With low contact resistance, further improvements in fuel cell performance can be expected. The new GDL will be available in two thicknesses: 260 and 320 μm. Based on market growth, Toho Tenax anticipates sales volume of ¥1 billion (US$12 million) by 2015. In addition, based on market needs for smaller fuel cells, the company is already developing ultrathin fabrics with thicknesses of 200 μm or less. Toho Tenax Co Ltd: www.tohotenax.com/tenax/en
ACAT Global unveils catalytic converter/ reformer for fuel cells
C
alifornia-based ACAT Global has introduced a new range of catalytic conversion solutions specifically for use with fuel cell power sources. The company says that these devices are onethird smaller than existing products. The proprietary fuel cell applications incorporate a hollow-core design and nickel-free construction for improved reformer efficiency. The firm expects to begin delivery of the innovative technology by the end of this year. ACAT Global’s innovative catalytic converter technology is already at work in vehicles worldwide. Its patented technologies include a
Fuel Cells Bulletin
9
NEWS truck emissions retrofit device and an auxiliary power unit (APU) reefer (refrigerated truck) emissions solution. These capitalize on aggressive emissions policies worldwide, and in North America, as set by both the US Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The County of Los Angeles recently approved a $33 million allocation of Recovery Zone Bonds to ACAT Global. The company’s technology, initially developed by General Motors and Delphi, is recognized internationally for its advanced catalytic converters. ACAT Global, Laguna Beach, California, USA. Tel: +1 949 678 9379, www.acatglobal.com
NuVant offers new fuel cell test station
U
S-based NuVant Systems, which develops and licenses advanced fuel cell components and component evaluation instrumentation, has launched a new fuel cell test station. The company says that the EZLab system aims to make it easier for researchers to compare the performance of electrode components in fuel cells. The EZlab enables comprehensive analysis of fuel cell electrode components. In addition to short-term performance studies, longer-term lifetime studies can be conducted to reveal fuel cell failure modes. The EZlab test stations are developed, assembled, and manufactured at the Purdue Research Park in Indiana, where NuVant Systems is based. They are already being used at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, according to an InsideINdianaBusiness.com report. ‘EZlab is modular and can interface with a variety of fuel cells, including hydrogen or alcohol-fueled cells,’ explains Eugene Smotkin, NuVant’s founder and professor of materials chemistry at Northeastern University. ‘All the components are on the front panel, not hidden inside like other test stations, which will maximize ease of use for educational labs.’ NuVant Systems develops and integrates catalysts and electrolytes for stationary and portable fuel cell electrode assemblies. The company has pending patents for intermediate-temperature fuel cells. Its patented high-throughput characterization instrument, the Arraystat System, enables precise, accurate, parallel evaluation of electrode assembly components and fabrication methods under operating fuel cell conditions. NuVant also provides equipment for fabrication of fuel cell electrodes, 10
Fuel Cells Bulletin
and a comprehensive list of electronics for evaluation of electrochemical device characterization. NuVant Systems Inc, Crown Point, Indiana, USA. Tel: +1 219 644 3231, www.nuvant.com
Residential hydrogen fueling theme for 2011 student design contest
T
he Hydrogen Education Foundation in Washington, DC has announced that residential fueling with hydrogen will be the theme for the 2010–2011 Hydrogen Student Design Contest. This year’s competition is sponsored by the US Department of Energy and Connecticutbased Proton Energy Systems. ‘Each year, the contest focuses on a key issue in the hydrogen and fuel cell industry,’ explains contest coordinator Kyle Gibeault. ‘For 2010– 2011 we’re looking at hydrogen fueling infrastructure from the residential perspective. Based on our experience in past years, I’m confident we will receive some very innovative and thoughtprovoking entries from the student teams.’ Teams will be tasked with planning and designing a residential hydrogen fueling system for a home, apartment complex, dorm, or other single residential building. As a part of their entry, teams will develop a technical design; conduct an economic analysis; and develop business, marketing, and public education plans for their systems. (The deadline for entries has been extended to 1 November.) The Grand Prize winning team will receive an expenses-paid trip to present their winning entry to thousands of industry professionals in a keynote session at the 2011 National Hydrogen Association Conference & Expo, taking place in Washington next February. Students from winning teams will also receive priority consideration for summer internships at participating sponsors at supporting organizations. Organized by the Hydrogen Education Foundation, the annual Hydrogen Student Design Contest challenges university-level students to develop innovative solutions to key issues facing the hydrogen and fuel cell industries. The contest showcases the talents of students in many disciplines, including engineering, architecture, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Hydrogen Student Design Contest: www.HydrogenContest.org Hydrogen Education Foundation: www.HydrogenEducationFoundation.org National Hydrogen Association Conference & Expo: www.HydrogenConference.org
RESEARCH
Selman awarded 2010 Grove Medal for pioneering fuel cells
T
he prestigious 2010 Grove Medal was awarded to J. Robert Selman, University Distinguished Research Professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, at the recent Fuel Cells Science & Technology 2010 Conference in Zaragoza, Spain. The Grove Medal is a distinction awarded to those who have made valuable contributions towards the development and success of fuel cell technology. Candidates are selected and voted for by the Grove Steering Committee. The Medal is presented at the annual Grove Fuel Cell Event, which this year is the Fuel Cells Science & Technology Conference in Zaragoza. After being presented with the award, Professor Selman gave the Grove Medal Lecture to officially open the two-day conference program. Robert Selman has more than 30 years’ experience in battery and fuel cell research and development, and the global commercialization of these technologies. His expertise is the electrochemical engineering of batteries and fuel cells, and electrode materials for batteries and high-temperature fuel cell electrodes. ‘Robert Selman has contributed greatly to international fuel cell research and, more importantly, to the commercialization of the technology,’ says Professor Lars Sjunnesson, chair of the Grove Steering Committee. ‘It is fitting that he should be honored in this way and at this important event in the fuel cell calendar.’ Fuel Cells Science & Technology 2010: www.fuelcelladvances.com
US team finds cheaper low-temp catalyst for hydrogen purification
E
ngineering researchers from Tufts University and Harvard University in Massachusetts, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, have demonstrated the low-temperature efficacy of an atomically dispersed platinum catalyst, which could be suitable for onboard hydrogen production in fuel cell powered vehicles. The new Pt-based catalyst is highly active and stable, and is an alternative to current copper-
October 2010