- Email: [email protected]
AFC deployment for Covestro expands into German power market
NEWS evaluation of the technology at the OEM’s facilities under a prior agreement [February 2016, p8]. (It’s not clear whether that OEM is the same one as the new JDA.) Ceres Power’s unique, patented SteelCell technology operates on grid natural gas and is manufactured using standard fabrication processes and conventional materials such as steel, meaning that it can be mass-produced at an affordable price for domestic and business applications. Last autumn the company released Version 4 of its SteelCell platform, with higher power density and faster startup [November 2016, p9]. Ceres Power, Horsham, West Sussex, UK. Tel: +44 1403 273463, www.cerespower.com Innovate UK: www.gov.uk/innovateuk
Horizon boosts sales of fuel cell systems in Asian mobile telecoms
S
ingapore-based Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies is seeing significant sales in China and the Philippines, with more than 150 long-duration backup power fuel cell systems destined for delivery to cellular network operators in the coming six months. The Horizon portfolio of PEM fuel cell solutions enables asset owners to choose from multiple options for system design, power needs and backup duration, and a choice of hydrogen- or methanol reformer-based fuel cell systems. These latest contracts were landed for several different system configurations over a range of power outputs from 1 to 5 kW. Horizon is a global leader in the supply of PEM fuel cells up to 5 kW, and has recently launched stack modules up to 30 kW. These higher-power systems push the company further up the power curve, and open up many opportunities in stationary power generation and automotive power. The company recently established a new joint venture in China, which will construct a facility in Rugao to produce 10–30 kW modules for fuel cell electric vehicles [FCB, April 2017, p11]. Horizon will also supply 200 kW worth of its new 30 kW liquid-cooled PEM fuel cells to power the Ulsan Technopark project in the South Korean city of Ulsan, operating on ‘waste’ hydrogen [April 2017, p7]. Horizon’s latest-generation methanol-based fuel cell (MFC) systems couple its proven PEM fuel cells with a durable and reliable methanol reformer for in situ hydrogen generation on demand [June 2016, p5]. This helps asset owners avoid the typically costly exercise of 6
Fuel Cells Bulletin
supplying hydrogen for field deployments. Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies, Singapore. Tel: +65 6250 3949, www.horizonfuelcell.com
Brunel, Solar Botanic develop green power for cellphone towers
R
esearchers at Brunel University and green energy tech startup Solar Botanic in London, UK have developed an approach to store and supply cheap, clean renewable energy for cellphone base stations, which are often in remote or awkward locations. The use of regenerative hydrogen fuel cells (RHFCs) offers an environmentally friendly way to store energy generated by solar panels and wind turbines, and make base stations more self-sufficient. Remote communities across Europe pay more for electricity, and with greater environmental impact because their difficult locations force them to rely on diesel generators. ‘Faced with unreliable power grids, or without a grid at all, telecom infrastructure companies want alternatives to high-cost, high-maintenance fossil fuels,’ says Dr Zahir Dehouche, a sustainable energy specialist at Brunel. ‘RHFC systems are the answer.’ The Brunel team designed both the fuel cell stacks and the metal hydride, solid hydrogen storage vessel using nanostructured high-surfacearea materials and enhanced bipolar plate electrodes. For the cell tower application, the hydrogen energy storage system is a PEM fuel cell. The fuel cells use excess electricity from the solar panels and wind turbines to produce hydrogen from water in an electrolyser. The hydrogen is stored in a tank onsite, and supplied to the PEM fuel cell to generate electricity when needed, for example when there is insufficient wind or solar power. This removes the need to use fuel to transport the stored energy to these remote locations. The system generates enough energy from solar panels and a wind turbine positioned halfway up the phone mast, to both power the base station and store energy that can be supplied to the local community through a microgrid. The RHFCs can supply power for 10 days, and don’t need a battery for backup like diesel generators. They are expected to last longer than 15 years in service, are more secure and reliable than diesel generator/backup battery systems, and are designed to blend in with the natural environment.
‘This radical innovation provides the opportunity for a never-before-seen degree of energy autonomy, all the while significantly reducing cost, both financially and in terms of environmental impact,’ says Harry Corrigan of Solar Botanic. Brunel University, Institute of Energy Futures: www.brunel.ac.uk/energy-futures Solar Botanic, London, UK. Tel: +44 785 929 8054, www.solarbotanic.com
LARGE STATIONARY
AFC deployment for Covestro expands into German power market
U
K-based AFC Energy is expanding its position in the German power market, as engineering works commence for the deployment of an initial 1 MW alkaline fuel cell system at the Covestro Industrial Park Brunsbüttel in northern Germany, owned by Covestro Deutschland AG (formerly Bayer Material Science). The engineering work, led by AFC Energy, is designed to review the whole of system engineering, integration and project costing. This is framed around the installation of an initial 1 MW alkaline fuel cell system at the Brunsbüttel site, with hydrogen sourced from Covestro’s hydrogen grid. Power generated would be sold into the local power grid under long-term power purchase agreements. The proximity of the fuel cell system to the hydrogen source also offers the potential to materially expand the project in due course. This scheme is consistent with AFC’s focus on partnering with large, energy-intensive industrial partners to utilise surplus industrial-grade hydrogen from localised facilities for the generation of long-term clean power with a resultant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions [see the AFC Energy feature in FCB, December 2015]. Work conducted in recent months at AFC Energy to demonstrate acceptance of lower, industrial-grade hydrogen in the fuel cell, together with the clear improvements in fuel cell longevity, power output and stack design, are all critical to the initiation of this project [December 2016, p6 and April 2017, p6]. It further validates the importance of these technical breakthroughs for AFC Energy in advancing commercial deployment opportunities. In early 2016 AFC’s PowerUp project demonstrated the world’s largest operational alkaline fuel cell system at Air
June 2017
NEWS Products’ industrial gas plant in Stade, Germany [February 2016, p4]. The engineering work includes assessing potential further expansion of the fuel cell plant into a larger-scale commercial installation and power output, and integration of AFC’s fuel cell system with other innovative third-party technologies. ‘Covestro and AFC Energy have been in dialogue for much of 2016 with regards the potential siting of an AFC Energy fuel cell system at the Brunsbüttel facility, one of the largest of Covestro’s 30 industrial parks around the world,’ says Adam Bond, CEO of AFC. ‘We hope to see this relationship extend over many years and be a catalyst that will drive momentum behind fuel cell deployment not only in Germany, but also the rest of Europe.’ AFC Energy, Cranleigh, Surrey, UK. Tel: +44 1483 276726, www.afcenergy.com Covestro: www.covestro.com
FuelCell Energy deals for resilient power in Groton, Trinity College
I
n Connecticut, Danbury-based FuelCell Energy has signed a Letter of Intent with the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (CMEEC) to execute a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the long-term supply of 7.4 MW of onsite electric power for the US Submarine Base in Groton. FCE has also executed a PPA with Trinity College in Hartford, to install a 1.4 MW molten carbonate fuel cell power plant that is expected to cut the institution’s annual energy costs by approximately 30%. Two SureSource 4000™ power plants with a total output of 7.4 MW will be sited at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton. The project structure enables CMEEC to serve the Base with clean and predictable onsite power that enhances resiliency, while avoiding a capital investment in the power plant through the use of a PPA. The Letter of Intent is subject to the parties reaching a definitive agreement, with contract execution expected in the next couple of months. CMEEC is owned by six municipal utilities: Groton Utilities, Norwich Public Utilities, Jewett City Department of Public Utilities, Bozrah Light and Power, South Norwalk Electric and Water, and Norwalk Third Taxing District. CMEEC will be acting through and working with Groton Utilities to implement the new power supply.
June 2017
The SureSource 4000 is the largest MCFC power plant in FuelCell Energy’s product portfolio, generating 3.7 MW of ultra-clean power, and is scalable for fuel cell parks of 60 MW or more. This system is designed for applications focused on high system electrical efficiency rather than thermal efficiency. Last autumn FCE began commercial operation of a 5.6 MW system at biopharmaceutical giant Pfizer’s R&D facility in Groton [FCB, December 2016, p6]. In other news, FCE will install a 1.4 MW MCFC system for Trinity College in Hartford. The combined heat and power (CHP) plant will be located adjacent to the school’s athletic centre, and will generate a continuous supply of onsite electricity and steam for the campus, serving approximately 2200 students. The fuel cell system’s grid-independent operating capabilities support the future implementation of a microgrid for the campus. FuelCell Energy will provide a turnkey solution that includes installation as well as long-term operation and maintenance. Trinity College will pay for power as it is produced, avoiding a capital investment in power generation. FuelCell Energy has also been awarded a $3 million contract from the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) of the US Department of Energy, to advance commercialisation of energy storage based on FCE’s reversible solid oxide fuel cell technology [see page 10]. FuelCell Energy, Danbury, Connecticut, USA. Tel: +1 203 825 6000, www.fuelcellenergy.com
‘This is the largest of our fuel cells, and it will help Showa Denko to cut CO2 emissions, utilise hydrogen it previously released, and promote more eco-friendly operations,’ says Mr Hiroyuki Ota, general manager of Toshiba’s Energy Systems & Solutions Company (ESS). ‘We recognise that pure hydrogen fuel cells have an important role to play in a low-carbon future, and we will continue to promote new products and aim to expand sales.’ Pure hydrogen fuel cell systems are highly responsive, and can boot up and start to generate electricity in just 5 minutes. Toshiba has already delivered this fuel cell system to a municipal wholesale flower and vegetable market [FCB, May 2017, p7] and to a local swimming pool in Shunan, Yamaguchi Prefecture [September 2016, p7], at the western end of the main island of Honshu. Toshiba also offers the H2One™ autonomous hydrogen energy system, featuring a small PEM fuel cell in combination with a water electrolyser and hydrogen storage [April 2015, p1]. Recent installations include one operated by Japan Railways at a station in Kawasaki City, while Tohoku Electric Power is conducting a two-year study of how a hydrogen-based system can contribute to overcoming frequency fluctuations in the power supply [May 2017, p5]. Toshiba, Hydrogen Energy: https://www.toshiba-newenergy.com/en Showa Denko KK: www.sdk.co.jp/english
Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative: www.cmeec.com
PORTABLE & MICRO
Trinity College: www.trincoll.edu
Toshiba 100 kW fuel cell will use hydrogen from plastics recycling
T
oshiba has been awarded an order to supply a 100 kW pure hydrogen PEM fuel cell system to Japanese chemical engineering company Showa Denko, for installation in a new hotel. The system will operate on hydrogen extracted from recycled plastics by Showa Denko, and provide power and heat when it enters service in 2018. The 100 kW fuel cell system will help to meet the energy needs of a new Tokyu REI hotel under construction in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo. Hot water cogenerated with the electricity will also be utilised in the hotel, which is scheduled to open next spring.
SFC wins German Army order to extend MKEV portable power
M
unich-based SFC Energy has been awarded a E160 000 (US$182 000) order by the German Federal Army (Bundeswehr), for an extension of the portable MKEV 100 (Mobile Kleinstenergieversorgung) power supply. The new demonstrator prototype significantly increases energy flexibility and autonomy with an external tank and improved communication functions. The new MKEV 100 power supply offers 100 W of continuous power, four times the performance of SFC’s MKEV 25, which the Federal Army already uses in its missions. The integrated hybrid battery covers peak power demands, as in all fully integrated SFC power
Fuel Cells Bulletin
7
Horizon boosts sales of fuel cell systems in Asian mobile telecoms
S
ingapore-based Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies is seeing significant sales in China and the Philippines, with more than 150 long-duration backup power fuel cell systems destined for delivery to cellular network operators in the coming six months. The Horizon portfolio of PEM fuel cell solutions enables asset owners to choose from multiple options for system design, power needs and backup duration, and a choice of hydrogen- or methanol reformer-based fuel cell systems. These latest contracts were landed for several different system configurations over a range of power outputs from 1 to 5 kW. Horizon is a global leader in the supply of PEM fuel cells up to 5 kW, and has recently launched stack modules up to 30 kW. These higher-power systems push the company further up the power curve, and open up many opportunities in stationary power generation and automotive power. The company recently established a new joint venture in China, which will construct a facility in Rugao to produce 10–30 kW modules for fuel cell electric vehicles [FCB, April 2017, p11]. Horizon will also supply 200 kW worth of its new 30 kW liquid-cooled PEM fuel cells to power the Ulsan Technopark project in the South Korean city of Ulsan, operating on ‘waste’ hydrogen [April 2017, p7]. Horizon’s latest-generation methanol-based fuel cell (MFC) systems couple its proven PEM fuel cells with a durable and reliable methanol reformer for in situ hydrogen generation on demand [June 2016, p5]. This helps asset owners avoid the typically costly exercise of 6
Fuel Cells Bulletin
supplying hydrogen for field deployments. Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies, Singapore. Tel: +65 6250 3949, www.horizonfuelcell.com
Brunel, Solar Botanic develop green power for cellphone towers
R
esearchers at Brunel University and green energy tech startup Solar Botanic in London, UK have developed an approach to store and supply cheap, clean renewable energy for cellphone base stations, which are often in remote or awkward locations. The use of regenerative hydrogen fuel cells (RHFCs) offers an environmentally friendly way to store energy generated by solar panels and wind turbines, and make base stations more self-sufficient. Remote communities across Europe pay more for electricity, and with greater environmental impact because their difficult locations force them to rely on diesel generators. ‘Faced with unreliable power grids, or without a grid at all, telecom infrastructure companies want alternatives to high-cost, high-maintenance fossil fuels,’ says Dr Zahir Dehouche, a sustainable energy specialist at Brunel. ‘RHFC systems are the answer.’ The Brunel team designed both the fuel cell stacks and the metal hydride, solid hydrogen storage vessel using nanostructured high-surfacearea materials and enhanced bipolar plate electrodes. For the cell tower application, the hydrogen energy storage system is a PEM fuel cell. The fuel cells use excess electricity from the solar panels and wind turbines to produce hydrogen from water in an electrolyser. The hydrogen is stored in a tank onsite, and supplied to the PEM fuel cell to generate electricity when needed, for example when there is insufficient wind or solar power. This removes the need to use fuel to transport the stored energy to these remote locations. The system generates enough energy from solar panels and a wind turbine positioned halfway up the phone mast, to both power the base station and store energy that can be supplied to the local community through a microgrid. The RHFCs can supply power for 10 days, and don’t need a battery for backup like diesel generators. They are expected to last longer than 15 years in service, are more secure and reliable than diesel generator/backup battery systems, and are designed to blend in with the natural environment.
‘This radical innovation provides the opportunity for a never-before-seen degree of energy autonomy, all the while significantly reducing cost, both financially and in terms of environmental impact,’ says Harry Corrigan of Solar Botanic. Brunel University, Institute of Energy Futures: www.brunel.ac.uk/energy-futures Solar Botanic, London, UK. Tel: +44 785 929 8054, www.solarbotanic.com
LARGE STATIONARY
AFC deployment for Covestro expands into German power market
U
K-based AFC Energy is expanding its position in the German power market, as engineering works commence for the deployment of an initial 1 MW alkaline fuel cell system at the Covestro Industrial Park Brunsbüttel in northern Germany, owned by Covestro Deutschland AG (formerly Bayer Material Science). The engineering work, led by AFC Energy, is designed to review the whole of system engineering, integration and project costing. This is framed around the installation of an initial 1 MW alkaline fuel cell system at the Brunsbüttel site, with hydrogen sourced from Covestro’s hydrogen grid. Power generated would be sold into the local power grid under long-term power purchase agreements. The proximity of the fuel cell system to the hydrogen source also offers the potential to materially expand the project in due course. This scheme is consistent with AFC’s focus on partnering with large, energy-intensive industrial partners to utilise surplus industrial-grade hydrogen from localised facilities for the generation of long-term clean power with a resultant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions [see the AFC Energy feature in FCB, December 2015]. Work conducted in recent months at AFC Energy to demonstrate acceptance of lower, industrial-grade hydrogen in the fuel cell, together with the clear improvements in fuel cell longevity, power output and stack design, are all critical to the initiation of this project [December 2016, p6 and April 2017, p6]. It further validates the importance of these technical breakthroughs for AFC Energy in advancing commercial deployment opportunities. In early 2016 AFC’s PowerUp project demonstrated the world’s largest operational alkaline fuel cell system at Air
June 2017
NEWS Products’ industrial gas plant in Stade, Germany [February 2016, p4]. The engineering work includes assessing potential further expansion of the fuel cell plant into a larger-scale commercial installation and power output, and integration of AFC’s fuel cell system with other innovative third-party technologies. ‘Covestro and AFC Energy have been in dialogue for much of 2016 with regards the potential siting of an AFC Energy fuel cell system at the Brunsbüttel facility, one of the largest of Covestro’s 30 industrial parks around the world,’ says Adam Bond, CEO of AFC. ‘We hope to see this relationship extend over many years and be a catalyst that will drive momentum behind fuel cell deployment not only in Germany, but also the rest of Europe.’ AFC Energy, Cranleigh, Surrey, UK. Tel: +44 1483 276726, www.afcenergy.com Covestro: www.covestro.com
FuelCell Energy deals for resilient power in Groton, Trinity College
I
n Connecticut, Danbury-based FuelCell Energy has signed a Letter of Intent with the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (CMEEC) to execute a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the long-term supply of 7.4 MW of onsite electric power for the US Submarine Base in Groton. FCE has also executed a PPA with Trinity College in Hartford, to install a 1.4 MW molten carbonate fuel cell power plant that is expected to cut the institution’s annual energy costs by approximately 30%. Two SureSource 4000™ power plants with a total output of 7.4 MW will be sited at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton. The project structure enables CMEEC to serve the Base with clean and predictable onsite power that enhances resiliency, while avoiding a capital investment in the power plant through the use of a PPA. The Letter of Intent is subject to the parties reaching a definitive agreement, with contract execution expected in the next couple of months. CMEEC is owned by six municipal utilities: Groton Utilities, Norwich Public Utilities, Jewett City Department of Public Utilities, Bozrah Light and Power, South Norwalk Electric and Water, and Norwalk Third Taxing District. CMEEC will be acting through and working with Groton Utilities to implement the new power supply.
June 2017
The SureSource 4000 is the largest MCFC power plant in FuelCell Energy’s product portfolio, generating 3.7 MW of ultra-clean power, and is scalable for fuel cell parks of 60 MW or more. This system is designed for applications focused on high system electrical efficiency rather than thermal efficiency. Last autumn FCE began commercial operation of a 5.6 MW system at biopharmaceutical giant Pfizer’s R&D facility in Groton [FCB, December 2016, p6]. In other news, FCE will install a 1.4 MW MCFC system for Trinity College in Hartford. The combined heat and power (CHP) plant will be located adjacent to the school’s athletic centre, and will generate a continuous supply of onsite electricity and steam for the campus, serving approximately 2200 students. The fuel cell system’s grid-independent operating capabilities support the future implementation of a microgrid for the campus. FuelCell Energy will provide a turnkey solution that includes installation as well as long-term operation and maintenance. Trinity College will pay for power as it is produced, avoiding a capital investment in power generation. FuelCell Energy has also been awarded a $3 million contract from the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) of the US Department of Energy, to advance commercialisation of energy storage based on FCE’s reversible solid oxide fuel cell technology [see page 10]. FuelCell Energy, Danbury, Connecticut, USA. Tel: +1 203 825 6000, www.fuelcellenergy.com
‘This is the largest of our fuel cells, and it will help Showa Denko to cut CO2 emissions, utilise hydrogen it previously released, and promote more eco-friendly operations,’ says Mr Hiroyuki Ota, general manager of Toshiba’s Energy Systems & Solutions Company (ESS). ‘We recognise that pure hydrogen fuel cells have an important role to play in a low-carbon future, and we will continue to promote new products and aim to expand sales.’ Pure hydrogen fuel cell systems are highly responsive, and can boot up and start to generate electricity in just 5 minutes. Toshiba has already delivered this fuel cell system to a municipal wholesale flower and vegetable market [FCB, May 2017, p7] and to a local swimming pool in Shunan, Yamaguchi Prefecture [September 2016, p7], at the western end of the main island of Honshu. Toshiba also offers the H2One™ autonomous hydrogen energy system, featuring a small PEM fuel cell in combination with a water electrolyser and hydrogen storage [April 2015, p1]. Recent installations include one operated by Japan Railways at a station in Kawasaki City, while Tohoku Electric Power is conducting a two-year study of how a hydrogen-based system can contribute to overcoming frequency fluctuations in the power supply [May 2017, p5]. Toshiba, Hydrogen Energy: https://www.toshiba-newenergy.com/en Showa Denko KK: www.sdk.co.jp/english
Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative: www.cmeec.com
PORTABLE & MICRO
Trinity College: www.trincoll.edu
Toshiba 100 kW fuel cell will use hydrogen from plastics recycling
T
oshiba has been awarded an order to supply a 100 kW pure hydrogen PEM fuel cell system to Japanese chemical engineering company Showa Denko, for installation in a new hotel. The system will operate on hydrogen extracted from recycled plastics by Showa Denko, and provide power and heat when it enters service in 2018. The 100 kW fuel cell system will help to meet the energy needs of a new Tokyu REI hotel under construction in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo. Hot water cogenerated with the electricity will also be utilised in the hotel, which is scheduled to open next spring.
SFC wins German Army order to extend MKEV portable power
M
unich-based SFC Energy has been awarded a E160 000 (US$182 000) order by the German Federal Army (Bundeswehr), for an extension of the portable MKEV 100 (Mobile Kleinstenergieversorgung) power supply. The new demonstrator prototype significantly increases energy flexibility and autonomy with an external tank and improved communication functions. The new MKEV 100 power supply offers 100 W of continuous power, four times the performance of SFC’s MKEV 25, which the Federal Army already uses in its missions. The integrated hybrid battery covers peak power demands, as in all fully integrated SFC power
Fuel Cells Bulletin
7