- Email: [email protected]
DOE $4m in funding for advanced hydrogen storage projects
NEWS
Simon Fraser, Ballard use nano X-ray CT to look inside fuel cells
DOE $4m in funding for advanced hydrogen storage projects
I
T
n Canada, researchers at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, BC are using new Nano X-ray Computed Tomography (NXCT) scanners to look directly into hydrogen fuel cells. Their work is helping nearby Ballard Power Systems to develop more durable, lower-cost hydrogen PEM fuel cells. The new NXCT tools will become part of a unique Canadian fuel cell testing and characterisation facility. The new four-year, C$6.5 million (US$6.2 million) project is receiving C$3.39 million in funding from Automotive Partnership Canada (APC). Research carried out in the new visualisation facility, expected to be operational by spring 2014, will further the ongoing research collaboration between Ballard and SFU [FCB, April 2012, p10]. Researchers will use the facility to develop and advance the technology required for the company’s next generation of fuel cell products, helping to extend fuel cell life while improving efficiency. Principal investigator Erik Kjeang, director of SFU’s Fuel Cell Research Laboratory (FCReL), says the new, sophisticated nanoscale scanning capabilities will enable researchers to see inside the fuel cell microstructure, and track how its components degrade over time. ‘This will be an unprecedented, world-class testing facility dedicated entirely to this project over the next four years,’ says Kjeang, an assistant professor in SFU’s School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering. He also continues to lead a complementary project with Ballard to improve the durability of heavy-duty bus fuel cells [FCB, June 2013, p10]. ‘It’s a unique opportunity, to have dedicated access to highly specialised equipment and access to university experts who are focused on Ballard’s needs,’ says Ballard’s research manager, Dr Shanna Knights. Contact: Dr Erik Kjeang, Fuel Cell Research Laboratory, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC, Canada. Tel: +1 778 782 8791, Email: [email protected], Web: www.fcrel.ca or www.sfu.ca/~ekjeang/ Or contact: Dr Shanna Knights, Ballard Power Systems, Burnaby, BC, Canada. Tel: +1 604 454 0900, Email: [email protected], Web: www.ballard.com
he US Department Energy has announced up to $4 million in funding for fiscal year 2014, for the continued development of advanced hydrogen storage systems and novel materials to provide adequate onboard storage for a wide range of applications. DOE recognises that advances in hydrogen storage will be critical to the widespread commercialisation of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), and in emerging mobile fuel cell applications such as materials handling. The key topic areas include: UÊ Topic 1: Reducing the cost of compressed hydrogen storage systems. Projects selected under this topic will develop complete, costcompetitive, compressed hydrogen storage systems such as novel tank designs, cost reduction concepts, carbon fibre reduction or elimination, conformable tank designs, alternative operating conditions (e.g. cold/ cryogenic compressed hydrogen), and advanced compressed tank manufacturing. UÊ Topic 2: Improved materials for fibre composites and balance-of-plant (BOP) components. The selected projects will focus on the development of cost-competitive high-strength fibres and composite components such as use of less expensive precursor fibres, use of low-cost carbon fibre manufacturing processes, development of improved resin matrices, or development of alternative materials to carbon such as glass or polymers. In addition, these projects will develop improved, cost-competitive materials for BOP components, with an emphasis on seals and non-metallic materials. UÊ Topic 3: New hydrogen storage materials discovery for automotive, portable, and materials handling equipment applications. Projects selected under this topic will focus on the discovery, characterisation, and development of advanced hydrogen storage materials. DOE EERE Funding Opportunity Exchange: http://tinyurl.com/doe-foa-h2-storage DOE hydrogen storage funding overview (PDF): http://tinyurl.com/doe-h2-storage-overview
Automotive Partnership Canada: www.apc-pac.ca/index_eng.asp
Funding Q&A document (PDF): http://tinyurl.com/doe-h2-storage-QA
APC project on Nex-Gen Heavy Duty Fuel Cell Buses: www.apc-hdfc.ca
DOE Fuel Cell Technologies Office: www.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells
November 2013
IN BRIEF Regional transport boosts UK H2Mobility The Greater London Authority, Welsh government [see page 9], and Transport Scotland are the latest organisations to join UK H2Mobility (www.ukh2mobility.co.uk), a national industry-government project to realise the benefits of hydrogen-fueled road transport [FCB, January 2012, p1]. Each of the new members plays a key role in planning, developing, and administering transport infrastructures serving millions of people. Their experience, insights, and responsibilities will be of great value as UK H2Mobility continues its second phase of work, with the development of a coordinated business plan to harness the potential of hydrogen fuel for UK business and transport. The project has already identified the opportunities and the challenges that need to be met in order for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) to become a viable proposition for UK transport. In Phase 1 of the project it showed how, with the right investment and refueling infrastructure in place, there could be 1.6 million FCEVs on UK roads by 2030, delivering a significant reduction in carbon emissions as well as tangible societal and business benefits [FCB, February 2013, p1]. US governors plan 3.3m ZEVs by 2025 Governors from eight American states have announced a groundbreaking initiative to put 3.3 million zero-emission vehicles on the roads in their states by 2025. These ZEVs include battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in the form of passenger cars, trucks, and transit buses. This multi-state effort is intended to expand consumer awareness and demand for ZEVs. To kick off, the governors of California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont have signed a cooperative agreement. Collectively, the eight signatory states represent more than 23% of the US car market. The agreement identifies specific actions the governors will promote within their states, and joint cooperative actions these states will undertake, to help build a robust national market for electric and hydrogen-powered cars. For example, the governors agreed to harmonise building codes to make it easier to construct new electric car charging stations; lead by example by including ZEVs in their public fleets; evaluate and establish financial and other incentives to promote ZEVs; consider establishing favourable electricity rates for home charging systems; and develop common standards for roadway signs and charging networks. The eight states will develop an action plan over the next six months to include many of these strategies.
Fuel Cells Bulletin
11
Simon Fraser, Ballard use nano X-ray CT to look inside fuel cells
DOE $4m in funding for advanced hydrogen storage projects
I
T
n Canada, researchers at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, BC are using new Nano X-ray Computed Tomography (NXCT) scanners to look directly into hydrogen fuel cells. Their work is helping nearby Ballard Power Systems to develop more durable, lower-cost hydrogen PEM fuel cells. The new NXCT tools will become part of a unique Canadian fuel cell testing and characterisation facility. The new four-year, C$6.5 million (US$6.2 million) project is receiving C$3.39 million in funding from Automotive Partnership Canada (APC). Research carried out in the new visualisation facility, expected to be operational by spring 2014, will further the ongoing research collaboration between Ballard and SFU [FCB, April 2012, p10]. Researchers will use the facility to develop and advance the technology required for the company’s next generation of fuel cell products, helping to extend fuel cell life while improving efficiency. Principal investigator Erik Kjeang, director of SFU’s Fuel Cell Research Laboratory (FCReL), says the new, sophisticated nanoscale scanning capabilities will enable researchers to see inside the fuel cell microstructure, and track how its components degrade over time. ‘This will be an unprecedented, world-class testing facility dedicated entirely to this project over the next four years,’ says Kjeang, an assistant professor in SFU’s School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering. He also continues to lead a complementary project with Ballard to improve the durability of heavy-duty bus fuel cells [FCB, June 2013, p10]. ‘It’s a unique opportunity, to have dedicated access to highly specialised equipment and access to university experts who are focused on Ballard’s needs,’ says Ballard’s research manager, Dr Shanna Knights. Contact: Dr Erik Kjeang, Fuel Cell Research Laboratory, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC, Canada. Tel: +1 778 782 8791, Email: [email protected], Web: www.fcrel.ca or www.sfu.ca/~ekjeang/ Or contact: Dr Shanna Knights, Ballard Power Systems, Burnaby, BC, Canada. Tel: +1 604 454 0900, Email: [email protected], Web: www.ballard.com
he US Department Energy has announced up to $4 million in funding for fiscal year 2014, for the continued development of advanced hydrogen storage systems and novel materials to provide adequate onboard storage for a wide range of applications. DOE recognises that advances in hydrogen storage will be critical to the widespread commercialisation of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), and in emerging mobile fuel cell applications such as materials handling. The key topic areas include: UÊ Topic 1: Reducing the cost of compressed hydrogen storage systems. Projects selected under this topic will develop complete, costcompetitive, compressed hydrogen storage systems such as novel tank designs, cost reduction concepts, carbon fibre reduction or elimination, conformable tank designs, alternative operating conditions (e.g. cold/ cryogenic compressed hydrogen), and advanced compressed tank manufacturing. UÊ Topic 2: Improved materials for fibre composites and balance-of-plant (BOP) components. The selected projects will focus on the development of cost-competitive high-strength fibres and composite components such as use of less expensive precursor fibres, use of low-cost carbon fibre manufacturing processes, development of improved resin matrices, or development of alternative materials to carbon such as glass or polymers. In addition, these projects will develop improved, cost-competitive materials for BOP components, with an emphasis on seals and non-metallic materials. UÊ Topic 3: New hydrogen storage materials discovery for automotive, portable, and materials handling equipment applications. Projects selected under this topic will focus on the discovery, characterisation, and development of advanced hydrogen storage materials. DOE EERE Funding Opportunity Exchange: http://tinyurl.com/doe-foa-h2-storage DOE hydrogen storage funding overview (PDF): http://tinyurl.com/doe-h2-storage-overview
Automotive Partnership Canada: www.apc-pac.ca/index_eng.asp
Funding Q&A document (PDF): http://tinyurl.com/doe-h2-storage-QA
APC project on Nex-Gen Heavy Duty Fuel Cell Buses: www.apc-hdfc.ca
DOE Fuel Cell Technologies Office: www.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells
November 2013
IN BRIEF Regional transport boosts UK H2Mobility The Greater London Authority, Welsh government [see page 9], and Transport Scotland are the latest organisations to join UK H2Mobility (www.ukh2mobility.co.uk), a national industry-government project to realise the benefits of hydrogen-fueled road transport [FCB, January 2012, p1]. Each of the new members plays a key role in planning, developing, and administering transport infrastructures serving millions of people. Their experience, insights, and responsibilities will be of great value as UK H2Mobility continues its second phase of work, with the development of a coordinated business plan to harness the potential of hydrogen fuel for UK business and transport. The project has already identified the opportunities and the challenges that need to be met in order for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) to become a viable proposition for UK transport. In Phase 1 of the project it showed how, with the right investment and refueling infrastructure in place, there could be 1.6 million FCEVs on UK roads by 2030, delivering a significant reduction in carbon emissions as well as tangible societal and business benefits [FCB, February 2013, p1]. US governors plan 3.3m ZEVs by 2025 Governors from eight American states have announced a groundbreaking initiative to put 3.3 million zero-emission vehicles on the roads in their states by 2025. These ZEVs include battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in the form of passenger cars, trucks, and transit buses. This multi-state effort is intended to expand consumer awareness and demand for ZEVs. To kick off, the governors of California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont have signed a cooperative agreement. Collectively, the eight signatory states represent more than 23% of the US car market. The agreement identifies specific actions the governors will promote within their states, and joint cooperative actions these states will undertake, to help build a robust national market for electric and hydrogen-powered cars. For example, the governors agreed to harmonise building codes to make it easier to construct new electric car charging stations; lead by example by including ZEVs in their public fleets; evaluate and establish financial and other incentives to promote ZEVs; consider establishing favourable electricity rates for home charging systems; and develop common standards for roadway signs and charging networks. The eight states will develop an action plan over the next six months to include many of these strategies.
Fuel Cells Bulletin
11