- Email: [email protected]
FCE for 60 MW Korea fuel cell park, as Seoul reveals 230 MW plan
NEWS PEM stacks supplied by Canadian-based Ballard Power Systems – means that all Jupiter systems are easily expandable. They also ensure proper functioning even under the most challenging topographic and climatic conditions in China, ranging from –40°C in mountainous areas such as Harbin, up to +45°C in the desert region of Kashgar, or subtropical monsoon conditions in cities such as Shanghai or Hong Kong. ‘Replacing battery and diesel UPS with innovative fuel cell technology provides numerous operational and cost advantages to our Chinese customers,’ says Andreas Stadlinger, sales director at FutureE. ‘The implementation of FutureE’s first commercial fuel cell systems at SGCC is an important key to the nation’s progress towards a future-proof, ecologically compatible energy supply chain, and at the same time it means a decisive step forward towards China’s green transformation.’ Earlier this year the Swiss telecoms group Swisscom put into service two Jupiter systems at locations in Davos and Luzern [FCB, February 2012, p5]. And last year FutureE installed a fuel cell system to serve an off-grid base station in Versmold for German mobile operator E-plus – the first base station in Germany that relies solely on photovoltaic and wind energy in combination with a fuel cell system [FCB, April 2011, p5]. FutureE Fuel Cell Solutions GmbH, Nürtingen, Germany. Tel: +49 7022 3039 500, www.future-e.com State Grid Corporation of China: www.sgcc.com.cn
AFC Energy extends alkaline electrode life beyond three months
U
K-based AFC Energy has extended the longevity of its alkaline fuel cell electrodes to more than three months of continuous operation at its laboratory in Dunsfold. The new low-cost electrode composition has now been incorporated into the company’s ongoing industrial trial with AkzoNobel in Germany. AFC believes that the latest results are of significance, since it has identified that the first economic applications require a minimum of three months of electrode life. In particular, this breakthrough validates the company’s initiatives to advance commercial opportunities with potential industrial partners in Asia. The laboratory tests are continuing, and are expected to yield further positive results in due course. The new electrodes have now been incorporated into the ongoing Beta trial
June 2012
programme, which began late last year at AFC’s test facility at the AkzoNobel site in Bitterfeld, Germany [FCB, January 2012, p4]. The Bitterfeld site is the first commercial reference site for the generation of data and demonstration of the complete Beta fuel cell system. The electrodes will undergo a series of trials before being incorporated into the new commercial design Beta+ cartridge for further realworld longevity trials [see page 1, and the feature on AFC Energy in FCB, November 2011]. ‘We have seen significant improvement in laboratory performance from this development; now we need to translate this to the industrial environment,’ says CEO Ian Williamson. ‘Our close working relationship with AkzoNobel allows this transition to occur quickly and seamlessly.’ ‘To enable the earliest release of a reliable product, we have focused on ensuring both the electrodes and the rest of the fuel cell system are technically robust and economically viable,’ adds technical director Gene Lewis. ‘Our technical programme continues to be driven by longevity, power output, and system lifetime cost.’ AFC Energy Plc, Cranleigh, Surrey, UK. Tel: +44 1483 276726, www.afcenergy.com
LARGE STATIONARY
FuelCell Energy wins renewals for long-term service agreements
C
onnecticut-based FuelCell Energy has announced the extension of service agreements for Direct FuelCell® power plants owned by four existing customers, for terms up to 15 years. Under the service agreements, FuelCell Energy will continue to operate and maintain the DFC® molten carbonate power plants. The total value of the service agreements is approximately $15 million. The customers represent three different fuel cell markets, in education, municipal wastewater treatment, and food processing. ‘Existing customers extending service agreements is a strong testament to the favourable economic profile of our fuel cell power plants, as well as the many benefits of clean onsite power generation,’ says Tracy Reid, the company’s VP for the Western Region. ‘The high efficiency of the fuel cell power generation process is valued by clients as it reduces fuel costs, and the virtual lack of pollutants from the fuel cell power generation process supports compliance with clean air regulations and sustainability goals.’
FuelCell Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of services for fuel cell power plants and ancillary equipment, with service agreements ranging from one to 20 years in duration. Its technicians and engineers remotely operate and maintain the DFC power plants globally from the state-of-the-art Global Technical Assistance Center, located at the company’s Danbury headquarters. FuelCell Energy Inc, Danbury, Connecticut, USA. Tel: +1 203 825 6000, www.fuelcellenergy.com
FCE for 60 MW Korea fuel cell park, as Seoul reveals 230 MW plan
U
S-based FuelCell Energy is seeing growing demand in Asia for stationary fuel cell power plants, including the development of a 60 MW fuel cell park in South Korea, which will be the largest fuel cell installation in the world so far. The fuel cell manufacturer also plans to play a major role in a separate initiative by the Korean capital Seoul to install 230 MW of fuel cell combined heat and power (CHP) capacity over the next three years. The 60 MW fuel cell park is under development by FuelCell Energy’s partner POSCO Energy along with Korea Hydro Nuclear Power and Samchully Gas. The fuel cell park will consist of a series of DFC3000® molten carbonate power plants located in an industrial complex in Hwaseong, south of Seoul. Permitting and approvals are expected to be completed by early summer, and power production to begin by early 2013. The electricity generated will be supplied to the grid, and will assist the partners with compliance under the South Korean Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). POSCO Energy is also developing an 8.4 MW fuel cell park at a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Samcheok City, on the east coast. The fuel cell power plant will run on boil-off gas (BOG), which is the gas vaporised from processing LNG, and expected to be cheaper than LNG. The power generated by the DFC3000 power plants will be sold to Korea Southern Power (KOSPO) for the electric grid, and will be eligible for renewable energy certificates under the RPS. POSCO Energy has ordered 140 MW of highly efficient fuel cell power plants, modules and components from FuelCell Energy since 2007, and has entered into a memorandum of agreement for an additional 120 MW of fuel cell kits [FCB, April 2012, p4].
Fuel Cells Bulletin
7
NEWS Meanwhile, the Korean capital Seoul recently announced plans to support the installation of 230 MW of stationary fuel cell power plants, as part of its goal to replace the power generation of one nuclear power plant. The plans call for 29 fuel cell parks (totalling 190 MW) and 102 commercial building installations (totalling 40 MW) by 2014, with 50 MW installed in 2012, 82 MW in 2013, and 98 MW in 2014. The installations include a total of 70 MW at 11 locations to support the operation of the subway, 70 MW across 10 water treatment and pump facilities, and 50 MW at eight resource collection facilities. Building installations will include 10 MW at hospitals and data centres, and 30 MW at high-rise residential developments. FuelCell Energy sees the Seoul announcement as a key opportunity for its Direct FuelCell power plants in Korea. ‘The greater Seoul/Inchon metropolitan area in South Korea has one of the highest population densities in the world, so clean and efficient baseload power generation that can be delivered near the point-of-use is very important to government officials and electric utilities,’ says Ben Toby, VP for Eastern Region and International Sales at FuelCell Energy. FuelCell Energy Inc, Danbury, Connecticut, USA. Tel: +1 203 825 6000, www.fuelcellenergy.com POSCO Energy: www.poscoenergy.com
PORTABLE & MICRO
US Army tests DMFC systems to boost alternative fuel options
T
he US Army Operational Test Command (OTC) is running fuel cell test systems at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, trying out alternative fuel options for clean, longterm power. Test systems at WSMR have already been operated using direct methanol fuel cells provided under an OTC programme. Currently OTC, which determines the suitability, survivability, and effectiveness of new technology under realistic operating conditions, is testing several types of fuel cell. The DMFCs were developed by German-based SFC Energy, redesigned in a more rugged form for Army field use and testing. OTC is researching other commercially available fuel cells in different configurations. SFC Energy recently delivered 50 of its FC 100 lightweight alternative power sources (LAPS) to the OTC at Fort Hood, Texas,
8
Fuel Cells Bulletin
for use in testing new equipment during the Network Integration Evaluations at White Sands [FCB, April 2012, p6]. The fuel cells can be used to power equipment such as communications relays, instrumentation, and data collection packages for test operations. The two primary designs are ruggedised for military use, with a power output of 250 W for the larger unit and 100 W for the smaller one. The larger unit runs at a selectable 12 or 24 V, like a vehicle power supply, while the smaller one runs at 28 V. ‘The fuel cells run for about a week between refills for the smaller ones,’ says Henry Merhoff, with OTC’s Test Technology Directorate. ‘If we use the large fuel cell it has a larger tank, so it runs about three weeks between refuelling.’ The use of removable cartridges keeps refuelling simple, and empty tanks can then be disposed of or recycled. ‘These units we have here are at Technology Readiness Level 9, which means they are production units that have been deployed and used in an operational environment,’ adds Merhoff. Currently OTC has about 90 production units that can be deployed in support of operational testing or other appropriate activities under the Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC). At this time the fuel cells’ use is limited to supporting testing and other similar functions. The Army does not yet classify methanol as a tactical fuel source, so it does not have the acquisition and logistical requirement to get the fuel to deployed units. At White Sands the fuel cells are already powering test operations in support of programmes like Patriot Missile testing. They are also being used as power supplies for communications and relay towers during the Network Integration Evaluations (NIE), a series of operational tests and evaluations designed to integrate and mature the Army’s tactical network. One of the applications that OTC is experimenting with is using fuel cells as a lightweight power pack for soldiers using the real-time tracking device vests and casualty assessment equipment that are also being tested during the NIE. US Army Operational Test Command: www.otc.army.mil SFC Energy: www.sfc-defense.com
Air Products launches hydrogen cylinder for portable power market
A
ir Products has launched the SmartFuel Portable-Power Cylinder, designed specifically for applications in
the portable energy generation market. The new cylinder offers an innovative method of delivering small quantities of hydrogen easily and cost-effectively. The company has also called on the UK government to work with industry to create a market for hydrogen used in transport. The new cylinder will enable fuel cells to replace battery or diesel generators, by making it possible to easily transport and use hydrogen fuel. The company says that the cylinder will be ideal for anyone working in remote areas without grid access, or where a portable power supply is needed for lighting, signage, or tools. The cylinder will initially be available in selected EU geographies. The SmartFuel Portable-Power Cylinder features include a preset flow rate, which eliminates setup time, while the snap-on connection and hand-operated on/off valve avoid the need for spanners or bottle keys. Furthermore, it has been designed to ensure stability, and has a built-in regulator that controls pressure to 3.5 barg (50 psi). Last summer, UK-based BOC launched its 54ZH portable hydrogen fuel cylinder, which provides the energy source for its Hymera fuel cell generator [FCB, July 2011, p7]. Meanwhile, Air Products UK has submitted evidence to the House of Commons Transport Select Committee inquiry into low-carbon vehicles, calling on the government to work with industry to create a market for renewable hydrogen. The company says that current subsidies, like the plug-in grant, do not do enough to build up the essential infrastructure needed to support a low-carbon transport system. ‘There are numerous government schemes that subsidise electric vehicles, renewable electricity production, and other potentially low-carbon fuels like biofuels,’ explains Diana Raine, Air Products’ European business manager for hydrogen energy systems. ‘[Hydrogen cars] will be ready for consumers by 2015, yet the government is failing to support the production of renewable hydrogen, and the creation of a hydrogen transport infrastructure that will be essential if we expect members of the public to invest in a hydrogen car.’ Air Products called on the UK government to work with industry to create a market for hydrogen used in transport. The company says that, in the short to medium term, the government could do this by incentivising the use of hydrogen in transport within the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (which currently subsidises biofuels). In the longer term the government should support the production of renewable hydrogen – but should be talking to industry now about how this can be done.
June 2012
AFC Energy extends alkaline electrode life beyond three months
U
K-based AFC Energy has extended the longevity of its alkaline fuel cell electrodes to more than three months of continuous operation at its laboratory in Dunsfold. The new low-cost electrode composition has now been incorporated into the company’s ongoing industrial trial with AkzoNobel in Germany. AFC believes that the latest results are of significance, since it has identified that the first economic applications require a minimum of three months of electrode life. In particular, this breakthrough validates the company’s initiatives to advance commercial opportunities with potential industrial partners in Asia. The laboratory tests are continuing, and are expected to yield further positive results in due course. The new electrodes have now been incorporated into the ongoing Beta trial
June 2012
programme, which began late last year at AFC’s test facility at the AkzoNobel site in Bitterfeld, Germany [FCB, January 2012, p4]. The Bitterfeld site is the first commercial reference site for the generation of data and demonstration of the complete Beta fuel cell system. The electrodes will undergo a series of trials before being incorporated into the new commercial design Beta+ cartridge for further realworld longevity trials [see page 1, and the feature on AFC Energy in FCB, November 2011]. ‘We have seen significant improvement in laboratory performance from this development; now we need to translate this to the industrial environment,’ says CEO Ian Williamson. ‘Our close working relationship with AkzoNobel allows this transition to occur quickly and seamlessly.’ ‘To enable the earliest release of a reliable product, we have focused on ensuring both the electrodes and the rest of the fuel cell system are technically robust and economically viable,’ adds technical director Gene Lewis. ‘Our technical programme continues to be driven by longevity, power output, and system lifetime cost.’ AFC Energy Plc, Cranleigh, Surrey, UK. Tel: +44 1483 276726, www.afcenergy.com
LARGE STATIONARY
FuelCell Energy wins renewals for long-term service agreements
C
onnecticut-based FuelCell Energy has announced the extension of service agreements for Direct FuelCell® power plants owned by four existing customers, for terms up to 15 years. Under the service agreements, FuelCell Energy will continue to operate and maintain the DFC® molten carbonate power plants. The total value of the service agreements is approximately $15 million. The customers represent three different fuel cell markets, in education, municipal wastewater treatment, and food processing. ‘Existing customers extending service agreements is a strong testament to the favourable economic profile of our fuel cell power plants, as well as the many benefits of clean onsite power generation,’ says Tracy Reid, the company’s VP for the Western Region. ‘The high efficiency of the fuel cell power generation process is valued by clients as it reduces fuel costs, and the virtual lack of pollutants from the fuel cell power generation process supports compliance with clean air regulations and sustainability goals.’
FuelCell Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of services for fuel cell power plants and ancillary equipment, with service agreements ranging from one to 20 years in duration. Its technicians and engineers remotely operate and maintain the DFC power plants globally from the state-of-the-art Global Technical Assistance Center, located at the company’s Danbury headquarters. FuelCell Energy Inc, Danbury, Connecticut, USA. Tel: +1 203 825 6000, www.fuelcellenergy.com
FCE for 60 MW Korea fuel cell park, as Seoul reveals 230 MW plan
U
S-based FuelCell Energy is seeing growing demand in Asia for stationary fuel cell power plants, including the development of a 60 MW fuel cell park in South Korea, which will be the largest fuel cell installation in the world so far. The fuel cell manufacturer also plans to play a major role in a separate initiative by the Korean capital Seoul to install 230 MW of fuel cell combined heat and power (CHP) capacity over the next three years. The 60 MW fuel cell park is under development by FuelCell Energy’s partner POSCO Energy along with Korea Hydro Nuclear Power and Samchully Gas. The fuel cell park will consist of a series of DFC3000® molten carbonate power plants located in an industrial complex in Hwaseong, south of Seoul. Permitting and approvals are expected to be completed by early summer, and power production to begin by early 2013. The electricity generated will be supplied to the grid, and will assist the partners with compliance under the South Korean Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). POSCO Energy is also developing an 8.4 MW fuel cell park at a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Samcheok City, on the east coast. The fuel cell power plant will run on boil-off gas (BOG), which is the gas vaporised from processing LNG, and expected to be cheaper than LNG. The power generated by the DFC3000 power plants will be sold to Korea Southern Power (KOSPO) for the electric grid, and will be eligible for renewable energy certificates under the RPS. POSCO Energy has ordered 140 MW of highly efficient fuel cell power plants, modules and components from FuelCell Energy since 2007, and has entered into a memorandum of agreement for an additional 120 MW of fuel cell kits [FCB, April 2012, p4].
Fuel Cells Bulletin
7
NEWS Meanwhile, the Korean capital Seoul recently announced plans to support the installation of 230 MW of stationary fuel cell power plants, as part of its goal to replace the power generation of one nuclear power plant. The plans call for 29 fuel cell parks (totalling 190 MW) and 102 commercial building installations (totalling 40 MW) by 2014, with 50 MW installed in 2012, 82 MW in 2013, and 98 MW in 2014. The installations include a total of 70 MW at 11 locations to support the operation of the subway, 70 MW across 10 water treatment and pump facilities, and 50 MW at eight resource collection facilities. Building installations will include 10 MW at hospitals and data centres, and 30 MW at high-rise residential developments. FuelCell Energy sees the Seoul announcement as a key opportunity for its Direct FuelCell power plants in Korea. ‘The greater Seoul/Inchon metropolitan area in South Korea has one of the highest population densities in the world, so clean and efficient baseload power generation that can be delivered near the point-of-use is very important to government officials and electric utilities,’ says Ben Toby, VP for Eastern Region and International Sales at FuelCell Energy. FuelCell Energy Inc, Danbury, Connecticut, USA. Tel: +1 203 825 6000, www.fuelcellenergy.com POSCO Energy: www.poscoenergy.com
PORTABLE & MICRO
US Army tests DMFC systems to boost alternative fuel options
T
he US Army Operational Test Command (OTC) is running fuel cell test systems at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, trying out alternative fuel options for clean, longterm power. Test systems at WSMR have already been operated using direct methanol fuel cells provided under an OTC programme. Currently OTC, which determines the suitability, survivability, and effectiveness of new technology under realistic operating conditions, is testing several types of fuel cell. The DMFCs were developed by German-based SFC Energy, redesigned in a more rugged form for Army field use and testing. OTC is researching other commercially available fuel cells in different configurations. SFC Energy recently delivered 50 of its FC 100 lightweight alternative power sources (LAPS) to the OTC at Fort Hood, Texas,
8
Fuel Cells Bulletin
for use in testing new equipment during the Network Integration Evaluations at White Sands [FCB, April 2012, p6]. The fuel cells can be used to power equipment such as communications relays, instrumentation, and data collection packages for test operations. The two primary designs are ruggedised for military use, with a power output of 250 W for the larger unit and 100 W for the smaller one. The larger unit runs at a selectable 12 or 24 V, like a vehicle power supply, while the smaller one runs at 28 V. ‘The fuel cells run for about a week between refills for the smaller ones,’ says Henry Merhoff, with OTC’s Test Technology Directorate. ‘If we use the large fuel cell it has a larger tank, so it runs about three weeks between refuelling.’ The use of removable cartridges keeps refuelling simple, and empty tanks can then be disposed of or recycled. ‘These units we have here are at Technology Readiness Level 9, which means they are production units that have been deployed and used in an operational environment,’ adds Merhoff. Currently OTC has about 90 production units that can be deployed in support of operational testing or other appropriate activities under the Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC). At this time the fuel cells’ use is limited to supporting testing and other similar functions. The Army does not yet classify methanol as a tactical fuel source, so it does not have the acquisition and logistical requirement to get the fuel to deployed units. At White Sands the fuel cells are already powering test operations in support of programmes like Patriot Missile testing. They are also being used as power supplies for communications and relay towers during the Network Integration Evaluations (NIE), a series of operational tests and evaluations designed to integrate and mature the Army’s tactical network. One of the applications that OTC is experimenting with is using fuel cells as a lightweight power pack for soldiers using the real-time tracking device vests and casualty assessment equipment that are also being tested during the NIE. US Army Operational Test Command: www.otc.army.mil SFC Energy: www.sfc-defense.com
Air Products launches hydrogen cylinder for portable power market
A
ir Products has launched the SmartFuel Portable-Power Cylinder, designed specifically for applications in
the portable energy generation market. The new cylinder offers an innovative method of delivering small quantities of hydrogen easily and cost-effectively. The company has also called on the UK government to work with industry to create a market for hydrogen used in transport. The new cylinder will enable fuel cells to replace battery or diesel generators, by making it possible to easily transport and use hydrogen fuel. The company says that the cylinder will be ideal for anyone working in remote areas without grid access, or where a portable power supply is needed for lighting, signage, or tools. The cylinder will initially be available in selected EU geographies. The SmartFuel Portable-Power Cylinder features include a preset flow rate, which eliminates setup time, while the snap-on connection and hand-operated on/off valve avoid the need for spanners or bottle keys. Furthermore, it has been designed to ensure stability, and has a built-in regulator that controls pressure to 3.5 barg (50 psi). Last summer, UK-based BOC launched its 54ZH portable hydrogen fuel cylinder, which provides the energy source for its Hymera fuel cell generator [FCB, July 2011, p7]. Meanwhile, Air Products UK has submitted evidence to the House of Commons Transport Select Committee inquiry into low-carbon vehicles, calling on the government to work with industry to create a market for renewable hydrogen. The company says that current subsidies, like the plug-in grant, do not do enough to build up the essential infrastructure needed to support a low-carbon transport system. ‘There are numerous government schemes that subsidise electric vehicles, renewable electricity production, and other potentially low-carbon fuels like biofuels,’ explains Diana Raine, Air Products’ European business manager for hydrogen energy systems. ‘[Hydrogen cars] will be ready for consumers by 2015, yet the government is failing to support the production of renewable hydrogen, and the creation of a hydrogen transport infrastructure that will be essential if we expect members of the public to invest in a hydrogen car.’ Air Products called on the UK government to work with industry to create a market for hydrogen used in transport. The company says that, in the short to medium term, the government could do this by incentivising the use of hydrogen in transport within the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (which currently subsidises biofuels). In the longer term the government should support the production of renewable hydrogen – but should be talking to industry now about how this can be done.
June 2012