- Email: [email protected]
GenCell enhanced G5 backup power solution for wider usage range
NEWS Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and will reach Hamburg, Germany on 26 April and remain there until 12 May. Energy Observer will stop over 16–19 May in Copenhagen, 24 May–2 June in Stockholm, 13–16 June in Helsinki, and in Saint Petersburg from 20 June. The vessel then plans to cross the boreal forest via the Karelia Lakes and the White Sea Canal, sail near the Solovetski Islands, and return to Norway over the North Cape in late July. The expedition will travel south from the Arctic Circle along the Norwegian coast, from the Lofoten Islands to Bergen in mid-September. Energy Observer will welcome the initiatives in Scotland and the Orkney Islands at the end of September, and end its northern tour under London Bridge on 4–13 October. During this voyage to the far north, the Energy Observer team will produce around 60 short films, available on the future media platform ‘Energy Observer Solutions’ and social networks, with the support of the Ministry of Ecological and Solidary Transition (i.e. the environment ministry), as well as four 52-minute films to complete the documentary series of the ‘Odyssey for the Future’ on the French TV network Planète+, and a 90-minute film that will be broadcast on the Canal+ TV channel. Energy Observer: www.energy-observer.org/en/
Nedstack, GE partner to develop fuel cell power for cruise ships
coming into force in 2020. Both global International Maritime Organization (IMO) and regional regulations require marine vessels to reduce emissions or eliminate them altogether. GE and Nedstack envisage using their combined technologies on passenger ships, replacing traditional diesel engines with fuel cells, and heavy fuel oil (HFO, or bunker fuel) with hydrogen. The partners have already designed a concept 2 MW hydrogen fuel cell power plant for an expedition vessel; the reviews have been highly positive, and the built-in redundancy and scalability are promising. Frequently switching fuel cells on and off reduces their life expectancy, which would be a significant issue for maritime vessels. (A car’s fuel cell is expected to operate for 7000 h, whereas for a ship it needs to run for more than 20 000 h.) To overcome this, GE’s variablespeed drive, fuel cell system architecture, and dedicated power management system (PMS) are engineered to limit the switch-on-and-off frequency of the fuel cells when sailing or in port. Optimising the system and extending the fuel cells’ lifespan is key to coping with cruise ships’ five-yearly dry dock intervals. Nedstack has delivered MW-scale PEM fuel cell power plants for stationary applications at chemical plants in Belgium [February 2012, p6] and China [see the News Feature in November 2016], and is participating in the FELMAR consortium in the Netherlands to develop fuel cell electric energy systems for zero-emissions inland-sea and coastal vessels [August 2018, p7]. Nedstack Fuel Cell Technology: www.nedstack.com GE Power: www.ge.com/power
D
utch fuel cell manufacturer Nedstack is collaborating with GE’s Power Conversion business to develop hydrogen PEM fuel cell systems for powering zero-emissions cruise vessels. The highly efficient fuel cell power systems would eliminate vessel exhaust gases, in particular benefiting port communities. The partnership brings together GE’s expertise in cruise ship electrical power and propulsion solutions, and its system integration capabilities, with Nedstack’s extensive experience in MW-scale hydrogen fuel cell technology [see the Nedstack feature in FCB, August 2014]. GE’s variable-speed electrical drive system is a crucial part of the system, optimising control and efficiency by directing and managing the electricity produced by hydrogen fuel cells to supply electricity to the propulsion and onboard systems, as well as extending fuel cell operating life. Shipowners are already under pressure to comply with the reduced sulfur limit regulations 6
Fuel Cells Bulletin
SMALL STATIONARY
GenCell enhanced G5 backup power solution for wider usage range
I
srael-based GenCell Energy has announced newly added capabilities to its G5™ backup power alkaline fuel cell solution. These include dynamic peak load absorption of up to 100 kVA and updates to the company’s IoT (Internet of Things) remote monitoring software, which are expected to open up a wide range of new commercial and industrial applications. The ability to absorb higher power loads means that the G5 can now meet an even wider range of power needs for businesses, in particular for those who require a clean and reliable backup power solution that can
safeguard critical assets during a grid outage of any duration. These include hotels and other commercial properties – such as gas stations, convenience stores, and banks – as well as public services like hospitals and fire stations. Multiple-unit G5 solutions have the added benefit of employing a redundant microgrid configuration which further increases their power reliability and flexibility. The first newly enhanced G5 backup power fuel cell solution was recently installed within the cardiac catheterisation unit at the Hillel Yaffe Hospital in Israel [FCB, February 2019, p7]. With failsafe fuel cell reliability and new dynamic load capability, the G5 solution kicks in immediately and absorbs the short but intense peak loads of sophisticated operating equipment, while providing long duration backup. As a result, the G5 prevents even the slightest interruption to power flow, eliminating the risk of damage to delicate equipment and possible interruptions to surgical procedures. A new G5 is also being installed at a leading hotel in the US. On disconnection from grid power, whether for milliseconds or days, the G5 absorbs dynamic loads from 20 to 100 kVA and provides instant, clean backup power. This enables the hotel to operate critical systems during an outage, including elevators, emergency lighting, security alarms and IT systems, as well as other equipment essential to maintaining business continuity. The GenCell G5 backup power fuel cell system is already proven in healthcare, telecoms [December 2016, p5], homeland security, and niche industrial markets [October 2017, p4], while the company’s A5 off-grid power solution utilises hydrogen-on-demand from ammonia [July 2018, p5]. GenCell recently partnered with electronics manufacturing service company Flex Ltd, for a new production line that will raise output from 100 to 5000 units per annum [March 2019, p10]. GenCell Energy: www.gencellenergy.com
Simark in EFOY Pro sales deal with Vector for southwestern US
C
anadian-based Simark Controls Ltd has signed an agreement with Vector Controls and Automation Group in Texas, under which Vector will market EFOY Pro hybrid fuel cell solutions to customers in Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. The partnership gives Simark – a subsidiary of German direct methanol fuel cell specialist SFC Energy – direct sales access to the
April 2019
Nedstack, GE partner to develop fuel cell power for cruise ships
coming into force in 2020. Both global International Maritime Organization (IMO) and regional regulations require marine vessels to reduce emissions or eliminate them altogether. GE and Nedstack envisage using their combined technologies on passenger ships, replacing traditional diesel engines with fuel cells, and heavy fuel oil (HFO, or bunker fuel) with hydrogen. The partners have already designed a concept 2 MW hydrogen fuel cell power plant for an expedition vessel; the reviews have been highly positive, and the built-in redundancy and scalability are promising. Frequently switching fuel cells on and off reduces their life expectancy, which would be a significant issue for maritime vessels. (A car’s fuel cell is expected to operate for 7000 h, whereas for a ship it needs to run for more than 20 000 h.) To overcome this, GE’s variablespeed drive, fuel cell system architecture, and dedicated power management system (PMS) are engineered to limit the switch-on-and-off frequency of the fuel cells when sailing or in port. Optimising the system and extending the fuel cells’ lifespan is key to coping with cruise ships’ five-yearly dry dock intervals. Nedstack has delivered MW-scale PEM fuel cell power plants for stationary applications at chemical plants in Belgium [February 2012, p6] and China [see the News Feature in November 2016], and is participating in the FELMAR consortium in the Netherlands to develop fuel cell electric energy systems for zero-emissions inland-sea and coastal vessels [August 2018, p7]. Nedstack Fuel Cell Technology: www.nedstack.com GE Power: www.ge.com/power
D
utch fuel cell manufacturer Nedstack is collaborating with GE’s Power Conversion business to develop hydrogen PEM fuel cell systems for powering zero-emissions cruise vessels. The highly efficient fuel cell power systems would eliminate vessel exhaust gases, in particular benefiting port communities. The partnership brings together GE’s expertise in cruise ship electrical power and propulsion solutions, and its system integration capabilities, with Nedstack’s extensive experience in MW-scale hydrogen fuel cell technology [see the Nedstack feature in FCB, August 2014]. GE’s variable-speed electrical drive system is a crucial part of the system, optimising control and efficiency by directing and managing the electricity produced by hydrogen fuel cells to supply electricity to the propulsion and onboard systems, as well as extending fuel cell operating life. Shipowners are already under pressure to comply with the reduced sulfur limit regulations 6
Fuel Cells Bulletin
SMALL STATIONARY
GenCell enhanced G5 backup power solution for wider usage range
I
srael-based GenCell Energy has announced newly added capabilities to its G5™ backup power alkaline fuel cell solution. These include dynamic peak load absorption of up to 100 kVA and updates to the company’s IoT (Internet of Things) remote monitoring software, which are expected to open up a wide range of new commercial and industrial applications. The ability to absorb higher power loads means that the G5 can now meet an even wider range of power needs for businesses, in particular for those who require a clean and reliable backup power solution that can
safeguard critical assets during a grid outage of any duration. These include hotels and other commercial properties – such as gas stations, convenience stores, and banks – as well as public services like hospitals and fire stations. Multiple-unit G5 solutions have the added benefit of employing a redundant microgrid configuration which further increases their power reliability and flexibility. The first newly enhanced G5 backup power fuel cell solution was recently installed within the cardiac catheterisation unit at the Hillel Yaffe Hospital in Israel [FCB, February 2019, p7]. With failsafe fuel cell reliability and new dynamic load capability, the G5 solution kicks in immediately and absorbs the short but intense peak loads of sophisticated operating equipment, while providing long duration backup. As a result, the G5 prevents even the slightest interruption to power flow, eliminating the risk of damage to delicate equipment and possible interruptions to surgical procedures. A new G5 is also being installed at a leading hotel in the US. On disconnection from grid power, whether for milliseconds or days, the G5 absorbs dynamic loads from 20 to 100 kVA and provides instant, clean backup power. This enables the hotel to operate critical systems during an outage, including elevators, emergency lighting, security alarms and IT systems, as well as other equipment essential to maintaining business continuity. The GenCell G5 backup power fuel cell system is already proven in healthcare, telecoms [December 2016, p5], homeland security, and niche industrial markets [October 2017, p4], while the company’s A5 off-grid power solution utilises hydrogen-on-demand from ammonia [July 2018, p5]. GenCell recently partnered with electronics manufacturing service company Flex Ltd, for a new production line that will raise output from 100 to 5000 units per annum [March 2019, p10]. GenCell Energy: www.gencellenergy.com
Simark in EFOY Pro sales deal with Vector for southwestern US
C
anadian-based Simark Controls Ltd has signed an agreement with Vector Controls and Automation Group in Texas, under which Vector will market EFOY Pro hybrid fuel cell solutions to customers in Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. The partnership gives Simark – a subsidiary of German direct methanol fuel cell specialist SFC Energy – direct sales access to the
April 2019