- Email: [email protected]
Jofemar launches hydrogen-powered vending machine
NEWS contacted the Department of Commerce to seek guidance on which companies in South Carolina might have the resources to execute its design for hydrogen generation. Küsters Zima has a strong history in textile manufacturing. Its commitment to innovation and custom equipment manufacturing and fabrication made it an ideal choice to meet Nuvera’s specifications. After an extensive search, Küsters was chosen based on the firm’s ability to meet Nuvera’s high-quality, low-cost and on-time delivery requirements. The generators are approximately 1.8 m (6 ft) by 3.7 m (12 ft) in size, and convert natural gas into hydrogen. They will be installed on-site at warehouses and distribution centers to cost-effectively generate hydrogen that will refuel forklift trucks powered by fuel cells. ‘The PowerTap PTG hydrogen generator is one of the keys to a positive value proposition for customers converting their forklift fleet from traditional lead-acid batteries to fuel cells,’ says Prabhu Rao, VP of operations at Nuvera. ‘Choosing the right manufacturing partner for this product was crucial, and Küsters had the experience and skill-set Nuvera required.’ Contact: Nuvera Fuel Cells Inc, Billerica, Massachusetts, USA. Tel: +1 617 245 7500, www.nuvera.com Or contact: Küsters Zima Corporation, Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA. Tel: +1 864 576 0660, www.kuesterszima.com
Acta, Sumitomo confirm development contract continuation
I
talian-based Acta has announced the continuation of its development contract with Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation and a major Asian manufacturer, into the program’s second stage. The confirmation follows the successful completion of the first phase of the project [FCB, January 2008], in which all technical milestones and deadlines were met. Despite a reduction in the customer’s R&D expenditure, Acta says it is encouraged by the fact that the program has continued into the second stage. The firm believes that this continuation represents a strong validation of the commercial potential of its advanced catalyst technologies. The second stage of the contract will commence immediately, and is scheduled to deliver revenues of approximately 500 000 (US$660 000) over the next four months, in line with the company’s expectations. The scope of work encompasses detailed characterization of Acta’s unique catalyst technology, and the
January 2009
parties believe that the work being undertaken will benefit the firm’s products across several key applications. Acta will continue to focus its development efforts on near-term revenue opportunities with major industrial partners, and to reduce noncore costs where possible. These cost reductions are not expected to have an effect on its operational capability, and the continuation of the development program will be managed from within its current technical resources. ‘This confirmation comes despite an economic downturn which has reduced investment programs, and underpins our confidence in the core value of our technologies,’ comments chief executive Paolo Bert. Contact: Acta SpA, Crespina, Pisa, Italy. Tel: +39 050 644281, www.acta-nanotech.com
Air Products acquires Harvest Energy Technology
I
n the US, Air Products & Chemicals in Pennsylvania has acquired Californiabased Harvest Energy Technology, which specializes in the development of hydrogen-generating technology for industrial and energy applications, to enhance its overall range of hydrogen products. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. ‘This acquisition enables Air Products to offer cost-effective generated hydrogen technologies to augment our current gaseous tube trailer and liquid hydrogen tanker systems range,’ says Robert Dixon, senior VP and general manager for merchant gases at Air Products. ‘This will round out our merchant gases portfolio, and enables us to better serve our customers globally.’ Air Products has worked with Harvest on several hydrogen fueling projects for smaller-scale systems. The combination of Air Products’ hydrogen pressure-swing adsorption (PSA) capabilities with Harvest’s reformer technology is claimed to provide the lowest-cost hydrogen available for the merchant market in this production range. ‘Beyond fueling stations, we have already identified several global industrial applications for the system’s capabilities, enhancing our offerings to the steel, glass, metals processing and photovoltaic markets,’ says David Guro, the firm’s global product manager for generated gases for hydrogen generation and purification. ‘This highly packaged on-site hydrogen generation technology allows for easy field installation, and is an important addition to the Air Products portfolio of hydrogen delivery options.’
Air Products has previously teamed up with Harvest to use its patent-protected on-site reformer technology for two Department of Energy hydrogen energy station and vehicle fueling projects. The demonstration projects – in Las Vegas, Nevada [FCB, April 2003] and at Pennsylvania State University – provided optimal testing grounds for the successful combination of the two companies’ technologies, and also provided an early insight into potential industrial system applications. ‘We are pleased to join a company who is a leader in the supply of hydrogen for industrial and energy applications,’ says Dr David Warren, CEO of Harvest. ‘Our team is looking forward to executing new projects and further developing larger and more cost-effective hydrogen generators.’ Harvest Energy Technology’s employees will join Air Products, and work from their existing location in California. Contact: Air Products & Chemicals Inc, Hydrogen Energy Solutions, Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA. Tel: 1 800 654 4567 (tollfree in US and Canada), www.airproducts.com/h2energy Or contact: Harvest Energy Technology, Sun Valley, California, USA. Tel: +1 818 767 3157, www.harvest-technology.com
Jofemar launches hydrogen-powered vending machine
V
ending machine manufacturer Jofemar unveiled what it claims is the world’s first autonomous hydrogenpowered vending machine at the recent NAMA National Vending Expo in St Louis, Missouri. The company’s Vision Multiseller H2 unit is based on its innovative standard design, reconfigured to run remotely from a grid power supply. ‘The system created by our engineers allows the Vision H2 to be able to work with absolute autonomy and without connection to the electric source,’ explains general manager, Felix Guindulain Busto. The new product is the culmination of two years of dedicated research by Jofemar’s R&D department. ‘This places Jofemar as the European vending machines company with the highest technological innovation capacity, and strengthens its leadership on the development of new energy for vending machines,’ adds Guindulain Busto. Autonomous power for the Vision H2 is provided by a hydrogen fuel cell that is fed with hydrogen from a portable Ovonic Solid
Fuel Cells Bulletin
9
NEWS Hydrogen Storage canister. The fuel cell has a backup battery for when the portable hydrogen canister needs to be recharged. The use of clean, renewable hydrogen power gives the Vision H2 model greatly enhanced portability, and a large range of applications. The machines may be located anywhere, since they are no longer dependent on mains electricity. Jofemar looked particularly hard at the security and safety aspects of using hydrogen. The Ovonic canister utilizes low-pressure metal hydride technology for hydrogen storage, and furthermore, only very small amounts of hydrogen are used. The company plans to work with cities, governments and vending companies, based on specific projects, to provide a hydrogen storage portable canister recharge program. Contact: Jofemar, Peralta, Navarra, Spain. Tel: +34 948 751212, www.jofemar.com
Measuring very low contact pressures in fuel cell assembly
N
ew Jersey-based Sensor Products has added Pressurex Zero® to its line of tactile pressure-indicating sensor films. The new product characterizes tactile contact surface pressures down to an extremely low 7.2 psi (0.5 bar). Fuel cell engineers are among those who spurred the development of such a low pressure range. Several ranges of low-pressure film are available from Sensor Products and are currently being used in the fuel cell industry. Pressurex aids in the design, manufacture and testing of fuel cells by helping to ensure uniform and accurate spacing between membranes, to achieve maximum current flow and fuel usage efficiency in a fuel cell stack assembly. Pressurex Zero is an easy-to-use flexible film that is placed between contacting or mating surfaces, to instantly and accurately measure and map pressure magnitude and distribution. Variations in contact surface pressure are immediately visible from the impression made on the film. The new product’s range is 7.2–28 psi (0.5–1.97 bar). When placed between contacting surfaces, the film instantaneously and permanently changes color directly proportional to the actual pressure applied. The precise pressure magnitude is easily determined by comparing color variation results to a color correlation chart (in a similar way to interpreting litmus paper).
Contact: Sensor Products Inc, Madison, New Jersey, USA. Tel: + 1 973 884 1755, www.sensorprod.com
10
Fuel Cells Bulletin
Hy9 deal with Exxon, appoints interim CEO
M
assachusetts-based Hy9 Corporation has struck a new deal with oil giant ExxonMobil, to provide products for the latter’s on-board fuel-cell reformer project. The deal follows a change in management at Hy9, with Brad Bradshaw – president of the Massachusetts Hydrogen Coalition – appointed as interim CEO, according to a Mass High Tech report. For more than a year ExxonMobil has been working towards running fuel cell powered forklift trucks on a variety of hydrocarbonbased fuels, such as diesel [FCB, January 2008]. While the hands-on research will be done on forklift trucks, Hy9 and ExxonMobil say that the project is a precursor to bringing such technology to passenger vehicles. Hy9 has built its business on selling hydrogen reforming products to the industrial gases and backup power industries, but since its inception during 1998 it has always aimed at applying the technology to passenger vehicles. ‘There are two ways this industry can go,’ comments Bradshaw. ‘It can use hydrogen filling stations to power fuel cell vehicles, or it can use on-board reformers, eliminating the need for filling stations across the country.’ ExxonMobil says that Hy9 is aiming at the latter, with the hope that high-efficiency fuel cell vehicles can come to market without the need for expensive infrastructure changes across the country. The Hy9-Exxon deal includes a number of well known industry names, including PEM fuel cell manufacturer Plug Power, Canadian purification technology firm QuestAir Technologies, and Ben Gurion University in Israel.
Contact: Hy9 Corporation, Hopkinton, Massachusetts, USA. Tel: +1 508 435 3789, www.hy9.com
research
Neah completes ONR contract, second one under way
B
othell, Washington-based Neah Power Systems has completed its first Office of Naval Research (ONR) contract, and has received a second
contract – worth $1.2 million – to help fund the development of its unique methanol-based fuel cell. The first contract, originally awarded in 2007, granted the company funding to enable it to make various improvements to its DMFC [FCB, September 2007]. During this funding period, it developed a system with a higher power density using larger electrodes, and implemented various high-volume manufacturing process flows for its proprietary porous silicon technology. Neah Power says that these changes met contract objectives, and have provided it with a competitive advantage. The second contract, which began in September, will help the firm create a product for high-volume manufacturing, with further improved power density. ‘As part of the second contract, we have made significant progress on various deliverables related to improved power performance, manufacturability and orientation independence,’ says Dr Chris D’Couto, the firm’s president/CEO. ‘The key accomplishments from these contracts are helping us meet the needs of the various market segments, and to produce a superior product.’ Neah Power is developing long-lasting, efficient and safe power systems for portable electronic devices. It uses a patented, siliconbased design for its micro fuel cells that enables the production of lower-cost systems with high power densities in a compact form factor. The company’s micro fuel cell prototype (demonstrated during 2007) can run in aerobic and anaerobic modes [FCB, November 2007]. Contact: Neah Power Systems Inc, Bothell, Washington, USA. Tel: +1 425 424 3324, www.neahpower.com
Hydrogen-absorbing light metal alloy offers lightweight storage
A
Dutch researcher has shown that an alloy of the metals magnesium, titanium and nickel is excellent at absorbing hydrogen. This new light metal alloy is important for the development of hydrogen as an energy carrier for transport applications. A hydrogen tank using this alloy would have a relative weight that is 40% less than a battery pack, it is claimed. To find the best alloy, Dr Robin Gremaud of the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam developed a method which enabled simultaneous testing of thousands of samples of different metals for their capacity to absorb hydrogen. UK-based Ilika Technologies has shown interest
January 2009
Acta, Sumitomo confirm development contract continuation
I
talian-based Acta has announced the continuation of its development contract with Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation and a major Asian manufacturer, into the program’s second stage. The confirmation follows the successful completion of the first phase of the project [FCB, January 2008], in which all technical milestones and deadlines were met. Despite a reduction in the customer’s R&D expenditure, Acta says it is encouraged by the fact that the program has continued into the second stage. The firm believes that this continuation represents a strong validation of the commercial potential of its advanced catalyst technologies. The second stage of the contract will commence immediately, and is scheduled to deliver revenues of approximately 500 000 (US$660 000) over the next four months, in line with the company’s expectations. The scope of work encompasses detailed characterization of Acta’s unique catalyst technology, and the
January 2009
parties believe that the work being undertaken will benefit the firm’s products across several key applications. Acta will continue to focus its development efforts on near-term revenue opportunities with major industrial partners, and to reduce noncore costs where possible. These cost reductions are not expected to have an effect on its operational capability, and the continuation of the development program will be managed from within its current technical resources. ‘This confirmation comes despite an economic downturn which has reduced investment programs, and underpins our confidence in the core value of our technologies,’ comments chief executive Paolo Bert. Contact: Acta SpA, Crespina, Pisa, Italy. Tel: +39 050 644281, www.acta-nanotech.com
Air Products acquires Harvest Energy Technology
I
n the US, Air Products & Chemicals in Pennsylvania has acquired Californiabased Harvest Energy Technology, which specializes in the development of hydrogen-generating technology for industrial and energy applications, to enhance its overall range of hydrogen products. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. ‘This acquisition enables Air Products to offer cost-effective generated hydrogen technologies to augment our current gaseous tube trailer and liquid hydrogen tanker systems range,’ says Robert Dixon, senior VP and general manager for merchant gases at Air Products. ‘This will round out our merchant gases portfolio, and enables us to better serve our customers globally.’ Air Products has worked with Harvest on several hydrogen fueling projects for smaller-scale systems. The combination of Air Products’ hydrogen pressure-swing adsorption (PSA) capabilities with Harvest’s reformer technology is claimed to provide the lowest-cost hydrogen available for the merchant market in this production range. ‘Beyond fueling stations, we have already identified several global industrial applications for the system’s capabilities, enhancing our offerings to the steel, glass, metals processing and photovoltaic markets,’ says David Guro, the firm’s global product manager for generated gases for hydrogen generation and purification. ‘This highly packaged on-site hydrogen generation technology allows for easy field installation, and is an important addition to the Air Products portfolio of hydrogen delivery options.’
Air Products has previously teamed up with Harvest to use its patent-protected on-site reformer technology for two Department of Energy hydrogen energy station and vehicle fueling projects. The demonstration projects – in Las Vegas, Nevada [FCB, April 2003] and at Pennsylvania State University – provided optimal testing grounds for the successful combination of the two companies’ technologies, and also provided an early insight into potential industrial system applications. ‘We are pleased to join a company who is a leader in the supply of hydrogen for industrial and energy applications,’ says Dr David Warren, CEO of Harvest. ‘Our team is looking forward to executing new projects and further developing larger and more cost-effective hydrogen generators.’ Harvest Energy Technology’s employees will join Air Products, and work from their existing location in California. Contact: Air Products & Chemicals Inc, Hydrogen Energy Solutions, Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA. Tel: 1 800 654 4567 (tollfree in US and Canada), www.airproducts.com/h2energy Or contact: Harvest Energy Technology, Sun Valley, California, USA. Tel: +1 818 767 3157, www.harvest-technology.com
Jofemar launches hydrogen-powered vending machine
V
ending machine manufacturer Jofemar unveiled what it claims is the world’s first autonomous hydrogenpowered vending machine at the recent NAMA National Vending Expo in St Louis, Missouri. The company’s Vision Multiseller H2 unit is based on its innovative standard design, reconfigured to run remotely from a grid power supply. ‘The system created by our engineers allows the Vision H2 to be able to work with absolute autonomy and without connection to the electric source,’ explains general manager, Felix Guindulain Busto. The new product is the culmination of two years of dedicated research by Jofemar’s R&D department. ‘This places Jofemar as the European vending machines company with the highest technological innovation capacity, and strengthens its leadership on the development of new energy for vending machines,’ adds Guindulain Busto. Autonomous power for the Vision H2 is provided by a hydrogen fuel cell that is fed with hydrogen from a portable Ovonic Solid
Fuel Cells Bulletin
9
NEWS Hydrogen Storage canister. The fuel cell has a backup battery for when the portable hydrogen canister needs to be recharged. The use of clean, renewable hydrogen power gives the Vision H2 model greatly enhanced portability, and a large range of applications. The machines may be located anywhere, since they are no longer dependent on mains electricity. Jofemar looked particularly hard at the security and safety aspects of using hydrogen. The Ovonic canister utilizes low-pressure metal hydride technology for hydrogen storage, and furthermore, only very small amounts of hydrogen are used. The company plans to work with cities, governments and vending companies, based on specific projects, to provide a hydrogen storage portable canister recharge program. Contact: Jofemar, Peralta, Navarra, Spain. Tel: +34 948 751212, www.jofemar.com
Measuring very low contact pressures in fuel cell assembly
N
ew Jersey-based Sensor Products has added Pressurex Zero® to its line of tactile pressure-indicating sensor films. The new product characterizes tactile contact surface pressures down to an extremely low 7.2 psi (0.5 bar). Fuel cell engineers are among those who spurred the development of such a low pressure range. Several ranges of low-pressure film are available from Sensor Products and are currently being used in the fuel cell industry. Pressurex aids in the design, manufacture and testing of fuel cells by helping to ensure uniform and accurate spacing between membranes, to achieve maximum current flow and fuel usage efficiency in a fuel cell stack assembly. Pressurex Zero is an easy-to-use flexible film that is placed between contacting or mating surfaces, to instantly and accurately measure and map pressure magnitude and distribution. Variations in contact surface pressure are immediately visible from the impression made on the film. The new product’s range is 7.2–28 psi (0.5–1.97 bar). When placed between contacting surfaces, the film instantaneously and permanently changes color directly proportional to the actual pressure applied. The precise pressure magnitude is easily determined by comparing color variation results to a color correlation chart (in a similar way to interpreting litmus paper).
Contact: Sensor Products Inc, Madison, New Jersey, USA. Tel: + 1 973 884 1755, www.sensorprod.com
10
Fuel Cells Bulletin
Hy9 deal with Exxon, appoints interim CEO
M
assachusetts-based Hy9 Corporation has struck a new deal with oil giant ExxonMobil, to provide products for the latter’s on-board fuel-cell reformer project. The deal follows a change in management at Hy9, with Brad Bradshaw – president of the Massachusetts Hydrogen Coalition – appointed as interim CEO, according to a Mass High Tech report. For more than a year ExxonMobil has been working towards running fuel cell powered forklift trucks on a variety of hydrocarbonbased fuels, such as diesel [FCB, January 2008]. While the hands-on research will be done on forklift trucks, Hy9 and ExxonMobil say that the project is a precursor to bringing such technology to passenger vehicles. Hy9 has built its business on selling hydrogen reforming products to the industrial gases and backup power industries, but since its inception during 1998 it has always aimed at applying the technology to passenger vehicles. ‘There are two ways this industry can go,’ comments Bradshaw. ‘It can use hydrogen filling stations to power fuel cell vehicles, or it can use on-board reformers, eliminating the need for filling stations across the country.’ ExxonMobil says that Hy9 is aiming at the latter, with the hope that high-efficiency fuel cell vehicles can come to market without the need for expensive infrastructure changes across the country. The Hy9-Exxon deal includes a number of well known industry names, including PEM fuel cell manufacturer Plug Power, Canadian purification technology firm QuestAir Technologies, and Ben Gurion University in Israel.
Contact: Hy9 Corporation, Hopkinton, Massachusetts, USA. Tel: +1 508 435 3789, www.hy9.com
research
Neah completes ONR contract, second one under way
B
othell, Washington-based Neah Power Systems has completed its first Office of Naval Research (ONR) contract, and has received a second
contract – worth $1.2 million – to help fund the development of its unique methanol-based fuel cell. The first contract, originally awarded in 2007, granted the company funding to enable it to make various improvements to its DMFC [FCB, September 2007]. During this funding period, it developed a system with a higher power density using larger electrodes, and implemented various high-volume manufacturing process flows for its proprietary porous silicon technology. Neah Power says that these changes met contract objectives, and have provided it with a competitive advantage. The second contract, which began in September, will help the firm create a product for high-volume manufacturing, with further improved power density. ‘As part of the second contract, we have made significant progress on various deliverables related to improved power performance, manufacturability and orientation independence,’ says Dr Chris D’Couto, the firm’s president/CEO. ‘The key accomplishments from these contracts are helping us meet the needs of the various market segments, and to produce a superior product.’ Neah Power is developing long-lasting, efficient and safe power systems for portable electronic devices. It uses a patented, siliconbased design for its micro fuel cells that enables the production of lower-cost systems with high power densities in a compact form factor. The company’s micro fuel cell prototype (demonstrated during 2007) can run in aerobic and anaerobic modes [FCB, November 2007]. Contact: Neah Power Systems Inc, Bothell, Washington, USA. Tel: +1 425 424 3324, www.neahpower.com
Hydrogen-absorbing light metal alloy offers lightweight storage
A
Dutch researcher has shown that an alloy of the metals magnesium, titanium and nickel is excellent at absorbing hydrogen. This new light metal alloy is important for the development of hydrogen as an energy carrier for transport applications. A hydrogen tank using this alloy would have a relative weight that is 40% less than a battery pack, it is claimed. To find the best alloy, Dr Robin Gremaud of the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam developed a method which enabled simultaneous testing of thousands of samples of different metals for their capacity to absorb hydrogen. UK-based Ilika Technologies has shown interest
January 2009