- Email: [email protected]
Neah Power BuzzBar Suite empowers African classrooms
NEWS events [FCB, February 2011, p5], have already realised the H2LT benefits in their regular operations. Other systems have been used by highway construction crews at Caltrans and the Connecticut Department of Transportation, and a system was deployed at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center for the final Space Shuttle launch in 2011 [FCB, August 2011, p3]. The Altergy PEM fuel cell system is robust enough for the construction industry; Caltrans used one unit in rain, wind and snow in the Sierra Nevada mountains, towing the lights 1100 miles (1770 km) along bumpy mountain roads. The initial price tag for a prototype fuel cellpowered mobile lighting system was roughly triple that of a diesel-powered system. But Multiquip is considering cost-cutting strategies such as highly efficient LEDs, which will allow a smaller fuel cell; smaller hydrogen storage tanks; and lowering the required tank pressure rating. Sandia is also leading the Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure Research and Station Technology (H2FIRST) project [FCB, May 2014, p7], a maritime fuel cell demonstration [FCB, March 2014, p7], a development project on hydrogenpowered forklifts [FCB, May 2014, p6], and a recent study of California gas stations that can safely store and dispense hydrogen [FCB, August 2014, p7]. Multiquip isn’t the only lighting tower company utilising fuel cells – Taylor Construction Plant in the UK offers the Ecolite-H2 hydrogen fuel cell powered lighting tower, based on the Hymera generator developed by BOC [see previous item]. TCP’s lighting tower has seen extensive use throughout the UK over the past 18 months. Sandia, Hydrogen and Fuel cells Program: http://energy.sandia.gov/?page_id=199 Altergy Systems, Folsom, California, USA. Tel: +1 916 458 8590, www.altergy.com Multiquip: www.multiquip.com Journal paper: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2014.05.180
UltraCell and SAFCell demo first solid acid fuel cell using propane
Under a US Army Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant, SAFCell’s proprietary SAFC stack has been integrated into UltraCell’s existing micro fuel cell system [FCB, July 2013, p8]. The unit produced over 50 W of usable electric power, with tens of on/ off cycles. The system will now be refined for maximum fuel efficiency and minimum weight and volume, before final delivery to the Army for testing in mid-2015. ‘There is nothing like a complete system, with no cords plugged into the wall, to prove that we have developed a completely new fuel cell technology here,’ says Dr Calum Chisholm, CEO of SAFCell. ‘These results also prove the robustness and fuel flexibility that we have promised for our power units.’ SAFCell’s solid acid fuel cell technology operates at temperatures (200–300°C) that do not require pure hydrogen as a fuel source, while avoiding the thermal issues and expensive materials used in higher-temperature fuel cells. UltraCell is a leading developer of portable fuel cell power systems for demanding environments in both military and commercial applications. ‘The speed with which we were able to assemble this fully functional system really speaks to the competency of both groups, and the compatibility of the system and stack technologies,’ says Ian Kaye, general manager and CTO of UltraCell. SAFCell is developing solid acid fuel cell stacks for military and commercial applications requiring tens of watts to several kW. Its innovative SAFC design – based on technology developed at the California Institute of Technology – allows for increased fuel flexibility and durability, while reducing system complexity and costs. UltraCell, a subsidiary of Bren-Tronics, has developed new technologies and intellectual property in methanol-based fuel cells to provide clean renewable energy to power portable electronics. Its fuel cell systems are the only systems in the 25–50 W range to have undergone extensive Military Specification qualification testing and field trials.
handheld device charging products on the Indiegogo crowdfunding website, alongside a partnership to bring these products to provide computing power to rural African classrooms. Neah recently began shipping its BuzzBar Suite of products, which enable off-grid recharging of mobile consumer electronics using solar, grid, or proprietary fuel cell technology [FCB, September 2014, p7]. The BuzzBar Suite can also be a life-saving product in an emergency. The BuzzCell micro fuel cell is expected to ship by the end of this year. Neah is partnering with the non-profit Asante Africa Foundation, which is deploying tablet computers into remote African classrooms through its ‘Classroom in a Box’ programme, to provide enhanced teaching materials and expose children to content they would otherwise not have access to. Schools in remote villages are far from the grid, and so require alternative power solutions. For every 25 BuzzBar Suite units sold, Neah Power will donate one BuzzBar Suite to Asante Africa Foundation. The Indiegogo campaign has a goal of raising $45 000 by 15 November. ‘We are pleased to partner with Neah Power Systems to deploy these products and enable a 21st century learning experience to the children in Africa,’ says Erna Grasz, CEO of Asante Africa Foundation. Through its Technology in the Classroom Initiative, Asante Africa Foundation is partnering with the business community to provide computers, as well as deliver solar panel systems that can keep the schools charged, broadband access for global connectivity, equipment and facilities maintenance contracting, and teacher training. Neah Power is developing power solutions for the military, transportation, and portable electronics sectors. The company’s longlasting, efficient, and safe solutions include the PowerChip and the BuzzBar family of products.
SAFCell Inc, Pasadena, California, USA. Tel: +1 626 795 0029, www.safcell.com
BuzzBar Suite on Indiegogo: http://igg.me/at/buzzbar
UltraCell LLC, Livermore, California, USA. Tel: +1 925 455 9400, www.ultracell-llc.com
Neah Power Systems, Bothell, Washington, USA. Tel: +1 425 424 3324, www.neahpower.com or www.buzzbarsuite.com
Asante Africa Foundation, Technology in the Classroom: www.asanteafrica.org/technology
FUELING
I
n California, fuel cell developer SAFCell and its development partner UltraCell have demonstrated what they say is the world’s first stand-alone solid acid fuel cell (SAFC) system running on propane, to meet the increasing demand for portable battlefield power. Rugged, efficient portable power is critical to the US military. 6
Fuel Cells Bulletin
Neah Power BuzzBar Suite empowers African classrooms
U
S-based Neah Power Systems has launched a campaign for its recently released BuzzBar Suite® of
Government–industry funding to accelerate UK hydrogen fueling
T
he UK government has announced up to £11 million (US$17.7
October 2014
UltraCell and SAFCell demo first solid acid fuel cell using propane
Under a US Army Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant, SAFCell’s proprietary SAFC stack has been integrated into UltraCell’s existing micro fuel cell system [FCB, July 2013, p8]. The unit produced over 50 W of usable electric power, with tens of on/ off cycles. The system will now be refined for maximum fuel efficiency and minimum weight and volume, before final delivery to the Army for testing in mid-2015. ‘There is nothing like a complete system, with no cords plugged into the wall, to prove that we have developed a completely new fuel cell technology here,’ says Dr Calum Chisholm, CEO of SAFCell. ‘These results also prove the robustness and fuel flexibility that we have promised for our power units.’ SAFCell’s solid acid fuel cell technology operates at temperatures (200–300°C) that do not require pure hydrogen as a fuel source, while avoiding the thermal issues and expensive materials used in higher-temperature fuel cells. UltraCell is a leading developer of portable fuel cell power systems for demanding environments in both military and commercial applications. ‘The speed with which we were able to assemble this fully functional system really speaks to the competency of both groups, and the compatibility of the system and stack technologies,’ says Ian Kaye, general manager and CTO of UltraCell. SAFCell is developing solid acid fuel cell stacks for military and commercial applications requiring tens of watts to several kW. Its innovative SAFC design – based on technology developed at the California Institute of Technology – allows for increased fuel flexibility and durability, while reducing system complexity and costs. UltraCell, a subsidiary of Bren-Tronics, has developed new technologies and intellectual property in methanol-based fuel cells to provide clean renewable energy to power portable electronics. Its fuel cell systems are the only systems in the 25–50 W range to have undergone extensive Military Specification qualification testing and field trials.
handheld device charging products on the Indiegogo crowdfunding website, alongside a partnership to bring these products to provide computing power to rural African classrooms. Neah recently began shipping its BuzzBar Suite of products, which enable off-grid recharging of mobile consumer electronics using solar, grid, or proprietary fuel cell technology [FCB, September 2014, p7]. The BuzzBar Suite can also be a life-saving product in an emergency. The BuzzCell micro fuel cell is expected to ship by the end of this year. Neah is partnering with the non-profit Asante Africa Foundation, which is deploying tablet computers into remote African classrooms through its ‘Classroom in a Box’ programme, to provide enhanced teaching materials and expose children to content they would otherwise not have access to. Schools in remote villages are far from the grid, and so require alternative power solutions. For every 25 BuzzBar Suite units sold, Neah Power will donate one BuzzBar Suite to Asante Africa Foundation. The Indiegogo campaign has a goal of raising $45 000 by 15 November. ‘We are pleased to partner with Neah Power Systems to deploy these products and enable a 21st century learning experience to the children in Africa,’ says Erna Grasz, CEO of Asante Africa Foundation. Through its Technology in the Classroom Initiative, Asante Africa Foundation is partnering with the business community to provide computers, as well as deliver solar panel systems that can keep the schools charged, broadband access for global connectivity, equipment and facilities maintenance contracting, and teacher training. Neah Power is developing power solutions for the military, transportation, and portable electronics sectors. The company’s longlasting, efficient, and safe solutions include the PowerChip and the BuzzBar family of products.
SAFCell Inc, Pasadena, California, USA. Tel: +1 626 795 0029, www.safcell.com
BuzzBar Suite on Indiegogo: http://igg.me/at/buzzbar
UltraCell LLC, Livermore, California, USA. Tel: +1 925 455 9400, www.ultracell-llc.com
Neah Power Systems, Bothell, Washington, USA. Tel: +1 425 424 3324, www.neahpower.com or www.buzzbarsuite.com
Asante Africa Foundation, Technology in the Classroom: www.asanteafrica.org/technology
FUELING
I
n California, fuel cell developer SAFCell and its development partner UltraCell have demonstrated what they say is the world’s first stand-alone solid acid fuel cell (SAFC) system running on propane, to meet the increasing demand for portable battlefield power. Rugged, efficient portable power is critical to the US military. 6
Fuel Cells Bulletin
Neah Power BuzzBar Suite empowers African classrooms
U
S-based Neah Power Systems has launched a campaign for its recently released BuzzBar Suite® of
Government–industry funding to accelerate UK hydrogen fueling
T
he UK government has announced up to £11 million (US$17.7
October 2014