- Email: [email protected]
ReliOn, Hy9 working on methanol processor for fuel cell products
NEWS to complete the previously announced 120 MW order commitment and the Cell Technology Transfer Agreement. These agreements are expected to be completed during FuelCell Energy’s third quarter of fiscal 2012. ‘We are pleased to have achieved this first key milestone in our new strategic agreements with FuelCell Energy,’ says Jung-Gon Kim, executive VP of POSCO Energy. ‘The market for clean baseload distributed generation is expanding in Asia, and deepening our relationship with FuelCell Energy is important as we work together to grow market opportunities for ultra-clean and efficient Direct FuelCell® power plants.’ FuelCell Energy is a global leader in providing ultra-clean baseload distributed generation to utilities, industrial operations, universities, municipal water treatment facilities, government installations, and other customers, at more than 50 locations worldwide. Its molten carbonate power plants have generated more than 1 billion kWh using a variety of fuels including renewable biogas from wastewater treatment and food processing, as well as natural gas [FCB, February 2012, p7]. FuelCell Energy Inc, Danbury, Connecticut, USA. Tel: +1 203 825 6000, www.fuelcellenergy.com POSCO Energy: www.poscoenergy.com
Bloom Energy gets its expansion to the East Coast under way
C
alifornia-based Bloom Energy has begun construction of its new Bloom Energy Manufacturing Center in Newark, Delaware. Located on the 272 acre (110 ha) site formerly occupied by a Chrysler assembly plant, and now owned by the University of Delaware, the manufacturing centre is expected to bring hundreds of new manufacturing jobs to the region. KR Sridhar, principal co-founder and CEO of Bloom Energy, says that Delaware’s businessfriendly climate and the support of Governor Markell, the Delaware General Assembly, and other state officials played a major role in Bloom selecting the state as the site for its expansion. ‘Once the Bloom Energy Manufacturing Center is completed, we will double Bloom Energy’s production capacity,’ says Sridhar. ‘Delaware complements our California roots, and strategically positions us to better serve our expanding customer base.’ Sridhar also announced several new customers, including Owens Corning, Urban
May 2012
Outfitters, Delmarva Power, Washington Gas, and AT&T, which already uses 7.5 MW of Bloom Energy Servers across 11 facilities in California [FCB, August 2011, p5]. These join Fortune 500 companies such as Google, eBay, Wal-Mart, Staples, and Coca-Cola that have already installed solid oxide fuel cell Bloom Energy Servers (‘Bloom Boxes’) to generate clean power while greatly reducing their carbon footprint and cutting operating costs. The Bloom Energy Manufacturing Center will become the anchor tenant of the new University of Delaware Science, Technology and Advanced Research Campus. Construction is expected to be completed in mid-2013, with manufacturing starting shortly afterwards. Bloom Energy will keep its headquarters in California, and continue to manufacture 100 kW Bloom Boxes at its growing plant in Sunnyvale, where more than 1000 jobs have been created [FCB, May 2011, p7]. Bloom Energy Corporation, Sunnyvale, California, USA. Tel: +1 408 543 1500, www.bloomenergy.com
UTC Power PureCell systems powering News Corp, UConn
C
onnecticut-based UTC Power recently installed a PureCell® stationary fuel cell system for an affiliate of Beacon Capital Partners, at its 1211 Avenue of the Americas building in New York City. The 400 kW PureCell System Model 400 will provide News Corporation, the building’s major tenant, with a significant portion of its electricity for TV studios as well as its hot water needs. UTC Power has also commissioned a 400 kW power plant at the Depot Campus of the University of Connecticut. ‘The fuel cell at 1211 Avenue of the Americas offers a good example of how major urban office buildings can economically reduce carbon emissions through leading-edge technology,’ says Fred Seigel, president and COO of Beacon Capital Partners. The PureCell phosphoric acid fuel cell system is an onsite combined cooling, heating and power generation system that reduces energy costs, increases operational reliability, and contributes to a cleaner environment. The fuel cell can operate independently of the electric grid, providing energy security for the building and offering critical power backup during blackouts, disasters, and emergencies. The News Corp installation was financially supported by the New York State Energy
Research and Development Authority. ‘To encourage others to adopt fuel cell technology, NYSERDA’s fuel cell programme provides an incentive toward the cost of fuel cell installations, and can include payments over the first three years of operation based on power produced,’ says Francis J. Murray Jr, president and CEO of NYSERDA. Last summer UTC Power installed a *ÕÀi iÊ-ÞÃÌiÊ `iÊ{ääÊ«ÜiÀÊ«>ÌÊ>ÌÊ The Octagon, a 500-unit luxury apartment community on Roosevelt Island in New York City [FCB, June 2011, p5]. Meanwhile in Connecticut, UConn officials say that the installation of a PureCell system is the latest step by to reduce the campus carbon footprint and build a sustainable community [FCB, October 2011, p6]. The fuel cell installation was made possible through a $1 million federal stimulus grant from Connecticut’s Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority. / iÊ{ääÊ7ÊvÕiÊViÊÜÊ«ÀÛ`iÊiiÀ}ÞÊ to critical UConn research labs and offices, including those working on advancing fuel cell and microgrid technology at UConn’s Center for Clean Energy Engineering (C2E2) [see the news feature in our April issue]. The new power plant will also serve as a demonstration model and teaching tool for students. UTC Power, South Windsor, Connecticut, USA. Tel: +1 860 727 2200, www.utcpower.com New York State Energy Research and Development Authority: www.nyserda.org Beacon Capital Partners: www.beaconcapital.com Connecticut Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority: www.ctcleanenergy.com UConn Center for Clean Energy Engineering: www.energy.uconn.edu
FUELLING
ReliOn, Hy9 working on methanol processor for fuel cell products
I
n the US, ReliOn and Hy9 are collaborating on the development of an integrated fuel processor for fuel cell products. The programme will combine ReliOn strengths in hydrogen fuel cell technology and product engineering with Hy9 expertise in reforming and hydrogen purification systems. Spokane, Washington-based ReliOn is a leading provider of high-reliability PEM fuel cell solutions for backup and grid-support power
Fuel Cells Bulletin
9
NEWS applications. Hy9 in Massachusetts manufactures palladium metal membrane hydrogen purifiers and methanol-fuelled hydrogen generators for the industrial gas, specialty gas, stationary power, and motive fuelling markets. The companies will work together to develop the subsystems, controls, and systems integration of the new liquid fuel-based power system. The fuel processor (reformer) converts a liquid fuel – in this case methanol and water – into hydrogen for use with ReliOn’s fuel cell products, including its E-series fuel cell systems. The development process is on schedule for ReliOn to deliver first demonstration prototypes during the third quarter of 2012, with customer evaluation units available before the end of the year. Customers will be delivered a fully integrated product that supports a range of power applications up to 10 kW, providing telecom quality regulated DC power from a methanol-based liquid fuel. The introduction of the liquid fuel-based product line will expand ReliOn’s market reach into new geographic regions and applications where liquid fuel may be advantageous over gaseous hydrogen due to availability or logistics. ‘Our collaboration with Hy9 will offer an alternative to delivered, compressed hydrogen as fuel for customers who use our fuel cells to provide power in areas of the world where hydrogen is less available,’ explains Gary Flood, president and CEO of ReliOn. ‘Hy9’s expertise in the area of fuel reforming and purification will enable us to accelerate the delivery of this product to our key customers needing solutions for their backup and grid-support power applications.’ ReliOn Inc, Spokane, Washington, USA. Tel: +1 509 228 6500, www.relion-inc.com Hy9 Corporation, Hopkinton, Massachusetts, USA. Tel: +1 508 435 3789, www.hy9.com
ITM wins approval for HFuel in Germany, CE mark for HBox Solar
U
K-based ITM Power has received regulatory approval for its HFuel transportable hydrogen station product in the German market. The company has also achieved full CE certification for its HBox Solar electrolyser product, which allows it to be sold in the European Union. HFuel is a self-contained module suitable for refuelling hydrogen-powered road vehicles and forklift trucks. The product has now passed rigorous assessment and inspection by TÜV SÜD in both the UK and Germany, including an audit of safety documentation and 10
Fuel Cells Bulletin
compliance with relevant European Directives and the strict German Merkblaat standard. TÜV SÜD has issued its Expert Report, enabling ITM Power to gain approval to operate and sell its HFuel refuelling platform in Germany. ‘To be able to operate and sell HFuel in Germany is a key step for the company in commercialising its technology in the leading market for hydrogen infrastructure globally,’ says Dr Graham Cooley, CEO of ITM Power. In other news, ITM Power has achieved full CE certification for its HBox Solar electrolyser, which saw its commercial launch at the recent Hannover Messe trade show in Germany. ITM Power’s HBox 3000 passive electrolyser product achieved CE compliance last year [FCB, April 2011, p9]. HBox Solar is aimed at the more technically challenging application of off-grid hydrogen generation, by direct connection to a solar PV panel. The diurnal and annual hydrogen yield is maximised by automated thermal control, which ensures efficient operation after an extended period of darkness or cloudiness, and effective cooling during periods of hot weather. Target applications include telecom base transceiver stations, zero-carbon homes, backup power for farms, and fuel supply in remote areas. ITM Power Plc, Sheffield, UK. Tel: +44 114 244 5111, www.itm-power.com TÜV SÜD, Energy Technology: http://ow.ly/9hQeg
COMMERCIALISATION
Ballard partners with Anglo American to push fuel cells in SA
C
anadian-based fuel cell manufacturer Ballard Power Systems is working in partnership with Anglo American Platinum on a number of early-stage stationary and motive power applications of fuel cells in the South African market. During 2012 Ballard and Anglo American Platinum are undertaking a market feasibility study and testing a proof-of-concept system for a small-scale electric generator that will utilise onsite propane or natural gas. The system will feature an integrated fuel reformer to extract hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuel, which will then be channelled to the fuel cell stack. Ballard has leading expertise in PEM fuel cell stack technology – which utilises platinum as a catalyst material – as well as fuel reformer technology and the other components required to build a complete system. A finished product, once designed and tested, could supplement
the power grid for homes and businesses in geographies where the grid is unreliable. ‘We are excited to broaden our relationship with Anglo American Platinum,’ says John Sheridan, president and CEO of Ballard. ‘Our joint efforts could lead to cost-effective products for use in stationary and motive power applications at mining sites, and as well as for use in broader market applications.’ At the end of last year Ballard and Anglo American Platinum deployed and demonstrated a 150 kW PEM fuel cell system alongside the UN’s COP17 climate change summit in Durban, South Africa [FCB, January 2012, p9]. ‘Fuel cell power systems in commercial production can increase the energy efficiency of our mining operations, make efficient use of by-product hydrogen in South Africa, and provide growth in global platinum demand,’ said Neville Nicolau, CEO of Anglo American Platinum, at the time. Anglo American Platinum – the world’s leading primary producer of platinum group metals – is also beginning above-ground testing of five fuel cell powered locomotives at its Dishaba mine in Limpopo province, South Africa [see the News Feature on page 12]. Ballard Power Systems Inc, Burnaby, BC, Canada. Tel: +1 604 454 0900, www.ballard.com Anglo American Platinum: www.angloamericanplatinum.com
Hydrogenics unveils HyPM HD90, marks 10 years in Germany
C
anadian-based Hydrogenics unveiled its new HyPM™ HD90 fuel cell power module in the 18th Group Exhibit Hydrogen + Fuel Cells at the recent Hannover Messe trade fair in Germany. The heavy-duty 90 kW PEM fuel cell module is designed to power fuel cell buses, and joins the existing 30 and 180 kW systems. The HD90 delivers world-leading efficiency from a low-pressure design, within a compact package for the stack and fully integrated balance-of-plant. It features Hydrogenics’ proprietary PEM stack technology using highdurability components designed for demanding dynamic conditions. The ease of integration with other powertrain components has always been a key Hydrogenics criterion in the design of its HyPM power modules. This product is targetted at customers requiring larger backup solutions, which will serve the growing demand for clean and
May 2012
Bloom Energy gets its expansion to the East Coast under way
C
alifornia-based Bloom Energy has begun construction of its new Bloom Energy Manufacturing Center in Newark, Delaware. Located on the 272 acre (110 ha) site formerly occupied by a Chrysler assembly plant, and now owned by the University of Delaware, the manufacturing centre is expected to bring hundreds of new manufacturing jobs to the region. KR Sridhar, principal co-founder and CEO of Bloom Energy, says that Delaware’s businessfriendly climate and the support of Governor Markell, the Delaware General Assembly, and other state officials played a major role in Bloom selecting the state as the site for its expansion. ‘Once the Bloom Energy Manufacturing Center is completed, we will double Bloom Energy’s production capacity,’ says Sridhar. ‘Delaware complements our California roots, and strategically positions us to better serve our expanding customer base.’ Sridhar also announced several new customers, including Owens Corning, Urban
May 2012
Outfitters, Delmarva Power, Washington Gas, and AT&T, which already uses 7.5 MW of Bloom Energy Servers across 11 facilities in California [FCB, August 2011, p5]. These join Fortune 500 companies such as Google, eBay, Wal-Mart, Staples, and Coca-Cola that have already installed solid oxide fuel cell Bloom Energy Servers (‘Bloom Boxes’) to generate clean power while greatly reducing their carbon footprint and cutting operating costs. The Bloom Energy Manufacturing Center will become the anchor tenant of the new University of Delaware Science, Technology and Advanced Research Campus. Construction is expected to be completed in mid-2013, with manufacturing starting shortly afterwards. Bloom Energy will keep its headquarters in California, and continue to manufacture 100 kW Bloom Boxes at its growing plant in Sunnyvale, where more than 1000 jobs have been created [FCB, May 2011, p7]. Bloom Energy Corporation, Sunnyvale, California, USA. Tel: +1 408 543 1500, www.bloomenergy.com
UTC Power PureCell systems powering News Corp, UConn
C
onnecticut-based UTC Power recently installed a PureCell® stationary fuel cell system for an affiliate of Beacon Capital Partners, at its 1211 Avenue of the Americas building in New York City. The 400 kW PureCell System Model 400 will provide News Corporation, the building’s major tenant, with a significant portion of its electricity for TV studios as well as its hot water needs. UTC Power has also commissioned a 400 kW power plant at the Depot Campus of the University of Connecticut. ‘The fuel cell at 1211 Avenue of the Americas offers a good example of how major urban office buildings can economically reduce carbon emissions through leading-edge technology,’ says Fred Seigel, president and COO of Beacon Capital Partners. The PureCell phosphoric acid fuel cell system is an onsite combined cooling, heating and power generation system that reduces energy costs, increases operational reliability, and contributes to a cleaner environment. The fuel cell can operate independently of the electric grid, providing energy security for the building and offering critical power backup during blackouts, disasters, and emergencies. The News Corp installation was financially supported by the New York State Energy
Research and Development Authority. ‘To encourage others to adopt fuel cell technology, NYSERDA’s fuel cell programme provides an incentive toward the cost of fuel cell installations, and can include payments over the first three years of operation based on power produced,’ says Francis J. Murray Jr, president and CEO of NYSERDA. Last summer UTC Power installed a *ÕÀi iÊ-ÞÃÌiÊ `iÊ{ääÊ«ÜiÀÊ«>ÌÊ>ÌÊ The Octagon, a 500-unit luxury apartment community on Roosevelt Island in New York City [FCB, June 2011, p5]. Meanwhile in Connecticut, UConn officials say that the installation of a PureCell system is the latest step by to reduce the campus carbon footprint and build a sustainable community [FCB, October 2011, p6]. The fuel cell installation was made possible through a $1 million federal stimulus grant from Connecticut’s Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority. / iÊ{ääÊ7ÊvÕiÊViÊÜÊ«ÀÛ`iÊiiÀ}ÞÊ to critical UConn research labs and offices, including those working on advancing fuel cell and microgrid technology at UConn’s Center for Clean Energy Engineering (C2E2) [see the news feature in our April issue]. The new power plant will also serve as a demonstration model and teaching tool for students. UTC Power, South Windsor, Connecticut, USA. Tel: +1 860 727 2200, www.utcpower.com New York State Energy Research and Development Authority: www.nyserda.org Beacon Capital Partners: www.beaconcapital.com Connecticut Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority: www.ctcleanenergy.com UConn Center for Clean Energy Engineering: www.energy.uconn.edu
FUELLING
ReliOn, Hy9 working on methanol processor for fuel cell products
I
n the US, ReliOn and Hy9 are collaborating on the development of an integrated fuel processor for fuel cell products. The programme will combine ReliOn strengths in hydrogen fuel cell technology and product engineering with Hy9 expertise in reforming and hydrogen purification systems. Spokane, Washington-based ReliOn is a leading provider of high-reliability PEM fuel cell solutions for backup and grid-support power
Fuel Cells Bulletin
9
NEWS applications. Hy9 in Massachusetts manufactures palladium metal membrane hydrogen purifiers and methanol-fuelled hydrogen generators for the industrial gas, specialty gas, stationary power, and motive fuelling markets. The companies will work together to develop the subsystems, controls, and systems integration of the new liquid fuel-based power system. The fuel processor (reformer) converts a liquid fuel – in this case methanol and water – into hydrogen for use with ReliOn’s fuel cell products, including its E-series fuel cell systems. The development process is on schedule for ReliOn to deliver first demonstration prototypes during the third quarter of 2012, with customer evaluation units available before the end of the year. Customers will be delivered a fully integrated product that supports a range of power applications up to 10 kW, providing telecom quality regulated DC power from a methanol-based liquid fuel. The introduction of the liquid fuel-based product line will expand ReliOn’s market reach into new geographic regions and applications where liquid fuel may be advantageous over gaseous hydrogen due to availability or logistics. ‘Our collaboration with Hy9 will offer an alternative to delivered, compressed hydrogen as fuel for customers who use our fuel cells to provide power in areas of the world where hydrogen is less available,’ explains Gary Flood, president and CEO of ReliOn. ‘Hy9’s expertise in the area of fuel reforming and purification will enable us to accelerate the delivery of this product to our key customers needing solutions for their backup and grid-support power applications.’ ReliOn Inc, Spokane, Washington, USA. Tel: +1 509 228 6500, www.relion-inc.com Hy9 Corporation, Hopkinton, Massachusetts, USA. Tel: +1 508 435 3789, www.hy9.com
ITM wins approval for HFuel in Germany, CE mark for HBox Solar
U
K-based ITM Power has received regulatory approval for its HFuel transportable hydrogen station product in the German market. The company has also achieved full CE certification for its HBox Solar electrolyser product, which allows it to be sold in the European Union. HFuel is a self-contained module suitable for refuelling hydrogen-powered road vehicles and forklift trucks. The product has now passed rigorous assessment and inspection by TÜV SÜD in both the UK and Germany, including an audit of safety documentation and 10
Fuel Cells Bulletin
compliance with relevant European Directives and the strict German Merkblaat standard. TÜV SÜD has issued its Expert Report, enabling ITM Power to gain approval to operate and sell its HFuel refuelling platform in Germany. ‘To be able to operate and sell HFuel in Germany is a key step for the company in commercialising its technology in the leading market for hydrogen infrastructure globally,’ says Dr Graham Cooley, CEO of ITM Power. In other news, ITM Power has achieved full CE certification for its HBox Solar electrolyser, which saw its commercial launch at the recent Hannover Messe trade show in Germany. ITM Power’s HBox 3000 passive electrolyser product achieved CE compliance last year [FCB, April 2011, p9]. HBox Solar is aimed at the more technically challenging application of off-grid hydrogen generation, by direct connection to a solar PV panel. The diurnal and annual hydrogen yield is maximised by automated thermal control, which ensures efficient operation after an extended period of darkness or cloudiness, and effective cooling during periods of hot weather. Target applications include telecom base transceiver stations, zero-carbon homes, backup power for farms, and fuel supply in remote areas. ITM Power Plc, Sheffield, UK. Tel: +44 114 244 5111, www.itm-power.com TÜV SÜD, Energy Technology: http://ow.ly/9hQeg
COMMERCIALISATION
Ballard partners with Anglo American to push fuel cells in SA
C
anadian-based fuel cell manufacturer Ballard Power Systems is working in partnership with Anglo American Platinum on a number of early-stage stationary and motive power applications of fuel cells in the South African market. During 2012 Ballard and Anglo American Platinum are undertaking a market feasibility study and testing a proof-of-concept system for a small-scale electric generator that will utilise onsite propane or natural gas. The system will feature an integrated fuel reformer to extract hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuel, which will then be channelled to the fuel cell stack. Ballard has leading expertise in PEM fuel cell stack technology – which utilises platinum as a catalyst material – as well as fuel reformer technology and the other components required to build a complete system. A finished product, once designed and tested, could supplement
the power grid for homes and businesses in geographies where the grid is unreliable. ‘We are excited to broaden our relationship with Anglo American Platinum,’ says John Sheridan, president and CEO of Ballard. ‘Our joint efforts could lead to cost-effective products for use in stationary and motive power applications at mining sites, and as well as for use in broader market applications.’ At the end of last year Ballard and Anglo American Platinum deployed and demonstrated a 150 kW PEM fuel cell system alongside the UN’s COP17 climate change summit in Durban, South Africa [FCB, January 2012, p9]. ‘Fuel cell power systems in commercial production can increase the energy efficiency of our mining operations, make efficient use of by-product hydrogen in South Africa, and provide growth in global platinum demand,’ said Neville Nicolau, CEO of Anglo American Platinum, at the time. Anglo American Platinum – the world’s leading primary producer of platinum group metals – is also beginning above-ground testing of five fuel cell powered locomotives at its Dishaba mine in Limpopo province, South Africa [see the News Feature on page 12]. Ballard Power Systems Inc, Burnaby, BC, Canada. Tel: +1 604 454 0900, www.ballard.com Anglo American Platinum: www.angloamericanplatinum.com
Hydrogenics unveils HyPM HD90, marks 10 years in Germany
C
anadian-based Hydrogenics unveiled its new HyPM™ HD90 fuel cell power module in the 18th Group Exhibit Hydrogen + Fuel Cells at the recent Hannover Messe trade fair in Germany. The heavy-duty 90 kW PEM fuel cell module is designed to power fuel cell buses, and joins the existing 30 and 180 kW systems. The HD90 delivers world-leading efficiency from a low-pressure design, within a compact package for the stack and fully integrated balance-of-plant. It features Hydrogenics’ proprietary PEM stack technology using highdurability components designed for demanding dynamic conditions. The ease of integration with other powertrain components has always been a key Hydrogenics criterion in the design of its HyPM power modules. This product is targetted at customers requiring larger backup solutions, which will serve the growing demand for clean and
May 2012