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Second FCE unit to provide more power for bakery
NEWS ships complete power plants to the steel giant. When its manufacturing facility is ready POSCO will integrate its own BOP with FCE’s fuel cell module, installing and servicing the units at customer sites. POSCO’s manufacturing plant is expected to have 50 MW of capacity by the end of 2008, and 100 MW by 2010. ‘This arrangement allows us to capitalize on POSCO’s manufacturing capabilities and economies of scale as we work to meet the increasing demand by customers in South Korea,’ says Toby. ‘Over time, as POSCO gains experience with our DFC systems, we expect it to emerge as a superior BOP supplier, integrator and service provider – not just for power plants there, but potentially for other parts of the world too.’ Contact: FuelCell Energy Inc, Danbury, Connecticut, USA. Tel: +1 203 825 6000, www.fuelcellenergy.com
Second FCE unit to provide more power for bakery
I
n the US, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), FuelCell Energy and Pepperidge Farm Inc have formed a partnership to install a 1.2 MW molten carbonate fuel cell at the latter’s bakery in Bloomfield, Connecticut. The initiative is being supported by the CCEF, a ratepayer fund administered by Connecticut Innovations, which will provide US$3.5m of the cost. The fuel cell will be manufactured by FuelCell Energy, which is also based in Connecticut. FuelCell Energy says that this will be the second fuel cell installation at the Pepperidge plant, which opened in 2003. A smaller, 250 kW fuel cell was installed in January 2006 following the placing of an order the previous spring [FCB, May 2005], also with assistance from CCEF and FuelCell Energy. Once operational in the summer of 2008, the new fuel cell will supply about 57% of the electricity required by the bakery. Combined, the two fuel cells will provide about 70% of the required electricity. In addition, excess heat from the new fuel cell will be channeled to support bakery processes, which will help reduce the amount of fuel needed for plant boilers. Contact: FuelCell Energy Inc, Danbury, Connecticut, USA. Tel: +1 203 825 6000, www.fuelcellenergy.com For more on the CCEF, go to: www.ctinnovations.com/ funding/ccef/about.php
October 2007
portable & micro
Fraunhofer IZM unveils economical production of micro fuel cells
W
hether it’s a cell phone, notebook computer or camera, all these mobile devices, with their sophisticated functionality, run up against the limitations of their power supply. Now a German industrial consortium, coordinated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM, has demonstrated a complete production chain for PEM micro fuel cells that enables costeffective manufacturing in seconds. In the course of the project, which was supported by the German federal ministry of education and research (BMBF) and was successfully completed in late June, a micro fuel cell was combined with self-regulating hydrogen generators. The complete system measured only a few cubic centimeters, yet produced an energy density currently 40% above that of rechargeable alkaline manganese batteries. In mass production such fuel cells, with about 2 cm2 of active surface, would cost about 4.50 each. ‘Apart from the cost factor and high output, this system is extremely slim and mechanically stable, so could find application in all kinds of devices and Microsystems,’ says Dr-Ing Robert Hahn of the Fraunhofer IZM. The result was obtained through a planar configuration with several individual cells connected in series by means of a uniform ionconducting membrane. Because of the extremely fine construction of the current collectors, it was possible to do away with the usual gas diffusion layers, which are normally required to distribute the reactants homogeneously over the membrane. The entire manufacturing technology for the micro fuel cells is based on high-volume, reel-to-reel processes. While the anode current collector exists as an endless belt, the membrane-electrode assembly and cathode current collector are introduced isolated in a carrier tape. Using adhesives that harden in just 10 s, a throughput of between 1000 and 2000 fuel cells per hour is achieved. This represents the first realization of a self-contained, universal production chain for micro fuel cells that allows automated mass production. The Fraunhofer IZM researchers have turned their attention to further challenges. As well as reducing the use of costly precious
IN BRIEF Fujitsu first to install fuel cell power in Silicon Valley Computer and semiconductors giant Fujitsu America claims that it is the first company in Silicon Valley to install its own hydrogenbased power plant. The fuel cell was recently dedicated at the company’s Sunnyvale campus in California. The PureCell™ Model 200 system, ordered earlier this year from UTC Power [FCB, May 2007], will provide half of the power needed to cool the Fujitsu Sunnyvale campus data center and labs, while significantly reducing CO2 emissions. ‘Our real-world use of the hydrogen fuel cell is a clear demonstration of the ability of corporations to make a significant and financially responsible investment in reducing harmful impacts on the environment, with the ultimate goal of reversing global warming,’ comments Tetsuo Urano, head of American operations, Fujitsu America. ‘With a payback of about three-and-a-half years and a lifespan of about 15 years, hydrogen power is an excellent investment for the company.’ UTC Power’s PureCell Model 200 system meets the most stringent air emissions standards as set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB 07). Although it utilizes natural gas, it produces 35% less CO2 per MWh than the average fossil fuel-based power plant, and approximately 4000 lb (1.8 tonnes) per year less NOx. Fujitsu America will also be contributing to water conservation, since the PureCell Model 200 system will save at least 800 000 gallons of water per year compared to conventional power plants. ‘Fujitsu is a model for how large organizations can work through the process of understanding their energy requirements, researching the best solution to meet their fiscal requirements and their environmental impact goals, and then making a solid, long-term investment in a clean, efficient, cost-effective energy system,’ says Jan van Dokkum, president of UTC Power. ReGenTech acquires siGEN assets The assets of Scottish-based fuel cell systems integrator siGEN Ltd, which recently filed for voluntary liquidation, have been acquired by ReGenTech Ltd, which has the same contact details. Dave McGrath, formerly managing director of siGEN, has appointed Mike Banks as MD of the new company, while Stuart Graham will also become a director. McGrath will take on the role of business development director. ReGenTech (www.regentech.co.uk) intends to operate in the hydrogen and fuel cell space, and will take over the execution of a number of projects that were abandoned by siGEN. However, the activities of the new company will be significantly refocused. ‘Future projects to be undertaken shall be examined very carefully to ensure that they add value to the business,’ says McGrath.
Fuel Cells Bulletin
5
Second FCE unit to provide more power for bakery
I
n the US, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), FuelCell Energy and Pepperidge Farm Inc have formed a partnership to install a 1.2 MW molten carbonate fuel cell at the latter’s bakery in Bloomfield, Connecticut. The initiative is being supported by the CCEF, a ratepayer fund administered by Connecticut Innovations, which will provide US$3.5m of the cost. The fuel cell will be manufactured by FuelCell Energy, which is also based in Connecticut. FuelCell Energy says that this will be the second fuel cell installation at the Pepperidge plant, which opened in 2003. A smaller, 250 kW fuel cell was installed in January 2006 following the placing of an order the previous spring [FCB, May 2005], also with assistance from CCEF and FuelCell Energy. Once operational in the summer of 2008, the new fuel cell will supply about 57% of the electricity required by the bakery. Combined, the two fuel cells will provide about 70% of the required electricity. In addition, excess heat from the new fuel cell will be channeled to support bakery processes, which will help reduce the amount of fuel needed for plant boilers. Contact: FuelCell Energy Inc, Danbury, Connecticut, USA. Tel: +1 203 825 6000, www.fuelcellenergy.com For more on the CCEF, go to: www.ctinnovations.com/ funding/ccef/about.php
October 2007
portable & micro
Fraunhofer IZM unveils economical production of micro fuel cells
W
hether it’s a cell phone, notebook computer or camera, all these mobile devices, with their sophisticated functionality, run up against the limitations of their power supply. Now a German industrial consortium, coordinated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM, has demonstrated a complete production chain for PEM micro fuel cells that enables costeffective manufacturing in seconds. In the course of the project, which was supported by the German federal ministry of education and research (BMBF) and was successfully completed in late June, a micro fuel cell was combined with self-regulating hydrogen generators. The complete system measured only a few cubic centimeters, yet produced an energy density currently 40% above that of rechargeable alkaline manganese batteries. In mass production such fuel cells, with about 2 cm2 of active surface, would cost about 4.50 each. ‘Apart from the cost factor and high output, this system is extremely slim and mechanically stable, so could find application in all kinds of devices and Microsystems,’ says Dr-Ing Robert Hahn of the Fraunhofer IZM. The result was obtained through a planar configuration with several individual cells connected in series by means of a uniform ionconducting membrane. Because of the extremely fine construction of the current collectors, it was possible to do away with the usual gas diffusion layers, which are normally required to distribute the reactants homogeneously over the membrane. The entire manufacturing technology for the micro fuel cells is based on high-volume, reel-to-reel processes. While the anode current collector exists as an endless belt, the membrane-electrode assembly and cathode current collector are introduced isolated in a carrier tape. Using adhesives that harden in just 10 s, a throughput of between 1000 and 2000 fuel cells per hour is achieved. This represents the first realization of a self-contained, universal production chain for micro fuel cells that allows automated mass production. The Fraunhofer IZM researchers have turned their attention to further challenges. As well as reducing the use of costly precious
IN BRIEF Fujitsu first to install fuel cell power in Silicon Valley Computer and semiconductors giant Fujitsu America claims that it is the first company in Silicon Valley to install its own hydrogenbased power plant. The fuel cell was recently dedicated at the company’s Sunnyvale campus in California. The PureCell™ Model 200 system, ordered earlier this year from UTC Power [FCB, May 2007], will provide half of the power needed to cool the Fujitsu Sunnyvale campus data center and labs, while significantly reducing CO2 emissions. ‘Our real-world use of the hydrogen fuel cell is a clear demonstration of the ability of corporations to make a significant and financially responsible investment in reducing harmful impacts on the environment, with the ultimate goal of reversing global warming,’ comments Tetsuo Urano, head of American operations, Fujitsu America. ‘With a payback of about three-and-a-half years and a lifespan of about 15 years, hydrogen power is an excellent investment for the company.’ UTC Power’s PureCell Model 200 system meets the most stringent air emissions standards as set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB 07). Although it utilizes natural gas, it produces 35% less CO2 per MWh than the average fossil fuel-based power plant, and approximately 4000 lb (1.8 tonnes) per year less NOx. Fujitsu America will also be contributing to water conservation, since the PureCell Model 200 system will save at least 800 000 gallons of water per year compared to conventional power plants. ‘Fujitsu is a model for how large organizations can work through the process of understanding their energy requirements, researching the best solution to meet their fiscal requirements and their environmental impact goals, and then making a solid, long-term investment in a clean, efficient, cost-effective energy system,’ says Jan van Dokkum, president of UTC Power. ReGenTech acquires siGEN assets The assets of Scottish-based fuel cell systems integrator siGEN Ltd, which recently filed for voluntary liquidation, have been acquired by ReGenTech Ltd, which has the same contact details. Dave McGrath, formerly managing director of siGEN, has appointed Mike Banks as MD of the new company, while Stuart Graham will also become a director. McGrath will take on the role of business development director. ReGenTech (www.regentech.co.uk) intends to operate in the hydrogen and fuel cell space, and will take over the execution of a number of projects that were abandoned by siGEN. However, the activities of the new company will be significantly refocused. ‘Future projects to be undertaken shall be examined very carefully to ensure that they add value to the business,’ says McGrath.
Fuel Cells Bulletin
5