- Email: [email protected]
South Carolina in fuel cell collaboration with Fraunhofer ISE
NEWS time, the technical feasibility of directly connecting a catalytic partial oxidation (CPO) diesel reformer to a 5 kWe solid oxide fuel cell system, converting the diesel fuel into a hydrogen-rich syngas to feed the fuel cell. The three-day test gathered data to design and integrate a revolutionary new diesel-powered SOFC system. The new system is expected to extract twice as much energy from diesel fuel as current technology, and to replace current internal combustion engine gen-sets with more efficient and quieter systems. ‘This test paves the way for cleaner, lower maintenance and more efficient power systems to be used in locations such as remote Alaskan villages,’ comments Lyman Frost, INL’s director of special energy projects. The diesel reformer unit – designed and built by Ohio-based SOFCo-EFS – successfully processed two different types of diesel to demonstrate the robust nature of the system in handling special formulated fuels. The first fuel type was a low-sulfur commercial diesel that meets the EPA’s 2007 standards for sulfur content, while the second was a synthetic diesel manufactured by Syntroleum at a production plant in Oklahoma. The SOFC system is a tubular design constructed by Massachusetts-based Acumentrics. This system is being developed to connect to and operate from a natural gas pipeline with on-cell reforming. During the demonstration, the fuel cell system was started using natural gas, then switched to a diesel reformate stream coming from the diesel reformer unit. No significant differences in the performance on either fuel were noted during the operation of the combined diesel reformer and fuel cell systems. Prior to this experiment with diesel fuels, the fuel cell had only been proven effective using natural gas as the fuel source. Over the next 18 months, the system will be tested using natural gas for an extended period of time at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. The data gathered will be used to design a totally integrated system with a more powerful SOFC that can support a greater electric generation capacity. The test was funded by DOE’s Arctic Energy Technology Development Laboratory, located on the campus of the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. Contact: Lyman J. Frost, Director – Special Energy Projects, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, Idaho, USA. Tel: +1 208 526 2941, Email: [email protected], www.inl.gov Or contact: Acumentrics Corporation, Westwood, Massachusetts, USA. Tel: +1 781 461 8251, www.acumentrics.com
6
Fuel Cells Bulletin
ITM meets development Phase 2 award for milestone, wins grant Quantum H2 storage K-based PEM fuel cell manufacturer program
U
ITM Power has demonstrated a prototype 20 We flexible fuel cell stack, passing the first of the development milestones announced on its flotation in June 2004 [FCB, June & August 2004]. The prototype stack has been constructed using patented materials and production processes, and is reported to have successfully produced in excess of 20 We on a demanding trial cycle over a period in excess of three days (72 h is one of several UK and US military targets for fuel cell operation). The fuel cell has been shown to meet rapidly varying demands for different power outputs while returning to 20 We on demand. ITM believes the military and emergency services will be the first customers for fuel cells developed from this prototype. The present system operates using two liquids – a fuel and an oxidant. ITM says this enables the device to operate at high altitudes, such as in an aircraft; in polluted environments (including in the presence of CO); and underwater. The company says that the materials, ionomer and electrode/catalyst used in the stack have been tested using the liquid fuel combination for more than 200 h without significant degradation. ITM emphasizes that a wide range of other fuels can be used with its technology. The company has also demonstrated an individual cell incorporating a composite MEA made by its proprietary ‘one-stop’ process, clearly demonstrating the flexibility of the structural components. This flexibility enables the production of a lightweight, vibration-resistant system that can be made in almost any shape, and then further bent to conform to the shape required while in use. The company’s remaining technology milestones target the development of a rigid, 250 We PEM fuel cell by December, and an electrolyzer with an input power rating of 250 We by December and 500 We by next June. In other news, ITM Power and regional development agency Yorkshire Forward have agreed the terms of an £800 000 (US$1.4m) development grant. The grant will allow ITM to expand its R&D lab and workshop space to 10 000 ft2 (930 m2). These facilities are located on the Sheffield Airport Business Park, an Energy Technology Incubator intended to provide space for 40 energy technology businesses in what is believed to be Europe’s first ‘Hydrogen Island’. Contact: ITM Power Plc, Stamford, Lincolnshire, UK. Tel: +44 1780 740574, www.itm-power.com
T
he US Department of Energy has awarded California-based Quantum Technologies the second phase of its $2.6m program for the development and advancement of next-generation hydrogen storage technologies. Quantum and the DOE are working under a cooperative agreement to advance hydrogen storage systems in support of fuel cell vehicle commercialization. The overall project focuses on optimizing the storage capacity of Quantum’s ultra-lightweight advanced composite 700 bar (10 000 psi) hydrogen storage tank technology, and reducing costs. The specifics of Phase 2 include evaluating and incorporating new developments into highpressure hydrogen storage systems, such as optimization of materials and fabrication methodologies, advanced structural monitoring systems, and higher-density hydrogen storage. The aim is to further increase capacity and reduce costs and weight, while maintaining high levels of safety. As researchers develop solid-state materials for low-pressure hydrogen storage for FCVs in the long term, safe and durable tanks will also be required. Quantum believes its new concepts may eventually be applicable to long-term hydrogen storage engineering issues like thermal management and system optimization, as well as to off-board storage and hydrogen delivery.
Contact: Quantum Technologies Inc, Irvine, California, USA. Tel: +1 949 399 4500, www.qtww.com
South Carolina in fuel cell collaboration with Fraunhofer ISE
T
he University of South Carolina has signed a collaboration agreement with German energy research institute, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE). The deal establishes a partnership to further research efforts in fuel cells, hydrogen storage, hydrogen production, chemical energy conversion and other electrochemical storage devices. The USC/Fraunhofer ISE agreement calls for the exchange of scientists, engineers and students; joint R&D programs; and the promotion of intellectual property for commercial purposes.
September 2005
NEWS According to Dr John Van Zee, director of USC’s fuel cell center, which was established two years ago, the Fraunhofer ISE agreement shows the impressive growth of USC’s center and demonstrates its burgeoning reputation. ‘As our center evolves, these are the types of partnerships that we will pursue,’ he says. South Carolina’s Commerce Secretary Bob Faith adds that the deal would also enhance the state’s efforts to recruit leading firms from Europe for production and R&D. USC’s collaboration with Fraunhofer ISE follows an agreement signed last month with the Korean Institute for Energy Research, to establish joint research programs in fuel cell technology and other energy initiatives [FCB, August]. Fraunhofer ISE is the largest solar energy research institute in Europe, and the first to operate independently of a university. It was founded in 1981, and employs around 400 workers. Its Hydrogen Technology department is a leading research team for innovative technologies for hydrogen production as well as the conversion of hydrogen into electricity.
at the Robins base, describes the field test as critical to the DOD Program’s mission of developing ‘the most robust and rugged end-to-end solution for military and civilian common core power production adaptation.’ During the project, fuel cell systems will be compared with the current power technology used to support base operations and forward deployment efforts. Other partners in the project are the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Engineer Research & Development Center as project manager, with on-site logistical support and installation and services provided by Concurrent Technologies Corporation and LOGANEnergy, respectively. Plug Power has also announced that it will no longer accept orders for its first-generation GenSys® product. Since 2001, the company has installed and operated more than 425 continuous-run fuel cell systems in approximately 130 field locations with customers and partners in North and South America, the EU and Asia. Contact: Plug Power Inc, Latham, NY, USA. Tel: +1 518 782 7700, www.plugpower.com
Contact: Professor John W. Van Zee, Director – NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Fuel Cells, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA. Tel: +1 803 777 2285, Email: [email protected], www.che.sc.edu/centers/pemfc or fuelcells.sc.edu
UK team creates Ech2o fuel cell car for efficiency record bid
Or contact: Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Freiburg, Germany. Tel: +49 761 45880, www.ise.fhg.de
A
Plug Power wins DOD funding for field testing
T
he US Department of Defense has, under its Common Core Power Production Program, awarded NY-based Plug Power a $943 000 contract extension. The company received an initial award of $1.8m under the same program last year [FCB, September 2004]. The new funding will enable Plug to begin field testing its next-generation, continuous-run fuel cell systems. Under the contract, 10 of Plug’s next-generation 5 kWe, prime power, LPG-fueled systems will be installed and operated at the Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. They will be used to confirm system reliability and suitability for forward deployment efforts on military bases. In addition, information gathered during this trial will be used to modify and enhance product features and performance. Mike Mead, chief of the US Air Force’s Advanced Power Technology Office, which is hosting and sponsoring the Plug Power project
September 2005
team in the UK has unveiled a hydrogen fuel cell ‘eco’ car designed specifically to demonstrate fuel efficiency. The lightweight, dolphin-shaped BOC Ech2o vehicle has a power consumption of 25 W, and is theoretically capable of travelling around the world on the energy equivalent of less than 2 gallons (9 liters) of gasoline, according to its designers. The vehicle, which has a top speed of 30 mph (48 km/h), is a joint development project involving BOC, OSCar Automotive and Oxford University. BOC designed the hydrogen storage system, and OSCar Automotive the aluminum/carbon fiber body and aluminum chassis, suspension and steering systems. The electric power train has been developed by Oxford University’s School of Engineering Science. In addition, Bronkhorst UK is providing a compact, lightweight hydrogen mass flow controller that will be used to verify the car’s performance. The Ech2o has been developed for a new attempt on the world fuel efficiency record, following the failed bids by BOC’s previous ‘ecomarathon’ car Gh2ost in 2003 [FCB, October 2003] and again in 2004. Ech2o’s first attempt at the efficiency record was to have been made in early July, during the Shell-sponsored EcoMarathon at Rockingham Raceway in the UK.
IN BRIEF DaimlerChrysler buses head to Beijing In fulfilment of the agreement signed last year with the Chinese Ministry of Science & Technology [FCB, July 2004], DaimlerChrysler has handed over three fuel cell-powered Mercedes-Benz Citaro urban buses to a highranking delegation from China visiting its Mannheim plant. The buses will arrive in China in mid-September to join the Beijing Public Transport Corporation’s bus fleet. From the end of this year, the Citaro buses will enter regular service on a busy, 19 km route in Beijing, which passes the historic Summer Palace as well as the site for the 2008 Olympic Games. The two-year pilot project is scheduled to run until October 2007. Hydrogen to fuel the buses will be produced by Sinohytec and supplied by BP. Tsinghua University in Beijing is responsible for scientific monitoring of the project and evaluation of the results. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is meeting 40% of the vehicle costs. In addition, the EC will share with the Chinese project team experience gained during Europe’s CUTE initiative using the buses. EnBW, european fuel cell expand demos German utility EnBW Energie BadenWürttemberg AG is adding field testing of low-temperature PEM fuel cell systems to its existing demonstration program for high-temperature solid oxide fuel cell units in singlefamily residential applications. The new technology partner is european fuel cell gmbh, part of the UK-based Baxi Group, which will provide a number of its beta prototype 1.5 kWe PEM systems. EnBW has already installed 17 fuel cell systems in residential applications, 16 of which are SOFC units from Swiss-based Sulzer Hexis. Since the beginning of 2002 EnBW has offered selected private customers a special fuel cell package, called EnBW Cell-Plus, in which the systems are leased to the customer. The company installs, operates and supervises the fuel cell system in the customer’s basement, with excess electricity fed back to the mains supply. UTC’s automotive fuel cell milestone Connecticut’s UTC Power reports that one of its S500 model transportation fuel cells has successfully powered a 2003 Nissan X-Trail FCV for more than 25 000 km with no problems – seen as a significant milestone for automotive fuel cells. The vehicle was subjected to real-world driving conditions over various terrains and under different climates, and is continuing to prove its durability in a series of ongoing test drives. UTC Power manufactures fuel cell power modules for cars and buses, as well as fuel cells for stationary applications through its UTC Fuel Cells division.
Fuel Cells Bulletin
7
6
Fuel Cells Bulletin
ITM meets development Phase 2 award for milestone, wins grant Quantum H2 storage K-based PEM fuel cell manufacturer program
U
ITM Power has demonstrated a prototype 20 We flexible fuel cell stack, passing the first of the development milestones announced on its flotation in June 2004 [FCB, June & August 2004]. The prototype stack has been constructed using patented materials and production processes, and is reported to have successfully produced in excess of 20 We on a demanding trial cycle over a period in excess of three days (72 h is one of several UK and US military targets for fuel cell operation). The fuel cell has been shown to meet rapidly varying demands for different power outputs while returning to 20 We on demand. ITM believes the military and emergency services will be the first customers for fuel cells developed from this prototype. The present system operates using two liquids – a fuel and an oxidant. ITM says this enables the device to operate at high altitudes, such as in an aircraft; in polluted environments (including in the presence of CO); and underwater. The company says that the materials, ionomer and electrode/catalyst used in the stack have been tested using the liquid fuel combination for more than 200 h without significant degradation. ITM emphasizes that a wide range of other fuels can be used with its technology. The company has also demonstrated an individual cell incorporating a composite MEA made by its proprietary ‘one-stop’ process, clearly demonstrating the flexibility of the structural components. This flexibility enables the production of a lightweight, vibration-resistant system that can be made in almost any shape, and then further bent to conform to the shape required while in use. The company’s remaining technology milestones target the development of a rigid, 250 We PEM fuel cell by December, and an electrolyzer with an input power rating of 250 We by December and 500 We by next June. In other news, ITM Power and regional development agency Yorkshire Forward have agreed the terms of an £800 000 (US$1.4m) development grant. The grant will allow ITM to expand its R&D lab and workshop space to 10 000 ft2 (930 m2). These facilities are located on the Sheffield Airport Business Park, an Energy Technology Incubator intended to provide space for 40 energy technology businesses in what is believed to be Europe’s first ‘Hydrogen Island’. Contact: ITM Power Plc, Stamford, Lincolnshire, UK. Tel: +44 1780 740574, www.itm-power.com
T
he US Department of Energy has awarded California-based Quantum Technologies the second phase of its $2.6m program for the development and advancement of next-generation hydrogen storage technologies. Quantum and the DOE are working under a cooperative agreement to advance hydrogen storage systems in support of fuel cell vehicle commercialization. The overall project focuses on optimizing the storage capacity of Quantum’s ultra-lightweight advanced composite 700 bar (10 000 psi) hydrogen storage tank technology, and reducing costs. The specifics of Phase 2 include evaluating and incorporating new developments into highpressure hydrogen storage systems, such as optimization of materials and fabrication methodologies, advanced structural monitoring systems, and higher-density hydrogen storage. The aim is to further increase capacity and reduce costs and weight, while maintaining high levels of safety. As researchers develop solid-state materials for low-pressure hydrogen storage for FCVs in the long term, safe and durable tanks will also be required. Quantum believes its new concepts may eventually be applicable to long-term hydrogen storage engineering issues like thermal management and system optimization, as well as to off-board storage and hydrogen delivery.
Contact: Quantum Technologies Inc, Irvine, California, USA. Tel: +1 949 399 4500, www.qtww.com
South Carolina in fuel cell collaboration with Fraunhofer ISE
T
he University of South Carolina has signed a collaboration agreement with German energy research institute, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE). The deal establishes a partnership to further research efforts in fuel cells, hydrogen storage, hydrogen production, chemical energy conversion and other electrochemical storage devices. The USC/Fraunhofer ISE agreement calls for the exchange of scientists, engineers and students; joint R&D programs; and the promotion of intellectual property for commercial purposes.
September 2005
NEWS According to Dr John Van Zee, director of USC’s fuel cell center, which was established two years ago, the Fraunhofer ISE agreement shows the impressive growth of USC’s center and demonstrates its burgeoning reputation. ‘As our center evolves, these are the types of partnerships that we will pursue,’ he says. South Carolina’s Commerce Secretary Bob Faith adds that the deal would also enhance the state’s efforts to recruit leading firms from Europe for production and R&D. USC’s collaboration with Fraunhofer ISE follows an agreement signed last month with the Korean Institute for Energy Research, to establish joint research programs in fuel cell technology and other energy initiatives [FCB, August]. Fraunhofer ISE is the largest solar energy research institute in Europe, and the first to operate independently of a university. It was founded in 1981, and employs around 400 workers. Its Hydrogen Technology department is a leading research team for innovative technologies for hydrogen production as well as the conversion of hydrogen into electricity.
at the Robins base, describes the field test as critical to the DOD Program’s mission of developing ‘the most robust and rugged end-to-end solution for military and civilian common core power production adaptation.’ During the project, fuel cell systems will be compared with the current power technology used to support base operations and forward deployment efforts. Other partners in the project are the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Engineer Research & Development Center as project manager, with on-site logistical support and installation and services provided by Concurrent Technologies Corporation and LOGANEnergy, respectively. Plug Power has also announced that it will no longer accept orders for its first-generation GenSys® product. Since 2001, the company has installed and operated more than 425 continuous-run fuel cell systems in approximately 130 field locations with customers and partners in North and South America, the EU and Asia. Contact: Plug Power Inc, Latham, NY, USA. Tel: +1 518 782 7700, www.plugpower.com
Contact: Professor John W. Van Zee, Director – NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Fuel Cells, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA. Tel: +1 803 777 2285, Email: [email protected], www.che.sc.edu/centers/pemfc or fuelcells.sc.edu
UK team creates Ech2o fuel cell car for efficiency record bid
Or contact: Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Freiburg, Germany. Tel: +49 761 45880, www.ise.fhg.de
A
Plug Power wins DOD funding for field testing
T
he US Department of Defense has, under its Common Core Power Production Program, awarded NY-based Plug Power a $943 000 contract extension. The company received an initial award of $1.8m under the same program last year [FCB, September 2004]. The new funding will enable Plug to begin field testing its next-generation, continuous-run fuel cell systems. Under the contract, 10 of Plug’s next-generation 5 kWe, prime power, LPG-fueled systems will be installed and operated at the Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. They will be used to confirm system reliability and suitability for forward deployment efforts on military bases. In addition, information gathered during this trial will be used to modify and enhance product features and performance. Mike Mead, chief of the US Air Force’s Advanced Power Technology Office, which is hosting and sponsoring the Plug Power project
September 2005
team in the UK has unveiled a hydrogen fuel cell ‘eco’ car designed specifically to demonstrate fuel efficiency. The lightweight, dolphin-shaped BOC Ech2o vehicle has a power consumption of 25 W, and is theoretically capable of travelling around the world on the energy equivalent of less than 2 gallons (9 liters) of gasoline, according to its designers. The vehicle, which has a top speed of 30 mph (48 km/h), is a joint development project involving BOC, OSCar Automotive and Oxford University. BOC designed the hydrogen storage system, and OSCar Automotive the aluminum/carbon fiber body and aluminum chassis, suspension and steering systems. The electric power train has been developed by Oxford University’s School of Engineering Science. In addition, Bronkhorst UK is providing a compact, lightweight hydrogen mass flow controller that will be used to verify the car’s performance. The Ech2o has been developed for a new attempt on the world fuel efficiency record, following the failed bids by BOC’s previous ‘ecomarathon’ car Gh2ost in 2003 [FCB, October 2003] and again in 2004. Ech2o’s first attempt at the efficiency record was to have been made in early July, during the Shell-sponsored EcoMarathon at Rockingham Raceway in the UK.
IN BRIEF DaimlerChrysler buses head to Beijing In fulfilment of the agreement signed last year with the Chinese Ministry of Science & Technology [FCB, July 2004], DaimlerChrysler has handed over three fuel cell-powered Mercedes-Benz Citaro urban buses to a highranking delegation from China visiting its Mannheim plant. The buses will arrive in China in mid-September to join the Beijing Public Transport Corporation’s bus fleet. From the end of this year, the Citaro buses will enter regular service on a busy, 19 km route in Beijing, which passes the historic Summer Palace as well as the site for the 2008 Olympic Games. The two-year pilot project is scheduled to run until October 2007. Hydrogen to fuel the buses will be produced by Sinohytec and supplied by BP. Tsinghua University in Beijing is responsible for scientific monitoring of the project and evaluation of the results. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is meeting 40% of the vehicle costs. In addition, the EC will share with the Chinese project team experience gained during Europe’s CUTE initiative using the buses. EnBW, european fuel cell expand demos German utility EnBW Energie BadenWürttemberg AG is adding field testing of low-temperature PEM fuel cell systems to its existing demonstration program for high-temperature solid oxide fuel cell units in singlefamily residential applications. The new technology partner is european fuel cell gmbh, part of the UK-based Baxi Group, which will provide a number of its beta prototype 1.5 kWe PEM systems. EnBW has already installed 17 fuel cell systems in residential applications, 16 of which are SOFC units from Swiss-based Sulzer Hexis. Since the beginning of 2002 EnBW has offered selected private customers a special fuel cell package, called EnBW Cell-Plus, in which the systems are leased to the customer. The company installs, operates and supervises the fuel cell system in the customer’s basement, with excess electricity fed back to the mains supply. UTC’s automotive fuel cell milestone Connecticut’s UTC Power reports that one of its S500 model transportation fuel cells has successfully powered a 2003 Nissan X-Trail FCV for more than 25 000 km with no problems – seen as a significant milestone for automotive fuel cells. The vehicle was subjected to real-world driving conditions over various terrains and under different climates, and is continuing to prove its durability in a series of ongoing test drives. UTC Power manufactures fuel cell power modules for cars and buses, as well as fuel cells for stationary applications through its UTC Fuel Cells division.
Fuel Cells Bulletin
7