- Email: [email protected]
Toshiba hydrogen fuel cell system out to sea, builds hydrogen centre
NEWS to deliver a new dual capability H2Station® to provide hydrogen fueling for cars and buses in Riga [October 2016, p9, and see page 10]. In other news, Ballard’s European subsidiary has installed a hydrogen fuel cell backup power system for telecom operator Telia in Norway, in a project to extend backup power to 72 h in selected communities [see page 6]. Ballard Power Systems, Burnaby, BC, Canada. Tel: +1 604 454 0900, www.ballard.com Solaris Bus & Coach: www.solarisbus.com Rigas Satiksme: www.rigassatiksme.lv/en
MOBILE APPLICATIONS
Loop Energy launches range-extender for heavy-duty vehicles
C
anadian fuel cell developer Loop Energy has introduced a new range-extender power module for heavy-duty electric transport vehicles. The company says that its unique fuel cell design is ideal for powering heavyduty transit buses and Class 6 to 8 trucks with zero emissions. Fuel cell range-extenders, or auxiliary power units (APUs), use onboard hydrogen to extend the range of battery electric systems. The Loop module provides a breakthrough in terms of cost and power density, making range extension economically viable for a broad array of applications. Following a three-year development period, the Loop power module is now being integrated by an original equipment manufacturer, and will begin in-service operation in 2017. The patented eFlow® fuel cell developed by Loop – which was previously called PowerDisc Development Corporation [FCB, March 2016, p3, and see the PowerDisc feature in March 2014] – features a radically improved design. By optimising air flow inside the fuel cell, the eFlow design produces far greater power density than industry-standard fuel cells. This higher power density allows Loop to simplify and significantly increase the efficiency of the fuel cell stack and system. The 56 kW Loop fuel cell power module offers a power density of 213 W/litre, to more than triple the range of battery electric vehicles. The turnkey module contains the air compressor and controls, enabling a drop-in solution for manufacturers of heavy-duty trucks and transit buses who want increased power and range but at a reduced cost.
4
Fuel Cells Bulletin
‘Loop’s range-extender system has unlocked the cost, power, efficiency and durability parameters customers require for their heavyduty electric powertrain systems,’ says product development director Rob Wingrove. ‘We can reduce the size of the battery pack and the fuel cell, thereby closing the economic gap with fossil-fuel powertrains.’ Earlier this year Loop won funding from Sustainable Development Technology Canada to accelerate deployment of its new powertrain in heavy-duty trucks [FCB, March 2016, p3], and subsequently announced a collaboration agreement with Hunan CRRC Times Electric Vehicle Co Ltd in China to develop zero-emission power systems for heavy-duty transportation applications such as trucks [June 2016, p3]. Loop Energy, Burnaby, BC, Canada. Tel: +1 604 222 3400, www.loopenergy.com
the ship’s range, with hydrogen seen as a way for the marine sector to gain access to a fossilfree energy solution. The ship will be fitted with a system that includes onboard hydrogen production using solar electric power, hydrogen gas storage, and two fuel cells for a total power output of 80 bhp. There is plenty of interest in the use of fuel cells for marine applications [see the feature in FCB, May 2010]. In Norway, CMR Prototech is planning to install hydrogen fuel cells on a car ferry [May 2016, p3]. Sandia National Labs in California reports that it is technically possible to build a high-speed, hydrogenpowered ferry for service in San Francisco Bay [November 2016, p5]. And the German e4ships project recently reported on fuel cell systems tested in seagoing vessels [October 2016, p5]. PowerCell Sweden AB, Gothenburg, Sweden. Tel: +46 31 720 3620, www.powercell.se
Swiss Hydrogen SA, Fribourg, Switzerland. PowerCell wins first Tel: +41 26 552 0430, www.swisshydrogen.ch marine order for its S3 Toshiba hydrogen fuel prototype stacks cell system out to sea, owerCell Sweden has received its Pfirst marine order for two 30 kW builds hydrogen centre
PowerCell S3 prototype stacks from Swiss Hydrogen, which will install them on a ship powered by solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. Swiss Hydrogen is partnering with PowerCell to develop PEM fuel cell systems for a wide range of applications. This new order comprises two PowerCell S3 prototypes that will be part of a system developed and adapted to the marine environment. The order is a result of the collaboration the two companies agreed earlier this year [FCB, May 2016, p10]. They are also involved in a Swiss project to build a fuel cell powered heavy truck [see the News Feature on pages 14–15]. ‘The marine industry is a very interesting area, in which our capacity to deliver electricity without emissions is extremely important,’ says Per Wassén, CEO of PowerCell. ‘We are responsible for the fuel cells, and Swiss Hydrogen will manufacture the system and conduct adjustments to certify it for the marine environment. The advantage is that our fuel cell stacks are modular, and in this way we can get in a few hundred horsepower where it is required in marine applications.’ PowerCell has previously received numerous requests regarding marine applications, but this is the first time that its higher-power S3 stacks will be tested with a partner in a marine environment. The fuel cells will quadruple
T
oshiba’s Energy Systems & Solutions Company (ESS) in Japan has integrated its hydrogen PEM fuel cell system into an experimental boat, which will be used to identify the issues in seaborne use of such systems. Toshiba has also begun construction of a new Hydrogen Application Center at its Fuchu Complex in Tokyo. The fuel cell powered boat, the Raicho N, was developed as part of a joint research project with NREG Toshiba Building, part of the Nomura Real Estate Group, and Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology. ‘We installed two stationary pure hydrogen fuel cells on the boat as Toshiba for the first time, both with an output of 3.5 kW,’ explains Hiroyuki Ota, general manager of the ESS new energy solution projects team. ‘We now have the boat that runs on clean energy sources with zero carbon emission, which produces high power output in a short period of time.’ The Raicho N, which is 14 m (46 ft) long and has a cruising speed of 8 knots (15 km/h), began experimental proving tests in October. NREG Toshiba Building and Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology will identify the issues in seaborne use of pure hydrogen fuel cell systems, with the aim of commercialising the vessel by 2020. The results will also be reflected
December 2016
NEWS / IN BRIEF in safety guidelines for fuel cell powered boats being developed by the Japanese ministry of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism. Toshiba’s new Hydrogen Application Center, at its Fuchu Complex in western Tokyo, is scheduled to start operation in April 2017. The centre will be built around a newly designed H2One™ hydrogen-based autonomous energy supply system that will use renewable energy to produce hydrogen, and supply it to fuel cell powered forklifts. The system is controlled by Toshiba’s innovative H2EMS™ hydrogen energy management system, which includes a new hydrogen demand prediction function that forecasts supply requirements for fuel cell electric vehicles, optimising the area devoted to hydrogen storage. Toshiba is deploying its 3.5 kW PEM fuel cell stack in a variety of formats and applications. Toyota has installed 3.5 kW systems at its Honsha Plant in Toyota City [FCB, October 2016, p6], while Tokuyama has ordered a 100 kW system to supply power for a swimming pool in Shunan [September 2016, p7]. The technology is also used in Toshiba’s H2One™ system, which is available in several versions [May 2016, p6]. Toshiba, Hydrogen Energy: https://www.toshiba-newenergy.com/en H2One: www.toshiba-newenergy.com/en/products
SMALL STATIONARY
GenCell alkaline fuel cell tech supports key infrastructure, telecoms
I
srael-based GenCell has reported several successful deployments of its innovative 5 kW GenCell G5 alkaline fuel cell backup power solution, with installations in Israel and in the Latin American telecom sector. Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) has agreed to be a GenCell strategic partner, and has also installed the GenCell G5 backup power solution. During power outages at its southern data-rooms and telecoms division, IEC’s new GenCell solution provides reliable and sustainable backup power to keep its critical systems operational. Enabling quick startup once the grid returns, the G5 supports IEC’s servers and essential computer systems, as well as its other telecom and radio networks. The Galil Elion Municipality (Upper Galilee) in Israel has also installed a GenCell G5 fuel cell solution. The G5 has been developed in partnership with Israel Military Industries
December 2016
(IMI), and is available with its own specially designed bomb shelter, enabling it to withstand direct missile strikes. This allows the system to provide critical backup power and support to the municipality crisis management programme. With the ability to withstand a direct missile strike, the GenCell G5 ensures that the Galil Elion mayor’s emergency operating centre remains fully functioning during crisis scenarios – offering immediate power with very high reliability. The GenCell G5 solution is also ideal for telecom operations in both urban and suburban locations. If the grid goes down, it takes over and supplies reliable power to Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) in readiness for a quick transition once the grid returns. The system has a small footprint, and is designed to resist vandalism. The GenCell G5 achieves this at the same cost as a fully installed ISO 14001-ready diesel generator solution. Telecoms provider TIM in Brazil has spent the last 11 months extensively evaluating the Gencell G5 fuel cell generator, to assess its suitability for local network operations. The system is designed to provide telecom towers with cost-effective, clean backup power to critical systems for uninterrupted network coverage. The validation process included testing it in outages lasting from just a few minutes, to continuous blackouts lasting up to 36 h. The G5 technology enables it to operate flawlessly in extreme climate conditions, such as high humidity. And Brazilian telecoms provider Claro has tested and validated the GenCell G5 fuel cell generator to eradicate power outages. Claro has used a G5, installed for 11 months at its R&D facility in Rio de Janeiro, to enhance its existing backup solution and replace batteries and diesel generators. The GenCell G5 uses a proprietary Network Operations Center system, which allows all performance monitoring and analysis to be done remotely. Also available for the utilities market is the GenCell G5rx, providing immediate and reliable, long-term backup power to utility battery rooms. When the grid goes down, the GenCell G5rx kicks in to charge utility backup batteries and keep them at full power for up to 10 times longer than normal battery rooms. GenCell Ltd, Petah Tikva, Israel. Tel: +972 3 726 1616, www.gencellenergy.com
IMS Ecubes launches fuel cell CHP system
N
orwegian-based clean power specialist IMS Ecubes launched its fuel cell combined heat and power (CHP) system at the recent European
IN BRIEF Pipistrel in Chinese electric aircraft deal that will fund R&D for fuel cell aircraft Slovenian light aircraft manufacturer Pipistrel (www.pipistrel.si) has signed a E350 million (US$365 million) agreement with Chinese company Sino GA Group to produce airplanes in China, with part of the sales proceeds earmarked to develop hydrogen fuel cells for aircraft. The deal involves setting up a new company in China to manufacture more than 500 electric aircraft per annum, in particular the Alpha Electro and Panthera Hybrid models. Pipistrel will use part of the revenue generated by sales of these aircraft to develop a new zero-emission, 19-seat aircraft powered by hybrid electric technology and hydrogen PEM fuel cells, planned for public service between Chinese cities and indeed worldwide. Pipistrel is participating in the German HY4 aircraft project, led by the DLR German Aerospace Center, which recently flew for the first time [FCB, October 2016, p1, and see the News Feature in November 2015]. GE fuel cell firm shifts strategy, cuts staff GE Fuel Cells in upstate New York is becoming part of GE Global Research, in a shift of strategy from operating as a stand-alone business. The startup is laying off 27 employees in the process, according to a report in the Albany Business Review. GE Fuel Cells was spun out in 2014 to manufacture solid oxide fuel cells for commercial and residential power applications, commercialising R&D at GE Global Research in nearby Niskayuna [FCB, July 2014, p1]. The company subsequently partnered with Hudson Valley Community College to install and operate a 50 kW SOFC power generation demonstration system [September 2014, p6]. Under the new arrangement, 16 technical members of GE Fuel Cells will join GE Global Research under its new Product Breakout Lab, which has been created to get competitive technologies to the market faster for GE’s businesses. The SOFC products created will eventually be made and sold through GE Power. The fuel cells team will continue to be led by general manager and CTO Johanna Wellington, and based at the Saratoga Technology + Energy Park in Malta, near Saratoga Springs. In January, GE Fuel Cells expanded its lease at the Park with plans to build a new test site for its 1 MW SOFCs. The project, which will continue, is intended to lead to a pilot product that can go to market; it was originally expected to reach the market by 2017.
Fuel Cells Bulletin
5
MOBILE APPLICATIONS
Loop Energy launches range-extender for heavy-duty vehicles
C
anadian fuel cell developer Loop Energy has introduced a new range-extender power module for heavy-duty electric transport vehicles. The company says that its unique fuel cell design is ideal for powering heavyduty transit buses and Class 6 to 8 trucks with zero emissions. Fuel cell range-extenders, or auxiliary power units (APUs), use onboard hydrogen to extend the range of battery electric systems. The Loop module provides a breakthrough in terms of cost and power density, making range extension economically viable for a broad array of applications. Following a three-year development period, the Loop power module is now being integrated by an original equipment manufacturer, and will begin in-service operation in 2017. The patented eFlow® fuel cell developed by Loop – which was previously called PowerDisc Development Corporation [FCB, March 2016, p3, and see the PowerDisc feature in March 2014] – features a radically improved design. By optimising air flow inside the fuel cell, the eFlow design produces far greater power density than industry-standard fuel cells. This higher power density allows Loop to simplify and significantly increase the efficiency of the fuel cell stack and system. The 56 kW Loop fuel cell power module offers a power density of 213 W/litre, to more than triple the range of battery electric vehicles. The turnkey module contains the air compressor and controls, enabling a drop-in solution for manufacturers of heavy-duty trucks and transit buses who want increased power and range but at a reduced cost.
4
Fuel Cells Bulletin
‘Loop’s range-extender system has unlocked the cost, power, efficiency and durability parameters customers require for their heavyduty electric powertrain systems,’ says product development director Rob Wingrove. ‘We can reduce the size of the battery pack and the fuel cell, thereby closing the economic gap with fossil-fuel powertrains.’ Earlier this year Loop won funding from Sustainable Development Technology Canada to accelerate deployment of its new powertrain in heavy-duty trucks [FCB, March 2016, p3], and subsequently announced a collaboration agreement with Hunan CRRC Times Electric Vehicle Co Ltd in China to develop zero-emission power systems for heavy-duty transportation applications such as trucks [June 2016, p3]. Loop Energy, Burnaby, BC, Canada. Tel: +1 604 222 3400, www.loopenergy.com
the ship’s range, with hydrogen seen as a way for the marine sector to gain access to a fossilfree energy solution. The ship will be fitted with a system that includes onboard hydrogen production using solar electric power, hydrogen gas storage, and two fuel cells for a total power output of 80 bhp. There is plenty of interest in the use of fuel cells for marine applications [see the feature in FCB, May 2010]. In Norway, CMR Prototech is planning to install hydrogen fuel cells on a car ferry [May 2016, p3]. Sandia National Labs in California reports that it is technically possible to build a high-speed, hydrogenpowered ferry for service in San Francisco Bay [November 2016, p5]. And the German e4ships project recently reported on fuel cell systems tested in seagoing vessels [October 2016, p5]. PowerCell Sweden AB, Gothenburg, Sweden. Tel: +46 31 720 3620, www.powercell.se
Swiss Hydrogen SA, Fribourg, Switzerland. PowerCell wins first Tel: +41 26 552 0430, www.swisshydrogen.ch marine order for its S3 Toshiba hydrogen fuel prototype stacks cell system out to sea, owerCell Sweden has received its Pfirst marine order for two 30 kW builds hydrogen centre
PowerCell S3 prototype stacks from Swiss Hydrogen, which will install them on a ship powered by solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. Swiss Hydrogen is partnering with PowerCell to develop PEM fuel cell systems for a wide range of applications. This new order comprises two PowerCell S3 prototypes that will be part of a system developed and adapted to the marine environment. The order is a result of the collaboration the two companies agreed earlier this year [FCB, May 2016, p10]. They are also involved in a Swiss project to build a fuel cell powered heavy truck [see the News Feature on pages 14–15]. ‘The marine industry is a very interesting area, in which our capacity to deliver electricity without emissions is extremely important,’ says Per Wassén, CEO of PowerCell. ‘We are responsible for the fuel cells, and Swiss Hydrogen will manufacture the system and conduct adjustments to certify it for the marine environment. The advantage is that our fuel cell stacks are modular, and in this way we can get in a few hundred horsepower where it is required in marine applications.’ PowerCell has previously received numerous requests regarding marine applications, but this is the first time that its higher-power S3 stacks will be tested with a partner in a marine environment. The fuel cells will quadruple
T
oshiba’s Energy Systems & Solutions Company (ESS) in Japan has integrated its hydrogen PEM fuel cell system into an experimental boat, which will be used to identify the issues in seaborne use of such systems. Toshiba has also begun construction of a new Hydrogen Application Center at its Fuchu Complex in Tokyo. The fuel cell powered boat, the Raicho N, was developed as part of a joint research project with NREG Toshiba Building, part of the Nomura Real Estate Group, and Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology. ‘We installed two stationary pure hydrogen fuel cells on the boat as Toshiba for the first time, both with an output of 3.5 kW,’ explains Hiroyuki Ota, general manager of the ESS new energy solution projects team. ‘We now have the boat that runs on clean energy sources with zero carbon emission, which produces high power output in a short period of time.’ The Raicho N, which is 14 m (46 ft) long and has a cruising speed of 8 knots (15 km/h), began experimental proving tests in October. NREG Toshiba Building and Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology will identify the issues in seaborne use of pure hydrogen fuel cell systems, with the aim of commercialising the vessel by 2020. The results will also be reflected
December 2016
NEWS / IN BRIEF in safety guidelines for fuel cell powered boats being developed by the Japanese ministry of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism. Toshiba’s new Hydrogen Application Center, at its Fuchu Complex in western Tokyo, is scheduled to start operation in April 2017. The centre will be built around a newly designed H2One™ hydrogen-based autonomous energy supply system that will use renewable energy to produce hydrogen, and supply it to fuel cell powered forklifts. The system is controlled by Toshiba’s innovative H2EMS™ hydrogen energy management system, which includes a new hydrogen demand prediction function that forecasts supply requirements for fuel cell electric vehicles, optimising the area devoted to hydrogen storage. Toshiba is deploying its 3.5 kW PEM fuel cell stack in a variety of formats and applications. Toyota has installed 3.5 kW systems at its Honsha Plant in Toyota City [FCB, October 2016, p6], while Tokuyama has ordered a 100 kW system to supply power for a swimming pool in Shunan [September 2016, p7]. The technology is also used in Toshiba’s H2One™ system, which is available in several versions [May 2016, p6]. Toshiba, Hydrogen Energy: https://www.toshiba-newenergy.com/en H2One: www.toshiba-newenergy.com/en/products
SMALL STATIONARY
GenCell alkaline fuel cell tech supports key infrastructure, telecoms
I
srael-based GenCell has reported several successful deployments of its innovative 5 kW GenCell G5 alkaline fuel cell backup power solution, with installations in Israel and in the Latin American telecom sector. Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) has agreed to be a GenCell strategic partner, and has also installed the GenCell G5 backup power solution. During power outages at its southern data-rooms and telecoms division, IEC’s new GenCell solution provides reliable and sustainable backup power to keep its critical systems operational. Enabling quick startup once the grid returns, the G5 supports IEC’s servers and essential computer systems, as well as its other telecom and radio networks. The Galil Elion Municipality (Upper Galilee) in Israel has also installed a GenCell G5 fuel cell solution. The G5 has been developed in partnership with Israel Military Industries
December 2016
(IMI), and is available with its own specially designed bomb shelter, enabling it to withstand direct missile strikes. This allows the system to provide critical backup power and support to the municipality crisis management programme. With the ability to withstand a direct missile strike, the GenCell G5 ensures that the Galil Elion mayor’s emergency operating centre remains fully functioning during crisis scenarios – offering immediate power with very high reliability. The GenCell G5 solution is also ideal for telecom operations in both urban and suburban locations. If the grid goes down, it takes over and supplies reliable power to Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) in readiness for a quick transition once the grid returns. The system has a small footprint, and is designed to resist vandalism. The GenCell G5 achieves this at the same cost as a fully installed ISO 14001-ready diesel generator solution. Telecoms provider TIM in Brazil has spent the last 11 months extensively evaluating the Gencell G5 fuel cell generator, to assess its suitability for local network operations. The system is designed to provide telecom towers with cost-effective, clean backup power to critical systems for uninterrupted network coverage. The validation process included testing it in outages lasting from just a few minutes, to continuous blackouts lasting up to 36 h. The G5 technology enables it to operate flawlessly in extreme climate conditions, such as high humidity. And Brazilian telecoms provider Claro has tested and validated the GenCell G5 fuel cell generator to eradicate power outages. Claro has used a G5, installed for 11 months at its R&D facility in Rio de Janeiro, to enhance its existing backup solution and replace batteries and diesel generators. The GenCell G5 uses a proprietary Network Operations Center system, which allows all performance monitoring and analysis to be done remotely. Also available for the utilities market is the GenCell G5rx, providing immediate and reliable, long-term backup power to utility battery rooms. When the grid goes down, the GenCell G5rx kicks in to charge utility backup batteries and keep them at full power for up to 10 times longer than normal battery rooms. GenCell Ltd, Petah Tikva, Israel. Tel: +972 3 726 1616, www.gencellenergy.com
IMS Ecubes launches fuel cell CHP system
N
orwegian-based clean power specialist IMS Ecubes launched its fuel cell combined heat and power (CHP) system at the recent European
IN BRIEF Pipistrel in Chinese electric aircraft deal that will fund R&D for fuel cell aircraft Slovenian light aircraft manufacturer Pipistrel (www.pipistrel.si) has signed a E350 million (US$365 million) agreement with Chinese company Sino GA Group to produce airplanes in China, with part of the sales proceeds earmarked to develop hydrogen fuel cells for aircraft. The deal involves setting up a new company in China to manufacture more than 500 electric aircraft per annum, in particular the Alpha Electro and Panthera Hybrid models. Pipistrel will use part of the revenue generated by sales of these aircraft to develop a new zero-emission, 19-seat aircraft powered by hybrid electric technology and hydrogen PEM fuel cells, planned for public service between Chinese cities and indeed worldwide. Pipistrel is participating in the German HY4 aircraft project, led by the DLR German Aerospace Center, which recently flew for the first time [FCB, October 2016, p1, and see the News Feature in November 2015]. GE fuel cell firm shifts strategy, cuts staff GE Fuel Cells in upstate New York is becoming part of GE Global Research, in a shift of strategy from operating as a stand-alone business. The startup is laying off 27 employees in the process, according to a report in the Albany Business Review. GE Fuel Cells was spun out in 2014 to manufacture solid oxide fuel cells for commercial and residential power applications, commercialising R&D at GE Global Research in nearby Niskayuna [FCB, July 2014, p1]. The company subsequently partnered with Hudson Valley Community College to install and operate a 50 kW SOFC power generation demonstration system [September 2014, p6]. Under the new arrangement, 16 technical members of GE Fuel Cells will join GE Global Research under its new Product Breakout Lab, which has been created to get competitive technologies to the market faster for GE’s businesses. The SOFC products created will eventually be made and sold through GE Power. The fuel cells team will continue to be led by general manager and CTO Johanna Wellington, and based at the Saratoga Technology + Energy Park in Malta, near Saratoga Springs. In January, GE Fuel Cells expanded its lease at the Park with plans to build a new test site for its 1 MW SOFCs. The project, which will continue, is intended to lead to a pilot product that can go to market; it was originally expected to reach the market by 2017.
Fuel Cells Bulletin
5