- Email: [email protected]
Toyota USA preparing site for Ballard 1 MW CLEARgen fuel cell
NEWS the conversion of gas turbines, and combustor development. MHI also plans to demonstrate a power generation simulation involving an SOFC working in conjunction with a gas turbine. MHI sees FCCC triple combined-cycle power generation as a revolutionary technology that will result in a 10–20% improvement in power generation efficiency over existing natural gas-fired power generation systems. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Fuel Cell Power Generation: www.mhi.co.jp/en/technology/business/power/sofc
Toyota USA preparing site for Ballard 1 MW CLEARgen fuel cell
S
ite preparation has commenced for the installation of the 1 MW fuel cell generator at the Toyota Motor Sales USA (TMS) sales and marketing headquarters campus in Torrance, California. The CLEARgen™ fuel cell power plant is being supplied by Canadian-based Ballard Power Systems. Toyota held a groundbreaking ceremony in mid-June at the site that will house the CLEARgen PEM fuel cell system. The system will provide peak electrical power and heat to a number of locations on Toyota’s multi-building campus, utilising hydrogen produced by steam reformation of renewable biogas generated at a landfill. The ability to offset peak electricity usage with an emission-free fuel cell system will create significant savings for Toyota, while reducing the facility’s environmental footprint. Toyota ordered the CLEARgen system last summer [FCB, May 2011, p5]; delivery is anticipated in July, with commissioning planned for completion in August. Project funding is being provided through California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP). Powered by Ballard’s proven PEM fuel cell technology, the CLEARgen system is a complete solution designed to generate clean energy from Þ`À}i°Ê `Õ>ÀÊxääÊ7Ê*ÜiÀ >ÃÊ>ÀiÊ VLi`ÊÌÊ«À`ÕViÊÕÌ«iÊ 7ÊvÊâiÀ emission electricity, with heat created by the system also providing the opportunity for hot water and space heating. The system can operate continuously to meet baseload power needs, or intermittently to provide peak power during times of high demand. Ballard Power Systems Inc, Burnaby, BC, Canada. Tel: +1 604 454 0900, www.ballard.com Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc: www.toyota.com California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program: www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/DistGen/sgip
6
Fuel Cells Bulletin
PORTABLE & MICRO
Neah wins initial order for PowerChip fuel cell from US defence firm
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eah Power Systems, a developer of power solutions for the military, transportation, and portable electronic devices, has received an initial purchase order for its PowerChip™ fuel cell from a major US defence contractor. / iÊÌ>ÊÀ`iÀÊÃÊvÀÊ>ÊÃ}iÊÓxÊ7Ê PowerChip fuel cell, which utilises Neah’s silicon-based micro fuel cell technology to enable higher power densities, lower cost, and compact form-factors. The unnamed defence supplier is exploring the use of Neah’s PowerChip fuel cell for a range of applications including soldier power, remote power stations, and unmanned underwater and aerial vehicles (UUVs and UAVs). Neah will ship the unit within 10 weeks of receipt of the purchase order. The company anticipates additional purchase orders from this customer throughout the remainder of 2012, with broader adoption in 2013. Neah’s patented PowerChip technology, with its proprietary all-liquid fuel and oxidant system, has opened up a growing universe of applications that were previously considered unsuitable for fuel cells. The design’s higher power density and lower manufacturing costs allow Neah to offer differentiated and competitive products for a variety of defence, commercial, and consumer customers. Last autumn Neah announced a collaboration with The Boeing Company to explore the deployment of PowerChip technology to various distributed power sources on Boeing’s current and future airplane and ground systems [FCB, November 2011, p4].
Neah Power Systems Inc, Bothell, Washington, USA. Tel: +1 425 424 3324, www.neahpower.com
FUELLING
ITM, GHR collaborate on 700 bar hydrogen dispensing in Germany
U
K-based ITM Power has signed an agreement with GHR HochdruckReduziertechnik GmbH in Germany, to collaborate on the deployment of dual 700 bar and 350 bar hydrogen refuelling products for the German mobility market.
GHR has developed a mobile hydrogen dispenser for both 700 bar (10 000 psi) and 350 bar (5000 psi) refuelling, which has been in use for several years in Germany. GHR’s knowledge and experience in fluid control and pressurised systems also makes it an important partner in the supply chain for high-pressure components. The capability to refuel to 700 bar is of key importance, as automotive companies have specified this higher pressure for the fuel cell electric vehicles that are being rolled out as part of the mobility programmes in Germany [FCB, June 2012, p1] and the UK [FCB, January 2012, p1]. The new agreement will see the integration of an ITM Power hydrogen generation system with a GHR dispenser, to fully address the requirement for ‘green’ 700 bar hydrogen refuelling within the German market. ITM Power and GHR will combine their experience of achieving product compliance to provide a fully certified solution. The first embodiment will be used for refuelling demonstrations, tendering, and ultimately product rollout. ‘I am delighted to formalise a relationship that has been many months in the making, with a company already seen as a pioneer in 700 bar dispensing, which neatly complements our own core technical capabilities,’ says Phil Doran, managing director of ITM Power GmbH. [See the feature on ITM Power’s hydrogen fuelling technology in FCB, January 2012.] ITM Power Plc, Sheffield, UK. Tel: +44 114 244 5111, www.itm-power.com GHR Hochdruck-Reduziertechnik GmbH, Ober-Mörlen, Germany. Tel: +49 6002 91190, www.ghr-vatec.de
Acta signs electrolyser distribution deal with SEFCA in Australia
I
talian-based Acta SpA has signed a marketing and distribution agreement with SEFCA Pty Ltd in Australia, under which SEFCA (Sustainable Energy Fuel Cells Australia) will promote, sell and supply Acta’s electrolysers for hydrogen production and related products in Australia and New Zealand. The immediate commercial objective of the new partners is to integrate Acta’s electrolysers into SEFCA’s fuel cell backup power systems, and to distribute them to the major telecom operators in the territory. SEFCA is already a distribution partner for US-based fuel cell system manufacturer ReliOn in the region. Acta says that the Australian market is distinctive for its high cost of hydrogen supply and the logistic difficulties of fuel distribution
July 2012
Toyota USA preparing site for Ballard 1 MW CLEARgen fuel cell
S
ite preparation has commenced for the installation of the 1 MW fuel cell generator at the Toyota Motor Sales USA (TMS) sales and marketing headquarters campus in Torrance, California. The CLEARgen™ fuel cell power plant is being supplied by Canadian-based Ballard Power Systems. Toyota held a groundbreaking ceremony in mid-June at the site that will house the CLEARgen PEM fuel cell system. The system will provide peak electrical power and heat to a number of locations on Toyota’s multi-building campus, utilising hydrogen produced by steam reformation of renewable biogas generated at a landfill. The ability to offset peak electricity usage with an emission-free fuel cell system will create significant savings for Toyota, while reducing the facility’s environmental footprint. Toyota ordered the CLEARgen system last summer [FCB, May 2011, p5]; delivery is anticipated in July, with commissioning planned for completion in August. Project funding is being provided through California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP). Powered by Ballard’s proven PEM fuel cell technology, the CLEARgen system is a complete solution designed to generate clean energy from Þ`À}i°Ê `Õ>ÀÊxääÊ7Ê*ÜiÀ >ÃÊ>ÀiÊ VLi`ÊÌÊ«À`ÕViÊÕÌ«iÊ 7ÊvÊâiÀ emission electricity, with heat created by the system also providing the opportunity for hot water and space heating. The system can operate continuously to meet baseload power needs, or intermittently to provide peak power during times of high demand. Ballard Power Systems Inc, Burnaby, BC, Canada. Tel: +1 604 454 0900, www.ballard.com Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc: www.toyota.com California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program: www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/DistGen/sgip
6
Fuel Cells Bulletin
PORTABLE & MICRO
Neah wins initial order for PowerChip fuel cell from US defence firm
N
eah Power Systems, a developer of power solutions for the military, transportation, and portable electronic devices, has received an initial purchase order for its PowerChip™ fuel cell from a major US defence contractor. / iÊÌ>ÊÀ`iÀÊÃÊvÀÊ>ÊÃ}iÊÓxÊ7Ê PowerChip fuel cell, which utilises Neah’s silicon-based micro fuel cell technology to enable higher power densities, lower cost, and compact form-factors. The unnamed defence supplier is exploring the use of Neah’s PowerChip fuel cell for a range of applications including soldier power, remote power stations, and unmanned underwater and aerial vehicles (UUVs and UAVs). Neah will ship the unit within 10 weeks of receipt of the purchase order. The company anticipates additional purchase orders from this customer throughout the remainder of 2012, with broader adoption in 2013. Neah’s patented PowerChip technology, with its proprietary all-liquid fuel and oxidant system, has opened up a growing universe of applications that were previously considered unsuitable for fuel cells. The design’s higher power density and lower manufacturing costs allow Neah to offer differentiated and competitive products for a variety of defence, commercial, and consumer customers. Last autumn Neah announced a collaboration with The Boeing Company to explore the deployment of PowerChip technology to various distributed power sources on Boeing’s current and future airplane and ground systems [FCB, November 2011, p4].
Neah Power Systems Inc, Bothell, Washington, USA. Tel: +1 425 424 3324, www.neahpower.com
FUELLING
ITM, GHR collaborate on 700 bar hydrogen dispensing in Germany
U
K-based ITM Power has signed an agreement with GHR HochdruckReduziertechnik GmbH in Germany, to collaborate on the deployment of dual 700 bar and 350 bar hydrogen refuelling products for the German mobility market.
GHR has developed a mobile hydrogen dispenser for both 700 bar (10 000 psi) and 350 bar (5000 psi) refuelling, which has been in use for several years in Germany. GHR’s knowledge and experience in fluid control and pressurised systems also makes it an important partner in the supply chain for high-pressure components. The capability to refuel to 700 bar is of key importance, as automotive companies have specified this higher pressure for the fuel cell electric vehicles that are being rolled out as part of the mobility programmes in Germany [FCB, June 2012, p1] and the UK [FCB, January 2012, p1]. The new agreement will see the integration of an ITM Power hydrogen generation system with a GHR dispenser, to fully address the requirement for ‘green’ 700 bar hydrogen refuelling within the German market. ITM Power and GHR will combine their experience of achieving product compliance to provide a fully certified solution. The first embodiment will be used for refuelling demonstrations, tendering, and ultimately product rollout. ‘I am delighted to formalise a relationship that has been many months in the making, with a company already seen as a pioneer in 700 bar dispensing, which neatly complements our own core technical capabilities,’ says Phil Doran, managing director of ITM Power GmbH. [See the feature on ITM Power’s hydrogen fuelling technology in FCB, January 2012.] ITM Power Plc, Sheffield, UK. Tel: +44 114 244 5111, www.itm-power.com GHR Hochdruck-Reduziertechnik GmbH, Ober-Mörlen, Germany. Tel: +49 6002 91190, www.ghr-vatec.de
Acta signs electrolyser distribution deal with SEFCA in Australia
I
talian-based Acta SpA has signed a marketing and distribution agreement with SEFCA Pty Ltd in Australia, under which SEFCA (Sustainable Energy Fuel Cells Australia) will promote, sell and supply Acta’s electrolysers for hydrogen production and related products in Australia and New Zealand. The immediate commercial objective of the new partners is to integrate Acta’s electrolysers into SEFCA’s fuel cell backup power systems, and to distribute them to the major telecom operators in the territory. SEFCA is already a distribution partner for US-based fuel cell system manufacturer ReliOn in the region. Acta says that the Australian market is distinctive for its high cost of hydrogen supply and the logistic difficulties of fuel distribution
July 2012