|
Navigation...
Free Article Archive
|
|
Fuel cell industry shows growth in jobs, sales, R&D
The global fuel cell industry is seeing a substantial increase in employment levels, and smaller rises in sales and research spending, according to the latest 2007 Worldwide Industry Survey.
The survey says that the 182 participating companies – about the same as for the 2006 survey – reported a 22% gain in fuel cell specific employment, from 7074 employees in 2005 to 8647 in 2006. Reported global sales in 2006 were up 10% to US$387 million, from $353m in 2005, with R&D expenditure up by 4%, from $796 million in 2005 to $829m in 2006.
It is noticeable that global sales are still rising only very slowly, in marked contrast to almost all market research forecasts in the past. Research spending is still significantly above sales revenue (presumably excluding government and other funding sources), indicating that the industry remains strongly committed to commercialization. And the continuing significant growth in the number of people working in fuel cells is encouraging, hopefully an indication of the confidence the wider community has in the ongoing expansion of the fuel cell industry.
This is the fourth global survey, sponsored by the US Fuel Cell Council (www.usfcc.com), the Fuel Cell Commercialization Conference of Japan (www.fccj.jp), Fuel Cell Europe (www.fuelcelleurope.org), and Hydrogen & Fuel Cells Canada (www.h2fcc.ca). The survey was again conducted by an independent PricewaterhouseCoopers team based in Vancouver, Canada, in order to protect company data, with the results compiled under contract with the USFCC.
‘These figures confirm fuel cells are increasing their contribution to economic and to energy security,’ says Robert Rose, USFCC executive director. ‘The 22% job growth, atop a 12% increase last year, is particularly heartening.’ And John Tak, president of H2FCC, adds that ‘the results clearly show the fuel cell industry is gaining commercial traction in key early markets.’
‘These are important times in the development of the industry, with heightened awareness of climate change and energy efficiency,’ says PwC director Alastair Nimmons, who specializes in alternative energy. ‘Some early markets are opening; companies are working hard to meet customer demands for performance and cost. The Worldwide Survey provides an important sector snapshot.’
To download the survey, go to: www.usfcc.com/resources/2007worldwide_survey_final_low.pdf
|
|
Production, leasing begin for Honda FCX Clarity
Honda has begun production of its new FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle, with the first vehicles (to US specification) coming off the line. The FCX Clarity is produced at the Honda Automobile New Model Center in Takanezawa, Tochigi Prefecture. A new dedicated FCV assembly line has been established, which includes processes unique to FCVs such as the installation of the fuel cell stack and the hydrogen tank. Honda has also announced the first lease customers.
The fuel cell stack itself is produced at Honda Engineering Co Ltd in Haga, Tochigi Prefecture. Specially designed automated equipment was introduced to ensure the highest precision and quality while enabling mass production of the fuel cells. Through these initiatives, Honda is making steady progress in FCV production, as well as fuel cell and FCV technologies, and moving closer to realizing more widespread use of FCVs.
The FCX Clarity was designed from the start as a dedicated FCV. It is powered by the highly compact, efficient and powerful Honda V Flow fuel cell stack [FCB, January 2008]. Lease sales have now begun in the US, at $600 per month, and will commence in Japan in the fall. The combined sales plan for the US and Japan calls for ‘a few dozen’ vehicles within a year, and about 200 vehicles within three years.
At the FCX Clarity launch ceremony in Japan, Honda’s US subsidiary American Honda Motor Co also announced five of the first customers. Film producer Ron Yerxa took delivery of the first FCX Clarity, followed by actress Jamie Lee Curtis and her filmmaker husband Christopher Guest, business owner and car enthusiast Jim Salomon, actress Laura Harris, and the world’s first retail FCV customer, Jon Spallino, who has been leasing the current generation FCX [FCB, August 2005].
American Honda has also established the first dealer network to facilitate FCV sales and service, comprising Power Honda Costa Mesa, Honda of Santa Monica, and Scott Robinson Honda in Torrance. All are located close to hydrogen fueling stations, although American Honda will perform all required work at its specialized fuel cell service facility in Los Angeles.
For more information, go to: world.honda.com
|
|
Fraunhofer, TU Berlin micro power for mini-copter
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Micro integration IZM and the Technical University of Berlin have developed a hydrogen fuel cell that weighs only 30g, yet has a power output of 12 W. The fuel cell is light enough to power a 20 cm minihelicopter, which could be used to search for people trapped in fallen buildings or investigate contaminated terrain.
This high power density (400 W/kg) has so far only been achieved in considerably larger systems weighing several hundred grams. The fuel cell is being developed in an EU project, and will be used for missions such as locating victims trapped in fallen buildings, monitoring traffic, or investigating land contaminated by chemical accidents.
The dramatic fuel cell weight reduction is due to the use of very thin, planar fuel cells, according to IZM team leader, Dr Robert Hahn. ‘We have replaced the metal plates by lightweight plastic spacers,’ he explains. Another feature is the lack of a pump to provide an adequate air supply; the wind generated by the helicopter’s rotor blades goes directly into the air vents.
The team also had to devise a new hydrogen supply solution, as a conventional pressurized tank would be too heavy. ‘We have built a small reactor containing solid sodium borohydride,’ says Hahn. ‘If we inject water, this produces hydrogen. Since the helicopter always needs about the same amount of energy to stay in the air, the reactor always has to produce a consistent quantity of hydrogen.’
The researchers have already built a prototype of the lightweight fuel cell. The fuel cell powered helicopter is expected to first fly next summer.
Contact: Dr Robert Hahn, Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM, Berlin, Germany.
Tel: +49 30 46403 609, Email: robert.hahn@izm.fraunhofer.de, www.izm.fraunhofer.de
|
|
 MTI Micro debuts embedded DMFC GPS prototype
Albany, NY-based MTI MicroFuel Cells has unveiled a new embedded micro fuel cell prototype design for handheld global positioning system (GPS) devices. The company, which has developed its direct methanol Mobion® technology for portable power solutions, showed the GPS prototype at the recent Small Fuel Cells Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, alongside external power charger prototypes, its power source camera-grip prototype, and its smartphone concept model.
MTI Micro’s Mobion powered GPS prototype is claimed to provide three times as much energy as GPS devices powered by four disposable AA batteries. On a model with a large, full-color screen, this fuel cell design generates up to 60 hours of continuous power, and provides weeks instead of days of typical usage.
The new Mobion powered GPS prototype includes a USB interface, allowing the prototype to also be used as an independent energy source for a variety of purposes, including for recharging cell phones, digital cameras, portable media players and other handheld electronic devices. The Mobion GPS prototype can be immediately recharged by simply refilling it with methanol.
‘MTI Micro is exploring the integration of our Mobion platform with GPS devices as part of our strategy to bring micro fuel cell technology to a wide range of portable consumer electronic device market segments,’ comments Peng Lim, president/CEO of both MTI Micro and its parent company Mechanical Technology Inc. He continues: ‘Battery life is a key issue with handheld GPS devices, especially as manufacturers add advanced energy-hungry features to new models, such as larger, full-color screens. Our Mobion powered GPS prototype will provide handheld GPS users such as hikers and campers, travelers, boaters, pilots and other sports enthusiasts the peace of mind of much longer usage time, and will help them do away with the expense, bulk and environmental unfriendliness of conventional batteries.’
The embedded micro fuel cell prototype design for GPS devices is the company’s second prototype to be unveiled already this year. In February, MTI Micro announced a Mobion powered camera-grip attachment for digital SLR cameras, designed to provide twice as much energy as existing battery pack cameragrips of the same size [see Fuel Cells Bulletin, April 2008].
The company is seeking to commercialize its Mobion DMFC technology to bring the benefits of longer run-time and instantaneous recharging capabilities to consumers. Mobion will also provide handheld device manufacturers with a new power supply platform that both enhances performance and creates new opportunities for increasing functionality, says MTI Micro, by enabling a wider array of desired features to be incorporated into the overall product design.
Contact:
MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc, Albany, New York, USA. Tel: +1 518 533 2222 www.mtimicrofuelcells.com |
|
Boeing fuel cell plane in manned aviation first
Aviation giant Boeing has announced the successful completion of the first ever manned flight of a fuel cell powered light aircraft, in tests in Spain. Boeing Research & Technology Europe (BR&TE) joined with partners across Europe and the US, including UK-based fuel cell developer Intelligent Energy – which provided the fuel cell power system – to design, build and test the aircraft. The plane is based on a two-seat Dimona motor-glider frame with a 16.3 m (53.5 ft) wingspan. It was modified by BR&TE to incorporate a hybrid low-emission engine, containing Intelligent Energy’s power-dense PEM fuel cell power system as well as lithium-ion batteries, to power an electric motor coupled to a conventional propeller. Three test flights took place in February and March at an airfield near Madrid. Each time, the pilot climbed to an altitude of 1000 m (3300 ft) above sea level using a combination of battery power and power generated by the hydrogen fuel cells, and continued in a straight path at the cruising altitude for 20 minutes at a speed of 100 km/h (62 mph) on power solely generated by the fuel cells. ‘This is a new dawn for clean aviation, and the latest project to vindicate our view that hydrogen fuel cells can find applications in a wide variety of sectors,’ says Henri Winand, chief executive of Intelligent Energy. ‘Boeing’s challenge to us was to provide a reliable and compact power system that could be integrated into such a light aircraft, and we delivered on our promise.’ According to Boeing researchers, PEM fuel cell technology could potentially power small manned and unmanned aircraft. Fuel cells could also be applied to secondary power generating systems, such as auxiliary power units for large commercial airplanes. While Boeing does not envisage that fuel cells will provide primary power for large passenger aircraft, the company will continue to investigate their potential, as well as other sustainable alternative fuel and energy sources that improve environmental performance. ‘Boeing is actively working to develop new technologies for environmentally progressive aerospace products,’ says Francisco Escarti, managing director of BR&TE. ‘We are proud of our pioneering work during the past five years on the Fuel Cell Demonstrator Airplane project. It is a tangible example of how we are exploring future leaps in environmental performance, as well as a credit to the talents and innovative spirit of our team.’
|
|
GM, Chrysler unveil luxury concept FCVs
Two major US car manufacturers, General Motors’ Cadillac division and Chrysler, have unveiled luxury concept vehicles based on fuel cell technology at exhibitions in the US.
Launched at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and also on display at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the Cadillac Provoq fuel cell concept is the latest application of GM’s E-Flex propulsion system. It combines the new fifth-generation fuel cell unit and a lithium-ion battery to produce an electrically driven vehicle that uses no gasoline and generates no emissions other than water. The concept’s fifth-generation fuel cell is half the size of its predecessor, yet it has been developed to produce more power and performance, says the company.
‘Cadillac is a natural fit for GM’s next step in developing the E-Flex platform,’ comments Jim Taylor, the division’s general manager. ‘Cadillac, at its very essence, is about premium luxury, design and technology, so it is fitting that it would be propelled by the most elegant system. This signals Cadillac’s intent to lead the industry with alternative-fuel technology.’
Using a fuel-cell variant of the E-Flex system, the concept vehicle can drive around 480 km (300 miles) on a single tank of hydrogen – 450 km (280 miles) running on hydrogen, and a further 32 km (20 miles) on electricity supplied purely by the battery. A pair of 700 bar (10 000 psi) composite storage tanks beneath the rear cargo floor hold 6 kg (13.2 lb) of hydrogen to supply the fuel cell stack, located under the bonnet. There, the hydrogen is fed to the fuel cell to generate up to 88 kW of continuous power. A lithium-ion battery pack can store up to a total of 9 kWh of electrical energy, and also provides a peak of 60 kW of power for additional performance.
The system enables the vehicle to accelerate from 0–100 km/h (0-60 mph) in 8.5 s, an improvement of more than 30% over the previous-generation fuel cell system. It has a top speed of 160 km/h (100 mph). With sleek, typically Cadillac bodywork, the Provoq concept redefines luxury crossover vehicles, says GM, offering uncompromising passenger and cargo space to match its performance and cruising range.
Meanwhile, Chrysler says that its ecoVoyager combines an elegant luxury design with hydrogen fuel-cell range-extended electric vehicle technology. Launched at the NAIAS in Detroit, the concept vehicle’s wheels are driven by an electric motor, with power primarily supplied by a lithium-ion battery pack capable of satisfying a consumer’s typical daily commute of less than 65 km (40 miles).
The electric motor develops 200 kW, enabling the vehicle to accelerate from 0–100 km/h (0–60 mph) in less than 8 s. A regenerative braking system captures energy that would normally be lost and returns it to the battery, making the ecoVoyager an efficient and spacious vehicle. For occasional long trips, it takes advantage of a range extender, in the form of a small hydrogen fuel cell. This gives it a total range of in excess of 480 km (300 miles).
With the entire propulsion system located below the ecoVoyager’s floor, space is maximized for use by the passengers and to store cargo.
|
|
London signs up for hydrogen bus fleet
Transport for London (TfL), an integrated body responsible for the UK capital's transportation systems, has signed a contract with US-based ISE Corporation to supply 10 hydrogen-powered buses for delivery by 2010. The contract, worth £9.65 million (US$19 million), covers not only the initial cost of the vehicles themselves, but also the specialist maintenance and replacement parts over a five-year period after delivery.
Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, confirmed that the 10 hydrogen-powered buses are part of his plan to have up to 70 hydrogen vehicles in operation in London by 2010, as set out in the London Hydrogen Partnership's Transport Action Plan. London will become the first city in Europe to operate a fleet of hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen hybrid internal combustion engine (HHICE) buses.
All of the hydrogen-powered buses will use ISE's ThunderVolt series hybrid drive system technology. Five will be hydrogen hybrid fuel cell buses, while the rest will be HHICE vehicles. ISE will be working with a number of partners, including The Wright Group, a bus manufacturer in Northern Ireland, and Canadian-based Ballard Power Systems. Transit operator First Group will operate the new fleet for TfL.
Ballard is providing its sixth-generation HD6 bus module to the consortium. Building on the momentum of the recently announced program, involving 20 buses for BC Transit in Canada, the London project will be the first to incorporate a 75 kW version of the HD6 module in a fuel cell hybrid transit bus.
This project complements the activities of the Hydrogen Bus Alliance, which TfL was integral in setting up [FCB, November 2007]. The alliance comprises representatives from the public transport authorities of several international cities and regions that have made a commitment to buy at least five new hydrogen buses each to enter operation between 2008 and 2012.
TfL previously took part in the EC-funded Clean Urban Transport for Europe (CUTE) project to test hydrogen technology in nine European cities. Several of the participants (including London) also took part in the one-year Hy:FLEET CUTE extension.
Contacts:
ISE Corporation, Poway, California, USA. Tel: +1 858 413 1720, www.isecorp.com
Ballard Power Systems Inc, Burnaby, BC, Canada. Tel: +1 604 454 0900, www.ballard.com
For more on the Hydrogen Bus Alliance, go to: www.hydrogenbusalliance.org |
|
European motor boats use fuel cell technology
German fuel cell technology company Zebotec GmbH is working with Brunnert-Grimm AG, a Swiss firm that builds, customizes and sells boats, to construct and sell zero-emission runabout motor boats.
The firms point out that increasingly strict emission regulations make it difficult for diesel and gasoline motors to obtain certification to operate on Lake Constance, between Germany, Switzerland and Austria. With this in mind, in 2000 Brunnert-Grimm built and tested a runabout powered by an electric motor drive. The motor had a power rating of 50 kW, and energy was supplied entirely from on-board batteries.
Extensive tests demonstrated the feasibility of such a runabout. However, they also highlighted requirements for further technical development, including the need to increase range and reduce weight – two significant limitations of a system based on batteries. A decision was therefore made to use fuel cell technology.
The companies have adapted a commercially available runabout – the Cobalt 233, manufactured by Cobalt Boats – by creating a hybrid drive comprising electric motors, fuel cells, hydrogen tanks and a battery (for peak power requirements). The boat is capable of reaching a top speed of 40 km/h (22 knots), is operated like any ‘normal’ runabout, and runs quietly, smoothly and without producing any emissions.
The Cobalt 233ZET fuel cell boat is built according to the guidelines of Germanischer Lloyd, and will shortly receive the ‘GL Certification for Fuel Cell Boats’. It was on display for the first time earlier this year at the Interboot 2007 watersports exhibition in Friedrichshafen, Germany.
A critical factor for the success of early fuel cell applications is the availability of hydrogen fueling stations. Zebotec is also active in this area, and is currently planning and constructing the first permanently installed hydrogen station for boat users on Lake Constance.
Link:
www.zebotec.de
|
|
Acumentrics, Jadoo military mobile system
In the US, Acumentrics and Jadoo Power Systems have agreed to work together to produce a small-scale fuel cell generator, rated at less than 5 kW, for the military and commercial markets. The system is based on Acumentrics’ solid oxide fuel cell technology and Jadoo’s N-Stor interface, modular system design and automated canister refill technology.
Whether a power user is in the field, in a rugged environment, or running a high-value commercial application without access to grid power, we will set a new standard in providing quiet, virtually zero-emission, high-quality, easy-to-use power whenever, wherever and for however long it is needed,’ says Gary Simon, CEO of Acumentrics.
He adds that the Acumentrics-Jadoo system is expected to double the run-time offered by the batteries – weighing over 225 kg (500 lb) – currently carried by soldiers on a five-day reconnaissance mission, weigh 80% less (including fuel), and operate silently. For applications requiring less than 5 kW of power, such as mobile command and control centers, remote power backup, and portable generator replacement for the emergency services, construction and recreational markets, the Acumentrics-Jadoo power systems are expected to set performance standards that substantially exceed that of the installed base of small-scale power sources – typically disposable batteries, and small petrol and diesel engines.
Simon continues: ‘To our knowledge, no other fuel cell system is available with the ruggedness of our tubular ceramic SOFC technology and the ability to use multiple fuels, plus freedom from an inflexible fuel infrastructure. We are now demonstrating systems running on military JP-8.’
Acumentrics and Jadoo expect to begin evaluating applications of the new unit with prospective users during the first quarter of 2009.
Links:
www.acumentrics.com
www.jadoopower.com
|
|
Ford sets land speed record with fuel cell racecar
The Ford Motor Company has set a new land speed record for a production-based fuel cell powered car. The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 fuel cell car raced to 207.297 mph (333.612 km/h) at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah to set the record.
The Ford ‘999’ is the world's first – and only – production vehicle-based fuel cell race car. It was built in collaboration with Ballard Power Systems, Roush and Ohio State University, and is one of two vehicles demonstrating the potential of fuel cell technology. Ford researchers are also supporting student engineers from Ohio State University on its Buckeye Bullet 2, a streamliner-type fuel cell-powered racer attempting 300+ mph (480 km/h).
Gerhard Schmidt, Ford's VP for research & advanced engineering, says that the automaker's historic run at Bonneville will further expand its technological horizons with fuel cell-powered vehicles. The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 is Ford's latest environmental innovation, and the company sees it as another step on the road towards commercially viable hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
The land speed record vehicle was designed by Ford engineers and built by Roush in Allen Park, Michigan. Ford engineers adapted the 2004 Buckeye Bullet's electric motor, while Ballard Power Systems supplied the 400 kW hydrogen PEM fuel cells. Ford retiree Rick Byrnes, a veteran Bonneville racer, piloted the Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 on its record-breaking run.
The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 recently set a new land speed record for a production-based, fuel cell powered car. The fuel cell racecar reached 207.297 mph (333.612 km/h) at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah to set the record. The car was designed and built by Ford engineers in collaboration with Ohio State University, Ballard Power Systems and Roush.
Ohio State students have designed their streamliner, dubbed Buckeye Bullet 2, from the ground up. Ballard donated the hydrogen fuel cells for Ohio State's car, Roush its engineering services, and Ford has provided overall project coordination and expertise in fuel cell drivetrains. In 2004, Ohio State students set the unlimited land speed record for an electric vehicle by running at 314 mph (505 km/h) in the first Buckeye Bullet, dubbed BB1.
Ford currently has a fleet of 30 hydrogen-powered Focus FCVs on the road as part of an international seven-city program to conduct real-world testing of fuel cell technology, including the Vancouver Fuel Cell Vehicle Program. The 30-car fleet has accumulated nearly 580 000 miles (934 000 km) since its inception in 2005. The firm is also conducting tests with the world's first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive [FCB, March 2007]. This fuel cell hybrid EV uses a series electric drivetrain with onboard hydrogen fuel cell generator to give the zero-emission vehicle a 225 mile (360 km) range.
Link:
www.ford.com/en/innovation/technology/hydrogentransport
|
|
HydroGen completes commercial demo PAFC plant
Ohio-based HydroGen Corporation has announced the mechanical completion and initiation of pre-commissioning activities of its full-scale 400 kW commercial demonstration phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC) power plant at Ashta Chemicals' chlor-alkali plant in Ashtabula, Ohio. This commercial demonstration PAFC power plant will utilize by-product hydrogen from the chlor-alkali plant to generate electric power, heat and water for the chemical plant's use.
In addition, HydroGen has completed and successfully tested a newly manufactured 2.5 kW stack. While combinations of ‘vintage’ Westinghouse and HydroGen-manufactured components have previously been tested in the latter's 2.5 kW test plant, this HydroGen-manufactured stack fully validates the firm's production processes and methods. The stack started up and is performing exactly to its start-of-life specifications, achieving a major milestone in the validation of the HydroGen manufacturing capabilities as it produces the first complete 400 kW module for demonstration at the Ashta commercial demonstration power plant.
‘The commercial demonstration PAFC power plant at Ashta Chemicals Inc will enable us to showcase our technology in an industrial setting representing a key target market segment for the company,’ comments Dr Leo Blomen, chairman/CEO of HydroGen. ‘Now we enter the pre-commissioning and preparation phase, the necessary precursors to accepting newly produced 400 kW modules at the plant for testing and demonstration.’
HydroGen Corporation, through its wholly owned subsidiary, HydroGen LLC, is designing and manufacturing multi-MW fuel cell systems utilizing its proprietary air-cooled 400 kW PAFC technology. Utilizing fuel cell technology originally developed by Westinghouse Corporation, the company is targeting market applications where hydrogen is currently available and where other drivers favor the adoption of fuel cells.
Link:
www.hydrogenllc.com
|
|
|
|
Subscriber Login...
Help...
|
