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The news letter of HyWeb and the German Hydrogen Association (DWV) · 1st Quarter 2003 – 7th Year ã L-B-Systemtechnik GmbH
Interesting Projects HyNet - the European Thematic Network on Hydrogen European Integrated Hydrogen Project - EIHP
www.fuelcellpark.com
Introductory information on energy, hydrogen and fuel cells (website of the Bewag Fuel Cell Innovation Park, implemented by HyWeb)www.h2guide.de
Guide of German hydrogen projects by the German Hydrogen Association (in German language)Fuel cell drive project for municipal commercial vehicles – Bavarian fuel cell bus project
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Impressum
Editor Matthias Altmann, L-B-Systemtechnik GmbH (LBST), webmaster@HyWeb.de Articles AFH - Association Française de l'Hydrogène
DWV - German Hydrogen Association (DWV)
MA - Matthias Altmann, LBST
RW - Reinhold Wurster, LBST
VB - Volker Blandow, LBST
WZ - Werner Zittel, LBST
UB - Ulrich Bünger, LBSTAddress see HyWeb Impressum
other News Letters The Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Letter Clean Fuels and Electric Vehicles Report
Monthly Technology Updates by Fuel Cells 2000
HyWeb, 03-03-31:
Hydrogenics Infrastructure Projects Supported by Government of Canada: Hydrogenics Corporation receives a $620,000 Cdn contribution for two hydrogen infrastructure development and demonstration projects. 1: Development of a hydrogen refuelling apparatus for a natural-gas reformer, which is part of the 50-kilowatt stationary fuel-cell power generator that Hydrogenics is currently developing. 2: Development of electrolysis technology in a mobile hydrogen fuelling station.
The Korean company Samsung Electronics has initiated cooperation on fuel cells with China's Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP), reports Fuel Cell Today on March 24. It was agreed that Samsung and DICP should set up a joint laboratory for fuel cell research.
Japanese Companies work together to unify standards for micro fuel cells, reports Fuel Cell Today on March 21. A number of companies including Toshiba and Hitachi are working together to create a single set of standards for fuel cells for notebook computers, cell phones and other portable devices. The fuel cells will all be fuelled by methanol.
FuelCell Energy and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) open Fuel Cell Power Plant: The official dedication of a 250 kW DFC300A molten carbonate fuel cell power plant now operating at LADWP headquarters in downtown Los Angeles took place on March 14.
MA
Group Exhibit Hydrogen + Fuel Cells presents customized solutions at HANNOVER FAIR’03
HyWeb, 03-03-31: At the annual HANNOVER FAIR’03, April 7-12, Hanover, Germany, the Group Exhibit - Hydrogen + Fuel Cells (H2/FC) initiated and organised by Arno A. Evers FAIR-PR, Starnberg, Germany brings together numerous representatives of this emerging industry. 19 countries are converging at this established H2/FC Platform, the focus is on optimised technologies and construction of a Hydrogen infrastructure.International H2/FC hub
The Group Exhibit Hydrogen + Fuel Cells with 90 exhibitors and 9 Forum participants out of 19 countries is an established part of the “Energy” trade show during the HANNOVER FAIR. It teams up an international mixture of organisations including global players, as well as, SME’s and research institutions. The entire H2/FC production cycle is visually displayed, from R&D and manufacturing to customer satisfaction. All exhibitors will showcase their most recent developments in H2/FC applications, components, materials & peripherals.Ready - Steady - Go!
Fuel Cells convert Hydrogen fuel and oxygen into electricity, heat and water. The message from the exhibitors at the Group Exhibit reads loud and clear: They want to take up the challenge of transferring H2/FC expertise into applicable products and services. This year’s emphasis is, among others, on enhanced product reliability, flexibility in application and the construction of a hydrogen infrastructure.Talking business
At the daily Forum, located in the centre of the Group Exhibit, industry leaders discuss the actual challenges of commercialisation. All attendees have the chance to interact and exchange ideas to create added awareness for the use of hydrogen and fuel cells.Success based on experience – LIVE on the Internet
Since HANNOVER FAIR 1995, the Group Exhibit - Hydrogen + Fuel Cells has developed into an important feature in this emerging industry. Initiator and organizer Arno A. Evers FAIR-PR, Starnberg, Germany, and his team host this unique platform. Onsite activities are posted and daily updated on our website. The Group Exhibit Hydrogen + Fuel Cells represents the international meeting point for the H2/FC society, according to the slogan: “Go to where the Market is!”For the latest information about the Group Exhibit Hydrogen + Fuel Cells, the exhibitors, the forum program and the VIP visitors please go to: www.fair-pr.com
Be sure to visit the world’s first “real” Virtual Fair in the Internet, which will be launched April 6. You will be fascinated, go to: www.virtual-fair.com.
MA
Axane announces the launch of its first range of portable FC generators
HyWeb, 03-03-31: Axane, France, a wholly owned Air Liquide subsidiary, backed up by its success during the Polar Ice Cap Mission in 2002 with the POLAR PACTM prototype (HyWeb, 02-10-29), has chosen to step up its investment and, beginning in 2003, present an initial offer of fuel cell systems derived from the EVOPACTM concept. Axane is thus entering the fuel cell market, with a broad offer, intended initially to meet the needs of various markets such as isolated sites, emergency systems, domestic applications, and small hybrid vehicles. The EVOPACTM modular concept has a power ranging from 500 W to 10 kW, for multiple use, ranging from small stationary or transport applications to portable generators.At the Hanover Trade Fair in Germany – Hall 13, Stand D66/5 - Axane presents ROLLER PACTM, a portable, 2 kW AC 230 V electric power generator with hydrogen PEM fuel cell. ROLLER PACTM is the first example of the EVOPACTM modular concept, demonstrating the integration of a fuel cell in a portable generator.
MA
Internet platform for hydrogen and fuel cells in Hesse, Germany
HyWeb, 03-03-31: For the Economic Ministry of the German Land of Hesse, Technologie-Stiftung Hessen ('Technology Foundation Hesse') has established an Internet platform for companies and universities active in the field of hydrogen and fuel cells. The activity has close links to the Hessian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Initiative, which is supported by the German Hydrogen Association (DWV). The website can be accessed at www.wasserstoff-hessen.de or www.brennstoffzelle-hessen.de.MA
German ZBT licenses reformer technology to Korea
HyWeb, 03-03-27: According to the contract with the Center for Fuel Cell Technology (ZBT) of Duisburg, Germany, Clean Energy Technologies Inc. (CETI) of South Korea obtains the worldwide, non-exclusive production and marketing rights for the natural gas reformer technology developed in Duisburg.The status quo of ZBT`s reformer development represents the results of several years of research activity and is based to a large extent on preliminary R&D work performed at the University of Duisburg.
Along with the license agreement, ZBT will deliver reformer prototypes to CETI, which will be integrated and optimized by CETI into fuel cell systems. The Korean company CETI focuses on the development of fuel cell system for portable and stationary applications.
MA
Official inauguration of the first residential SOFC fuel cell system in Saxony, Germany
HyWeb, 03-03-26: Steffen Flath, Saxon Minister for Economy and Agriculture, inaugurated the first residential SOFC fuel cell system in Taucha close to Leipzig, Saxony, Germany, on March 10. A multi family building received two HXS 1000 Premiere systems of Sulzer Hexis AG. In his speech, Minister Flath underlined the necessity to become independent of fossil energies step by step during the next decades. The installed systems were operated on natural gas, he said, but certainly in the future renewable hydrogen would be used to run such systems. Natural gas would already reduce emissions considerably, he added.The activity is being supported by the Saxon Ministry for Economy and Agriculture in the framework of the project "Ökologische Modellstadt Taucha (Ecological Model City Taucha)".
LR/MA
Hydrogen initiative established in Dresden, Germany
HyWeb, 03-03-26: Representatives of research institutions, companies and associations headquartered in Dresden, Saxony, Germany, have established the "Wirtschaftsinitiative Wasserstoff Dresden (Economic Hydrogen Initiative Dresden)" in cooperation with the city of Dresden. The goal is to support the economic department of the city of Dresden to establish hydrogen in addition to micro electronics and bio-technology as the third focus area in the economic area of Dresden. Further information is available at www.uzdresden.de/wwd/.LR/MA
"The prospects for a hydrogen economy based on renewable energy"
Article by Dr. Werner Zittel and Reinhold Wurster, L-B-Systemtechnik, in section "Knowledge" under "Artikel/ Abstracts".
Download (pdf, 968 kB)
HyWeb, 03-03-14:
Nissan to collaborate with United Technologies: "We have reached an agreement with UTCFC (UTC Fuel Cells). We have not decided when we can start using UTCFC fuel cells in our vehicles," a Nissan spokeswoman said at the beginning of March.
U.S. Army unveils heavy duty truck with fuel cell APU: The U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command's National Automotive Center (NAC) introduced a Class 8 Freightliner truck with a prototype liquid-fueled 5kW fuel cell auxiliary power unit (APU) using a Ballard Power Systems fuel cell stack and reforming technologies to generate electricity for onboard demands and power external devices.
Astris Energi and CareAction form new alkaline fuel cell company: Astris Transportation Systems Inc. (ATSI), has been formed in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, by Astris Energi Inc. (alkaline fuel cell technology) and CareAction Inc. (conversion of vans for senior citizens and the disabled). ATSI will soon initiate installation of the world's first automated facility for mass production of alkaline fuel cell systems.
45 more Plug Power fuel cells across Long Island: The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) announced that it will purchase an additional 45 fuel cell systems from Plug Power for installation across Long Island this year, for the first time installing them in Long Island homes.
MA
SFC: Docking station and Marathon suitcase for laptop computers
HyWeb, 03-03-14: Medion AG and SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG (SFC) jointly started product development of the Energy Docking Station based on fuel cell technology, a new power supply for notebooks and other portable electronic devices.The Energy Docking Station is the first step towards complete integration of fuel cells into notebooks. It supplies the notebook with electricity about three times longer than a conventional battery - with a single, exchangeable fuel cartridge containing methanol. Once a cartridge is empty, it can be "hot-swapped", i.e. exchanged without interruption of operation. On the CeBIT 2003 (Hanover, Germany), March 12-19th, Hall 2, Stand C48, Medion AG presents this concept to the public.
Photo: SFC
CONSEL Case Solutions Ltd. - in cooperation with SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG - has developed a new mobile office case with integrated fuel cell system "Smart Fuel Cell C25". CONSEL presents the "Marathon-Suitcase" on the CeBIT (Hall 2, booth A43) to the public.
In the "Marathon Suitcase", the integrated fuel cell by SFC provides practically unlimited power. A single fuel cartridge "Smart Fuel Cell M125" - content: 125 ml liquid methanol - provides enough fuel for about 7 hours runtime. When empty, it can simply be hotswapped. The "Marathon-Suitcase" can accommodate up to 7 fuel cartridges which enable runtimes up to 50 hours.
It is planned to introduce the "Marathon Suitcase" to the market in 2004.
MA
Stuart Energy sells hydrogen station to Malmö
HyWeb, 03-03-14: Stuart Energy Systems Corporation, Canada, has sold a Hydrogen Energy Station (HES) to Sydkraft of Malmö, Sweden. Sydkraft supplies natural gas fuel to the City of Malmö’s bus fleet. The Stuart Energy HES for Sydkraft, to be installed at Sydkraft in the fall of 2003, generates, compresses and dispenses hydrogen as well as a blend of hydrogen and natural gas fuel to the bus fleet operating in Malmo. The ratio of hydrogen to natural gas can be set to a range of blended fuel from 100% hydrogen to 100% natural gas. The station will produce about 80 kg of high-purity hydrogen per day.Stuart unveiled and demonstrated its new electrolytic "Hydrogen Energy Station (HES)" at its headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada in mid-February.
Low-cost electricity can be stored in the form of hydrogen, then subsequently deployed, on-demand, for delivering fuel for vehicles, emergency back-up power for buildings, electrical grid optimization, off-grid rural electrification.
The HES consists of five product modules:
- a Stuart Energy hydrogen generator, which creates hydrogen using electricity and water,
- a hydrogen compression system, which delivers high-pressure hydrogen,
- a high-pressure hydrogen storage system with tanks supplied by Dynetek Industries,
- a Ballard Power Systems hydrogen generator set powered by a Ford Motor Company Internal Combustion Engine, which provides ultra low emission electrical power,
- a high-pressure hydrogen fuel dispensing system.
Stuart Energy‘s patent provides exclusive rights to develop, and market electrolysis-based stations where data is exchanged between the system and the user according to a Stuart Energy press release.
MA
GM: First approval to drive LH2 vehicle on Japanese roads
HyWeb, 03-03-13: On March 10, the Japanese Government granted GM the first-ever approval to drive a liquid hydrogen-fueled vehicle on public roads in Japan.Approval for GM's HydroGen3 was granted by Japan's Ministry for Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT). HydroGen3 also received the first-ever approval for a liquid hydrogen storage system for vehicle use from the High Pressure Gas Safety Institute of Japan (KHK).
MA
Japan Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Demonstration Project started
HyWeb, 03-03-13: The first Japanese testing facility for fuel cell vehicles was opened at a ceremony on March 11. In the project five automotive manufactures (DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Honda, Nissan and Toyota) and further companies from the energy supply sector have joined forces to test fuel cell vehicles along with the necessary fuel infrastructure under everyday operating conditions. This "Japan Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Demonstration Project" (JHFC -- www.jhfc.jp), which is subsidized by the Japanese government, sets out to bring this project towards market maturity by fostering close cooperation between the spheres of industry and science and the authorities.The JHFC facilities provide excellent conditions for the vehicle tests, since they include both workshops and an information center.
The first of five hydrogen filling stations designed to refuel the fuel cell vehicles has begun operating in Yokohama, Japan, one day later.
MA
DaimlerChrysler to lease fuel cell cars in Japan
HyWeb, 03-03-13: DaimlerChrysler AG plans to lease fuel cell vehicles in Japan starting in the second half of this year.
Photo: DaimlerChrysler
DaimlerChrysler plans to lease as many as 10 of the cars in Japan in 2003 and 2004, said Dr. Andreas Truckenbrodt, director of the automaker's fuel cell and alternative powertrain division at a press conference during the opening of the "Japan Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Demonstration Project" (JHFC). The role of DaimlerChrysler's Japanese partner Mitsubishi Motors Corp. in its fuel cell project will probably be a supportive one, Hans Tempel, President of DaimlerChrysler Japan Holding, Ltd. said. DaimlerChrysler aims for sales of 60 of its fuel cell A-Class models in 2003 and 2004 in Europe, the USA, Japan and Singapore (HyWeb, 02-10-29).
DaimlerChrysler last week won road operation approval from the Japanese Ministry for Land, Infrastructure and Transport to test its F-Cell car, based on its Mercedes-Benz A-Class model, in the country.
MA
GM and Shell partner in Washington, D.C. hydrogen fuel cell vehicle demonstration
HyWeb, 03-03-07: General Motors Corp. and Shell Hydrogen are combining resources in a demonstration project in Washington, D.C., USA, the two announced on March 5.Under the terms of the MoU between GM and Shell Hydrogen (U.S.), Shell’s hydrogen station is expected to be operational by October, 2003, with GM’s commitment to use the station for support of its vehicle fleet, which will arrive in Washington DC in May of this year. The six demonstration vehicles are GM’s HydroGen3 minivans, which are based on the Opel Zafira.
The centerpiece of the partnership will be a real-life demonstration of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and fueling infrastructure technology in the Washington, D.C. area for at least two years between GM and Shell Hydrogen (U.S.). The demonstration will feature a hydrogen pump at a Shell retail gas station to support a General Motors Corp. fleet of fuel cell vehicles. It will be the first hydrogen pump in the USA integrated in a commercial filling station.
With the combined hydrogen vehicle-fueling station demonstration in Washington as the foundation of the partnership, GM and Shell will together focus on three key areas:
Increased awareness and understanding on the part of policymakers, regulators and the general public - via demonstrations of the combined hydrogen technologies in the US capitol
Knowledge sharing - to combine the expertise from both the vehicle and fueling infrastructure sides, and
Experience and learning - from the trial under real-life, real-time conditions.
MA
Hydrogen Liquefaction
HyWeb, 03-02-28: James Dewar was the first person to liquefy Hydrogen. On the 12th of May, 1898 he announced the production of about 20 cm3 of liquid hydrogen and determined the boiling point to be 20K (-253°C). Using liquid air for pre-cooling he brought the 18 MPa pressurised hydrogen down to -205°C. To reach the liquefaction temperature he made use of the Joule-Thomson effect by throttling hydrogen.Initially this temperature range was only of interest to physicists who were reaching lower and lower temperatures in the search of the absolute zero temperature. All liquefiers built up until 1950 were on a laboratory scale and used the same original process.
The pioneering work towards large scale industrial liquefaction of hydrogen was done by the US Air Force and the NACA (predecessor to NASA) who planned to use liquid hydrogen (LH2) as rocket fuel. Hydrogen is the ideal fuel for space travel because it has the highest possible energy density. The first large liquefiers were built as part of the Apollo program and these plants continued supply the entire North American LH2 demand for decades after the end of the Apollo program. International space programs and the commercial demand for LH2 (which had exceeded space program demand by 1973) has led to the increase of liquefaction capacity.
Hydrogen liquefiers can be found in North America, Western Europe, Russia, Japan, French Guyana, India and in China. The liquid hydrogen is predominantly used for hydrogen delivery or as rocket fuel. The application as automotive fuel has been limited to a small number of test vehicles.
Presently installed capacity of hydrogen liquefaction. Fig: LBST
Commercial liquefies have production capacities ranging up to 40 tonnes/day. In Europe the capacities are: 10 (France), 5 (Holland) and 4.4 tonnes/day (Germany). As part of the Japanese WE-NET program, a concept study has been carried out for a liquefier with 300 t/d capacity
Linde hydrogen liquefier in Igolstadt, Germany. Photo: Linde
The use of liquid hydrogen as the preferred medium of hydrogen transport is due to the low transport costs over long distances, the reduced space requirement compared to gaseous hydrogen and the inherent purity that results from the liquefaction process.
Theoretically there are many possible cooling methods available but only a few are practical for the extreme cooling requirements associated with hydrogen liquefaction. The two methods used up to the present day are, the isentropic expansion and the expansion with use of the Joule-Thomson effect. The commercial liquefiers in service today use these two methods either individually or in combination. In most cases, the hydrogen gas is pre-cooled using liquid nitrogen. The magnetocaloric liquefaction method that should result in a more energy efficient process, is still in the developmental stage and there is no foreseeable commercial breakthrough at present.
Both the energy demand and the costs of hydrogen liquefaction are very much dependent on the size of the production facility. In comparison to the present liquefiers, cost reductions from increased size and energy savings from technical developments are both possible. In such facilities (>40 t LH2 per day), electricity demand of 0.24 to 0.21 kWh/kWh LH2 can be achieved.
MA; translation by zebotec
Climate Change: CO2 emissions declining in Germany and the USA
HyWeb, 03-02-20: In 2002, the carbon dioxide emissions in Germany declined by about 2 percent compared to the previous year. This is calculated by Germanwatch based on latest energy statistics published by the German "Arbeitsgemeinschaft Energiebilanzen".In 2001, the carbon dioxide emissions of the USA declined by 1.2 percent according to an analysis by the Energy Information Administration of the US Department of Energy (summary see at www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/ggrpt/summary/index.html). Figures for the year 2002 are not yet available. But the Energy Information Administration forecasts an annual increase of 1.5% until the year 2020. However, own estimates based on the data including October 2002 again indicate declining emissions in 2002 with respect to 2001.
This hints at declining emissions for the second subsequent year for both states. So far, the year 2000 also showed the peak of world oil production. The energetic and economic turbulences caused by high oil and gas prices in 2000 touched the energy consumption patterns of all major sources oil, gas and coal.
In detail: In Germany transport energy consumption is in decline already since 1999. Heating oil demand also declined in 2002 even though this winter was colder than 2001. But this is due to the effect that oil depots were already filled up in 2001, and the emissions are assigned to the date of oil sales to the consumer. But also the poor economic growth rate slowed down energy consumption. Only increased electricity production from lignite contrasted the general trend of declining energy use.
The reason for declining emissions in the USA is mainly the economic recession – which amounted to minus 3.5% according to the Department of Energy – a mild winter and high electricity prices, which forced the customers to save energy. However, gas consumption declined strongest with minus 7 percent.. Half of the natural gas in the USA is consumed by industry, one quarter in private housing and the final quarter to equal parts by the commercial sector and in electricity production.
WZ/MA
US EPA: first certification of hydrogen fuel cell car
HyWeb, 03-02-19: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the first certification for fuel economy and emissions of a U.S. hydrogen fuel cell zero emission vehicle.EPA's Ann Arbor Lab is the first federal US facility capable of testing and certifying a fuel cell vehicle for emissions and fuel economy. As a result, the 2003 Honda FCX was the first to be certified as a U.S. hydrogen fuel cell zero emission vehicle. As with any new motor vehicle that will be sold in the U.S., EPA has responsibility to certify each model as complying with all emission standards.
MA
GM: Vehicle tests with 70 MPa hydrogen tank
HyWeb, 03-02-19: General Motors has announced that it has increased the driving range of its compressed hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with the world's first successful vehicle test of a 70 MPa (700 bar, 10,000 psi) hydrogen storage system (HyWeb, 02-12-18).The new 70 MPa tank technology extends the range of GM's HydroGen3 fuel cell vehicle by 60-70 percent compared to an equivalent-sized 35 MPa system. According to the GM press release, GM is the first automaker to successfully test a 70 MPa hydrogen storage system in a fuel cell vehicle, and is one year ahead of the stated goals of other auto companies.
The GM system, which consists of two carbon composite tanks, was approved last year by Germany's TÜV (Technischer Überwachungsverein) in accordance with common industry standards in Europe and North America. In addition to TÜV certification, the system has been validated according to the draft regulations proposed by the European Integrated Hydrogen Project (EIHP).
The 70 MPa hydrogen storage system was developed in collaboration with GM's fuel cell strategic alliance partner, QUANTUM Fuel System Technology Worldwide, Inc., based in Irvine, California, USA.
MA
MCFC fuel cell inaugurated in tyre factory in Germany
HyWeb, 03-02-19: A molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) was put into operation in the Michelin tyre factory in Karlsruhe, Germany (HyWeb, 01-10-05). The system calles "Hot Module" was delivered by DaimlerChrysler subsidiary MTU Friedrichshafen. It has an electric power of 250 kW and additionally delivers 180 kW of 200°C steam used in the tyre vulcanization process of the factory. The fuel cell is fueled with natural gas. The factory works in three shifts per day, thus enabling a favorable continuous operation of the fuel cell.
The operators, a concortium comprised of Michelin, EnBW, Stadtwerke Karlsruhe as well as MTU CFC Solutions, has received a 50% funding from the German federal economics ministry for the 3.6 million Euro project.
VB/MA
Plug Power: 121 fuel cell systems delivered in 2002
HyWeb, 03-02-19: Plug Power delivered 121 fuel cell systems during 2002, developing a fleet that generated approximately 1.6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity in the field (HyWeb, 02-01-30). These systems were installed and have operated in more than 30 customer locations, including 19 U.S. states, Japan, Germany and Brazil. These installations are generating electricity for research facilities, commercial buildings, multi-family homes, seven military bases, two utility substations, two residences, a fire station, three national laboratories and four universities, Plug Power announced in a press release.Some of them were delivered to repeat customers including the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), Kubota, Marubeni, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy and DTE Energy Technologies. Others were delivered to new customers increasing Plug Power's customer base from nine to more than 30.
According to the release, Plug Power operates the world's largest single fleet of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems at LIPA. Additionally, Plug Power broadened installations to LIPA customer sites across its service territory.
MA
New Entegris manufacturing facility for bipolar plates
HyWeb, 03-02-19: End of January, Entegris, Inc., headquartered in Chaska, Minnesota, USA, announced the opening of the Entegris Composite Bipolar Plate Manufacturing Center in Chaska. The new facility will manufacture compression-molded bipolar and monopolar plates for fuel cell applications. Entegris' fuel cell components and services are designed to provide fuel cell system developers with the tools they need to control contamination, improve reliability and lower costs, by incorporating new materials of construction and Entegris' manufacturing expertise.Entegris products and services protect and transport the critical materials that enable the world's leading technologies. Entegris is a leading materials integrity management company providing products and services used from production to consumption in the semiconductor, data storage, chemical processing, pharmaceutical, fuel cell and other key technology-driven industries worldwide. Entegris has manufacturing facilities in the United States, Germany, Japan and Malaysia.
MA
Bush proposes US-$1.2 billion for hydrogen cars
HyWeb, 03-02-10: In his State of the Union Address on January 28, US President Bush proposed a $1.2 billion FreedomCAR and Fuel Initiative to develop the technology needed for commercially viable hydrogen-powered fuel cell cars. The Initiative will invest $720 million in new funding over the next five years to develop the technologies and infrastructure needed to produce, store, and distribute hydrogen for use in fuel cell vehicles and electricity generation. Building on the FreedomCAR Initiative, which was launched in January 2002, President Bush is proposing a total of $1.7 billion over the next five years to develop hydrogen-powered fuel cells, hydrogen infrastructure and advanced automotive technologies.The goal of the initiative is to have hydrogen fuel cell cars commercially available around 2018.
"Tonight I am proposing $1.2 billion in research funding so that America can lead the world in developing clean, hydrogen-powered automobiles."
"A simple chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen generates energy, which can be used to power a car producing only water, not exhaust fumes. With a new national commitment, our scientists and engineers will overcome obstacles to taking these cars from laboratory to showroom so that the first car driven by a child born today could be powered by hydrogen, and pollution-free. Join me in this important innovation to make our air significantly cleaner, and our country much less dependent on foreign sources of energy." - President Bush, State of the Union Address, January 28, 2003.
For more information click www.eere.energy.gov/freedomfuel .
In a speech in Washington, D.C. on February 6, President Bush said more about the advantages of hydrogen and fuel cells as well as about the challenges yet to solve.
"And there's a lot of advantages that I want to explain to the American people about why this initiative makes sense. First, the hydrogen can be produced from domestic sources -- initially, natural gas; eventually, biomass, ethanol, clean coal, or nuclear energy. That's important. If you can produce something yourself, it means you're less dependant upon somebody else to produce it." Furtheron, Bush elaborated on nuclear fusion as a promising source of electricity and hydrogen, noting that he was not sure whether fusion would ever be able to supply cheap energy.
Bush continued by explaining the advantages of using hydrogen: "Hydrogen power is also clean to use. Cars that will run on hydrogen fuel produce only water, not exhaust fumes. Eliminating pollution from cars will obviously make our air healthier. Hydrogen power will dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping this nation take the lead when it comes to tackling the long-term challenges of global climate change."
President Bush subsequently discussed the obstacles to overcome: "There are obstacles to overcome. I wouldn't be proposing this initiative if I didn't think we could overcome the obstacles. We must make hydrogen more plentiful and produce it in the most efficient, cost-effective way. [...] We must lower the cost of fuel cells, so that the automobile can compete [...]. We must increase the capacity of hydrogen storage systems."
"And we put in place the infrastructure to get hydrogen to the consumers. There would be nothing worse than developing a car and having no place for somebody to find the fuel. People aren't going to buy many cars if they can't refuel their car."
"The new effort that we're undertaking with Congress' help is to develop a system for producing and delivering hydrogen fuel so that when the cars are ready, people can fill them up at their convenience. It's a big project because [...] we'll be changing years of habit, years of infrastructure must be replaced by a modern way."
MA
"Only Dr. Markus Hölzle (BASF AG), Helmut Geipel (German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology) and Prof. Dr. Karl Homann (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München) explicitely and fundamentally argued against politics supporting alternative fuels. A new technology must be able to conquer the market without funding, according to the three. In addition it is too early in the development process so that possibly a lot of money would be invested in a wrong decision."
Ulrich Lossen et al., Einflussfaktoren auf den Markterfolg von wasserstoffbetriebenen Fahrzeuge, expert verlag, 2003, ISBN 3-8169-2174-4, page 25 (translation by LBST, see HyWeb, 03-02-10)
Book: Factors influencing the market success of vehicles powered by hydrogen (in German)
HyWeb, 03-02-10: Four graduates of the Bayerische Eliteakademie of Munich, Germany, have analyzed the factors influencing the market success of hydrogen vehicles and published their results in a book in German language. In part one they have interviewed high-level executives in science, industry and society (including politics). In part two they have carried out an Internet survey (among others supported by HyWeb) polling 417 persons. The study builds on earlier work done by the Institut für Mobilitätsforschung, Berlin, Germany, as well as by L-B-Systemtechnik and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (see www.HyWeb.de/accepth2) and was supported by BMW.Both the qualitative analysis of the interviews (see "The topical quotation") and the quantitative analysis of the Internet survey revealed very interesting results partly confirming the intuitively expected, partly disproving the intuition strongly. The high sensitivity of potential customers concerning prices of vehicles and fuel was confirmed. The willingness to pay more for a hydrogen car and for hydrogen fuel is low. Safety concerns, on the other hand, do not play a noticeable role in the assessment of hydrogen cars by the public. Even though the study cannot be regarded as representative as the group surveyed is dominated by "young male academics", it confirms the already mentioned previous studies, which had come to the same result.
The acceptance of potential buyers of the product "hydrogen car" reaches average levels. In addition to the rather low values caused by the high price sensitivity another astonishing result of the study reduces the acceptance level: The study come to the conclusion that the persons interviewed do neither see a personal nor a significant societal advantage in hydrogen cars!
Future analyses should try to find out whether this is a weak point in this investigation, e.g. caused by asking the wrong questions concerning this aspect, or whether this is a trend that can be confirmed.
Altogether, the book is very interesting to read! It is well based on the facts of the investigation, with a rather reduced level of interpretations leaving the reader enough room to come to his/ her own conclusions. And itis well structured with the single parts building well upon each other. The reader will certainly learn new things and will get to know new dimensions to this subject.
Ulrich Lossen et al., Einflussfaktoren auf den Markterfolg von wasserstoffbetriebenen Fahrzeuge, expert verlag, 2003, ISBN 3-8169-2174-4, 28 Euro
MA
TÜV inaugurates hydrogen engine test center in Germany
HyWeb, 03-02-10: On January 31, TÜV Automotive GmbH, Gruppe TÜV Süddeutschland, inauguarted a new test center for car engines and power trains in Garching close to Munich, Germany.
Hydrogen engine test stand; Photo: LBST
TÜV Automotive GmbH is the only service provider in Germany having two test stands for hydrogen internal combustion engines. "The test center has a unique hydrogen infrastructure for tests and investigations of alternative motor and power train concepts. We have set the course for the future with hydrogen technologies," said Dr.-Ing. Peter Hupfer, chairman of the board. Hydrogen engines up to 340 kW of power can be tested in the new test center. For test runs, 25,000 liters of liquid hydrogen are stored in a cryogenic storage vessel. This quantitiy allows for endurance tests around the clock. A comprehensive safety matrix has been developed for the new test benches and the building. The high level safety also allows for testing fuel cells and fuel cell drive trains, according to the TÜV press release.
MA
Hydrogen filling station in Barth operational
HyWeb, 03-02-10: Proton Energy Systems (USA) has delivered a HOGEN® 380 PEM electrolyser for a demonstration and economic development project in the German town of Barth (at the Baltic Sea). The hydrogen filling station of the Hydrogen Initiative Vorpommern is now operational (HyWeb, 02-07-24).
Photo: Proton Energy Systems
Proton Energy Systems has delivered a total of almost 80 HOGEN 380 PEM electrolysis systems so far. The filling stations will supply a fuel cell bus. Proton Motor of Starnberg, Germany, and the technical college of Stralsund, Germany, will equip the bus with a fuel cell and an electric drive train.Close to the filling station, a 97 kW solar power plant feeds clean electricity to the local grid. The oxygen produced in the electrolyser is compressed to 6 MPa (60 bar) and stored for use in the adjacent sewage water treatment facility enhancing its capacity in the touristic summer season. The bus is scheduled to start test operation in summer. The installation inclusing the solar field demonstrate bus operation 100% free of climate changing CO2 emissions.
VB/MA
700 bar storage
DWV, 03-02-10: Under the name Hydrogen 700 Project leading car manufactuers intend to further promote the technology of storing hydrogen gas in vehicles under pressures up to 700 bar. The companies include DaimlerChrysler, Ford, Hyundai, Nissan, PSA Peugeot-Citroën, and Toyota. The Canadian company Powertech Labs of Canada (HyWeb, 02-12-05) and Kokan Drum (Japan) will coordinate the work. The project will comprise a test program the results of which will serve as basis for the international standardization and regulation (ISO TC 197, EIHP) for such storage systems. While the 350 bar storage is already state of the art for natural gas vehicles the jump by 100 % presents a technical challenge. The benefit is the higher energy density in the tank. The project will help to introduce the technology on a broad level.DWV
Japan fuel cell bus project
DWV, 03-02-10: Toyota and its subsidiary Hino Motors Ltd. will take part in a bus experiment in the frame of which buses will circulate the roads of Tokyo in regular service (HyWeb, 02-03-20). The vehicles provided by the companies to the city administration will be used normally from next summer onward. The objective is to collect data on acceleration, consumption, and other operational parameters.DWV
Mini fuel cell from the Ruhr area
DWV, 03-02-10: The company Masterflex (www.masterflex.de) of Herten (North-Rhine Westfalia, Germany) presented a mini fuel cell running on hydrogen with an output of 50 W. The company is specialized on the development and use of polymers for high tech applications in industry and medicine. The know-how is now used for fuel cell systems, and it is expected that the use of new materials will reduce the costs clearly. The state government funded the project with about 580 k€. Experts think that the threshold for economical use will be reached in this market first because there is a great demand for fuel cells which make the operation of laptops, printers, or mobile phones independent of batteries or wall plugs. Masterflex expects to have a serial product in two years. State energy minister Horstmann said that in highly innovative fields as fuel cells and hydrogen he wants to accelerate the technology transfer. „This is the basis that medium sized enterprises create ... innovative products which can compete in the market, so that jobs can be saved and new jobs for the future are created“.DWV
Hydrogen Production from Offshore Windparks
HyWeb, 03-01-29: Offshore windparks represent the future for wind power in Germany. Planning activities are in full swing and the first approval has been issued. Among the many detail problems to be solved is the question of how the weak electricity grid on the North Sea coastline can deal with the huge increase in capacity. Is it at all possible to expand the grid capacity to the level required? After all, it is the goal of the German ministry of the environment to expand the offshore wind power such that the installed capacity is equal to about a third of the total existing nation-wide electrical generating capacity.A parallel question has been raised: Is there a more economical alternative to the electrical connection between offshore windparks and the mainland? In an initial analysis of the technical feasibility and approximate financial costs, LBST tackles this question on behalf of GEO Gesellschaft für Energie und Ökologie mbH, the developer of the biggest planned offshore windpark in the German North Sea.
The topic of the investigation is the production of hydrogen at the offshore windpark itself, the transport of the hydrogen to the mainland and finally the marketing of the Hydrogen. In principle it is possible to convert the hydrogen back to electricity on land but due to the conversion losses this option is only energetically and economically sensible for very special applications. More attractive is the developing market for hydrogen as a fuel for fuel cell cars or for cars with hydrogen combustion engines.
On an offshore platform of the type used in the oil and gas mining industry, the wind generated electricity would be used to produce hydrogen via electrolysis. The water required for the process would be supplied from seawater using a reverse osmosis process. Hydrogen would then either be liquefied for ship transport to land or directly transported in gas form via pipeline.
Concept for an offshore electrolyser platform (picture: LBST)
From a technical feasibility point of view, both options for the hydrogen transport are possible. However the option of a hydrogen pipeline is easier to implement than the shipment of liquid hydrogen. The necessary further development of existing technologies is less in this case of the pipeline (see also LBST Analysis 02-12-18). The financial analysis also favours the pipeline option.
An offshore windpark with 400 MW installed capacity could produce between 23 000 (liquid hydrogen) and 27 000 tonnes (gaseous hydrogen) per year. To put this in perspective: If 2.5% of the German consumption of automotive fuel for 2010 is to be replaced with hydrogen, as proposed in one scenario of the Transport Energy Strategy (TES), the yearly demand for hydrogen would be approximately 500 000 tonnes.
Therefor, with the production of hydrogen a large new market opens up for offshore windparks. At the same time, it offers a possibility to avoid the problem of insufficient electrical grid capacity.
For further reading, consult the "articles/ abstracts" in the "knowledge" section.
MA; translation by zebotec
"The Bush administration’s hydrogen plans include using it to jump-start the moribund nuclear industry.
That’s to be expected from an administration that’s enthusiastic about nuclear power. But it doesn’t change the economic unattractiveness of building any more nuclear plants. You may have noticed that no investors showed up at the American Nuclear Society’s 'Sustaining the Nuclear Revival' conference this year, and there are very good reasons for that. There are at least three technologies abundantly available that beat nuclear plants by a factor of at least three to five in cost, and more are on the way. So this is the future technology that time has passed."Amory B. Lovins, Rocky Mountain Institute, E Magazine, January-February 2003
Ford Model U presented at Detroit Motor Show
HyWeb, 03-01-24: Powered by the world's first supercharged hydrogen internal combustion (2.3-liter) engine, equipped with a hybrid electric transmission, and pioneering green materials and processes, Model U is Ford's vision for the future. Ford calls it the Model T of the 21st century.
Photo: Ford
Model U offers enhanced fuel economy, the equivalent of 45 miles per gallon, and about 300 miles of range plus near-zero regulated emissions. The powertrain also features Ford's advanced Modular Hybrid Transmission System, a way to simplify hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technology in manufacturing, while contributing to significant fuel economy improvements. Hydrogen is stored in 10,000 psi (70 MPa) under-floor storage tanks by Dynetek. Quantum supplied its gaseous fuel injector. The electric motor system can also be used independently, and functions as flywheel, starter and alternator with regenerative braking capability.
In addition to further advanced concepts and technologies, the Model U also features green materials and processes.These were designed for their ecological effects and can go from cradle-to-cradle, instead of staying in typical cradle-to-grave waste streams.
www.h2cars.de - all hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles
MA
Toyota presents Fine S at Detroit Motor Show
HyWeb, 03-01-24: Only a month after giving the first fuel cell vehicles to customers, Toyota has presented a new concept vehicle at the Detroit Motor Show. According to Toyota the "Fine S" is only the start of a whole series of new cars. The propulsion system (fuel cell hybrid) as the basic element is always the same and can be integrated in other vehicles through a very modular approach.
In principle, the features of the Fine S are similar to the GM Hywire concept. A basis with four wheel-mounted electric motors guarantees optimum driving performance. Technical details about the concept vehicle shall be presented in the near future.
www.h2cars.de - all hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles
VB/MA
Daihatsu fuel cell car receives approval for tests
HyWeb, 03-01-24: Daihatsu has received authorization from the Japanese transport minister for tests of its fuel cell powered hybrid MOVE FCV-K2 on public roads. In contrast to other fuel cell cars, the Daihatsu is a mini car.
In spite of its compactness, the fuel cell hybrid includes brake energy recovery. The recovered electricity, just as the fuel cell power, is fed to the nickel metal hydride battery. The car has a compressed hydrogen storage allowing for an autonomy of 120 km; the maximum speed is 105 km/h.
The Move, which has been developed in cooperation with Toyota, will be extensively tested starting during the next days. After that, the market launch is envisaged as soon as possible.
www.h2cars.de - all hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles
VB/MA
US Army tests GM vehicle with fuel cell APU
HyWeb, 03-01-24: The US Army at present tests a diesel-electric hybrid vehicle with additional fuel cell developed in collaboration with GM; Hydrogenics of Canada is a technology partner. The fuel cell powers communication, weapons and sensory equipment. The base vehicle is the Chevrolet Silverado used for "heavy-duty" jobs. The Army buy some 30,000 of such vehicles per year.An Army spokesperson underlined that the Army spends up to $100 per gallon to supply the diesel to the vehicles. Reducing the consumption would save millions of dollars. The fuel cell has additional advantages: Relying on the battery and the fuel cell alone would allow for a fully electric quiet "stealth mode" without heat signature from the engine for a limited time. Furthermore, the fuel cell is an on-board power generator allowing for the supply of electricity wherever the vehicle can drive.
General Motors sees a high cost reduction potential, also for the civil sector, is fuel cells were produced in such numbers as required by the US Army. Competitor DaimlerChrysler has developed a similar vehicle concept including fuel cell APU.
VB/MA
Nippon Oil tests residential fuel cells based on LPG
HyWeb, 03-01-24: Nippon Oil (former Nippon Mitsubishi Oil) has announced to be starting installation and testing of six residential fuel cell systems operated by LPG in Japan in March. Starting in April, a total of 100 additional systems is scheduled for tests until 2005. Commercialization shall commence directly thereafter. The 1 kW (electric) PEM system is a joint development of NiSource, USA, and Ishikawajima-Harima, Japan, under the name Mosaic Energy. The LPG reformer is a Japanese development. The partners have already established manufacturing facilities. If the tests are successful, the systems will also be commercialized in the USA. Independent of this development, the Japanese government has announced fiels tests of residential fuel cell systems in 12 regions of Japan. Commercialization is expected for 2005.VB/MA
Portable hydrogen refueler
HyWeb, 03-01-24: Vandenborre Hydrogen Systems has supplied one H2 IGEN® electrolysis hydrogen generator for integration into a portable hydrogen-refueling system designed by Quantum Fuel Systems Technology Worldwide of Irvine, California, USA.
The fueling station design is a unique approach to deliver the hydrogen at very high pressure. Quantum has delivered the refueler to an unnamed customer.MA
Shanghai-developed hydrogen fuel cell car
HyWeb, 03-01-17: Shanghai Fuel Cell Vehicle Powertrain Co. - which is led by Tongji University, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. and various city departments - spent one year and a 37.9-million-yuan (4.6 million Euro) grant from the Chinese government to develop a hydrogen fuel cell car. The project is one of the country's 12 key scientific projects during the 10th five year plan (2001-2005). Shanghai Executive Vice Mayor Jiang Yiren took the car - called Chao Yue I ("surpass") - for a test drive on the campus of Tongji University.The car is built on the chassis of a Santana 2000 and has a top speed of 110 kilometers per hour.
The government has offered an additional 10 million Euro to help the company develop the technology through 2004. Researchers hope to begin mass production of hydrogen-powered cars in China within the next seven or eight years.
"We lag behind our western counterparts by around 20 years in terms of conventional auto-making, but only five years for hydrogen-powered vehicles," said Sun Zechang, vice director of Clean Energy Automotive Engineering Center at Tongji University, which is in charge of the project, to the Shanghai Daily News.
MA
Hydrogenics acquires Greenlight Power Technologies
HyWeb, 03-01-17: Hydrogenics Corporation of Toronto, Canada, announced that it has acquired Greenlight Power Technologies, Inc., of Burnaby, Canada, its principal competitor in the fuel cell test business, in a transaction valued at approximately $US 19 million. The acquisition will enable Hydrogenics to consolidate its industry-leading position in the fuel cell testing business, while creating additional capacity and aligning dedicated resources to its fast growing fuel cell power products business, according to the Hydrogenics press release. The acquisition combines the number one and number two providers of fuel cell test equipment and testing services and virtually doubles the size of Hydrogenics' test business. Under the terms of the transaction, Greenlight shareholders will receive cash consideration of approximately $US 2.25 million and 4,328,018 Hydrogenics' common shares, representing approximately 8% of Hydrogenics outstanding common shares.MA
IdaTech delivers propane fuel cell system
HyWeb, 03-01-17: IdaTech of Bend, Oregon, USA, has delivered a fully integrated fuel cell system operating on propane to the Propane Education and Research Council as part of a project funded by the Council's grant program which supports the research and development of clean and efficient propane utilization equipment. The objective of the program is to build efficient and effective commercial grade propane-fueled, fuel cell systems that can produce both electric and thermal power.The fuel cell system is built on IdaTech's FCS 1200(TM) platform and incorporates a propane fuel processor capable of reforming propane into greater than 99.9% pure hydrogen. Additionally, the fully integrated system includes the Ballard Nexa(TM) power module, and complete balance-of-plant, all in a compact package.
MA
Stuart Energy to acquire Vandenborre Technologies
HyWeb, 03-01-09: Stuart Energy Systems Corporation of Canada has announced to acquire Vandenborre Technologies NV of Belgium, also active under the name of Vandenborre Hydrogen Systems.Subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, Stuart Energy will pay about CAN-$9.9 million in cash and CAN-$7.3 million of its common shares. The transaction is valued at about CAN-$28 million (US-$18 million) at current share prices.
The companies believe that the merged company would be the undisputed world leader in the provision of onsite, electrolysis-based hydrogen fuelling systems for power generation, vehicles and industrial markets.
MA
Climate Change: Severe floods and storms in Europe, cyclone blows Salomon islands away
HyWeb, 03-01-09: Severe floods and storms have hit Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland at the beginning of the new year. Germany has seen severe floods with record levels on the different large rivers (Rhine, Danube, Elbe, Oder) almost every year since 1995.During last year’s record flood of the Elbe, climate experts still hesitated to see this as a clear sign of climate change as the scientific climate models are not able to describe regional phenomena with satisfactory precision.
In contrast, Munich Re, the largest re-insurance company of the world, has published its latest statistics of damages caused by natural catastrophes, especially storms and floods. The report shows a clear trend to ever increasing levels of extreme weather phenomena and related economic damage. 2002 together with 1998 was the warmest year since the beginning of weather records.
On the other side of the globe, the two Salomon islands Tikopia and Anuta have been blown away by a cyclone with maximum wind speeds of 300 km/h. All trees and human constructions were destroyed. Part of the population has survived in earth caves. Support is still difficult as planes cannot land on the islands.
MA
