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letter of L-B-Systemtechnik GmbH (LBST) and the German Hydrogen Association
(DWV) · 2nd Quarter 2005 – 9th Year
ã L-B-Systemtechnik GmbH
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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
JS - Jörg Schindler, LBST
MA - Matthias Altmann, LBST
PS - Patrick Schmidt, LBST
RW - Reinhold Wurster, LBST
UB - Ulrich Bünger, LBST
VB - Volker Blandow, LBST
WW - Werner Weindorf, LBST
WZ - Werner Zittel, 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
"The European Parliament has strongly backed the Commission’s proposal to double the European R&D budget.
Doubling the R&D budget may seem ambitious.
I believe it is rather modest in light of the challenges we face to preserve our way of life, the broad commitment we have to the Lisbon strategy and the opportunities and needs that lie ahead to realise 'Knowledge Europe'."
Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for Science and Research, 9 June 2005, Opening address at Seminar of Industrial Leaders of European Technology Platforms, Brussels, full speech available at https://www.hfpeurope.org/hfp/jti.
Solar power from space: ESA/LBST publish comparison study
HyWeb, 2005-06-14: The latest study on solar power from space was published these days by ESA's Advanced Technology Concepts Team (ACT) from Noordwijk/Netherlands and the German strategy and technology consultant L-B-Systemtechnik (LBST). The objective of the study is to comparatively assess the concept of space-based solar power generation in the light of the current state and future development of terrestrial solar power systems. For this purpose, LBST led a consortium of specialists from the fields of space technology and terrestrial solar power. Expertise for cost and energy payback calculations was also provided by LBST. Discussions on potential risk issues complement this study.
Image: ESA
In a presentation at the joint terrestrial and space-based solar power conference SPS'04 last June in Granada/Spain, preliminary results of this study were put into the context of a hydrogen economy. This presentation, an executive summary and the full report + annex are online available.
Link: LBST
PS
Germany: Federal cabinet adopts new energy research programme
HyWeb, 2005-06-14: 1st June the German federal cabinet adopted a new energy research programme dubbed "Innovation and New Energy Technologies". Some EUR 1.7 billion are allocated for the years 2005-2008. Besides PV and offshore wind energy, high-priority fields of research are fuel cells, hydrogen and energy storage technologies as well as energy optimized buildings and the energetic utilization of biomass.Link: 5th Energy Research Programme (German only)
PS
Call for entries: International f-cell award
HyWeb, 2005-06-14: For the fifth time now, the annual f-cell award will reward potentially promising technologies in the field of fuel cell technology for mobile, portable and stationary applications. For this, canditates are asked to enter their application – be it core components, whole systems or peripherial components such as refuelling technology – no later than August 1, 2005. All in all 30,000 euros will be awarded to the winners. The f-cell award is an initiative of the Stuttgart Economic Region Development Corporation, the Ministry of Environment Baden-Wuerttemberg in co-operation with DaimlerChrysler AG.
The award ceremony is scheduled to be held at the f-cell Congress on September 26, 2005, in Stuttgart, Germany.Further information: f-cell award
PS
IKEA to test trial Opel HydroGen3
HyWeb, 2005-06-14: The Berlin branch of the popular Swedish furnishing house IKEA has just received a hydrogen powered Opel HydroGen3. The 60 kW fuel cell vehicle is propelled by hydrogen which is stored in liquid phase in a single cryo storage vessel. The fuel cell vehicle will be used by IKEA's technical service team. Two employees were trained in handling the specific features of this car and how to log performance data which is collected for later assessments.
Image: Opel
IKEA's HydroGen3 is part of of the Clean Energy Partnership Berlin (CEP). CEP is a collaboration of the companies Aral, BMW Group, Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), DaimlerChrysler, Ford, GM/Opel, Hydro/GHW, Linde and Vattenfall Europe, supported by the German government.
PS
Hydrogen Highway Norway
HyWeb, 2005-06-14: Norway's Minister of Transport and Communication, Torild Skogsholm, announced May 20 that some NOK 50 million (EUR 6.3 million) is earmarked for testing alternative fuels and environmentally friendly technology. Thereof, some NOK 30.2 million (EUR 3.8 million) is set aside to the HyNor project, a national development endeavor to utilize hydrogen in the Norwegian transport sector. The project's ambition is to build a hydrogen highway between Oslo and Stavanger, develop hydrogen-powered vehicles and establish hydrogen filling stations, between now and 2008.
Image: Hydro
HyNor website: www.hynor.no
PS
Spotlight USA:
California sets greenhouse gas emission reduction targets
HyWeb, 2005-06-14: Contrary to president Georg W. Bush's (Republican) environment politics, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (Republican) established greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets for the state of California. This Schwarzenegger announced at the United Nations World Environment Day earlier this month in San Francisco. "California will continue to be a leader in the fight against global warming and protecting our environment", said Schwarzenegger.
The targets call for a reduction of GHG emissions to 2000 levels by 2010; a reduction of GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020; and a reduction of GHG emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.
"Technologies that reduce GHG emissions are increasingly in demand in the worldwide marketplace," said California Environmental Protection Agency Secretary Alan Lloyd. "California companies investing in these technologies are well placed to benefit from this demand. This will boost California's economy and protect public health and the environment."
Link: Executive Order
PS
USA: Bodman goes biomass as hydrogen source
HyWeb, 2005-06-14: In an initiative to further advance President George W. Bush’s vision for a hydrogen economy, Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman and Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Agriculture (USDA) aimed at the development of hydrogen technologies, particularly the more cost-effective production of hydrogen from biomass resources. This effort is part of the President’s US$ 1.2 billion Hydrogen Fuel Initiative, which aims to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign sources of energy in addition to greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, "Biomass technologies hold great promise for our rural communities and are a promising route to renewable hydrogen production," Secretary Bodman said.Through this MOU DOE and USDA experts will meet regularly to share information on technologies and activities of mutual interest related to reducing the cost of chemically converting biomass to hydrogen. Biomass sources that can be used for hydrogen production include ethanol, crop and forest residues, and dedicated energy crops such as switchgrass or willow.
PS
DOE: 2005 annual program review meeting held
HyWeb, 2005-06-14: Each Spring, US Department of Energy's (DOE) division for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) holds its review meeting for the Hydrogen, Fuel Cells & Infrastructure Technologies Program. This year the meeting took place from May 23-26 in Arlington, Virginia. As usual the posters and presentations give a broad overview over the current state-of-development in the field.
PS
California Hydrogen Highway Blueprint Plan released
HyWeb, 2005-06-14: The California Environmental Protection Agency announced late this May the formal release of the California Hydrogen Highway Network Blueprint Plan (dubbed "CA H2 Net"). It calls for the development of a network of hydrogen stations throughout California to help accelerate the transition to a sustainable hydrogen economy. The first phase of the Blueprint Plan calls for development of up to 100 refueling stations and 2,000 hydrogen vehicles in the state by 2010. There are more than 40 current or planned stations throughout the state of California. A public-private-partnership is the financial approach recommended by the California Environmental Protection Agency. When the three phases of implementation are completed, which will bring an expansion in hydrogen vehicles and stations, the CA H2 Net will enable motorists across the state to refuel zero-emission, hydrogen cars as conveniently as their current gasoline cars.
Blueprint Plan resource page: Ca H2 Net
PS
Technology tie-up between GM and Toyota
HyWeb, 2005-05-17: On a meeting on Sunday, May 15, GM Chief Executive Richard Wagoner and Toyota President Fujio Cho agreed on strengthening their partnership notably in the field of fuel cell technology for automotive applications, major Japanese newspapers reported. Richard Wagoner also met with Toyota Honorary Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda on Saturday to discuss a fuel cell technology tie-up, Kyodo News said. Further details have not been disclosed so far. Stay tuned!PS
Toyota develops 35 MPa and 70 MPa hydrogen pressure storage tanks
HyWeb, 2005-05-17: Toyota Motor Corp. announced on 16th May that it has developed 35 MPa and 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen tanks for use in fuel cell vehicles. Both tanks have been certified by the High Pressure Gas Safety Institute of Japan – the 35 MPa tank in April of last year and the 70 MPa tank this past January. Additionally, this April, the 35 MPa tank met the above institute's technical standard for compressed hydrogen automobile fuel tanks, allowing it to be used for 15 years, compared to three years for previous tanks. Technical details will be disclosed at the 2005 JSAE Annual Congress to be held at Yokohama from May 18.Since setting out to develop fuel cell vehicles, Toyota has been independently developing all major fuel cell system components.
PS
German state of North Rhine-Westaphalia attracts fuel cell businesses
HyWeb, 2005-05-17: During the first months of this year three fuel cell companies have decided to locate their fuel cell activities in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW).
February 2005, US fuel cell manufacturer IdaTech announced to establish its European branch – IdaTech Fuel Cells GmbH – in Herten/NRW, Germany. IdaTech is developing fuel cell systems up to 50 kW. Since autumn 2004, IdaTech LLC is collaborating with German RWE Fuel Cells and BBT Thermotechnik to develop and manufacture fuel cell systems for decentralized power and heat generation.
The German 3M subsidiary in Neuss/NRW announced to establish a lab dedicated to the manufacturing and testing of so-called MEAs (Membrane Electrode Assemblies). MEA is a core component of a fuel cell stack. The company is also involved in a number of actual research projects in the field which inter alia were initiated by the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Network NRW.
Last but not least, Bavaria based fuel cell manufacturer Proton Motor Fuel Cell announced mid of April to open a subsidiary in Herten/NRW, Germany. A spokeswoman of the company said that this is not a mere shift of existing staff, but additional jobs are created in order to expand their business activities. Proton Motor develops low-emission solutions for power production, especially with fuel cell hybrid technologies for commercial vehicles. Together with Still and Linde, Proton Motor participated in the development of a fuel cell fork lift.
Asked for their motivation for chosing NRW, the companies unanimously stated the positive fuel cell environment of industry and research, established contacts to development partners, the clear committment and engagement of the state government through the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Network NRW and the Economic Development Corporation (GfW). Some 300 members are already belonging to the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Network NRW. It was one of the first networks of its kind in Germany and currently celebrates its fifth year of existence. Up to now, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia has supported 54 projects with financial supports of over 50 million euros which resulted in overall investment volumes of some 100 million euros.
PS
Norway: Hydrogen powered Sprinter targeted for commercial fleet operation
HyWeb, 2005-05-17: Mesta, Norway’s state owned road construction and maintenance giant, has ambitious plans of cutting their own carbon dioxide emission by 50 percent by December 2012. The majority of Mesta’s carbon dioxide emissions comes from their vehicle and machine fleet of 17,000 units consuming some 13.5m litres of diesel annually. As a first step, they've put Norway’s first hydrogen vehicle into commercial use beginning of May. The hydrogen car is leased from The Bellona Foundation, which has worked since 2002 to get the vehicle operational, approved and registered for Norwegian road use. The vehicle will function as one of Mesta’s so-called roadmaster vehicles, which are responsible for surveying roads and infrastructure, and the car will frequently patrol the streets of Oslo. The company envisions a steady increase in the amount of hydrogen-powered cars as soon as they become available.
Photos: Bellona/Mesta
The hydrogen powered Mercedes Benz Sprinter is a MB314 series model as of 1999 with an 2.3 liter internal combustion engine. Rated output power is 66 kW. Three compressed gas hydrogen storage bottles (each 115 liters, 200 bar) provide an operating range of 120 km.
PS
Linde to decide on building another hydrogen liquifaction plant
HyWeb, 2005-05-17: Germany based gas supplyer Linde confirmed early this month that plans are made to erect a second hydrogen liquefaction plant. However, a final 'go' decision is still due for May. So far, Linde ownes and operates a hydrogen liquefaction plant in Ingoldstadt, south Germany, mostly to supply the semiconductor industry with high-purity hydrogen. As new location for the second plant Leuna is under consideration, which is situated in the eastern parts of Germany. Neither confirmed nor denied are rumours saying that Linde also plans to establish a dedicated subsidiary in order to bundle its hydrogen activities.PS
Kawasaki Heavy Industries to built LH2 containers
HyWeb, 2005-05-17: Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), a major Japanese heavy machinery manufacturer, announced on January 26, 2005 that it has developed an advanced container for liquid hydrogen that has successfully passed a transportation test on public roads.
Photo: KHI
The newly developed 20-foot (6m) container (6 x 2.4 x 2.6 m) houses a 14.65 cubic meter capacity storage tank. Because the container is designed to reduce heat transfer from the outside and prevent sloshing of liquid hydrogen in the tank, evaporation losses can be reduced to 0.7 percent or less per day. KHI is planning to build a series of container models based on this design that have capacities ranging from 15 to 40 cubic meters. The company also plans to develop containers that can be carried by rail or ship.
Photo: KHI
PS/Japan for Sustainability
Masterflex presents new fuel cell bike model / Demonstration fleet planned for 2005
HyWeb, 2005-05-17: On the occasion of this year's Hannover Industry Fair in Germany, Herten (Germany) based Masterflex AG presented the new version of its fuel cell powered electric bike (see HyWeb archive II/2004). The fuel cell bike was developed in cooperation with Swizzbee AG, situated in Baar/Switzerland. It comprises an electric motor which is powered by a Masterflex fuel cell. According to Masterflex, the fuel cell bike provides an operating range superior to electric bikes which are powered by accumulators. New components and the high reliability of the Masterflex fuel cell makes the bike fit for daily use.Mastflex plans to release the first demonstration fleet already this year.
Jürgen Trittin, German Minister for Environment, testing the fuel cell bike at the Hannover Industry Fair.
Photos: Masterflex
In January 2005, Masterflex announced the joint development of so-called 'Cargobikes' in cooperation with Berlin/Germany based Hawk Bikes.
Axel Horstmann (right), Minister for Transport and Energy of North-Rhine Westphalia at the Hannover Industry Fair 2005
Photo: Masterflex
The hydrogen is stored in pressure vessels manufactured by Dynetek, Canada/Germany. Dynetek currently develops an appropriate refueling system. The hydrogen pressure vessel consists of aluminum wrapped with carbon fibre. A single vessel has a volume of 2 liters, equivalent to the storage of 90 grammes of hydrogen. As reported from Masterflex, this suffices for an operating range of 250 km.
PS
Canada: Automobile Industry and government agree on climate change action
HyWeb, 2005-05-17: An agreement on climate change action was signed by the Government of Canada and the Canadian automobile industry on 5th April. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), automobile manufacturers voluntarily agree to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from new vehicles in Canada so that by 2010, annual emissions reductions will reach 5.3 megatonnes compared to a 'business-as-usual' reference scenario as agreed by both parties.The MOU was signed by the Minister of Natural Resources Canada, the Chair of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association, and the Chair of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada. All major companies of Canada's automobile industry are part of the MOU.
To achieve the Government's GHG-reduction objective for the sector, the Canadian automobile industry will offer and promote a wide variety of fuel-saving vehicle technologies, including hybrid powertrains, cylinder deactivation technology, advanced diesel technology, and emerging technologies. The industry will continue to pursue design and engineering improvements without compromising vehicle-occupant safety, while also bringing forward technologies that promote more fuel-efficient driving behaviour. The industry will continue work with the Government and fuel providers to ensure that appropriate fuels, including alternate fuels, are available.
A key component of this agreement is the joint government-industry monitoring of annual industry performance against projected interim GHG reduction goals to ensure progress.
Downloads:
- Memorandum of Understanding Between Government of Canada and the Auto Industry on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2010
- The Government of Canada's Voluntary Agreements with the Automotive Industry
PS
"[...] we must confront the reality of the energy challenge – oil production will peak relatively soon; energy demand is growing – the equation cannot continue to balance. There are already indications that all is not well on the energy front. We urgently need to develop alternative, clean energy sources and converters to mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions and Europe’s growing dependency on imported fuels. [...]
When applied 'intelligently' hydrogen and fuel cells have outstanding environmental and economic potential."
Janez Potocnik, European Science and Research Commissioner, speech at the HFP Annual Event (www.HFPeurope.org), Brussels, Belgium, 17 March 2005
HFP Annual Event successful forum for decision makers
The European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform gathers more than 500 experts and high-level executives – platform delivers Strategic Research Agenda and Deployment Strategy – vehicle drive & ride provides hands-on experienceHyWeb, 2005-04-05: On March 17 and 18, the Second Annual Event of the European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform gathered more than 500 experts and high-level executives discussing the development and deployment of hydrogen and fuel cells for carrying and converting energy cleanly. The Strategic Research Agenda and Deployment Strategy foundation documents of the HFP were presented and debated, receiving strong support from the stakeholders.
European Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik opening the HFP Annual Event: “It is crucial that we use this unique opportunity to work together to make the Technology Platform a success, to build the basis for Public-Private-Partnership, and at the right moment go forward to implement a Joint Technology Initiative. [...] It is time for industry to step up its commitment. The research community needs to create knowledge. The Union needs to foster a favourable political environment and when commerce sees all these elements in place, the real money will flow. I pledge my support and count on you all to help make it happen.”
The two foundation documents propose a highly focused, ten year research, development and deployment programme required to acquire world-class technology to:
- reduce fuel cell system costs by a factor 10 (up to 100 for transport applications);
- enhance the performance and durability of today’s fuel cell systems by a factor of 2 or more for the various applications;
- reduce the costs of hydrogen delivered (compared to today’s fossil based carriers) by a factor of 3 or more;
- and to achieve competitive hydrogen storage densities consistent with vehicle operating range and design requirements.
Jeremy Bentham, Chairman of the HFP Advisory Council: “It is crucial that the cumulative RTD spending, including from a European JTI [Joint Technology Initiative], the member states and regions at least matches current RTD funding levels of major global competitors – especially the USA and Japan – corresponding to at least €250m /year meaning at least doubling the present effort. The JTI would be a unique opportunity to co-ordinate/ leverage funding from various sources, possibly including structured loans, for some specific demonstrations linked to early niche markets.”
European Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik driving a fuel cell car at the HFP Annual Event drive & ride; photo: blueclic.comCommissioner Potocnik was among the first to drive a fuel cell car at the accompanying drive & ride and exhibition. 31 Companies and research institutes from across Europe exhibited their hydrogen and fuel cell products and services. Four fuel cell cars took the participants around the exhibition location in the drive & ride. Two fuel cell buses shuttled the participants from the conference venue to the exhibition. During the conference programme, the exhibition was open to the general public. The organisers and the exhibitors were overwhelmed by the large number of interested visitors, among them many school and university students.
Fuel cell vehicles at the HFP Annual Event drive & ride; photo: blueclic.comThe participants from industry, finance, research, politics and civil society made the HFP Annual Event a successful forum for information gathering and networking.
Jeremy Bentham: “One thing’s for sure – nothing remains static in the fast moving world of hydrogen and fuel cell technology.”
The speeches and presentations given at the HFP Annual Event, photos from the conference and exhibition as well as the Strategic Research Agenda and Deployment Strategy foundation documents are available at the HFP website under www.HFPeurope.org.
MA
DWV study published: Signposts on the way to hydrogen fuel
DWV, 2005-04-05: Two things are necessary to introduce hydrogen as zero emission fuel into road traffic: corresponding vehicles and filling stations to serve them. Last year the German Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association made a study to support the installation of the infrastructure. It addresses questions such as:
- What is the typical hydrogen consumption of a car?
- How many filling stations of which size are necessary in the major cities and elsewhere?
- Which methods for generation, delivery, and storage are useful under which conditions?
- Which is the political framework for all this?
- Which codes and regulations are to be observed, and which of them need further development?
- What will this mean for the industry?
The part of the study which deals with the fundamental matters was at first circulated among DWV members only. Now we make it available for the general public. It can be downloaded here from the DWV website (in German, PDF file, 937 kB). Pprinted copies are available on request from DWV.
Initially the study was to comprise five work packages. But both in Germany and in Europe projects of similar character have been started which are supported by industry and politics (in particular the European Commission). In order to avoid duplication of the work DWV has decided to let the own work come to an end with the completion of the fundamental part and to support the other projects by the participation of its experts.
Published by the German Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (DWV), Berlin
Editor: Dr. Ulrich Schmidtchen, BerlinDWV
Honda to lease fuel cell vehicles to individual customers presumably this year
HyWeb, 2005-04-05: "This year [...] we plan to put the FCX in the hands of an individual customer for the first time in history", Honda Motor Co. Ltd. president and CEO Takeo Fukui said on the occasion of this year's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). This was a major milestone in the further commercialization of fuel cell vehicles. Honda would be the first automaker to do so.PS
US Secretary of energy signs agreement for four major hydrogen projects
HyWeb, 2005-04-05: In support of President Bush's Hydrogen Fuel Initiative, the Department of Energy has committed $190 million to four test projects that will place fuel cell vehicles on the roads in real world driving conditions.In the cost-sharing plan, the four project leaders DaimlerChrysler, Ford, GM and ChevronTexaco are financing the other half to complement the $380 million for the five-year trials. Representatives from the companies signed "recognition agreements" with the energy department on March 30, kicking off another phase of research and investment since US president George W. Bush announced a $1.2 billion progam in 2003.
ChevronTexaco is working with Hyundai and UTC Fuel Cells as part of the program to test hydrogen production and refueling methods.
DaimlerChrysler has committed $70 million to the program, in which it will operate its F-Cell and Sprinter hydrogen-powered vehicles. Together with BP America, they will test Ballard Corp. fuel cells in hot climates like Sacramento and cold climates like Detroit.
Ford Motor Co. and BP America is going to test Ballard fuel cells in Detroit, Orlando, and California, in addition to trying different hydrogen production options.
General Motors is spending $44-million to deploy a 40-vehicle demonstration fleets in Washington D.C., New York, California and Michigan. Shell Hydrogen is working with GM by setting up five hydrogen refueling stations in Washington, DC., New York City, in California, and between Washington D.C. and New York.
As part of the "learning demonstration" agreement signed with the government, all four teams will collect and share data with the energy department.
PS
Victory for HydroGen3 in the fuel cell vehicle class at "Monte" Debut
HyWeb, 2005-04-05: The HydroGen3 took first place in the fuel cell class at the “Rallye Monte Carlo Fuel Cell and Hybrid”. In the overall standings the hydrogen-powered Opel Zafira was third (93.54 points), following two hybrid cars and clearly ahead of the fuel cell vehicles Hyundai Tucson (163.54 pts.), Fiat Seicento (400.65 pts.) and Mercedes A Class (932.47 pts.). A total of 13 cars started the Rallye, five of which were powered by trend-setting fuel cell technology. Heinz-Harald Frentzen – a famous German racing champion – was driving the HydroGen3.
Photo: Opel/GM
PS
Nissan develops first in-house fuel cell stack and high-pressure hydrogen storage system
HyWeb, 2005-04-05: Nissan Motor has announced that is has designed and developed its first in-house fuel cell stack, as well as a new high-pressure hydrogen storage system. The new technologies improve the performance required of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), including acceleration and driving range.Nissan's fuel cell stack adopts a newly developed thin separator and bipolar plate that narrows the cell pitch by 40% compared with Nissan's previous stack which was provided by an outside supplier. At the same time, the plumbing components inside the stack case have been integrated, and the peripheral control devices have been built into the case to achieve a substantial reduction of size and improvement of performance. As a result, Nissan has succeeded in increasing power output while achieving a more compact design than the previous stack. Nissan's new stack can be reduced in volume to approximately 60% of the previous stack while providing the same level of power.
The new high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder is made of an inner aluminum liner and an outer shell of several wound layers of a high-strength, high-elasticity carbon fiber. The winding pattern of the sting-like carbon fiber has been optimally designed to achieve high strength for withstanding 70 MPa of pressure. The storage system has been certified by the High Pressure Gas Safety Institute of Japan (KHK) as a 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder.
Nissan and Renault jointly develop fuel cells (HyWeb, 2000-12-05). Renault currently holds 44.4% in Nissan shares and Nissan holds a 15% stake in Renault.
PS
Worldwide HydrogenAmbassadors Competition for young people: "Implementing Hydrogen and Fuel Cells into the Real World"
HyWeb, 2005-04-05: The competition is launched by Arno A. Evers FAIR-PR, at the HANNOVER FAIR 2005, group exhibit hydrogen and fuel cells, April 11-15, in Germany.Four Winner teams win free booths to display their ideas during HANNOVER FAIR 2006, April 24-28.
A unique worldwide competition for four age groups (ages as at April 28, 2006):
- HydrogenAmbassadors 11-15 years old
- HydrogenAmbassadors 16-20 years old
- HydrogenAmbassadors 21-25 years old
- HydrogenAmbassadors 26 years and above
This unique Competition is open for young people from all over the world, who are interested in the implementation of Hydrogen and Fuel Cells into the real world. The winning teams can exhibit their ideas at the worldwide biggest and most international Group Exhibit on Hydrogen and Fuel Cells at the annual HANNOVER FAIR`06, April 24-28 in Germany at their own free booth. This will be their price, together with accompanying program during the week. Here the winner teams can make contacts with 300-400 international high ranking representatives from the exhibitors of the H2/FC Group Exhibit.
This is an opportunity for young people to show the world their advanced thinking for the commercialisation of Hydrogen and Fuel Cells. Additionally all winner teams have the opportunity to find internships and/or a new job with one of the exhibiting companies.More information at www.fair-pr.com/hydrogenambassadors/index.php.
MA
