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The news letter of HyWeb and the German Hydrogen Association (DWV) · 4th Quarter 2002 – 6th Year ã L-B-Systemtechnik GmbH
Interesting Projects HyNet - the European Thematic Network on Hydrogen European Integrated Hydrogen Project - EIHP
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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
CCG - Climate Change - Gazette
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
Climate Change - Gazette climate change issues from politics, science and industry
Monthly Technology Updates by Fuel Cells 2000
LBST Study: Climate gas emissions of passenger cars propulsion systems and fuels
HyWeb, 02-12-20: L-B-Systemtechnik of Ottobrunn, Germany, has assessed the reduction potential of greenhouse gas emissions from the passenger car sector through advanced conventional and alternative propulsion systems and fuels in Germany. The study (written in German language) has been done for the Bavarian State Ministry for Country Development and Environmental Questions.An extended summary of the study is available in English language under www.lbst.de/propulsion.
MA
GM and FedEx Express Announce first commercial test of a fuel cell vehicle in Japan
HyWeb, 02-12-18: Federal Express Corporation and General Motors Corp yesterday announced a joint program to advance fuel cell technology by conducting the first commercial test of a fuel cell vehicle in Japan.
FedEx Express will participate in GM's HydroGen3 fuel cell testing program for one year by operating the HydroGen3 on its normal delivery schedules in the Tokyo area from June 2003 to June 2004. GM's HydroGen3 is the first fuel cell vehicle fueled with liquid hydrogen to run on public roads in Japan.
MA
Opel presents HydroGen3
HyWeb, 02-12-18: In sunny Monaco in early December, Opel has presented two new fuel cell cars of the HydroGen series. Just as the predecessors, the two new vehicles are based on the Zafira van. The difference bewteen the two cars is in the hydrogen storage concept. HydroGen3 „liquid“ has a 68 liter tank liquid hydrogen (4.6 kg) allowing for an autonomy of 400 km. HydroGen3 „compressed“ has a 77.4 liter tank for compressed gaseous hydrogen at a pressure level of 70 MPa (700 bar or 10,000 psi) allowing for an autonomy of 270 km.
For more information on the cars click www.h2cars.de.
VB/MA
Nissan presents production ready fuel cell car
HyWeb, 02-12-18: Shortly after the delivery of the first commercial fuel cell vehicles to customers by Toyota and Honda, Nissan presented a first commercially viable fuel cell car X-Trail FCV3. It has just recently recieved its operating permit from the Japanese government.
Before selling the car, Nissan intends to optimize the system. The first vehicles will presumably be given to customers early in 2003.
For more information on the car click www.h2cars.de.
VB/MA
Honda and Toyota deliver first fuel cell cars to customers
HyWeb, 02-12-18: December 2, 2002 is an important date for the car world: In the presence of the Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, the presidents of Honda and Toyota gave the world-wide first commercial fuel cell cars to the customers. After a first test drive, Koizumi was impressed by the good performance and the low noise levels of the cars. He expressed his hope that these vehicles would go into volume production soon.
At present, leasing fuel cell cars costs some 6500 Euro (Honda) or 9500 Euro (Toyota) per month for 30 months. The first users are Japanese ministries, the next vehicles will be delivered to the government of California, USA. Both Toyota and Honda will give 30 cars to these initial customers. In Japan, hydrogen filling stations are planned for at least 9 locations. The 350 km autonomy of the cars together with the filling station network allow for a comfortable driving area.
Technical data of the vehicles are to be found under www.h2cars.de.
VB/MA
Photos of the ceremony in Japan:
Hydrogen Pipelines
HyWeb, 02-12-18: Hydrogen transport over distances of up to several hundred kilometers using high pressure pipelines is a well tested process dating back over 50 years.Two such pipeline systems are to be found in Germany. One in the Ruhr region operated by Air Liquide and the other one in the Leuna-Bitterfeld-Wolfen industrial area, operated by Linde.
The Air Liquide pipeline has been in service since 1938, it is 215 km long and has pipe diameters in the range 168 – 273 mm. The operating pressure is up to 3 MPa (30 bar). There have been no significant accidents throughout the entire operation period. The hydrogen for the pipeline is supplied by various industrial sources, mainly from the chemical, specifically chlorine, industry.
Hydrogen for the 100 km pipeline in Leuna is produced almost entirely by a single natural gas reformer with a capacity of 35 000 Nm³/h (presently being expanded). Additional hydrogen is supplied by chemical manufacturers from the Bitterfeld region.
Photo: Hydrogen-Pipeline in Leuna (Foto: Linde)
Since 1966 in northern France, Belgium and the Netherlands, Air Liquide has been operating a 330 km H2-Pipeline system at pressures of 6.5 – 10 MPa.
Pipelines with a total length of 370 km are to be found in the USA and Canada. Further pipelines exist in Brasil, Thailand, Great Britain, Sweden and South Africa.
The worldwide total length of hydrogen pipelines in service is about 1100 km. In addition to these pipelines for gaseous hydrogen, pipelines for cryogenic liquid hydrogen can be found in the USA. This liquid hydrogen is used as Spaceshuttle fuel.
All of these distribution systems for pressurized hydrogen are operated at ambient temperature and with dry gas at a very high level of safety. This experience alone does not automatically lead to a future of widespread high pressure hydrogen distribution networks. However, combined with the gathered experience from the natural gas distribution industry, it does form a solid foundation for the future of hydrogen distribution systems.
Japan is presently in the planning phase for a high pressure long distance pipeline through Russia and China. In the initial phase the pipeline is to be operated with natural gas.
MA; translation by zebotec
LBST celebrates 20th anniversary
HyWeb, 02-12-09: Exactly 20 years ago, the predecessor of L-B-Systemtechnik GmbH (LBST) was established legally under the name EAT-Systemtechnik GmbH. This name changed to Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik GmbH a few years later.Half a year after Dr. Ludwig Bölkow, founder and owner of LBST and German aerospace industry and hydrogen pioneer, celebrated his 90th birthday (HyWeb, 02-07-25), LBST celebrates this remarkable birthday in the hydrogen business.
During the past 20 years, LBST has developed from a non-for-profit think tank of three employees to a commercial strategy and technology consultant for sustainable energy and transport systems with a staff of about 15 experts. In 1998 this was formally acknowledged by transferring the staff and the business activities from the non-profit Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik to the commercial L-B-Systemtechnik.
From the very beginning, hydrogen was a key element of LBST’s work. In the early 1990ies, LBST started to work on fuel cells.
LBST has gained a world-wide reputation as consultant to industry, politics and non-governmental organizations. Most remarkable is the personal commitment and the long experience of the LBST experts. The longest serving colleague, Reinhold Wurster, joined LBST 18 years ago, with half of all colleagues serving 10 years and more.
Among the customers of LBST are the large, multinational car manufacturers, leading multinational energy companies, industrial gas suppliers, innovative small and medium-size enterprises, fuel cell developers and other technology companies. LBST serves as consultant to the European Commission, to the German Federal Government, to the German Federal Parliament, to governments of various German Federal States as well as to the Japanese WE-NET.
Guided by a technology orientation, LBST is committed to offer the best possible consultancy services to our customers supporting them to increase their profitability with sustainable products and services in a sustainable economy. Expertise, experience, reliability and personal commitment are the key qualities of LBST.
"Because of basic problems and tendencies the world will change fundamentally during the next generation. LBST is committed to support the development of sustainable products and services capable of contributing to the solution of these products, providing its expertise and experience to the relevant players in society," emphasizes Dr. Ludwig Bölkow, founder of LBST.
A detailed description of the history of the LBST can be found in a speech of the managing director of LBST Joerg Schindler. This speech was held at the 90th birthday celebration of Dr. Ludwig Bölkow in summer 2002.
Some of the highlights of the past 20 years of LBST activities are the following:
- Book "Decision for a long-term energy policy" ("Entscheidungen für eine langfristige Energiepolitik"; in German language) (1982), www.HyWeb.de/Wissen/pdf/BoBuch1982.pdf
- Initiation and development of the Solar Hydrogen Bavaria Project (Solar-Wasserstoff-Bayern) (1986 - 1990)
- Implementation of the Solar Hydrogen System at the Agricultural College of Triesdorf, Bavaria (1986 - 1990)
- Study "Economies of Scale in Photovoltaics – Stage 1: Manufacturing of multi-crystalline solar cells and their application in solar power plants" (1988) for the German Federal Ministry of Research and Technology
- Project management and monitoring of the Euro-Québec Hydro-Hydrogen Pilot Project – EQHHPP (1989 - 2000) with the participation of 80 companies and research institutes from 7 European countries and Canada
- Contributions to the Enquête Commission of the German Federal Parliament "Protection of the Earth’s Atmosphere" (1989 - 1990) in the areas of wind energy, photovoltaics and methane emissions
- "Conditions and Consequences of Development Strategies for a Solar-Hydrogen-Economy" (1990) and Investigation of the "Opportunities and risks in the increased use of hydrogen" (1992) for the German Federal Parliament
- NHEG – Norwegian Hydro Energy in Germany – A study investigating a closed circuit hydrogen transportation system between Norway and Germany (1990)
- Feasibility study for the limited use of H2 in the service area of the Munich power and gas utility – H2-Project (1991 - 1993) for the Munich power and gas utility and the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Transport and Technology
- Study "Progressive Ultra Low Emission Traction Concepts for Urban Buses and Distribution Vehicles – Stage I: Analysis, Evaluation and Proposal for a Pilot Project" for the German Federal Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Technology in cooperation with German industry (1993 - 1996)
- Bavarian Fuel Cell Bus: feasibility study and project coordination (1994 - 2000), www.fuelcellbus.com, for Linde, MAN, Siemens and the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Transport and Technology
- Study "Solarfactory '96 – Economic Data for the Building of a Photovoltaic Factory with a Yearly Output of 5 and 20 MWp, respectively" (1995) for Greenpeace Germany
- Founding member of the German Hydrogen Association (Deutscher Wasserstoff-Verband) (since 1996)
- HyWeb – the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Information System in the Internet (since 1997), www.HyWeb.de
- Analysis of potentials and boundary conditions of residential and small commercial fuel cell systems in Germany and Berlin (1998 - 1999) for the German Federal Parliament and Industry
- Techno-economic and ecological consultancy to the German Transport Energy Strategy – TES (1998 - 2000)
- Various studies for the Japanese WE-NET – World Energy Network using Hydrogen (1998 - 2002)
- Coordination of the European Integrated Hydrogen Project – EIHP (1998 - 2004), www.eihp.org
- "Fossil Energy-Reserves (Oil and Gas) and a Possible Supply-Shortage from a European Perspective" (2000) for the German Parliament; Internet presentation of fossil resource constraints under www.energiekrise.de (in German language; since 1999)
- Study "Comparison of different propulsion systems in the private transport in terms of energy saving and reduction of greenhouse gases" (2001 - 2002) for the Bavarian State Ministry for State Planning and Environmental Affairs
- Well-to-Wheel Analysis of Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Advanced Fuel/Vehicle Systems – A European Study (2001 – 2002), for General Motors in collaboration with BP, ExxonMobil, Shell and TotalFinaElf, www.lbst.de/gm-wtw
- Coordination and secretariat of HyNet – European Hydrogen Thematic Network (2002 - 2004), www.hynet.info
- Participation in FCSHIP – Fuel Cell technology for SHIPs (2002 - 2004)
- A large number of studies for industry.
LBST will continue to support industry, politics and other relevant groups in society to build a sustainable world!
MA
Powertech Labs: 70 MPa hydrogen filling station operational
HyWeb, 02-12-05: Powertech Labs, together with its parent company BC Hydro of Canada has put into operation a compressed hydrogen filling station for the fast-filling of hydrogen-powered vehicles to a 70 MPA (700 bar or approx. 10,000 psi) pressure. Hydrogen at the station is generated by an electrolyzer, compressed and stored in cylinders at 87.5 MPa. This allows for the rapid filling (within minutes) of vehicles with 70 MPa fuel systems. This station is one of the world’s first facilities with a 70 MPa fast-filling capability.
Photo: Powertech
The facility is part of a US$2.3 M project, titled the Compressed Hydrogen Infrastructure Program or CH2IP, that demonstrates the technical feasibility, economics and safety of using compressed hydrogen as a vehicle fuel. This hydrogen infrastructure demonstration project at Powertech is supported by a consortium of hydrogen industry leaders, including BOC, BP, ChevronTexaco, Dynetek Industries, ENRG, Fuel Cells Canada, Shell Hydrogen, Stuart Energy, and the governments of British Columbia and Canada.
The fast-fill station is currently being used to assist in the development of 70 MPa fuel systems for hydrogen-powered vehicles.
A formal opening of the complete hydrogen facility will be held in Spring 2003.
MA
Hydrogen storage in Lithium Nitride
DWV, 02-12-05: Lithium nitride is a new member in the group of chemical compounds which might be suitable as a hydrogen storage medium. A group at the University of Singapore found that Li3N can take up more than 9 % hydrogen, albeit at temperatures around 255 °C. One Li3N molecule binds an average of more than three hydrogen atoms. Depending on ambient pressure and temperature the compound releases the hydrogen again. The working temperature of 255 °C is of course too high for most practical purposes. The researchers aim at improving the material such that it works at moderate temperatures as well.The same group had reported in 1999 to have found hydrogen storage factors up to 20 % in carbon nanostructures. Later investigatio showed, however, that the weight increase of the samples was mainly due to the uptake of atmospherical humidity.
P. Chen, Z. Xiong, J. Luo, J. Lin, K. L. Tan: „Interaction of hydrogen with metal nitrides and imides", Nature 420 (2002) 302-4
DWV
ExxonMobil announces $100 million investment in greenhouse gas reduction research
HyWeb, 02-11-29: On November 20, ExxonMobil Corporation announced its plans to invest US-$100 million in a groundbreaking Stanford University project dedicated to researching new options for commercially viable, technological systems for energy supply and use which have the capability to substantially reduce greenhouse emissions.The Global Climate and Energy Project (G-CEP) will be led by Stanford University and involve world-renowned academic research institutions and global companies, including ExxonMobil, General Electric and Schlumberger. E.ON, Europe's largest privately owned energy service provider, has also signaled its intention to join the project along with anticipated other academic and corporate sponsors from around the globe.
The announcement of the project comes as some scientists have begun calling for a research effort as ambitious as the Apollo project to address both energy needs and emission reductions according to the Exxon Mobil press release. According to the General Electric press release on this subject, recent reports from scientists have stressed the need for immediate research in alternative energy sources to avoid an extremely serious energy shortage in the future.
On November 21, Elissa Sterry, ExxonMobil Corp.'s manager of economics and energy, said that fossil fuels, not alternatives, will meet the world's growing demand for energy in the next two decades according to a Dow Jones Business News story. Oil and gas would remain the dominant sources of energy as economic growth spurs burgeoning demand, especially in the developing world, he went on.
MA
Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Exhibition in Milan, Italy
HyWeb, 02-11-29: The first Italian fair and conference entirely dedicated to hydrogen, IDROGENO & FUEL CELLS 2003, is to be launched in the city of Milan in the north of Italy on Feburary 19 to 23, 2003. Milan is the capital of the province of Lombardy, one of the leading industrial regions in Europe. Lombardy suffers from frequent and long-lasting air pollution problems. This has caused the government of Lombardy to consider drastic measures such as prohibiting the sale of gasoline and diesel cars (HyWeb, 02-02-05).For more information click www.idrogenoexpo.com
MA
Norwegian Environmental Foundation Bellona publishes Hydrogen Report
HyWeb, 02-11-28: With its experience in environmental activism at the grassroots level and in being a promoter for technological solutions, the Norwegian Bellona Foundation, established in 1986, recently published a hydrogen report.In a global perspective, hydrogen as an energy carrier will be of central importance in diminishing the greenhouse effect and local pollution, according to Bellona. It is the hope of Bellona that Report 6:02, "Hydrogen – Status and possibilities" will stimulate readers to accept hydrogen technology as a major part of the future's sustainable energy system.
The report is available online under www.bellona.no/en/energy/hydrogen/report_6-2002/index.html.
MA
Dynetek announces new Valve Division
HyWeb, 02-11-28: Dynetek Industries Ltd. of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, announced that it has formed a new valve division."These products to be developed will be focused directly on our compressed hydrogen market", said Robb Thompson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dynetek. "Our customers and partners want a regulator and valve solution operating with a 70 MPa (10000 psi or 700 bar) cylinder the same way as today's solutions operate at lower pressures."
Dynetek previously acquired the valve technology (including tangible assets, patents and patents pending) for approximately (US) $1.5 million. After the commissioning of the highly sophisticated assets and related technology and the hiring of qualified individuals, the new valve division has now commenced research and development activities.
MA
Amerada Hess buys Nuvera share formerly owned by Arthur D. Little
HyWeb, 02-11-28: Nuvera Fuel Cells, Inc., announced that Amerada Hess, New York, USA, has purchased the ownership interest in Nuvera held by Dehon, Inc., the surviving entity of the former Arthur D. Little, Inc. By virtue of the purchase, Amerada Hess increased its ownership stake to 53% of Nuvera’s outstanding shares. The remaining Nuvera shares are held by Gruppo DeNora, of Milan, Italy.MA
Las Vegas hydrogen station inaugurated
HyWeb, 02-11-21: An important step toward developing infrastructure to enable the United States to progress to a hydrogen economy was taken today in Las Vegas, Nevada. The world's first hydrogen energy station featuring the co-production of hydrogen fuel and electric power was formally dedicated and is operational, generating hydrogen on-site that is utilized both to fuel vehicles and produce electricity. The project, a public-private partnership between the United States Department of Energy (DOE), the City of Las Vegas, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. and Plug Power, Inc. will serve as a commercial demonstration of hydrogen as a safe and clean energy alternative.
Photo: Air Products
The Energy Station's hydrogen generator produces hydrogen through the reforming of natural gas. This hydrogen is supplied to both vehicles and the PEM fuel cell. The energy station is capable of dispensing fuel for both hydrogen vehicles and blended CNG/H2 (compressed natural gas/hydrogen) vehicles from separate dispensers. The electrical output from the 50-kilowatt fuel cell is supplied to the Las Vegas electrical grid system for general consumer use.
The $10.8 million, five-year demonstration project included the base research and development of new technology required for the manufacturing and installation of the physical equipment at the Energy Station.
MA
Associación Española del Hidrógeno (Spanish Hydrogen Association) [AeH2]
HyWeb, 02-11-15: On November 8th, in Madrid in the framework of the science week (Semana de la Ciencia) the successful conference on the presentation of the AeH2 took place. The introductory speeches were held by Pedro Meroño, president of the national energy commission, and by Isabel Monreal Palomino, director of the Institute for Diversification and Saving of Energy (Instituto para la Diversificación y el Ahorro de la Energía - IDAE). The morning of presentations was structured in two sessions.
The first session (10:00 – 11:20) was moderated by Antonio Luis Iglesias Martín, deputy general director for energy planning of the Ministry of Economics. The presenters were: Antonio González García-Conde, INTA ‘‚The Spanish Hydrogen Association‘), Angel Perez Sainz, Head of Unit ‘Energy Conversion and Transport Systems’, DG Research of the European Commission (‘Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the 6th Framework Programme‘) and Reinhold Wurster, LBST (‘Situation of and Expectations on Hydrogen in the Automotive Sector: A Challenge for Europe‘; download 2.3 MB pdf; partly in Spanish language).
The second session (12:00 – 13:45) was presided by Juan Antonio Alonso, director of funding at IDAE. The presenters were: Rafael Luque Berruezo, director of ARIEMA (‘Hydrogen and Fuel Cells: present situation and perspectives; technical, economic and financial aspects‘), Javier Brey Sánchez, GREENCELL (RES2H2: Integration of Renewable Energies – Hydrogen‘), Guillermo Wolff, Repsol YPF, and Angel Sáez, Air Liquide España (‘Hydrogen Refuelling Stations‘), Miguel Fraile Gallo, IRISBUS-IVECO (‘The Project CITYCELL: A Challenge for the Transport of the Future‘) and Alberto Vegas Serrano, INTA (‚FIRST: Applications in Remote Telecommunications Systems‘).
A clsoing round of discussions (13:45-14:15) was held with the audience. The number of conference participants was estimated at about 300.
The AeH2 already starts with a powerful and impressive industrial and institutional membership consisting of Air Liquide, Ajusa, Aragonesas, Ariema, BP España, CEPSA, David FCC, Energía Hidroeléctrica de Navarra, Elcogas, Empresarios Agrupados, Endesa Generación, Gas Natural, Greencell, Index, Irisbus, Isofoton, Lomjas, Praxair, and Repsol YPF.
More information about AeH2 (in Spanish language): www.aeh2.org.
RW
Plug Power to buy H Power
HyWeb, 02-11-15: Plug Power Inc. and H Power Corp. announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Plug Power would acquire H Power in a stock-for-stock exchange valued at approximately $50.7 million. The two companies believe that the combination of these two leaders in the PEM fuel cell industry will create a stronger company that is better positioned to achieve long term commercial and financial success in this promising new industry.Under the terms of the agreement, unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of each company, the exchange ratio is initially set at approximately eight-tenths of a share of Plug Power for each H Power share. Based on this initial exchange ratio, H Power shareholders would receive Plug Power common shares equaling approximately $4.70 per share for each H Power share.
After closing, Plug Power plans to work quickly to streamline the business and eliminate redundant operations. As part of the post-closing integration of the combined business, it is anticipated that all operations will be consolidated into Plug Power's headquarters, located in Latham, N.Y. Certain of H Power's distribution and partnership agreements, including that with Energy Co-Opportunity, Inc. ("ECO") and its affiliates, will be terminated upon closing. The combined entity intends to serve a worldwide customer base through its existing exclusive distribution agreements with GE Fuel Cell Systems and DTE Energy Technologies. Plug Power expects that it will have approximately $90 million in cash at the closing date, which should be sufficient, after integration costs, to fund operations into 2005.
The agreement requires approval by the shareholders of both companies. The transaction is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close no later than the first quarter of 2003.
MA
f-cell award for Vaillant
HyWeb, 02-11-08: The Vaillant Hepworth Group has received the "f-cell Award 2002 in Gold" from the Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation. The award includes 10,000 Euro of price money. The award was given to Vaillant representatives in a ceremony during the second f-cell forum in Stuttgart, Germany, on 14 to 16 October 2002.Vaillant announced to use the money for enabling junior scientists to collaborate with Vaillant in the development of fuel cell heating appliances giving them a chance to come into direct contact with this innovative technology.
In addition to Vaillant, SFC Smart Fuel Cell of Munich, Germany (f-cell Award 2002 Silver), Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems of Freiburg, Germany (f-cell Award 2002 Bronze) and German Aerospace Center (DLR) of Stuttgart, Germany (Special Award Baden-Württemberg) were honored for their achievements in fuel cell development.
MA
Stuttgart Region and the State of Michigan, USA, conclude fuel cell cooperation agreement
HyWeb, 02-11-08: Stuttgart Region (Baden-württemberg, Germany) and the State of Michigan, USA, have signed a collaboration agreement on fuel cells. The partners intend to support networking of companies and research facilities on both sides in order to accelerate innovation precesses.Michigan, home of the big three car makers of the USA, has a similar economic structure as the Stuttgart Region including the home of DaimlerChrysler and Porsche. Both regions include a lot of manufacturing industry and research institutions. The cooperation agreement was signed on the occasion of the second f-cell forum in Stuttgart, Germany, on 14 to 16 October 2002.
Michigan had announced ground breaking for a new fuel cell research center for October (HyWeb, 02-09-27).
MA
Aichi Prefecture, Japan, developments in hydrogen and fuel cells
HyWeb, 02-11-06: Toho Gas Co., a major supplier of natural gas in Japan, works on developing technology for producing and supplying hydrogen to fuel cell vehicles. The Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture-based company aims to establish the technology by 2003/4 to meet future demand for fuel cell vehicles.Toho Gas will set up a hydrogen station at its research institute in Tokai, Aichi Prefecture, and study technologies for the production, storage and filling-up of hydrogen. The planned station will be able to produce 40 Nm³/h of hydrogen and supply hydrogen to 30 fuel cell vehicles a day.
Toho Gas has also developed a hybrid battery fuel cell delivery vehicle. The prototype vehicle is based on a one seater battery car designed for pizza delivery. Two 250 W PEM fuel cells have been installed on the vehicle.
Some months ago, Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, announced that Toyota will exhibit and demonstrate a fuel cell bus at the Japan International Exposition to be held in 2005. The Association for the Exposition intends to utilize the bus for transporting visitors at the main site, the Aichi Youth Park.
Toyota recently presented the second hybrid fuel cell bus developed in collaboration with Hino on the Tokyo Motor Show for commercial vehicles. The bus is already in public road testing.
Photo: Toyota
The Aichi Prefecture Government announced the draft "Aichi Strategy for Automobile and Environment for the New Century" including the introduction of fuel cell vehicles in the first half of 2003. The government will lease a fuel cell vehicle from Toyota, and will promote the installation of hydrogen filling stations.
MA
Hydrogen filling station and fuel cell bus in California, USA
HyWeb, 02-11-06: The California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP) recently commissioned its first "satellite" hydrogen fueling station in the San Francisco Bay Area. The station – an electrolyzer system using electricity and plain water to make hydrogen – represents another step forward for demonstrating alternatives for a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle infrastructure. The fueling station is located at the AC Transit bus facility in Richmond, California, USA. The equipment is manufactured and installed by Stuart Energy of Ontario, Canada.
Photo: Stuart Energy
The primary purpose of the fueling station is to serve automotive companies affiliated with the CaFCP, who operate their fuel cell vehicles at the CaFCP headquarters in West Sacramento. The two locations are about 70 miles apart. AC Transit expects to use the facility in the future for visiting demonstration buses and its own light-duty vehicles in support of the agency’s fuel cell bus program. With future upgrades, the transit agency expects to refuel its larger 40-ft. fuel cell buses developed with UTC Fuel Cells, ISE Research and Van Hool.
SunLine Transit Agency has launched California’s first fuel cell transit bus in revenue service in Thousand Palms, California, USA. According to a SunLine release, the bus was developed by SunLine in cooperation with ThunderPower LLC, a joint venture of ISE Research and Thor Industries. The bus is fueled with hydrogen.
Other technology partners in the project include UTC Fuel Cells and Quantum Technologies.
MA
Comprehensive Well-to-Wheel Study published
HyWeb, 02-10-31: The comprehensive Well-to-Wheel Study of General Motors/ Opel is now publicly available in full detail; first preliminary results had been presented in May (HyWeb, 02-05-28). The study ("The Report, 135 pages) as well as the detailed annex ("Annex Full Background Report", 412 pages) and a supplement ("Annex to Chapter 3 Full Background Report", 50 pages) are available for download under www.lbst.de/gm-wtw.A total of 88 fuel pathways (L-B-Systemtechnik) for 14 fuels and 22 propulsion concepts (GM/ Opel) examined for the 2010 timeframe, from conventional engines to advanced concepts, were analyzed under European driving conditions.
The detailed analyses have been made in collaboration with BP, ExxonMobil, Shell und TotalFinaElf.
This project is a sequel to the North American Well-to-Wheels study published by GM and Argonne National Labs last year analyzing the impact of energy sources and alternative propulsion systems in North America. That study is now regarded as a reference work in worldwide discussions on transport-related greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.
MA
European Commission: High Level Group on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell technologies
HyWeb, 02-10-29: As already reported by the HyWeb-Gazette on September 12, the European Commission has launched a High Level Group on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell technologies (HyWeb, 02-09-12). In the following the complete press release of October 10:A new High Level Group advising on Hydrogen and Fuel Cells (HLG) was launched today in Brussels by European Commission President Romano Prodi, Commission Vice President, Loyola de Palacio, responsible for Energy and Transport, and Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin. The Group comprises top level representatives from major EU automotive and energy companies, public utilities, research institutes, transport companies and policy makers. They will asses the potential benefits of using hydrogen and fuel cells in EU transport, energy production and many other areas, and help pave the way for more focused EU action in this field. Initial results are expected by mid-2003: a "foresight report" will include a hydrogen and fuel cell research agenda and deployment and commercialisation actions, taking into account issues such as innovation, marketing, distribution and infrastructure, safety, public/private partnerships and investments in the hydrogen sector.
EU Commission President Romano Prodi said: "This is an important choice for Europe. Hydrogen technology will not only reduce our energy dependency and gas emissions; in the long run it will also change considerably our socio-economic model and create new opportunities for developing countries".
Commissioner Vice-President Loyola de Palacio, in charge of Transport and Energy policy, added: "I am looking for new and original ways to reduce the European Union's dependence on oil while at the same time contributing to sustainable development. Hydrogen and fuel cells offer such a possibility and they can contribute significantly to our policy objective of replacing 20% of automotive fuel with alternative fuels by 2020. In addition, hydrogen brings important opportunities for the distribution of sustainable energy (e.g. renewables) and for decentralised power generation."
EU Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin said: "To meet the stringent Kyoto Protocol targets, the EU will increase the use of renewable energy sources and substitute fuels including hydrogen. Today, hydrogen and fuel cells are too expensive, that is why we need a consistent approach at a European level. By bringing industrialists, researchers, users and policy makers together, we aim to help build consensus and ensure Europe is leading the drive towards sustainable energy."
Towards a hydrogen-based economy
Global demand for electricity is expected to double by 2015. Hydrogen will eventually contribute substantially to clean transport and power generation: its only emission is water vapour. But to enable us to move from today's largely fossil fuel based energy economy to a more hydrogen-based one we need more research, know-how and investment. The HLG will assess progress so far and help devise short-term actions to introduce hydrogen to the market and prepare a long-term hydrogen and fuel cell strategy at EU level.
Fuel cell market forecasts
Independent market studies on fuel cells forecast average annual growth rates of 40-60% in fuel cell-propelled transport over the next decade. The European fuel cell vehicle market should reach €16.3 billion by 2020, and €52 billion by 2040. As for power plants and energy production, Europe and the US will need to replace and reinforce their energy generation capacity. This includes micro-generators powering home appliances and remote regions. However fuel cell marketing still has substantial technical and socio-economic barriers to overcome, such as the lack of hydrogen distribution infrastructures.
The need for EU action
The USA and Japan are world leaders in fuel cell research. In the US this is largely driven by defence and aerospace applications. US government support to fuel cell development includes the Freedom Car Programme (€150 million per year), and the €25-30 million SECA (Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance) programme. Japan supports fuel cell and hydrogen technology development with a 28-year programme (1993-2020) with a total budget of €2.4 billion.
EU efforts in this field are not structured and they are under-funded and fragmented. Total European public funding for fuel cell research is estimated at some €50-60 million per year, that's about one third of US funding, and one quarter of Japan's. The EU needs a coherent fuel cell and hydrogen technology strategy to aid the transition and to help the sector achieve a better cost/benefit ratio, thus making it competitive and turning fuel cells into viable market products. Issues such as fuelling, safety and common technological standards need to be addressed quickly.
EU-supported research on hydrogen and fuel cells
The Fifth EU Research Framework Programme (FP5 1999-2002) devoted €120 million to hydrogen and fuel cell research. In the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6 2003-2006), research on energy and transport will be undertaken under the thematic priority "Sustainable development, global change and ecosystems" for which a total budget of €2,120 million has been earmarked. It is envisaged that the budget for research on fuel cells, including their applications and hydrogen technologies will be increased substantially compared with FP5. First calls for proposals will be published later in 2002, and projects will be launched by mid 2003.
The High Level Group on Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
The High Level Group is formed by senior representatives of the hydrogen, fuel cell and transport sector. The Group is an informal body with an advisory role. Its main objective will be to advise the Commission on determining the prospects for, and economic impact of, moving towards a sustainable energy economy based on hydrogen and electricity and introducing fuel cells as energy converters. By mid 2003 the Group will present a paper outlining ideas for the joint European actions necessary for a vibrant fuel cell industry and a sustainable hydrogen energy economy. The report may be followed by a more detailed action plan, including a hydrogen and fuel cell strategic research agenda.
Hydrogen Expo in Hamburg
DWV, 02-10-29: The Hydrogen Expo in Hamburg was held for the second time from 10. to 12. October. 4200 m2 were distributed among 118 exhibitors. The picture shows the hall with the stands of Norsk Hydro (in front), HEW (utility) and Hamburger Hochbahn (transport) as well as the joint presentation of North Rhine-Westphalia (left).
Photo: DWVPolitics was represented by Hamburg's senator for the environment, Peter Rehaag. There was also a small US pavillon on which the National Hydrogen Association (USA) presented itself.
One of the most prominent showpieces was provided by BMW, as usual. The latest hydrogen model of the 7 series was shown. The progress in hydrogen cars is most obvious from the fact that the difference between these and normal cars becomes continuously less obvious. BMW repeated the message that the hydrogen era will no longer come - it has already begun.
Photo: DWVNew on this show was Ford. They showed the latest version of their hybrid car (fuel cell plus buffer battery) on the basis of a Focus.
Photo: DWVA journalist showed himself impressed by extent and atmosphere of the evernt. He said that he felt reminded to the first wind energy fair, about a decade ago. Both the event and the exhibits were rather modest, compared with today's state. Let us hope that the development for hydrogen and fuel cells will be similar.
DWV
First hydrogen filling station in Berlin
DWV, 02-10-29: On 23. October the first hydrogen filling station in Berlin was opened on a service ground of the transport utility Berliner Verkehrs-Betriebe (BVG). This was also the start for a hydrogen competence center where BVG and the TotalFinaElf group will concentrate their hydrogen research. The station dispenses both cryogenic liquid and compressed gas.
Photo: DWVLinde delivered the station for liquid hydrogen. From the 18 m3 storage tank the liquid is transferred subcooled to the vehicles; this reduces evaporation losses.
Foto: DWVThe gas is generated in a membrane high pressure electrolyzer provided by the US company Hogen and stored in cylinders under 250 bar. The plant has so far a throughput of 1 Nm3/h; it will be increased by a factor 100 until 2004. There is also an info center for visitors.
The station is part of a project supported by the EU in which a city bus will circulate in regular service in Berlin for a few months, after this in Copenhagen and Lisbon. The operation under such very different conditions will facilitite comparisons and the further development of the technology. MAN provides the bus.
Berlin's senator for economy, Harald Wolf, underlined the innovative potential of the city in the field of transport and that this project puts it into an European context. He promised that the Senate would do everything to help the technology on its way to success.
BVG director Hans-Heino Dubenkropp explained why BVG had not gone the natural gas way when demanded to reduce the emissions of the bus fleet. Test showed that the motors worked well and were indeed cleaner. Problems arised in connection with the consumption and thus range and the organization of refilling. So it was decided to make the Diesel engines cleaner by means of CRT filterns and desulphurized fuel. The next step will be buses with hydrogen tanks and electro motors fed by a fuel cell. The new filling station is the first step in this direction. Thus BVG does exactly what the Association of German Transport Utilities (VDV) now recommends to its members.
A Linde expert said that hydrogen is today of course more expensive than gasoline, but that the break-even point could be reached already when only 0.1 to 1% of all energy consumed in transport would be provided as hydrogen.
The next filling station in Berlin will be there next summer. It is part of the "Clean Energy Partnership" project in which BVG and car and fuel makers test the new technology. Aral will provide a station at the bus terminal near the highway. The station will also dispense natural gas - and even gasoline. BVG intends to buy double-decker buses running on fuel cells.
DWV
Fuel cell successfully operated at North Pole
HyWeb, 02-10-29: Axane, a 100% Air Liquide company for the development of Fuel Cells Systems (Nuvera has withdrawn some time ago) successfully operated a fuel cell at the North Pole under harsh conditions.The 300 W PEM POLAR PAC (TM) Fuel Cell was used by French explorer Jean-Louis Etienne as his power source during his Polar Mission. He drifted down the ice banc for 3 months from the North Pole gathering environmental data.
The Fuel Cell System was specifically designed for the harsh conditions of the mission requiring high reliability, low noise and ease of operation. It was operated with compressed hydrogen supplied by 300 bar carbon composite bottles developed by Air Liquide.
The Fuel Cell ran over 500 hours without any trouble. Axane provided around the clock support and monitoring from their facilities in Sassenage in the French Alps via Internet simulating the operation with the help of a twin prototype operated in parallel in Axane‘s laboratories.
Axane continues to develop hydrogen fed PEM fuel cell systems for the following markets with the goal to launch the first commercial products in 2003: Public transport (50 kW to 400 kW), stationary applications (>10 kW), portable applications for small power generation and vehicle applications (400 W to 10 kW).
MA
60 Mercedes-Benz fuel cell A Class cars in 2003
HyWeb, 02-10-29: In addition to testing 30 buses, DaimlerChrysler will also launch a fuel cell passenger car fleet next year. Following the example of various Japanese car manufacturers, DaimlerChrysler will put 60 cars into fleet testing. Selected customers will lease the cars, allowing the manufacturers to gain experience in real life. The cars will probably be operated in California (USA) and Japan, with some vehicles running in the framework of the Clean Energy Partnership in Berlin (Germany) as well as in a project in Singapur.At the presentation of these activities, member of the board Jürgen Hubbert underlined that the cars will be close to commercial products heaving left the stage of experimental vehicles (NECAR). Nonetheless, there problems remain with regard to lifetime, weight and costs, according to Hubbert. Therefore, larger series are not to be expected before 2010. It is the goal of DaimlerChrysler to sell fuel cell vehicles for the same price as a conventional car. aimlerChrysler will have spent some 1 billion Euro in fuel cell development by 2004.
VB/MA
Opel starts earlier
DWV, 02-10-29: A number of car makers have announced that they will start fleet test with hydrogen prototypes earlier than previously expected, some of them even late this year. The last example for this is Opel; the German daughter of General Motors will run a small fleet of seven fuel cell cars under everyday conditions in early 2003. Board member Klaudia Martini said that GM's objective is to be the first car maker of the word which sells 1 million fuel cell cars. The prototypes and drive trains from the development center near Mainz will be used throughout the company. Martini also demanded a better cooperation of the manufacturers in order to speed up the market maturity of the technology. So far GM (Opel), DaimlerChrysler, Toyota, and Honda develop separately.DWV
"Vehicles powered by hydrogen produced from solar energy will soon be on the roads. This is a development one has to deal with in order to keep pace with it."
Jürgen Trittin, German Federal Environment Minister, die tageszeitung (taz), September 25, 2002
HyNet’s Hydrogen EoI Coordinator Workshop successful
HyWeb, 02-10-25: On 23rd October HyNet organised a workshop to assist the European hydrogen energy research community and industry to improve the focus of their project proposals for the 1st call under the 6th Framework Program. The workshop which took place in the convenient rooms of the University Club was arranged in a very short timescale and brought together about 70 experts from the Commission, research institutes, universities and industry from all across Europe.The Commission representatives gave a comprehensive overview of the necessities for each project proposal even though the EC Program Committee has not yet published its final report on the details of the 1st call. This is tentatively to be expected by 17th December 2002. They also pointed out the necessity to understand the new instruments of FP6, especially the "Network of Excellence".
The discussions with the EC representatives as well as in the individual topical break-out groups were very intense such that a vast majority of the participants stayed until the very end of the day. The five break-out groups formed dealt with hydrogen infrastructure and pathways, hydrogen production, hydrogen utilisation, hydrogen storage and hydrogen safety. As a result of the discussions a number of project coordinators have already decided to merge and harmonise their proposals.
More detailed information as well as the workshop presentations can be found on HyNet’s Internet page www.HyNet.info. Some contributions have already been posted, others will be added once they become available.
UB
Hydrogen Distribution using Low-pressure Gas Pipelines
HyWeb, 02-10-25: Distributing hydrogen to small customers via low-pressure gas pipelines is a concept dating back many decades.The distributed gas was and is however not pure hydrogen, rather towngas which is a gas mixture with a high hydrogen component. In the 19th century, many towns installed networks of gas pipelines. The towngas, as the name suggests produced from coal, was initially used for street lighting and later for cooking and heating as well. The towngas mixture consists of approximately equal parts of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Presently in Germany all low-pressure gas pipelines are used to supply natural gas. The last city to switch from towngas to natural gas was Saarbrücken in the early 90‘s.
In Stockholm, Sweden, towngas is still in use today and is distributed via an 800 km network of low-pressure pipelines. In 1972 production of the gas was switched from coal to naphtha, an oil product. 42 towngas pipeline networks were in service in Sweden during the first half of the 20th century, only two of these are still operating. Since Sweden has almost no natural gas supply, the remaining 40 networks have been completely shut down.
While the other networks sit idle, about 900 000 m³ of towngas flows through the Stockholm system daily. Half of this volume is Hydrogen.
Towngas Pipelines in Stockholm; Source: Stockholm Energi; click to enlarge.
An L-B-Systemtechnik study, together with the Munich utilities, details under which conditions the existing gas pipelines can be used for hydrogen. Particular attention is paid to the modifications required in order to maintain operation with various levels of hydrogen mixed to the natural gas. Two supply areas were chosen as prototypes for detailed study.
Operation with a hydrogen content of up to 5%(Vol.) in the low pressure natural gas system is possible immediately without any technical modifications. For hydrogen content of up to 60%(vol.) operation is still possible but some technical modifications are necessary, particularly to the end user appliances. A gas mixture with 60%(vol.) hydrogen is similar to the original towngas used with these gas supply systems and therefore does not represent any new technological development.
The metal piping of the gas supply systems are generally suitable for operation with 100% hydrogen. The change from a natural gas to a natural gas/hydrogen mix with more than 5%(vol.) of hydrogen, may require the replacement of some seals on valves and threaded connections. For this level of hydrogen content the gas meters must also be adjusted according to the lower heating value of the gas mixture.
Many customer appliances can be used for hydrogen content up to 35% without any special modifications. Appliances designed for use with towngas can generally be used for hydrogen content of up to 60%. The same applies for fittings and control elements
The operation of low-pressure pipeline networks for pure hydrogen distribution is a ground breaking concept. This applies to both regulatory and technical aspects
From a safety point-of-view there is an important difference between operation with pure hydrogen and operation with a mixture: For natural gas content of 8% and above there is no possibility for a deflagration to become a detonation.
The capacity of the existing pipeline networks to distribute pure hydrogen is probably sufficient since the lower volumetric energy content of hydrogen can, to some extent, be compensated by a higher flow rate. One potential problem with higher flow rates may be higher and unacceptable noise emissions. This issue is still to be investigated.
End-user appliances for pure hydrogen (e.g. catalytic burners) have been developed and tested in demonstration projects such as the Solar House of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems. Such products are however not yet commercially available.
The most prominent appliance for pure hydrogen, the fuel cell, is being intensively prepared for market introduction.
MA; translation by zebotec
