Fuel Cells 2000's Fuel Cell Technology Update - October 2002

Fuel Cells 2000's Fuel Cell Technology Update - October 2002

For more information on the following stories, click on the provided link or
contact Jennifer Gangi at [email protected] or call (202) 785-4222,
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TRANSPORTATION

Boeing to Design FC Propulsion System. 
Boeing Company has been awarded a contract by the Pentagon's Defense
Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to design a fuel cell-powered
propulsion system for a new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The contract is
valued at approximately $300,000.
<http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20020903/bs_nm/arms_boein
g_dc_1>

Piper to Provide Powertrain, Suspension for Microcab.
Piper International Design Group will provide the powertrain and suspension
design for a new hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle called the Microcab.
The Microcab is a zero-emission, three-wheeled taxi that can carry two
passengers and achieve speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
<http://www.piperdesign.co.uk>

PEEI Opens Facility in Pittsburgh.
A new Pittsburgh Electric Engines, Inc. (PEEI) fuel cell development and
manufacturing facility was recently opened in Derry, PA.  PEEI is currently
developing a Turbo Fuel Cell Engine (TFCE) primarily intended for
transportation applications.  The TFCE combines a solid oxide FC with a
turbo-alternator and is able to operate on either liquid or gaseous
hydrocarbon fuels, including diesel, gasoline, ethanol, natural gas and
methanol.  

STATIONARY POWER

HARC and Entergy Connect Fuel Cell to TX Grid.
The Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) has successfully connected a
five-kilowatt (kW) proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell system to the
electricity grid in Texas.  The unit is the first residential-sized system
in Texas to be connected to the power grid.
<http://www.harc.edu/pressroom/02_0903.html>

DOD to Install Fuel Cell System.
The Department of Defense Fuel Cell Test and Evaluation Center (FCTec) has
purchased and will install a Plug Power 5-kW residential combined heat and
power fuel cell system. The system is the first of several different
manufacturers' systems that will be purchased and tested by FCTec as part of
a DOD project to develop and validate a test protocol for residential fuel
cells in cooperation with the National Rural Electric Cooperative
Association.
<http://www.ctc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=1511&PR=02sep19.htm>

Navy Awards $1.15 Million to Plug Power. 
The Navy Renewable Energy Division at NAVAIR China Lake, California, awarded
a $1.15 million contract to Plug Power for residential fuel cells. Eight of
the fuel cell systems will be installed on the Naval Air Station North
Island and Submarine Base San Diego, and another will be installed at China
Lake. The systems use natural gas as the source of hydrogen.
<http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=3370>

Acumentrics and Sumitomo Sign Stock and Study Deal.
Acumentrics Corporation has signed a stock purchase agreement with Tokyo,
Japan-based trading house Sumitomo Corporation as well as a deal to conduct
a one-year study of Japan's residential and commercial markets for
Acumentrics' proprietary solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and line of
ruggedized uninterrupted power supply (UPS) products. Under the terms of the
stock purchase agreement, Sumitomo has acquired an approximate three percent
stake in the company.
 http://www.acumentrics.com/sumitomo9-5-02.html <http://www.acumentrics.com>

PORTABLE/BACKUP POWER

Smart Fuel Cell Introduces Commercial Product.
Smart Fuel Cell has launched its first commercial product, a portable
stand-alone fuel cell fueled with methanol. The system, called SFC 25.2500
R, has a power output of 25 W continuous and up to 80 W peak. The
exchangeable 2.5 liter methanol cartridge yields 2500 Watt-hours of
electrical energy.
<http://www.smartfuelcell.de/en/presse/c020911.html>

Virgin Atlantic, Air France to Offer Electric Fuel Chargers.
Electric Fuel Corporation announced that both Virgin Atlantic and Air France
will be offering its Instant Power(tm) 3-in-1 Cellphone Chargers to
passengers on flights as of October 2002.  The INSTANT POWER 3-in-1 charger
kit includes a car adapter, a USB adapter and a replaceable zinc air
PowerCartridge for use where no electric power is available. Also included
is a model-specific SmartCord for connecting the three power sources to the
user's cellphone or PDA.
<http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020918/nyw118_1.html>
<http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020903/nytu177_1.html>

Plug Power Delivers Fuel Cell Systems for Back-up Power Market.
Plug Power Inc. announced the availability of a direct-hydrogen fuel cell
system designed to provide extended outage coverage for critical industrial
operations. The 5-kilowatt, 48 volt DC, hydrogen-fueled system will support
premium power applications.  The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) has
received three systems, which are expected to be installed this fall. The
systems will be utilized to support uninterruptible power supply
requirements for facilities at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, a federal
facility in Kings Point, N.Y.
<http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020930/nym080_1.html>

Metallic Power Zinc Fuel Cell Provides Backup Power for Cell Site.
One of Metallic Power's zinc fuel cells successfully provided backup power
to a cell site during power interruptions.  The device evaluated provided
1.8kW of backup power in a rack-mounted configuration that included a 6kWh
fuel tank to supply over three hours of continuous power under full load.
The fuel cell was connected to a three-Radio Base Station and operated over
varied conditions including cold-start, full discharge, partial discharge,
and regeneration.
<http://www.metallicpower.com/news/pr_090302.htm>

FUELS/REFORMERS/STORAGE

DOE Selects DTE Energy for Hydrogen Power Park Project.
DOE has selected DTE Energy as its partner in a 3-year hydrogen power park
project. Under the contract, DTE Energy will develop, build and operate an
integrated hydrogen energy system capable of delivering 15,000
kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.
<http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020923/dem005_1.html>

Hoekloos to Supply Hydrogen Station to GVB.
Hoekloos has signed an agreement with Hydrogen Systems to integrate a
Hydrogen Systems "IMET" power water electrolyser into a hydrogen fueling
station for installation at the North Amsterdam facilities of GVB, a local
public bus transportation company.   Beginning next year, GVB will operate
three fuel      cell-powered buses utilizing the hydrogen fuel as
participation in the Clean Urban Transport for Europe (CUTE) project. 
<http://www.hydrogensystems.com>

Ohio to Receive Hydrogen Station.
The Ohio Department of Development's Office of Energy Efficiency has awarded
AltFuel Solutions at 50/50 grant for the first phase of a demonstration
hydrogen fueling station project.  The new facility will refuel natural gas,
hydrogen, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, utilizing on-site natural gas.
It will include a small stationary fuel cell fueled by excess station
hydrogen and, in return, supplying power to the station and local power
grid. It also will include rooftop solar panels to supply additional power.

BP, Aral to Build Hydrogen Fueling Station in Germany
BP will join with German retail company Aral to build a hydrogen fueling
station at a DaimlerChrysler automotive factory near Stuttgart. The station
will fuel vehicles participating in a demonstration program to begin later
this year.

Stuart Energy Achieves Second Milestone, Enters Alliance with Hamilton.
Stuart Energy Systems Corporation has successfully achieved, on schedule,
the second of three milestones in its project with Cheung Kong
Infrastructure Holdings Limited (CKI) of Hong Kong to develop and supply
Hydrogen Back-up Power Systems (H2BPS) for the Hong Kong and Asia Pacific
marketplace.  The milestone was achieved with the demonstration and initial
testing of the alpha prototype H2BPS installed at Stuart Energy's head
office in Mississauga, ON.  In other news, Stuart Energy and Hamilton
Sundstrand Space Systems International, Inc., have entered into a Strategic
Alliance Agreement to jointly develop and market integrated hydrogen
generation products for vehicles, power generation and industrial uses. 
<http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020925/to101_1.html>
<http://www.stuartenergy.com/news/press_releases/press_sept12_a.html>

QUANTUM Wins Suzuki Contract.
QUANTUM Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., was recently awarded a
contract from Suzuki Motor Corporation to develop and supply complete
hydrogen fuel storage systems for Suzuki's fuel cell vehicle.  The 5,000 psi
(350 bar) systems will be designed and tested to meet industry standards in
the U.S. (NGV2), Japan (KHK), and Europe (EIHP).
<http://www.qtww.com/press_releases/pr_sep_23_2002.shtml>

InnovaTek Demonstrates Fuel Processor. 
InnovaTek demonstrated its InnovaGen(tm) fuel processor technology for the
U.S. Army, meeting an important milestone in its development program.  The
company demonstrated an alpha-stage laboratory prototype that converts
diesel fuel to hydrogen using a proprietary catalytic process and an
advanced separations membrane.  The system produces pure hydrogen at a rate
of 12 liters per minute, enough to produce 1 kW electrical energy from a
fuel cell.
<http://www.tekkie.com/news012.htm>

Researchers Produce Hydrogen from Peanut Shells.
A team of researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Clark
Atlanta University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Scientific Carbons and
Enviro-tech have successfully demonstrated the use of biomass from peanut
shells to produce hydrogen. NREL and Scientific Carbons filed for patent
protection on a new slow-release fertilizer made while producing
biomass-based hydrogen and a sequestered carbon.
<http://www.gnet.org/news/newsdetail.cfm?NewsID=22050>

FUEL CELL COMPONENTS

Avista and 3M Enter MEA Agreement.
Avista Labs announced a strategic supply agreement to purchase membrane
electrode assemblies (MEAs) exclusively from 3M for integration into its
commercial fuel cell products.  3M will supply MEAs for use in Avista Labs'
250 and 650 series fuel cell cartridges, which are integral components in
the company's Independence(TM) product line.
<http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020923/sfm011_1.html>

SwRI Opens MEA Pilot Plant.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has opened a pilot plant for the
high-volume production of fuel cell electrodes, key components of membrane
electrode assemblies (MEAs) and fuel cell systems.  The plant was built as
part of a $12 million contract, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy,
with cost share provided by SwRI, W.L. Gore and Associates, and General
Motors Corp.
<http://www.swri.org/>

Advanced Measurements Awarded SOFC Test Stand Contract.
A multinational fuel cell developer in North Eastern US has issued a
contract to Advanced Measurements Inc. to build two SOFC Fuel Cell Test
Stands for delivery in fall of 2002.
<http://64.69.77.104/generic_frames.asp?content_page=news.htm>

Hydrogenics Receives Orders From Japan and China.
Hydrogenics Corporation has received orders for its FCATS test systems from
two separate organizations in China, as well as a repeat order from a major
automaker in Japan.  The Chinese FCATS orders were placed by the Dalian
Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences'
Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry (SIOC).
<http://www.hydrogenics.com/ir/NewsReleaseDetail-1.asp?RELEASEID=89959>

REPORTS/MARKET STUDIES

Groups Unveil Strategy for Fuel Cells and Hydrogen. 
The Breakthrough Technologies Institute (BTI) released  "Fuel Cells and
Hydrogen: The Path Forward," for a coalition of 26 leading fuel cell
companies to answer the Congressional call for a national fuel cell and
hydrogen strategy.  The report details a 10-year, cost-shared program that
would require $5.5 billion in federal funds.  The report also offers
specific recommendations in several program areas, including research and
development; demonstration programs; federal purchases; investment in fuel
infrastructure; market entry support; removal of barriers; and education and
outreach.
 http://www.fuelcellpath.org/

Fuel Cells for Large Scale Applications.
Business Communications Company, Inc. will release a new study, Fuel Cells
for Large Scale Applications, which estimates that the North American fuel
cell market for large-scale applications is currently valued at about $251
million. The market is expected to increase over the next five years at an
AAGR (average annual growth rate) of 20.7% reaching $642 million by 2007. 
<http://www.buscom.com/energy/E122.html>

Fuel Cells: Applications And Opportunities.
EscoVale Consultancy Services has released Fuel Cells: Applications And
Opportunities, a report examining a wide range of potential markets - from
power sources for electronic products, through the transport sector, and
across the power plant spectrum. The report has worldwide scope and covers
the present through 2025.
<http://www.escovale.com/fc/fc_management_report.htm>

RFA Releases Paper on Ethanol in Fuel Cells.
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has released Ethanol and Fuel Cells:
Converging Paths of Opportunity, a white paper on the potential synergies
for ethanol and fuel cells.  According to RFA, tests have demonstrated that
ethanol is more efficient to reform than gasoline to provide hydrogen for
fuel cells.
<http://www.ethanolrfa.org/pr020904.html>
   
MISCELLANEOUS

New Fuel Cell Collaborative Group Formed.
ALLIED Utility Network (ALLIED) announced the formation of the Fuel Cell
Collaborative Group.  The goal of the group is to produce flexible,
ready-to-install fuel cell systems for both electricity and water production
for commercial and industrial applications.  ALLIED will facilitate the
group in conjunction with Cenergie Corporation, NEETRAC, Georgia Tech
Research Institute, Alternative Fuel Systems, Ltd., Fuel Cell Controls, Ltd.
and other interested parties and key players.
<http://www.alliedutility.com/fuelcell/index.html>

North of England, Michigan Partner.
The North of England Inward Investment Agency and the Michigan Economic
Development Corporation (MEDC) have partnered to drive new and renewable
energy research.  The collaboration will accelerate research in new and
renewable energy, specifically fuel cells and wind power, by facilitating
academic exchange, research and information sharing between respective
facilities located in both the North of England and Michigan. 
<http://www.onenortheast.co.uk/newscentre/#341>

Estonian Government to Fund Fuel Cell R&D.
Estonian Technology Agency (ESTAG) and Elcogen AS signed a contract under
which the Estonian government will be funding the development of fuel cell
technology.  In the first phase, Elcogen will receive a grant in the amount
of EUR 218,000 earmarked for co-financing R&D. At present, Elcogen has
invested over EUR 300,000 of own funds in the project.

REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS

DOE to Issue Fuel Cell Solicitation. 
DOE has announced it will issue a solicitation for the research and
development of stationary and automotive fuel cell technology. The
solicitation will include teaming requirements. Subject to the availability
of funds, DOE expects to allocate $7 million in FY2003 for the selected
projects. Total estimated Government funding for the solicitation is
approximately $70 million for the period of performance. The solicitation is
expected to be issued in mid-October 2002.
<http://www.energy.gov/HQPress/releases02/seppr/pr02193_v.htm>

CONFERENCES/CALL FOR PAPERS

ISAF XIV.
The 14th International Symposium on Alcohol Fuels, "The Role of Alcohol
Fuels in Meeting the Energy, Environmental and Economic Needs of the 21st
Century," will be November 12-15, 2002, at the Phuket Arcadia Hotel and
Resort in Phuket, Thailand.  For details, check out <http://www.mtec.or.th>.

Fuel Cell Seminar.
The 2002 Fuel Cell Seminar will be held November 18-21, 2002, at the Palm
Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs, California.  For more
information, go to <http://www.gofuelcell.com>.

Shanghai Fuel Cell Vehicle Forum. 
The Shanghai Fuel Cell Vehicle Forum, "Commercializing Fuel Cell Vehicles in
China: 21st Century Fuel Cell Vehicle And Components Technology" will be
held December 4-5, 2002, in Shanghai, China.  For more information, please
email [email protected].

ACS Symposium.
"Fuel Clean-Up Considerations For Fuel Cell Applications: Clean Power in
21st Century" will be held March 23-27, 2003, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
For information, go to
<http://oasys.acs.org/acs/225nm/fuel/papers/index.cgi>.

Hydrogen and Fuel Cells 2003. 
The Hydrogen and Fuel Cells 2003 Conference and Trade Show will be held June
8-11, 2003, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  For registration
details, go to <http://www.hydrogenfuelcells2003.com>.

2nd European PEFC Forum.
The 2nd European Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Forum will be held June 30 -
July 4, 2003, at the Kulter- und Kongresszentrum Luzern, in Lucerne,
Switzerland.  For more information, go to <http://www.efcf.com>.


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