Hydrogen Hits the Roads« newer posts » — older posts »

FuelCell Energy Announces $3.0 Million Award for Carbon Capture Utilizing Direct FuelCells

FuelCell Energy, Inc. has announced a $3.0 million award from the US Department of Energy to evaluate the use of its Direct FuelCells (DFC) to separate carbon dioxide from the emissions of coal-fired power plants. FuelCell Energy’s molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) technology separates and concentrates carbon dioxide as a side reaction during the power generation process. Research by the company has demonstrated that this is a viable technology for efficient carbon capture from a variety of industrial flue gases. The research also showed that the fuel cell technology can help destroy the nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the flue gas. The DoE award will fund further research into using DFC to treat flue gas from existing coal-fired power plants in a cost-effective way. Conventional carbon capture technologies are costly and energy-intensive; fuel cells offer the potential to mitigate carbon emissions while generating power, rather than consuming it. The three-year research project will involve system design, cost analysis, and long-term testing of a multi-kilowatt DFC stack, with funding occurring in stages upon reaching certain progress milestones. Successfully attaining the project goals of capturing at least 90% of the emitted carbon dioxide within the DoE’s cost targets may lead to a demonstration [...]

FCH JU receives Hyundai fuel cell electric vehicle

The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) announced it has begun leasing a Hyundai iX35 fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). The FCEV will be used to demonstrate the market readiness of the technology to EU policy makers and the public. The Hyundai FCEV has the capacity to carry 5.6 kg hydrogen, with a stated range of more than 500 km (310 miles). Source:FuelCellToday

ITM Power Releases High Fuel Cell Power Density Results

ITM Power has published the latest results from its project aiming to increase fuel cell power density. Using a single cell system, containing ITM Power’s hydrocarbon membrane, power densities greater than 5.5 W/cm2 have been demonstrated under certain conditions. The project has been supported by the Carbon Trust as part of the Polymer Fuel Cells Challenge and the next phase of the project will involve accelerated acquisition of additional test data while undertaking full life cycle cost analysis via the Carbon Trust’s cost model. Increasing the power density of fuel cells is seen as key to enabling smaller and more powerful systems in the future. This project has targeted automotive fuel cells, where the benefits of increasing power density include lower costs and reduced weight per kW delivered. ITM’s hydrocarbon membrane also facilitates recycling of the fuel cell at the end of its life avoiding the potential fluorine emissions from conventional perfluorinated PEMFC membranes. Source: FuelCellToday

Turkish island Bozcaada starts first hydrogen energy production

Toyota to Participate in E-KIZUNA Project

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has announced the signing of an agreement with Saitama City in Japan to collaborate in the E-KIZUNA Project. The project is managed by the city in partnership with industrial stakeholders, and aims to promote the use of electric and other alternative fuel vehicles for sustainable transportation. It also aims to establish Saitama as a city with low-carbon development.

Lyon Motor Show

The International Auto Show 2011 Lyon, will take place this October with all the features of any good auto show including a ride and drive event. Participants will be given the chance to take various type of cars for a test drive on different terrains. This includes the opportunity to test several hybrid and electric cars on outside and inside spaces. For further information see the official webpage.

Hybrid plant opened ENERTRAG

Brandenburg opened the world’s first wind-hydrogen hybrid power plant, on the 25 October. The plant combines wind energy, Biogas, and hydrogen. Three wind turbines power generated is proportional to the production of CO2-free hydrogen is used. This green hydrogen is stored at times of high supply of wind energy; the hydrogen-Biogas CHP plant generates electricity and heat production.

The market is around the corner, be prepared!

The 4th conference gathering hydrogen and fuel cell experts of the North will take place in Malmö, Sweden on 25 to 26 October 2011.
Malmö and the south of Sweden is one of the regions in northern Europe pushing the market for hydrogen in the transport sector and together with its neighbor Denmark.

Boeing Supports Neah Power Systems as a Fuel Cell Provider for Airplane and Ground Applications

Neah Power Systems has announced that the Boeing Company is exploring the use of its PowerChip fuel cell technology to power various functions on Boeing’s aeroplanes and ground systems. In a letter to Neah Power Systems, a representative of Boeing Commercial Airplanes states, “One of the key technologies that Boeing is evaluating for future airplanes are fuel cell systems used for the generation of airplane electrical power. We believe that Neah’s technology will help Boeing achieve the objective of greener airplanes in the future. The development of a fuel cell system meeting Boeing’s requirements is a crucial step toward proving the potential for successful deployment of this technology. Boeing would work with Neah on the prototypes for internal validation, developing and engineering the air-worthiness of the system, various certifications needed, and system integration with airplane and ground applications.” Source: FuelCellToday

Chances and Challenges EU and Hungary

On 29 September, in view of parliamentary discussions on the national energy strategy, the Hungarian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association hosted a workshop for the public. At the event, EHA met with the deputy secretary of energy to address hydrogen’s role within the national energy strategy.