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BBC Radio 4 features German NOW and Toyota fuel cell car in Berlin

marieke — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:09:41 +0000

BBC radio 4 on August 11 featured a documentary on current devleopmennts in hydrogen transport developments including test rides in Toyota fuel cell cars in Berlin and delivery vans in Birmingham. To listen in connect to BBC Radio 4

UK and India sign agreement on fuel cell development

marieke — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:40:07 +0000

Under pacts signed on July 29 by India’s junior science minister Prithviraj Chavan and UK minister for science and universities David Willets in New Delhi, the two countries will invest £ 3 million (US$ 4.7 million or Indian rupees 218.06 million) each to promote partnerships between groups already working on fuel cells. The proposed initiative will address systems research programmes in fuel cell technologies including energy support through joint India-UK academic programmes. Sh. T. Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology informed that Indo-UK joint workshop on fuel cell technology would be organized during September 15-17, 2010 at Centre for Fuel Cell Technology Chennai.
More information on the Indian Ministry of Science and Technology website.

Work shop Fuel cells for UPS – Uninterrupted Power Systems, Brussels Belgium – 15 September 2010

tanya — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:32:20 +0000

Fuel Cell Europe will be hosting a workshop on fuel cells and hydrogen in Brussels at the Euro Keys sprl premises on the 15th of Septemeber 2010.

This workshop will focus on fuel cells for Uninterruptible Power Supply, in particular for back-up and stand alone power applications. Speakers and participants will debate about the market perspectives and strategies for the deployment of fuel cells technologies for UPS, in applications such as Data centers, Hospitals, Telecom or Public security related organisations. Emphasis will also be placed on sharing best practices and discussing the state of the art of fuel cell technologies for UPS.

For more information see link: here

Fiat Panda Hydrogen Fuel Cell Prototype

tanya — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 11:30:47 +0000

Fiat Panda presented the prototype of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle – the Panda Hydrogen, in Rio de Janeiro.

Fiat presented the vehicle at the Challenge Bibendum, an international event that takes place in Rio de Janeiro between days 05/30 and 02/06.

The Fiat Panda Hydrogen is a prototype electric vehicle driven by a powertrain of a hydrogen fuel cell, built for the purpose of improved environmental proposal.The system of fuel cell produces electricity and water with high efficiency and zero emissions. It basically consists of a fuel cell, manufactured by Nuvera and a set of innovative assistive technologies. With full force, the fuel cell powertrain delivers 60kW, causing the vehicle to reach a speed above 120km / h with acceleration zero to 50 km / h in 5 seconds. The hydrogen tank capacity guarantees the Panda Hydrogen a range exceeding 200 km in an urban cycle. HyTRAN Panda is the latest of technology development with investment from the manufacturer and the European Community in the project HyTRAN.

Source: www.bemparana.com.br

CLEPA Technology Day, 27 October 2010 – Brussels, Autoworld

tanya — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:40:12 +0000

The fourth edition of the CLEPA Technology Day “Green Technologies for tomorrow’s mobility” will demonstrate that automotive suppliers not only develop most of the new automotive technologies but also are key players in reducing CO₂ emissions while, at the same time, innovating for safety and sustainable mobility.

The CLEPA Technology Day 2010 will be taking place at the Brussels Autoworld on the 27th of October.

The CLEPA Technology Day offers a unique opportunity for Europe’s decision makers to experience the latest vehicle technologies showcased by automotive suppliers who are committed to delivering safer, greener and more energy-efficient products.

For more information see: www.clepa.eu

New Internationonal Electric Vehicle Initiative includes fuel cell cars.

marieke — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 16:45:43 +0000

At the first Clean Energy Ministerial in Washington, D.C. on July 19. and 20., ministers reaffirmed their commitment to previously-announced targets for the deployment of electric vehicles including fuel cell vehicles, which the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates will create global market momentum leading to at least 20 million electric vehicles on the road worldwide by 2020. In support of those targets, the ministers are launching the Electric Vehicles Initiative (EVI), which will provide a forum for global cooperation on the development and deployment of electric vehicles. Participating countries, including China, France, Germany, Japan, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and the United States. Other initial partners include the International Energy Agency pledged to continue discussions through high-level roundtables organized by the IEA during the Paris Motor Show in Fall 2010 and the Shanghai Motor Show in Spring 2011. Participating countries agree to:

1. Launch a pilot cities program to promote electric vehicles demonstrations in urban areas;

2. Share information, as appropriate, on funding levels and other features of research and development programs on electric vehicle technologies to ensure their collective investments are strategically addressing the most crucial global gaps in vehicle technology development; and,

3. Share information, as appropriate, on electric vehicle deployment targets, as well as best practices and policies, to enable progress toward those targets.

As sales and production targets for electric vehicles are established and pursued, it will be helpful for governments to work together (involving the private sector and other stakeholders as appropriate) in order to learn from others’ successes and failures, as well as to address universal issues that affect the deployment of electric vehicles. For example, sharing information on targets may help governments to understand how their plans relate to those of other countries, which will help them to anticipate, and thereby hopefully avoid, supply-side shortages. In addition, there is also the need for a dialogue on the interconnection of electric vehicles, which would likely involve reaching out to the International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN), which was also launched at the Clean Energy Ministerial. More generally, EVI will lead an ongoing and structured dialogue to enable countries to identify and adopt best-practice deployment policies and programs that help them to cost effectively reach their own respective targets.

Ballard Tests 1 MW PEM Power Plant

tanya — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:20:13 +0000

Ballard Power Systems has announced the successful completion of factory testing of a utility-scale distributed generation system using the company’s proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Installation and commissioning of the system for a multi-year demonstration at FirstEnergy Generation Corp’s Eastlake Plant in Ohio is planned for third quarter of this year. FirstEnergy Generation Corp. is a subsidiary of Akron, Ohio-based FirstEnergy Corp.

Ballard designed the generator to provide clean energy peaking capacity, which is particularly useful during heavy energy demand periods in the summer months, and tested the generator to a power level of one megawatt. Because fuel cells use hydrogen to produce electricity – with heat and water as by-products – this technology is a more environmentally-friendly means of generating power than diesel or coal alternatives. In addition, the Ballard generator is transportable so it can be relocated to other sites on a seasonal basis.

“We are pleased to have passed this key customer milestone,” said Michael Goldstein, Ballard’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Once commissioned, this will be an important ‘first’ for us, meeting a key 2010 Ballard growth milestone and further demonstrating the benefits of fuel cell systems for clean distributed generation applications in the energy sector.”

It is believed that, when the generator is commissioned and operating at the FirstEnergy Generation Corp. facility, it will be the largest PEM fuel cell generator deployed worldwide.

Source: www.ballard.com

To view a video of the CLEARgen^TM components within the FirstEnergy trailer click: here

Fuel Cell Powers Lighting at Latitude Festival – Suffulk, United Kingdom

tanya — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:35:36 +0000

Arcola Theatre launched seven of its new HyLight fuel cell-powered lighting systems at this year’s Latitude Festival, held last week in Suffolk, providing lighting for everything from marquees to forest performances, as well as powering laptops, phone chargers and ticket machines. HyLight, claims Arcola, is the first fuel cell product to be developed specifically for the events industry, offering the reliability required through an onboard ‘brain’ that monitors performance and switches to battery back-up in case of fault or user error. Running on hydrogen, with a run-time of 50 hours between refills, the system produces zero emissions and is almost silent. Carbon emission reductions of up to 60% are likely in performance settings through its use of the latest LED lighting. Arcola developed the HyLight cell with a consortium including its regular partners, hydrogen gas producer BOC and events industry supplier White Light, and new partner, Horizon Fuel Cell, manufacturer of the fuel cell at the heart of the unit.

The system uses a Horizon fuel cell stack and runs on hydrogen supplied by BOC.

Source: Fuel Cell Today and The Stage

Portable Hydrogen Power

tanya — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:20:22 +0000

Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies recently intoduced a palm-size universal portable power charger and power extender for ANY electronic device requiring up to 2W of power. Devices compatible with the MiniPak include cellphones,smartphones,GPS handhelds, and MP3 players. New opportunities also exist to disconnect hundreds of practical USB powered “apps” from PCs and laptops and bring them with you in off-grid settings. These include a number of creative USB lighting devices, USB fans, USB speaker systems for MP3 players or smartphones, and many more. The MiniPAK device integrates a passive air-breathing fuel cell and a metal hydride storage unit, where hydrogen is stored as part of the metal alloy.

The MiniPak DC power output is 2W (5V, 400mA), delivered through standard micro-USB port and a multi-choice cable. The device is supplied with 2 refillable and ready to use solid state hydrogen cartridges.While a cartridge replacement and filling infrastructure develops, Horizon took the extra step to develop a home refueling system called “HydroFILL” – sold as a separate accessory for added convenience. The MiniPAK is positioned to address gaps in providing energy “on the go” to power-hungry device users, as well as a low cost energy storage option for emergency and long duration off-grid power users.

Minipak, Hydrofill and Hydrostik fuel cell devices will be available
to buy by the end of this year. Pre-orders for the Minipak are being
taken now and the first shipments are expected to be made next month.

The Minipak, a charging device that integrates a passive
air-breathing fuel cell and a ’solid-state’ hydrogen storage unit, is
available to pre-order for $99.99, while the Hydrofill
water-to-hydrogen-to-power converter can be ordered for $499.99.

Source: www.horizonfuelcell.com

Formula Zero Hydrogen Racing Championship, August 19 2010 – The Hague, Netherlands

tanya — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:04:42 +0000

Motorsport has proven to be a very effective way to introduce innovations in the automotive sector. This mechanism is used to introduce innovative zero emission mobility solutions to a mass market. Formula Zero understands the underlying principles and has the capabilities to deliver competitions, events and cutting edge know how. Formula Zero promotes well-to-wheel zero emission racing.

The Formula Zero Fuel Cell Championship 2010 season is a zero emission series and is set to run on August 19, 2010 in The Hague, Netherlands.

Top international universities and companies will design, build and race their own hydrogen fuel cell racing vehicle. The choice of fuel cell will be open. With this open series, Formula Zero aims to stimulate innovation in this sector. The season will consist of four to six races in high-profile locations around the world.

The Formula Zero race class has begun with a student edition in which international university teams competing with their own designed and fabricated hydrogen fuel cell racers.The first race was held in August 2008 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

For more information click here