Scientists and engineers at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) have tested and successfully demonstrated, for the first time, the technical feasibility of directly connecting a catalytic partial oxidation (CPOX) diesel reformer to an Acumentrics 5 kilowatt SOFC electric generating system. The purpose of this unique three-day test was to gather data needed to integrate the reformer into a new and revolutionary diesel-powered SOFC system. Ultimately, scientists say that by designing a heat and power unit into the next generation system, an efficiency rating of 80 percent can be achieved.

During the test demonstration, the Acumentrics tubular SOFC system was started using natural gas then switched to a diesel reformate stream coming from the diesel reformer unit. No significant differences in the performance of two different fuels was noted during the operation of the combined diesel reformer and SOFC system. Prior to this experiment with diesel fuels, the Acumentrics SOFC system had only been operated and proven effective with natural gas, hydrogen and propane as the fuel source. Acumentrics tubes have also been run successfully on ethanol.

"This test further illustrates the fuel versatility of the Acumentrics tubular SOFC systems." said Gary Simon, the CEO of Acumentrics. "Our technology is compatible with this country's existing fuel infrastructure as well as the potential hydrogen infrastructure of the future."

Over the next 18 months, the Acumentrics SOFC system will be tested using natural gas for an extended period of time at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. The data gathered will be used to design a totally integrated system with a more powerful SOFC system that can support a greater electric generation capacity.

Over the next 18 months, the Acumentrics SOFC system will be tested using natural gas for an extended period of time at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. The data gathered will be used to design a totally integrated system with a more powerful SOFC system that can support a greater electric generation capacity.

This INL test was funded by the U.S. Department of Energyís Arctic Energy Technology Development Laboratory located on the campus of the University of Alaska, at Fairbanks. Since 2001, this office has collaborated with the University, state agencies, industry and the general public to develop products and to facilitate research related to Alaskaís unique fossil energy supplies and remote electrical power generation needs. Idaho National Laboratory is a nuclear energy and multiprogram national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's missions in nuclear programs, national security and science. INL is operated for the DOE by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC.

About Acumentrics: Acumentrics Corporation, a privately owned company founded in 1994 and based in Westwood, Massachusetts. It is a leading solid oxide fuel cell developer of 1 to 10 kilowatt residential and industrial distributed electricity and heat generation products. Acumentricsí unique and patented high temperature tubular solid oxide fuel cell generation units are designed to run directly from natural gas, propane and other hydrocarbon fuels (such as coal-derived hydrogen based fuels) at standard delivery pressures. This unique and distinguishing feature is based on a highly simplified in-tube fuel reforming method that negates the need for complex external or co-packaged high-cost reformation systems. Acumentricsí fuel cells produce essentially zero harmful emissions, noise or vibration, and are being designed for outdoor long-term continuous duty as well as cyclical use. Acumentrics investors and distribution partners include ChevronTexaco (NYSE:CVX), Northeast Utilities (NYSE:NU), General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), NiSource (NYSE:NI), and Sumitomo (TSE: 8053, OTC:SSUMY), Connecticutís Clean Energy Fund, and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.

Acumentrics is one of only six companies in the United States to be awarded and begin work under the U.S. Department of Energyís Solid-State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA) industry program. Advancements made by Acumentrics under the SECA program are included in the 5 kWatt SOFC system built for the INL tests. The Acumentrics SECA program is scheduled for 9 years duration. It targets small-scale 3-10 kilowatt SOFC units with a manufacturing cost of $400 per kilowatt at completion. Information on SECA can be found at www.seca.doe.gov

Acumentrics also manufactures a line of battery based uninterruptible power supplies that are designed to enhance power quality. These products are unique in their ability to be deployed in harsh physical and electrical environments and are used extensively for various military and heavy-duty industrial applications.

More information about the company can be found on its website:   www.acumentrics.com

For further information, please contact:
Thomas W. Philbin, Ph. D.
Senior Vice President
781-461-8251 x 350