FuelCellsWorks

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Researchers have developed a critical part of a hydrogen storage system for cars that makes it possible to fill up a vehicle’s fuel tank within five minutes with enough hydrogen to drive 300 miles.

The system uses a fine powder called metal hydride to absorb hydrogen gas. The researchers have created the system’s heat exchanger, which circulates coolant through tubes and uses fins to remove heat generated as the hydrogen is absorbed by the powder.

The heat exchanger is critical because the system stops absorbing hydrogen effectively if it overheats, said Issam Mudawar, a professor of mechanical engineering who is leading the research.

“The hydride produces an enormous amount of heat,” Mudawar said. “It would take a minimum of 40 minutes to fill the tank without cooling, and that would be entirely impractical.”

Researchers envision a system that would enable motorists to fill their car with hydrogen within a few minutes. The hydrogen would then be used to power a fuel cell to generate electricity to drive an electric motor.

The research, funded by General Motors Corp. and directed by GM researchers Darsh Kumar, Michael Herrmann and Abbas Nazri, is based at the Hydrogen Systems Laboratory at Purdue’s Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories. In February, the team applied for three provisional patents related to this technology.

“The idea is to have a system that fills the tank and at the same time uses accessory connectors that supply coolant to extract the heat,” said Mudawar, who is working with mechanical engineering graduate student Milan Visaria and Timothée Pourpoint, a research assistant professor of aeronautics and astronautics and manager of the Hydrogen Systems Laboratory. “This presented an engineering challenge because we had to figure out how to fill the fuel vessel with hydrogen quickly while also removing the heat efficiently. The problem is, nobody had ever designed this type of heat exchanger before. It’s a whole new animal that we designed from scratch.”

The metal hydride is contained in compartments inside the storage “pressure vessel.” Hydrogen gas is pumped into the vessel at high pressure and absorbed by the powder.

“This process is reversible, meaning the hydrogen gas may be released from the metal hydride by decreasing the pressure in the storage vessel,” Mudawar said. “The heat exchanger is fitted inside the hydrogen storage pressure vessel. Due to space constraints, it is essential that the heat exchanger occupy the least volume to maximize room for hydrogen storage.”

Conventional automotive coolant flows through a U-shaped tube traversing the length of the pressure vessel and heat exchanger. The heat exchanger, which is made mostly of aluminum, contains a network of thin fins that provide an efficient cooling path between the metal hydride and the coolant.

“This milestone paves the way for practical on-board hydrogen storage systems that can be charged multiple times in much the same way a gasoline tank is charged today,” said Kumar, a researcher at GM’s Chemical & Environmental Sciences Laboratory and the GM R&D Center in Warren, Mich. “As newer and better metal hydrides are developed by research teams worldwide, the heat exchanger design will provide a ready solution for the automobile industry.”

The researchers have developed the system over the past two years. Because metal hydride reacts readily with both air and moisture, the system must be assembled in an airtight chamber, Pourpoint said.

Research activities at the hydrogen laboratory involve faculty members from the schools of aeronautics and astronautics, mechanical engineering, and electrical and computer engineering.

In response to economic climate, Honda cancels participation in IAA 2009, while strengthening environment and customer focused activities.

* New Fuel Cell research in Europe
* More Hybrid vehicles
* New Honda Academy to strengthen Quality and Customer Service

Honda has announced that it will not participate in IAA, Internationale Automobil Ausstellung, known as Frankfurt motor show, this year. Due to the unprecedented market downturn, Honda has decided not to participate in the Frankfurt motor show this year.

As seen in the withdrawal from Formula One, Honda is trying to reduce every possible cost in various areas including manufacturing, sales and marketing activities to strengthen its business constitution to overcome the current tough business climate.

During the 4-month shutdown to adjust the inventory balance, Honda’s UK car manufacturing facility in Swindon is taking full advantage of this production suspension to refurbish its plants. This time is also being used to prepare for the smooth introduction of Jazz into the Swindon factory planned for autumn this year.

Honda is the world’s biggest engine manufacturer with 24 million engine powered products sold in 2008 in the areas of automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment, and is acting to swiftly respond to the unprecedented global situation. While vigorously undertaking every possible cost reduction measure, Honda is also focusing on research and production of environmentally responsible products.

The Insight Hybrid will be on sale in Germany from April18th, this all-new hybrid car has already had more than 18.000 customer orders in Japan just in the first month, more than three times its monthly sales target in Japan. To further enhance its low environmental impact offering, Honda will bring to market a sporty Hybrid based on the CR-Z Concept in 2010 which will be followed by a Jazz Hybrid.

During the autumn 2009 Honda will begin a new research project of Fuel Cell technologies in Germany. This involves permanent deployment of FCX Clarity in Europe, Honda’s cutting edge hydrogen fuelled, zero emission vehicle, which is already leased to customers in the USA and Japan. Honda R&D Europe (Deutschland) GmbH in Offenbach will use the FCX Clarity for long-term research of Fuel Cell technology and Hydrogen refuelling conformity in European conditions.

Honda will divert the resources for environmentally responsible technology to win the race for Zero Emissions.

Furthermore, Honda will also place even greater emphasis on customer service in 2009. On March 23rd the ground breaking ceremony for the new Honda Academy for Europe at Erlensee near Hanau in Germany took place. This €15m project will give even greater training to Honda and dealer’s staff to assist them in exceeding customer’s expectations in the future.

Infusion of Capital and Expansion of Leadership Team Position LSI to Revolutionize Power for Consumer Electronic Devices

WILMINGTON, Mass. – Lilliputian Systems, Inc., developer of the world’s first Personal Power(TM) solution for consumer electronic (CE) devices, today  announced the closing of an additional $28M in financing, the addition of Ray Stata to its Board of Directors and the appointment of Michael Umana as EVP and CFO

Lilliputian Systems announced that it has secured an additional $28 million in venture funding. Joining its current investors, which include Kleiner Perkins Caufield Byers of Menlo Park, CA , Atlas Venture of Waltham MA , Fairhaven Capital of Cambridge, MA  and Rockport Capital of Boston, MA , are two new investors:  Stata Venture Partners of Needham, MA and Altira Group LLC of Denver, CO .

In conjunction with the financing, Mr. Ray Stata, the co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Analog Devices, Inc. (www.analog.com), a Fortune 1000 and S&P 500 company will join Lilliputian’s Board of Directors effective immediately. Stata Venture Partners is a private equity fund that invests in early stage new business opportunities around the world.  Mr. Stata is Founder and Principal of the firm and has been active in the high technology industry and public service for over 20 years including work with the Massachusetts High Technology Council and The Council on Competitiveness.  Among his numerous awards include election to both the National Academy of Engineering and American Academy of Arts and Sciences, as well as being a recipient of the IEEE Founder’s Medal.

“We could not be more pleased to have Ray join our board,” said Ken Lazarus, CEO of Lilliputian Systems. “His knowledge, insight, and contacts — not to mention his vast experience in bringing MEMS products to market, will help propel Lilliputian Systems as a commercial force in the CE industry.”

“Stata Venture Partners’ financial support and my personal commitment to join the board serve as strong endorsement of Lilliputian’s technology and business model,” said Mr. Stata. “This funding will help ensure the timely commercial launch of Lilliputian’s products.”

Altira Group is committed to building a future of efficient, sustainable energy by pioneering full-spectrum investments in the energy sector.  Hull McKinnon, Principal at Altira, will also join Lilliputian’s Board of Directors. “Hull’s presence further validates the impact that Lilliputian’s products will have in providing a clean tech solution for today’s CE devices,” said Mouli Ramani, Vice President of Business Development at Lilliputian Systems. “The Altira Group recognizes that our products will dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of literally billions of devices worldwide.”

Lilliputian also announced the appointment of Michael Umana as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Administration Officer. Mr. Umana has held numerous senior positions in both public and private companies and brings a wealth of experience to Lilliputian. Prior to joining the company, Mr. Umana served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the LoJack Corporation. “The addition of Mike to our senior management team will help position Lilliputian for our product launch,” said Lazarus. “Mike’s deep knowledge and broad experience will be invaluable as Lilliputian continues to add partners and customers around the world.”

About Lilliputian Systems

Lilliputian Systems, Inc. has developed the world’s first Personal Power(TM) solution for Consumer Electronics (CE) devices, a revolutionary family of products targeted at the $50 billion portable power market. The Company’s breakthrough solution delivers the only viable small form-factor battery replacement that provides the enormous run-time improvements demanded by today’s CE devices. Lilliputian’s patented Silicon Power Cell(TM) technology is based on highly-efficient and proven solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) wafer fabrication methods, and is fueled by recyclable high energy butane cartridges. The technology is reliable, FAA approved and environmentally friendly. Lilliputian’s solution enables longer run-time by providing a 5-10 improvement in volumetric energy density and 20-40X improvement in gravimetric energy density at a fraction of the cost. The Company’s elegantly designed solution both complements today’s devices and can seamlessly integrate into future devices — all while ensuring the consumer enjoys an essentially infinite supply of Personal Power(TM) for their CE devices.  For more information, visit www.lilliputiansystemsinc.com.

National Hydrogen Association to recognize Friedland for leadership in hydrogen technology

Wallingford, CT–Proton Energy Systems announced today that company president and CEO Robert Friedland is one of three recipients of the distinguished National Hydrogen Association’s (NHA) 2009 Award for Meritorious Service.  The award is presented annually by the NHA to individuals for exceptional leadership and personal contribution to the advancement of hydrogen technologies.

“Mr. Friedland’s leadership at Proton Energy Systems and his continued dedication to the development and promotion of hydrogen technology is exemplary,” said NHA President Jeffrey A. Serfass.  “Mr. Friedland’s remarkable record of achievement over the years cannot come at a more critical moment, as energy security and green energy are major issues confronting our nation.  I cannot think of a more worthy recipient for this award.”

Friedland, who co-founded Proton Energy in 1996, will receive the award on Thursday, April 2, 2009 at an awards ceremony during the industry’s largest hydrogen conference in Columbia, South Carolina. In addition to his leadership at Proton Energy, Friedland is being recognized specifically for: his dedicated and outstanding service as chair of the NHA’s Financial Compliance Committee; his work with NHA staff to simplify financial recordkeeping and reports; providing stronger oversight of the association’s financial picture, which resulted in appropriate actions taken for financial surpluses instead of deficits; and finally, for his ability to provide a solid business model for smaller business organizations to use and those with emerging market technologies.

“I am honored to accept this National Hydrogen Association award on behalf of Proton Energy Systems,” said Friedland.  “Proton’s mission has always been to develop hydrogen technology in creative and practical ways that can benefit our customers and advance green energy possibilities and potential throughout the globe.”

Friedland has decades of experience with hydrogen technology. He has authored and presented major papers in the field and is co-inventor on three U.S. Patents in the area of water electrolysis.  Friedland earned a BS degree in mechanical engineering from Syracuse University and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Proton Energy Systems has been awarded several major contracts in recent months, including a partnership with Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction to supply Proton’s advanced HOGEN hydrogen generators for a power plant that provides electricity to Qatalum, the world’s largest aluminum smelting plant in Qatar.  Proton Energy’s commitment to innovation has also been recognized with several recent military projects, including a $2.62 million contract with the U.S. Army’s Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) to develop a Regenerative Fuel Cell System, and a $1.8 million contract with the U.S. Army’s Tank-Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) to create an advanced fueling system capable of sustaining a military fleet of hydrogen-powered vehicles

About Proton Energy Systems

Proton Energy Systems designs and manufactures proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrochemical systems to make hydrogen from water in a zero pollution process producing safe, pure, reliable onsite hydrogen to meet today’s global hydrogen requirements.  Proton Energy Systems has been developing and manufacturing world-class electrolysis systems since 1996, with more than 1200 units deployed world-wide, on every continent.  With a reputation for building robust, reliable, and safe systems, federal, state, and commercial partners repeatedly seek the creative solutions that Proton Energy Systems has proven it is capable of delivering.  For more information, visit www.ProtonEnergy.com .

BRUNNTHAL, Germany & MUNICH – Concern about the environment is universal, but system performance comes first. This Earth Day, SFC Smart Fuel Cell, leading supplier of fuel cell products for mobile and off-grid power applications, points out that fuel cells, operating in a hybrid system with batteries and solar power systems, can power a range of leisure and industrial equipment in any weather conditions.

Hybrid fuel cell system advantages:

– Produces only carbon dioxide and water vapour in amounts comparable to a child’s breath

– Provides a clean and quiet alternative to fuel-based generators

– Keeps solar power systems operating reliably even in bad weather

– Assures continuous, virtually maintenance-free energy to battery-powered systems, avoiding battery replacement

– Includes an integrated charge control that constantly monitors the charge level of the battery and automatically recharges it when needed

Fuel cells are recognized as a clean, silent and efficient energy source for powering a wide variety of applications off the grid. Applications include motor home and marine equipment, traffic-control equipment and monitoring devices to protect property. SFC has sold more than 12,000 direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) and is a global leader in providing fuel cells for security, surveillance and monitoring applications.

For more information: Dr. Peter Podesser, CEO of Smart Fuel Cell, is available to talk about applications for hybrid fuel cell systems. Please contact Jaclyn Petros, (617) 638-0022 or petrosj@loomisgroup.com for more information.

About SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG

SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG (www.sfc.com) is market leader in fuel cell technologies for mobile and off-grid power applications serving the leisure, industrial and defense markets. As one of Germany’s technology pioneers, SFC has won numerous innovation awards. SFC has alliances with leading companies in a wide range of industries. Unlike most other fuel cell manufacturers, who are in the research and development phase or run subsidized demonstration projects, SFC has shipped more than 12,000 fully commercial products to industrial and private end users for more than four years, and has created a convenient fuel cartridge supply infrastructure. SFC is DIN ISO 9001:2000 certified. SFC is based in Brunnthal, Germany, and has a U.S. sales and technical service office in Atlanta.

Lines of hydrogen fuel cell-powered materials handling equipment and cavernous spaces greet visitors to Central Grocers Inc’s new distribution center in a Joliet business park. Approximately 2,000 people attended a 29 March grand opening ceremony with the opportunity to see the equipment and tour the corporate headquarters, freezer/cooler space and ambient warehouse.

“All the trucks are delivered and are in operation,” says Kal Anglewicz, president of dealership Yale Equipment & Services LLC of Rosemont, Illinois. Central Grocers purchased 219 fuel cell-powered Yale units and is retiring 170 battery-powered forklifts through Yale Equipment.

GenDrive-brand hydrogen fuel cell power units from Plug Power Inc of Latham, New York are installed on the Yale pallet trucks, reach trucks, counterbalance stand ups and counterbalance forklifts. Air Products & Chemicals Inc of Allentown, Pennsylvania supplied a liquid hydrogen storage compression system and multiple indoor fueling dispensers.

The member-owned wholesale grocery co-operative invested about USD90 million in buying real estate, constructing a state-of-the-art 934,340 square foot (84,104 sqm) facility and purchasing infrastructure and operating equipment.

“This is a great moment not only for our company but for the Chicago area as a whole,” says Jim Denges, chief executive officer of Central Grocers.

Central Grocers had operated from a base in Franklin Park, Illinois for 52 years. The move of 35 miles (56 km) to Joliet positions the firm near the intersection of two interstate highways and improves its ability to serve more of the metropolitan Chicago area in Illinois and north western Indiana.

Local officials approved abating 50% of the site’s property taxes for five years. Also, the cooperative will receive USD3.8-million in state corporate tax credits and USD87,500 for employer training.

Former affiliates of another cooperative, Certified Grocers Inc of Hodgkins, Illinois, become members of Central Grocers in May. The enlarged organisation under the Central Grocers’ identity will employ about 500 persons and supply 225 independent businesses operating 450 stores in four states.