FuelCellsWorks

MURRAY HILL & NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J.–Linde North America will showcase the commercial effectiveness of its next generation hydrogen fueling technologies at the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association conference, which will be held at the Gaylord National Hotel and Conference Center, Washington, D.C., February 13 to 16, 2011.

Linde North America, a member of The Linde Group, a world-leading gases and engineering company, will feature its ground-breaking technologies that provide safe, fast and efficient ways to fuel hydrogen vehicles. The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association was formed in 2010 via a merger between the US Fuel Cell Council (USFCC) and the National Hydrogen Association (NHA).

Visit Linde at booth #313 to discuss the latest developments in hydrogen fueling technology for forklift trucks, buses and automobiles. Linde’s alternative energy team will be available to discuss these developments including the Linde Ionic Compressor system. Unlike conventional mechanical systems which use a piston in the pressurizing process, the Ionic Compressor uses an ionic liquid in direct contact with hydrogen.

“The Ionic Compressor is a step-change in the area of hydrogen fueling,” said Mike Beckman, head of the Linde North America’s alternative energy team. “It is a high-efficiency, high-throughput, low-maintenance and low-noise compression solution to allow fast and safe filling of vehicles,” Beckman said.

Coupled with Linde’s proprietary fueling protocol and advanced station design, the Ionic Compressor is part of a complete and compact indoor or outdoor compression, storage and dispensing solution for the hydrogen fuel cell bus and fork lift truck markets.

Linde will also highlight the Linde MF-90 high performance containerized compressor system, which was first developed and commercialized in Europe, is easy to deploy and can efficiently supply both 350 bar and 700 bar hydrogen to automobiles.

“Over the past several years Linde technologies have been used successfully to fuel a variety of hydrogen vehicles,” said Beckman. “I think we’ve proven that hydrogen fueled vehicles are viable commercial alternatives. Based on the positive results that have been demonstrated, I’m confident that we’ll see commercialization grow at a much faster pace over the next few years,” Beckman said.

Markus Bachmeier, head of global hydrogen solutions for Linde, will be a keynote speaker and Steve Eckhardt, Linde North America’s west coast head of alternative energy business development, will present a paper focused on high performance auto hydrogen fueling.

Cooperating with renowned, globally active partners, Linde has equipped more than 70 hydrogen fueling stations in 15 countries with state-of-the-art hydrogen compression technologies. The company is involved in many hydrogen fueling station projects throughout North America including the successful installation of hydrogen fueling stations for forklifts for Wal-Mart in Ohio. In addition, Linde is partnering with BMW Manufacturing Co. in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to implement a new alternative fuel platform that uses hydrogen fuel cells to power forklifts, tuggers and stackers at BMW’s new 1.2 million square foot assembly hall in Spartanburg. Linde is also installing fueling stations for both buses and cars for AC Transit in Emeryville, California.

Linde also is partnering with Mercedes-Benz in their F-CELL World Drive, a project that involves driving around the world in hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles. Linde is the Tour’s exclusive provider of hydrogen and will employ novel mobile refueling technology to keep the tour on track. The journey will take three Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL vehicles through 14 countries and four continents.

“Linde is focused on finding ways to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and cut our greenhouse gas emissions,” said Dave Read, business development manager for alternative energy-east. “Expanding our North America vehicle fueling capabilities gives customers greater access to a strong hydrogen network and world-class engineering.”

The Linde Group is a world leading gases and engineering company with 48,000 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. In the 2009 financial year it achieved sales of EUR 11.2 billion (USD 15.3 billion). The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards sustainable earnings-based growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services.

Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment – in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. Linde is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.

QUINCY, Mass. — The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company announced today a significant step in retail store innovation: a special dedication of a 400 kilowatt fuel cell – a first for the supermarket chain – at its store on Torringford Street in East Torrington, Conn.

The fuel cell, a UTC Power PureCell® System Model 400, was supported with a grant from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund’s On-Site Renewable Distributed Generation Program and is the first fuel cell utilized by the Stop & Shop Supermarket Company. It is expected to generate over 90% of the store’s electric energy.

“In our commitment to be a sustainable company, we continually look for new innovations and technologies that help us build more energy efficient stores,” said Jihad Rizkallah, vice president of store planning for Stop & Shop. “The fuel cell technology is the latest step we’ve taken to ensure we’re doing everything we can to lower our impact to the environment in each community we serve.”

Since the fuel cell was commissioned in June of last year, it has produced over 1.7 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, accounting for 95% of the store’s total electric energy requirements. This, coupled with the use of the thermal energy produced by the fuel cell, has reduced the total electric and natural gas utility bills for the store by roughly 50%.

By generating most of its power on site, Stop & Shop is able to reduce the burden on the local power grid and its impact on the environment. The fuel cell operates without fossil fuel combustion which in turn makes electricity production virtually pollution-free. Highlights:

• Stop & Shop anticipates it will prevent the release of more than 523 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually – the equivalent of planting more than 120 acres of trees.

• The annual nitrogen oxide emissions reduction will be equivalent to removing 88 cars from roadways.

• Designed to operate in water-balance, with no consumption or discharge of water under normal operations, the fuel cell at the Torrington Stop & Shop store will save 3.5 million gallons of water compared to central utility generated electricity.

“Stop & Shop did an outstanding job integrating this fuel cell into its new, energy-efficient supermarket in Torrington and maximizing the energy attributes of the fuel cell,” said Dale Hedman, acting president of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. “The store will not only benefit from electricity produced by the fuel cell but will also benefit from the fuel cell’s waste heat, which will be used for heating, cooling and refrigeration.”

The fuel cell at Stop & Shop in Torrington, Conn., joins a growing fleet of UTC Power’s PureCell® System Model 400 units. In 2010, UTC Power installed dozens of its stationary fuel cells at locations in California, Connecticut, New York, Wisconsin and South Korea. As UTC Power continues to expand its portfolio of fuel cell partners and implementations, the company recently completed a major upgrade to its production facility in South Windsor, Conn., to accommodate an increase in orders from customers.

PowerTrekk is a fuel cell driven power source for mobile phones and other electronic equipment. Unlike other portable chargers, PowerTrekk provides instant and reliable power anywhere, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and business users in emerging markets. Stockholm, Sweden

PowerTrekk is a pocket size, lightweight charger for users who spend time away from the electricity grid. Providing instant power anywhere, PowerTrekk uses advanced fuel cell technology which cleanly and efficiently converts hydrogen into electricity. With its rugged, waterproof casing and robust technology on the inside, PowerTrekk is designed to match demanding requirements.

PowerTrekk is a 2-in-1 solution that is both a portable battery pack and fuel cell. The portable battery pack can be operated on its own as a ready source of power or storage buffer for the fuel cell. The fuel cell enables instant charging from a depleted battery state without ever needing a wall charge. Users simply insert a fuel pack and add water. To charge portable devices – for example mobile phones, cameras and GPS devices – users connect a device to Power Trekk via a USB port. “PowerTrekk has a competitive edge over traditional portable chargers. Fuel cell power is generated immediately and charging is not impacted by weather or the position of the sun, as for solar panels. Compared to battery powered travel chargers, PowerTrekk offers reliable charging as the fuel packs do not deplete as batteries do,” said Björn Westerholm, CEO at myFC, the company behind PowerTrekk.

myFC is a Swedish fuel cell technology company that develops solutions for powering portable electronics. Having secured numerous patents around proprietary shape-flexible fuel cell systems with record high power density, PowerTrekk is the first commercial portable charger using myFC technology. Since the hydrogen fuel can be supplied from several alternative sources, the system is “flexifuel”. The chemistry process is safe and eco-friendly, and the only bi-product from the fuel cell is a little water vapor. Further information: www.powertrekk.com

Worldwide launch of PowerTrekk at Mobile World Congress See PowerTrekk at MWC in Barcelona, Hall 2.0, Stand 2F13. To schedule an interview, please contact Bite Communications.

• EADS and Scottish scientists are working on new storage tanks for hydrogen
• Use of hydrogen in aircraft and car engines would deliver huge benefits to the environment
• If successful, EADS plans to fly an unmanned hydrogen-powered test plane in 2014

Chip Bottone Succeeds Dan Brdar, Who Continues as Chairman

DANBURY, Conn. — FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq:FCEL), a leading manufacturer of ultra-clean, efficient and reliable power plants using renewable and other fuels for commercial, industrial, government, and utility customers, today announced the promotion of Chip Bottone to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer.

Bottone, previously FuelCell Energy’s Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, takes over for Dan Brdar as President and CEO, effective February 8, 2011. Brdar, who has been with FuelCell Energy from 2000 and CEO since 2006, will remain as Chairman of the Board until the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders as part of the Company’s planned management succession strategy.

Since joining FuelCell Energy in February 2010, Bottone has been leading the Company’s commercial activities. He has focused on accelerating profitable revenue growth by capitalizing on heightened demand for clean, alternative forms of energy generation — a need well-matched by the company’s Direct FuelCell (DFC) power plants. He has developed and implemented strategies to expand the company’s market opportunities and growth potential.

“Chip’s focus and experience in growing revenue and expanding our customer base is integral to our success. Through his efforts, we enter 2011 with the largest product and service revenue backlog in our history at $154 million,” Dan Brdar said. “The Board and I believe that his commercialization experience and performance, combined with his strategic vision for our products provides the necessary leadership for FuelCell Energy to achieve profitability.”

Bottone noted that FuelCell Energy is well-positioned to move forward and is poised for sustainable growth.

“I am excited about our prospects and see a clear path to grow our business profitably. There is an absolute global need for ultra-clean, efficient distributed power generation,” Bottone said. “Our products’ combination of high electrical efficiency, ultra-clean emissions and 24/7 reliability cannot be matched in the market place.”

“We are currently executing on our initiative to accelerate the path to profitability at production volumes that utilize minimal cash. We will also leverage our success in South Korea and California to new markets around the world,” he added.

“Dan has set the stage for growth. His leadership and drive over the last ten years transitioned us from an R&D operation to a global commercial fuel cell products company. Through his efforts, we have gross margin profitable products and the opportunity to move into a commercial period where we will aggressively increase sales volume.”

Bottone has 25 years of experience at Ingersoll Rand Company, the diversified multi-national industrial concern where he held a series of roles culminating as President of the Energy Systems Business. There he built a global alternative energy business providing distributed energy and environmental solutions for customers in the U.S., the United Kingdom, China, India, the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Russia. Throughout his career at Ingersoll Rand, Bottone increased sales and profitability for his areas of responsibility.

Bottone earned his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and holds a Certificate of Professional Development from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

About FuelCell Energy

DFC(R) fuel cells are generating power at over 50 locations worldwide. The Company’s power plants have generated over 650 million kWh of power using a variety of fuels including renewable wastewater gas, biogas from beer and food processing, as well as natural gas and other hydrocarbon fuels. FuelCell Energy has partnerships with major power plant developers and power companies around the world. The Company also receives funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and other government agencies for the development of leading edge technologies such as fuel cells. For more information please visit our website at www.fuelcellenergy.com

Ready for testing on the DLR A320 research aircraft Thanks to a fuel cell-powered electric nose wheel, aircraft will be able to save fuel while significantly reducing airport noise. A quiet and emission-free tarmac will be possible. After three years of development at the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR), the system is now ready for its first rolling tests with the DLR A320 ATRA (Advanced Testing and Research Aircraft).

Ready for testing on the DLR A320 research aircraft

Thanks to a fuel cell-powered electric nose wheel, aircraft will be able to save fuel while significantly reducing airport noise. A quiet and emission-free tarmac will be possible. After three years of development at the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR), the system is now ready for its first rolling tests with the DLR A320 ATRA (Advanced Testing and Research Aircraft).
“The fuel cell-powered electric nose wheel reduces the emissions produced by aircraft at airports by up to 27%, and noise levels during taxiing by up to 100%,” explains Josef Kallo, the project manager for the emission-free, fuel cell-powered nose wheel at the DLR Institute of Technical Thermodynamics (Institut für Technische Thermodynamik). Aircraft fitted with this nose wheel will be able to approach their apron locations travelling in both forward and reverse directions, as well as taxi to their take-off positions without needing towing vehicles or using their main engines.

Successfully tested in the laboratory

The nose wheel drive system, which has already undergone successful testing in the laboratory, comprises two highly efficient electric motor units built into the rims of the aircraft’s nose wheel. The fuel cell system responsible for delivering electrical energy is capable of powering the nose wheel of an aircraft weighing up to 70 tons. The fuel cells, which are direct electrochemical energy converters, produce electricity from hydrogen and oxygen and are significantly more efficient than an internal combustion engine with a coupled generator.
Nose wheel drive – fuel cell system When used for short haul journeys involving up to seven take offs and landings per day, electrical manoeuvring on the ground could allow for savings of between 200 and 400 litres of kerosene per day. Reducing the operating time of the engines will also have a positive effect on their maintenance intervals. With an average time of up to 34 minutes (depending on the airport) on the ground between landing and take off, it will be possible to reduce the operating time of the engines by 1200 hours per year.
The new nose wheel drive will also mean a reduction in noise levels at airports; with its low-noise fuel cell system (silent, apart from fan noise), the electrical unit will drive the aircraft almost silently across the tarmac.

A fuel cell system delivers electrical energy capable of powering the nose wheel of a 70-ton aircraft.

Partners Airbus and Lufthansa Technik support technology development

Soon moving without a towing vehicle – DLR ATRA For about three years, DLR has been working on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economics and Technology (Bundesministeriums für Wirtschaft und Technologie; BMWi), on emission-free ground propulsion systems for aircraft. As part of the German aeronautical research programme LuFo IV (Luftfahrtforschung), DLR has been working with its partner, Airbus Deutschland GmbH, to develop an aircraft-grade fuel cell system and an electric nose wheel motor for an Airbus A320. The construction of the entire system was overseen by Airbus and installed in a special test vehicle by Lufthansa Technik AG of Hamburg.
“The highly specialised knowledge of both aeronautical partners has played a crucial role in the design, construction and operation of the nose wheel drive system,” says Josef Kallo. Successful tests, both in the laboratory and under realistic conditions on the dynamometer, have already demonstrated the performance capabilities of the system as a whole.

Rolling tests with the research aircraft, ATRA, scheduled for April

The tests to be carried out with ATRA, the DLR research aircraft, are scheduled for April 2011 and will take place in Hamburg, again with the support of Airbus and Lufthansa Technik.

The nose wheel drive system has already undergone successful tests in the laboratory, and comprises two highly efficient electric motors that are built into the rims of the aircraft’s nose wheel.

A nanoparticle of indium tin oxide (green and red) braces platinum nanoparticles (blue) on the surface of graphene (black honeycomb) to make a hardier, more chemically active fuel cell material.

RICHLAND, Wash. – A new combination of nanoparticles and graphene results in a more durable catalytic material for fuel cells, according to work published today online at the Journal of the American Chemical Society. The catalytic material is not only hardier but more chemically active as well. The researchers are confident the results will help improve fuel cell design.

“Fuel cells are an important area of energy technology, but cost and durability are big challenges,” said chemist Jun Liu. “The unique structure of this material provides much needed stability, good electrical conductivity and other desired properties.”

Liu and his colleagues at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Princeton University in Princeton, N.J., and Washington State University in Pullman, Wash., combined graphene, a one-atom-thick honeycomb of carbon with handy electrical and structural properties, with metal oxide nanoparticles to stabilize a fuel cell catalyst and make it better available to do its job.

“This material has great potential to make fuel cells cheaper and last longer,” said catalytic chemist Yong Wang, who has a joint appointment with PNNL and WSU. “The work may also provide lessons for improving the performance of other carbon-based catalysts for a broad range of industrial applications.”

Muscle Metal Oxide

Fuel cells work by chemically breaking down oxygen and hydrogen gases to create an electrical current, producing water and heat in the process. The centerpiece of the fuel cell is the chemical catalyst — usually a metal such as platinum — sitting on a support that is often made of carbon. A good supporting material spreads the platinum evenly over its surface to maximize the surface area with which it can attack gas molecules. It is also electrically conductive.

Fuel cell developers most commonly use black carbon — think pencil lead — but platinum atoms tend to clump on such carbon. In addition, water can degrade the carbon away. Another support option is metal oxides — think rust — but what metal oxides make up for in stability and catalyst dispersion, they lose in conductivity and ease of synthesis. Other researchers have begun to explore metal oxides in conjunction with carbon materials to get the best of both worlds.

As a carbon support, Liu and his colleagues thought graphene intriguing. The honeycomb lattice of graphene is porous, electrically conductive and affords a lot of room for platinum atoms to work. First, the team crystallized nanoparticles of the metal oxide known as indium tin oxide — or ITO — directly onto specially treated graphene. Then they added platinum nanoparticles to the graphene-ITO and tested the materials.

Platinumweight

The team viewed the materials under high-resolution microscopes at EMSL, DOE’s Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory on the PNNL campus. The images showed that without ITO, platinum atoms clumped up on the graphene surface. But with ITO, the platinum spread out nicely. Those images also showed catalytic platinum wedged between the nanoparticles and the graphene surface, with the nanoparticles partially sitting on the platinum like a paperweight.

To see how stable this arrangement was, the team performed theoretical calculations of molecular interactions between the graphene, platinum and ITO. This number-crunching on EMSL’s Chinook supercomputer showed that the threesome was more stable than the metal oxide alone on graphene or the catalyst alone on graphene.

But stability makes no difference if the catalyst doesn’t work. In tests for how well the materials break down oxygen as they would in a fuel cell, the triple-threat packed about 40% more of a wallop than the catalyst alone on graphene or the catalyst alone on other carbon-based supports such as activated carbon.

Last, the team tested how well the new material stands up to repeated usage by artificially aging it. After aging, the tripartite material proved to be three times as durable as the lone catalyst on graphene and twice as durable as on commonly used activated carbon. Corrosion tests revealed that the triple threat was more resistant than the other materials tested as well.

The team is now incorporating the platinum-ITO-graphene material into experimental fuel cells to determine how well it works under real world conditions and how long it lasts.

This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Starting February 13, 2011, the premier annual conference and expo for the fuel cell and hydrogen energy opens its doors in the Washington, DC Area. It is the largest hydrogen event in North America and a leading event serving the international community. With all market key players attending, the German company Wenger Engineering won’t miss out this opportunity to establish global contacts and will demonstrate the benefits of simulation.
The specialist in the field of hydrogen storage and hydrogen refueling technology provides development and simulation of thermodynamics and is a world leader in simulating complex processes for hydrogen fueling. The company’s expertise has already proven to be instrumental in developing SAE J2601, which has been issued in 2010. This first global standard was published for fueling light duty vehicles with high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks (35 MPa and 70 MPa) and Wenger Engineering has contributed to this success with important simulations. Project partners were Daimler, General Motors / Opel, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Linde, Air Products, Air Liquide, CSA, and Powertech Labs.

SAE J2601 is intended to be revised in the next two years to include separate requirements for fueling heavy duty vehicles, forklifts and also for home-refueling appliances. Consequently, design and refinement of this standard will be one of the upcoming topics at the “Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy 2011” – with Wenger Engineering focussing on the development of a reliable, safe and economic hydrogen infrastructure by means of simulation. Cutting costs and reducing time to market are two of the most pressing issues of the industry. In order to accelerate innovation and reduce technology risk, mathematical simulation is therefore the method of choice. Simulations generally minimize time-consuming and expensive physical testing – not only in the field of hydrogen energy, but also when calculating heat transfer, chemical reactions and pressure drop. When it comes to innovation, it is time to turn to Wenger Engineering – Thermodynamics. Solutions. Success.

About Wenger Engineering
Being a specialist in the field of hydrogen storage and hydrogen refueling technology, Wenger Engineering provides development and simulation of thermodynamics and is a world leader in simulating complex processes for hydrogen fueling. Simulations generally minimize time-consuming and expensive physical testing – not only in the field of hydrogen energy, but also when calculating heat transfer, chemical reactions and pressure drop. When it comes to innovation, talk to Wenger Engineering – Thermodynamics.

SCIENTISTS from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have set up a new laboratory – the first in Asia – that aims to turn water into hydrogen fuel.

The new Solar Fuels Laboratory at NTU aims to create efficient and sustainable sources of solar fuel by developing a device that can extract large amounts of hydrogen from water using sunlight.

The energy-producing ‘artificial leaf’ technology can reduce help to reduce dependence on crude oil when perfected, NTU added.

Current technology requires huge amounts of energy to draw small amounts of hydrogen from water which makes it commercially unviable.

NTU’s Solar Fuels Lab was officially opened by Professor Bertil Andersson, NTU’s President-Designate on Tuesday. A seminar on solar fuel generation and artificial photosynthesis was also held in conjunction with the opening ceremony. The lab will be jointly managed by NTU’s School of Materials Science and Engineering and the Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N).

‘Nature has lots of wonderful ways to renew itself. We can learn a lot from Nature, if we look hard enough, to find sustainable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems,” said Professor Andersson, himself an internationally-renowned biochemist and pioneer in ‘artificial leaf’ technology.

Kimberly-Clark, GENCO ATC, Plug Power, Air Products and the Aiken-Edgefield Development Partnership demonstrate leadership in clean energy using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds

PITTSBURGH– GENCO ATC, North America’s second largest and a Global Top 50 third-party logistics provider, announced today that it is partnering with customer Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE:KMB), Plug Power Inc. (Nasdaq:PLUG), Air Products (NYSE:APD), and the Aiken-Edgefield Development Partnership to launch the nation’s first multi-use industrial park fueling station to supply hydrogen directly for industrial, commercial, and government use.

The fueling station supplies hydrogen directly to Kimberly-Clark’s 450,000-square-foot distribution facility managed by GENCO ATC to be used with fuel cells powering Toyota forklifts.  Both the fueling station and the Kimberly-Clark facility are located in Sage Mill Industrial Park, Graniteville, South Carolina.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and technology demonstration will take place inside the Kimberly-Clark facility on Friday, February 11, 2011 at 11 a.m. and will feature several executive speakers and Bobby Harrell, Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives.

“Kimberly-Clark is constantly looking for innovative ways to minimize the impact of our operations on the environment,” said Rick Sather, Vice President of Customer Supply Chain at Kimberly-Clark.  ”We are pleased to partner with GENCO ATC, Plug Power and Air Products to help expand hydrogen fuel cell technology to our entire forklift fleet. This energy technology can reduce our carbon emissions by hundreds of metric tons per year, lower costs and drive efficiencies to power our operations.”

The fueling station and hydrogen-powered forklifts were made possible through the use of $1.1 million of a $6.1 million cost-share award made to GENCO ATC by the U.S. Department of Energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“GENCO ATC is committed to green technology initiatives that are viable, equitable and sustainable for our customers and our company,” said Herb Shear, Chairman and CEO, GENCO ATC.  ”Hydrogen fuel cells represent the best in energy innovation as a sustainable, productive and clean alternative to lead-acid batteries.”

The supply chain industry estimates that annual greenhouse gas emissions created by an average 20-truck lead acid battery-powered forklift fleet can be reduced by hundreds of tons a year simply by converting to fuel cell-powered equipment. By using hydrogen fuel cells instead of lead-acid batteries, greenhouse gases can be reduced by over 90%, according to customer consumption estimates.

“Today’s event marks a key step in South Carolina’s emergence as a leader in hydrogen fueling infrastructure and commercial use of hydrogen fuel cells,” said Bobby Harrell, Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives.  ”This fleet of hydrogen-powered forklifts will enable recognized employers such as Kimberly-Clark, GENCO ATC and Bridgestone to operate in a more efficient and environmentally sustainable manner, which embodies the practical applications of alternative energy that the state should encourage.”

Billerica, MA–Nuvera Fuel Cells, Inc., a global provider of integrated PEM fuel cell stacks, integrated fuel cell systems, and hydrogen generators for on-site refueling, today announced that it has achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification at its Billerica, MA headquarters. This certification indicates that Nuvera’s Quality Management System (QMS) meets ISO’s criteria, specifically the ability to consistently provide product that meets customer and applicable regulatory requirements and aims to enhance customer satisfaction. Nuvera underwent a rigorous audit by Perry Johnson Registrars, a global accreditation body, to earn the certification.

In earning this certification, Nuvera has demonstrated a strong commitment to its Quality Management System, which documents the company’s best business practices and adheres to a strict policy of continuous improvement. Nuvera’s Billerica headquarters encompasses 24 research and development labs, over 50,000 square feet of manufacturing space, and the company’s head offices.

“The satisfaction of our customers is critically important, and we are committed to providing them with high quality products,” commented Prabhu Rao, Vice President of Operations at Nuvera Fuel Cells. “Earning this prestigious certification is a major achievement for us, particularly in this early commercialization phase, as we continue to establish our manufacturing and supply chain operations for both PowerEdgeTM and PowerTapTM product lines.”

PowerEdge™ is a hybrid system consisting of a fuel cell power module, advanced maintenance-free batteries, compressed hydrogen storage tanks, OEM recommended counterweight, and a computerized control system with operator interface. Unlike conventional batteries, PowerEdge stays in the truck and is refueled in less than 2 minutes by PowerTap. A freezer package is available for cold storage applications. Quick refueling, combined with consistent voltage throughout the shift, has led to productivity gains during field trials of 10% and higher.

PowerTap™ is a line of hydrogen generators and hydrogen stations that provide customers with a cost effective source of hydrogen. The Hydrogen Generator utilizes steam methane reforming to produce hydrogen on-site, eliminating transportation costs. The Hydrogen Station provides fast and easy hydrogen refueling that operators can do themselves. Refueling fuel cell forklifts rather than charging lead acid batteries off the grid can lower emissions by up to 33%. In North America and Canada, Airgas is our exclusive sales and service agent for PowerTap.

Nuvera Fuel Cells is a global leader in the development of fuel cell systems and fuel processors for both end users and OEMs. With offices located in the U.S. and Europe, Nuvera provides clean, safe, and efficient products for industrial vehicles and equipment in addition to furthering the development of power systems for automotive and transportation applications. Visit www.nuvera.com for more information.

SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn.– UTC Power, a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company, today announced that Cox Communications, Inc., has installed four of its new generation 400 kilowatt stationary fuel cells at Cox facilities in San Diego and Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.

UTC Power installed and will service the PureCell® System Model 400 units at a Cox Communications administrative building, a master telecommunications center and data center.  All are powered by a blend of biogas and natural gas.

Fuel cells are one of the cleanest energy-generation sources available and meet the strictest U.S. emission standards.  Highly energy-efficient, fuel cells produce electricity, heat and water through an electrochemical process.

“This is a significant partnership for us with a nationally recognized cable and communications leader,” said Neal Montany, director of UTC Power’s stationary fuel cell business. “We’re very pleased that Cox Communications chose our proven phosphoric acid fuel cell technology to provide clean, baseload power for their California facilities.”

Since the early 1990s, UTC Power has designed, manufactured and installed more than 300 stationary fuel cell power plants at diverse locations worldwide, including educational institutions, hotels, hospitals, supermarkets and data centers. Its fleet has accumulated more than 9 million operating hours, unmatched in the industry.  The 80,000-hour durability of the phosphoric acid cell stacks, the heart of the 400kW system, is twice the durability of the previous generation and three to four times more durable than other competing commercial fuel cell technologies.

The installations at the Cox Communications sites qualified for incentives under the California Public Utility Commission’s Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), which provides incentives to support existing, new and emerging distributed energy resources.

The PureCell Model 400 can provide up to 400 kW of assured electrical power, plus 1.7 million Btu/hour of heat for combined heat and power applications.  In a combined heat and power application, the phosphoric acid fuel cell can achieve 90 percent total system efficiency.  The fuel cell is also capable of following the electrical demand of the host site or providing electricity to the grid.

Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and wireless services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves more than 6 million residences and businesses.

UTC Power is part of United Technologies Corp. (UTC), which provides energy-efficient products and services to the aerospace and building industries.  UTC is a founding member of the U.S. Green Building Council and the Pew Center on Global Climate Change and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index each year since it was launched in 1999.  Based in South Windsor, Conn., UTC Power is the world leader in developing and producing fuel cells that generate power for buildings and for transportation, space and defense applications.  For more information, please visit www.utcpower.com

MISSISSAUGA, Canada– Hydrogenics Corporation (Nasdaq:HYGS) (TSX:HYG), a leading developer and manufacturer of hydrogen generation and fuel cell products, today announced that the Company has received contracts for the delivery of nine electrolyzers to customers in Africa and Asia. The electrolyzers and associated services will be utilized by food processing facilities and thermal power plants, with delivery expected over the next six to nine months.

“We are pleased to see continued strengthening in our industrial end markets in Africa and Asia. These recent wins provide a strong starting position to support our growth plans for 2011,” said Daryl Wilson, Hydrogenics President and Chief Executive Officer.

ABOUT HYDROGENICS

Hydrogenics Corporation (www.hydrogenics.com) is a globally recognized developer and provider of hydrogen generation and fuel cell products and services, serving the growing industrial and clean energy markets of today and tomorrow. Based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Hydrogenics has operations in North America and Europe.

Grenoble– McPhy Energy, a leader in solid hydrogen storage technology, has announced that the company has signed a contract with the Enel Group, Italy’s largest power company and Europe’s second listed utility by installed capacity, for the supply of a solid hydrogen storage solution. The system has a capacity of 2 kilograms of solid hydrogen, stored in the form of magnesium hydrides (which do not require compression), offering an innovative solution for safe, reversible hydrogen storage, with excellent energy efficiency.

A prototype of the system design was validated through a series of tests at the CEA-LITEN (the French national Laboratory of Innovation for New Energy Technologies and Nanomaterials in Grenoble, France). The test tank was coupled to an electrolyser and to a fuel cell, successfully demonstrating the storage of renewable energy.

Enel will integrate McPhy’s solution in a full, innovative technology framework, which includes wind and solar technologies, as well as hydrogen production and storage.  McPhy’s storage system will be located at Enel’s research center in Livorno.  The project will be led by a group of researchers from the Enel Research Center of Pisa.

Enel’s interest in hydrogen and the technology developed by McPhy Energy confirms McPhy’s strategy of developing industrial energy storage applications in collaboration with the industry’s major players.

“With this order, McPhy has achieved the first milestone in our business development plan,” says Pascal Mauberger, CEO of McPhy Energy. “Enel’s confidence in our innovative energy storage technology enables us to look to the next phase of large-scale deployment on the grid.”

About McPhy Energy

McPhy Energy was created in 2008, with the mission to industrialize and commercialize an innovative solid hydrogen storage technology using magnesium hydrides, which offers unique advantages compared to other hydrogen storage solutions. The technology addresses the merchant hydrogen and renewable energy markets. McPhy owns exclusive rights on a portfolio of unique patents, which results from over 8 years of research at the CNRS and CEA, in partnership with Joseph Fourier University.  A member of the TENERRDIS cluster, McPhy Energy is involved as a partner or a subcontractor in several research projects. For further information, see www.mcphy.com.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario– Hydrogenics Corporation (Nasdaq:HYGS) (TSX:HYG), a leading developer and manufacturer of hydrogen generation and fuel cell products, today announced an award to supply two HySTAT(TM)60 electrolyzers for a hydrogen fueling station to be based in Oslo, Norway.

The electrolyzers will support a complete electrolysis-based fueling station as part of the HyNor Oslo Bus project. The electrolyzers, capable of producing up to 260 kilograms per day of pure hydrogen are anticipated to be delivered in 2011 and will be based at the Rosenholm bus garage in a suburb of Oslo, Norway. The hydrogen fueling station is anticipated to commence service in 2012 and provide hydrogen to operate fuel cell buses for a five year period. The fueling station is part of CHIC, the Clean Hydrogen in European Cities Project, an essential next step leading to the full market commercialization of fuel cell hydrogen powered buses. Additional information regarding the CHIC initiative can be found at (http://chic-project.eu). The HyNor Oslo Bus project will reduce noise and improve the air quality in the Oslo area, in addition to reducing harmful emissions from public transport. The hydrogen fueling station will deliver 100% green hydrogen, thanks to the use of green electricity, further demonstrating that a complete carbon free chain using electrolysis has its place in the future energy mix for transport applications.

“We are pleased to have been selected by Air Liquide to provide our electrolysis products for this high profile hydrogen fueling station. This award further demonstrated our ability to provide the highest quality equipment and engineering services to support the deployment of hydrogen fueling stations throughout Europe,” said Daryl Wilson, Hydrogenics President and Chief Executive Officer.

ABOUT HYDROGENICS

Hydrogenics Corporation (www.hydrogenics.com) is a globally recognized developer and provider of hydrogen generation and fuel cell products and services, serving the growing industrial and clean energy markets of today and tomorrow. Based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Hydrogenics has operations in North America and Europe.

Recently Hyundai • Kia Motors and key hydrogen stakeholders from the Nordic countries, Sweden, Denmark, Norway & Iceland signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim of collaboration towards market deployment of zero emission hydrogen powered fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). With the MoU Hyundai • Kia hopes to establish its position as one of the leading manufacturers in the global markets for FCEV’s. For the Nordic countries the MoU significantly strengthens their position as one among the first regions worldwide where FCEV’s are market introduced. The Embassy of Sweden and the Korean Ministry of Knowledge & Economy signed the MoU as co-witnesses at a joint signing ceremony in Seoul, Korea on the 31st January 2011.

For several decades, making possible the vision of zero emission vehicles with water as the only exhaust, has awaited a sufficient technology level of FCEV’s and a coordinated effort on roll-out of a supporting hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. The recently signed MoU between Hyundai • Kia and key stakeholders from the Nordic countries represents a significant contribution towards this vision.

To become the first mover for commercial market of eco-friendly vehicles in near future Hyundai • Kia has actively been developing FCEV’s as well as battery electric vehicles, which have gained agrowing interest in recent years. With the Nordic MoU Hyundai • Kia aims at establishing its position as one of the leading manufacturers in the global markets for FCEV’s as well as battery vehicles.

Within the Nordic countries there is a long standing and strong collaboration between Icelandic New Energy (INE) and the Scandinavian Hydrogen Highway Partnership (SHHP) with the purpose of deploying fuel cell vehicles and constructing and clustering hydrogen fuelling stations in a cross country infrastructure network. The ambition is to ensure the Nordic region as one among the first worldwide where FCEV’s are market introduced.

Following the signing of the MoU, Hyundai • Kia and the Nordic partners plan to collaborate on advancing the deployment of an increasing volume of FCEV’s and wide-spreading hydrogen infrastructure in the Nordic countries, enabling the setting for commercialisation of in 2015 as announced by most of the key automotive players back in September 2009. This new cooperation can also create basis for increased business opportunities and collaboration on environmental sustainable technologies in and between the Nordic Countries and Korea.

The MoU-signing ceremony was held at the Swedish embassy in Seoul, Korea on January 31st, 2011.

The MoU was signed by representatives of Hyunda • Kia, INE and SHHP and with the Embassy of Sweden and the Korean Ministry of Knowledge & Economy as witnesses.

Quotes of the key MoU signatures:

Dr.Woon Chul Yang, president of R&D Division of Hyundai • Kia states, “We expect that the deployment activities of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to the Nordic countries where the network of hydrogen fuelling stations is well established, can help advertise our advanced eco-friendly vehicle technologies to Europe. With this MoU agreement we hope to be a leading manufacturer of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for the European market”.

Mr. Vargö, ambassador of Sweden states: “We are pleased to witness a MoU agreement between Hyundai-Kia Motors and key players from the Nordic countries and hope to see a strengthening of the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle industry with this collaboration”.

Mr. Skulason, General Manager of Iceland New Energy states: “This is a unique Nordic cooperation to enhance environmentally friendly transport in the Nordic region. With seven hydrogen stations already in operation and with several more being opened in Norway and Denmark in this and next year, the Nordic region has established itself as a key player in the future of hydrogen.”

Mr. Mikael Sloth, board chairman, Scandinavian Hydrogen Highway Partnership, states: “This MoU represents a significant step towards the ambition of ensuring the Nordic region as one among the first worldwide where hydrogen powered vehicles are market introduction. Deployment of fuel cell vehicles from Hyundai • Kia and other car manufacturers will strengthen the basis for a further expansion of the present Nordic network of hydrogen refuelling stations.”

Mr. Bjørn Simonsen, chairman of HyNor in Norway states: “The timing for initiating this collaboration between the Nordic countries and Hyundai • Kia is right. In addition to having a good basis for infrastructure in the region, we also have uniquely good incentives for zero-emission vehicles. We have seen that Hyundai • Kia have a vehicle technology which is both well developed and suitable for our conditions. This MoU is an important step forward, and taking it together, makes it stronger.”

Björn Aronsson, Managing Director of Hydrogen Sweden states: “This MoU position the Nordic partners in the work to get access to fuel cell cars for the big running and upcoming projects. We will get access to the latest technology and have the possibility to test refueling, maintenance and the usability of these environmental friendly vehicles. We will now focus on the infrastructure of refueling stations and invite the stakeholders to make a national plan that will match what our neighbor countries have. The MoU opens also for exchange of research and business opportunities for the suppliers in our countries”.

Additional information

Pictures from the MoU signing: www.scandinavianhydrogen.org

Hyundai • Kia press release: http://www.vatgas.se/shhp/pdf/PR-Hyundai-Kia-MoU-Nordic-Countries.pdf

About Scandinavian Hydrogen Highway Partnership (SHHP) | www.scandinavianhydrogen.org

SHHP is working towards making the Scandinavian region one among where hydrogen is available and used in a network of refuelling stations. The SHHP constitutes a transnational network that catalyses and coordinates collaboration between three national networking bodies, HyNor Norway, Hydrogen Link Denmark and Hydrogen Sweden.

HyNor (Norway), Bjørn Simonsen, bjorn@kunnskapsbyen.no, +47 97179821

Hydrogen Sweden, Björn Aronsson, bjorn.aronsson@vatgas.se, +46 703 49 09 58

Hydrogen Link Denmark Association, Flemming Wennike, fw@hydrogenlink.net, +45 2938 3965

About Icelandic New Energy Ltd. (INE) | www.newenergy.is

Icelandic New Energy has been the pioneer in the world of deploying hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles. The company has the world’s longest experience in operating a commercial hydrogen refuelling station with it partners. Over the last few years over 30 hydrogen vehicles have been in service in Iceland. Iceland´s long term goal is to base the largesttransport part of el-mobility and INE has contributed largely to the first steps.

Jón Björn Skulason, skulason@newenergy.is, +354 863 6510

Hungerford, UK–UPS Systems has signed an innovative new distributor agreement with Air Liquide Hydrogen Energy to become the first UK company to offer its three brand new hydrogen fuel cell systems: the Energy Container, the Mobixane and the Commpac 500.

This completely unique initiative will allow UPS Systems to lease Air Liquide’s products to customers which is a first for the UK market and part of UPS Systems’ approach to broaden the use of fuel cells in the UK and develop the market place.

Speaking of the agreement, UPS Systems Managing Director, Tom Sperrey, said, “Air Liquide Hydrogen Energy’s rental model is a major breakthrough for the UK market. Whilst we are seeing more and more companies interested in fuel cells for their organisations, one of the barriers in adopting higher-output fuel cell systems has been the capital costs involved.

“To be able to lease Air Liquide Hydrogen Energy’s hydrogen systems means that the technology is now much more financially accessible and we predict that this will open up entirely new markets for fuel cells and their adoption as a current and viable technology. This also provides an excellent opportunity for those interested in incorporating fuel cells into their business as a clean, emissions-free alternative to power provision, to lease a unit for a short fixed period of time to assess their benefits with absolutely no risk.

“Our experience is that once a customer has experienced the unique benefits of fuel cells they quickly become an advocate of them.” All three of Air Liquide Hydrogen Energy’s hydrogen systems are powered by a PEM fuel cell. They offer an autonomous, clean power supply for remote locations where access to mains grid power is difficult. The units are silent when operational, easy to deploy and require little maintenance. Products in the range include: . Energy Container: a containerised unit comprising a fuel cell, which delivers up to 2.5kW of power, power electronics and corresponding hydrogen supply. The unit offers an unlimited runtime as long as a constant supply of hydrogen is present making it suitable for construction and remote sites, events and festivals.

. Mobixane: a portable unit generating up to 2.5kW of power, with enough hydrogen storage to provide eight hours runtime. It’s suited to the entertainment industry, on TV and film sets.

. Commpac 500: a light solution generating up to 0.5kW of power for remote sites that don’t have easy access to the National Grid with an unlimited runtime.

UPS Systems plc (www.upssystems.co.uk) is the UK’s largest independent supplier of standby power solutions. Through its independent position, allied to close working relationships with the world’s leading manufacturers, the company is uniquely able to offer impartial technical advice on the widest range of standby power solutions. An authority on fuel cell technology, UPS Systems implemented the UK’s first two hydrogen fuel cells providing ac standby power, and is currently working on projects where the technology will be used for the supply of backup or prime power to utilities, telecommunications, remote telemetry, portable signage and renewable energy applications.

Air Liquide Hydrogen Energy (ALH2E) is a dedicated organization of the Air Liquide group focusing on the development of the hydrogen-energy economy. The mission of ALH2E is to deliver a technological offer (fuel cells, high pressure storage, filling stations, decentralized and carbon free hydrogen production) and to implement a dedicated hydrogen supply chain wherever needed.

ALH2E activities cover: . innovation and product development, including fuel cells . hydrogen storage and distribution systems . hydrogen energy solutions marketing and sales . hydrogen systems supply chain

To learn more about Air Liquide Hydrogen Energy systems, please visit: http://www.airliquide-hydrogen-energy.com

	Neutron scattering analysis performed at DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory reveals the lamellar structure of a hydrogen-producing, biohybrid composite material formed by the self-assembly of naturally occurring, light harvesting proteins with polymers.

OAK RIDGE, Tenn.–  Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a biohybrid photoconversion system — based on the interaction of photosynthetic plant proteins with synthetic polymers — that can convert visible light into hydrogen fuel.

Photosynthesis, the natural process carried out by plants, algae and some bacterial species, converts sunlight energy into chemical energy and sustains much of the life on earth. Researchers have long sought inspiration from photosynthesis to develop new materials to harness the sun’s energy for electricity and fuel production.

In a step toward synthetic solar conversion systems, the ORNL researchers have demonstrated and confirmed with small-angle neutron scattering analysis that light harvesting complex II (LHC-II) proteins can self-assemble with polymers into a synthetic membrane structure and produce hydrogen.

The researchers envision energy-producing photoconversion systems similar to photovoltaic cells that generate hydrogen fuel, comparable to the way plants and other photosynthetic organisms convert light to energy.

“Making a, self-repairing synthetic photoconversion system is a pretty tall order. The ability to control structure and order in these materials for self-repair is of interest because, as the system degrades, it loses its effectiveness,” ORNL researcher Hugh O’Neill, of the lab’s Center for Structural Molecular Biology, said.

“This is the first example of a protein altering the phase behavior of a synthetic polymer that we have found in the literature. This finding could be exploited for the introduction of self-repair mechanisms in future solar conversion systems,” he said.

Small angle neutron scattering analysis performed at ORNL’s High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) showed that the LHC-II, when introduced into a liquid environment that contained polymers, interacted with polymers to form lamellar sheets similar to those found in natural photosynthetic membranes.

The ability of LHC-II to force the assembly of structural polymers into an ordered, layered state — instead of languishing in an ineffectual mush — could make possible the development of biohybrid photoconversion systems. These systems would consist of high surface area, light-collecting panes that use the proteins combined with a catalyst such as platinum to convert the sunlight into hydrogen, which could be used for fuel.

The research builds on previous ORNL investigations into the energy-conversion capabilities of platinized photosystem I complexes — and how synthetic systems based on plant biochemistry can become part of the solution to the global energy challenge.

“We’re building on the photosynthesis research to explore the development of self-assembly in biohybrid systems. The neutron studies give us direct evidence that this is occurring,” O’Neill said.

The researchers confirmed the proteins’ structural behavior through analysis with HFIR’s Bio-SANS, a small-angle neutron scattering instrument specifically designed for analysis of biomolecular materials.

“Cold source” neutrons, in which energy is removed by passing them through cryogenically chilled hydrogen, are ideal for studying the molecular structures of biological tissue and polymers.

The LHC-II protein for the experiment was derived from a simple source: spinach procured from a local produce section, then processed to separate the LHC-II proteins from other cellular components. Eventually, the protein could be synthetically produced and optimized to respond to light.

O’Neill said the primary role of the LHC-II protein is as a solar collector, absorbing sunlight and transferring it to the photosynthetic reaction centers, maximizing their output. “However, this study shows that LHC-II can also carry out electron transfer reactions, a role not known to occur in vivo,” he said.

The research team, which came from various laboratory organizations including its Chemical Sciences Division, Neutron Scattering Sciences Division, the Center for Structural Molecular Biology and the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, consisted of O’Neill, William T. Heller, and Kunlun Hong, all of ORNL; Dimitry Smolensky of the University of Tennessee; and Mateus Cardoso, a former postdoctoral researcher at ORNL now of the Laboratio Nacional de Luz Sincrotron in Brazil.

“That’s one of the nice things about working at a national laboratory. Expertise is available from a variety of organizations,” O’Neill said.

The work, published in the journal Energy & Environmental Science, was supported with Laboratory-Directed Research and Development funding. HFIR is supported by the DOE Office of Science.

WASHINGTON, DC–The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) announced today that James Warner has joined the newly-constituted advocacy organization as its Director of Policy.

Warner comes to FCHEA from the office of Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA), where he served as Legislative Assistant for energy, environment, and climate change. He was a key negotiator on energy efficiency, natural gas, renewable biomass, coal, and transmission issues in Senate climate and energy bills, and in Pennsylvania. He served as a bridge between industry and environmental groups, and worked closely with the natural gas industry, state and local officials, and environmental groups on issues surrounding the development of the Marcellus Shale.

Warner came to the Senate from the non-partisan Pew Center on Global Climate Change, where he was the Congressional Affairs Fellow. At Pew, Warner was a vigorous advocate on the Hill for legislation to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions.

Fuel cells and hydrogen energy are transforming the energy network through distributed generation of clean, efficient and reliable power. They optimize the performance of renewable and nuclear power, turn biogas from waste products into clean, efficient power, and increase the efficiency of fossil fuels while reducing their negative impact on the environment.

“James’ strong background in renewable and fossil energy interests will be invaluable as we intensify our campaign to commercialize fuel cell and hydrogen technologies,” said Ruth Cox, President and Executive Director of FCHEA. ”With James, we have strengthened our ability to impact public policy, and position fuel cells and hydrogen energy to deliver the maximum value in terms of America’s competitiveness, economic growth and our national security.”

Warner received his M.A. from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, his B.A. from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, and was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala in 2002-2004.

He was born and raised in New York City.

ITM Power (AIM: ITM), the energy storage and clean fuel company, is pleased to announce that UPS (NYSE: UPS) has signed an agreement to participate in the Hydrogen On Site Trials (HOST) of ITM Power’s transportable high pressure refuelling unit (HFuel). The HFuel unit was built with support from the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) and was launched at the Company’s AGM on 15^th September 2010. This portable unit produces hydrogen on-site through water electrolysis, which is then used to fuel ITM’s prototype HFuel vehicles.

UPS is the world’s largest package delivery company, a global leader in logistics services, and one of the world’s most recognized brands, operating in over 220 countries and territories. UPS has more than 100,000 delivery vehicles worldwide, including the largest private alternative fuel fleet in the transportation industry, with close to 2,000 vehicles. UPS runs what it calls a “rolling laboratory” – as well as enjoying the benefits of alternative-fuel propulsion today, the UPS fleet provides valuable data on the viability of different fuel technologies in real-world situations.

Commenting for ITM Power, CEO Graham Cooley said: “The return to base light commercial fleet sector is a key sector for the early uptake of alternative automotive fuels and the addition of UPS to the HOST trials will give us exactly the data and feedback that will make HOST a success. The announcement of UPS as a trial partner now completes phase one of HOST.”

Peter Thomas, Automotive Director, UPS UK and Ireland, said: “We are always seeking to improve our performance and reduce our impact on the environment. Taking part in this project is a logical step in our broader “rolling laboratory” approach to alternative fuel technology, and underlines our commitment to providing efficient and sustainable transportation services for our customers.”

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian researchers at Mazandaran University managed to increase the electrocatalytic oxidation rate in fuel cells up to 12 times.

Methanol is one of common contents in fuel cells. The electrochemical oxidation process of this substance is slow on the surface of usual electrodes; therefore, different types of intermediates are used to enhance its electron exchange rate.

Sima Momeni, M.Sc. at analytical chemistry, studied the synthesis and propagation of nickel particles on the polymeric bed of poly (ortho-anisidine) fixed on the glass carbon electrode surface and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) modified glass carbon electrode.

She also investigated the electrocatalytic ability of nickel particles and MWCNTs present in the structure of modified glass carbon electrodes in methanol oxidation process.

“Considering the results obtained in our study, poly (ortho-anisidine) film could act as an appropriate structure for preconcentration of nickel (II) ions and their fixation on the modified electrode surface. Methanol electrocatalytic oxidation is increases about 12 times in the presence of MWCNTs compared to their absence situation,” Momeni told INIC.

Noting that “the results of the present research could find applications in different military and non-military industries, novel energies production and generation of electric energy in fuel cells”, she stated, “The perquisite infrastructures for introduction of the technology based on this study are available in Iran so it would be considered as a practical long-term plan.”

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) helped develop a new national code for hydrogen technologies that was issued last month by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The NFPA 2 Hydrogen Technologies Code covers critical applications and operations such as hydrogen dispensing, production, and storage.

“The new code consolidates a variety of existing hydrogen-related NFPA codes and standards requirements into a single document and also introduces new requirements,” said NREL’s Carl Rivkin. “This consolidation makes it easier for users to prepare code-compliant permit applications and to review these applications.”

NFPA 2 helps project developers and code officials become more familiar with hydrogen safety requirements by giving them a single central reference document—instead of a vast collection of codes and standards documents—to comply with and enforce. It also increases the national consistency of hydrogen safety requirements by reducing variations among individual jurisdictions.

NREL supported the development of the new code on behalf of the DOE Fuel Cell Technologies Program. In addition to hosting several NFPA Hydrogen Technology Technical Committee meetings, NREL’s Robert Burgess served as a principal member of the committee. NREL also supported the work of the committee chair as well as a consulting firm with expertise in code development.

What are codes and standards?
Codes and standards unify development requirements and help ensure the safety and performance of new processes and products.

Codes and standards are needed to ensure the safety of hydrogen and fuel cell systems and to facilitate the commercialization of hydrogen as a fuel. Many organizations are working to develop the codes and standards needed to prepare for the wide-scale commercialization of hydrogen technologies.

Learn more
Learn more about NREL’s hydrogen safety, codes, and standards projects, which focus on the safe operation, handling, and use of hydrogen and hydrogen systems through safety sensors and codes and standards for buildings and equipment.

CHINO, Calif.–Bing Energy, Inc. (BEI), a manufacturer of state-of-the-art components for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), has entered into a commercialization agreement with Florida State University that gives the company exclusive use of revolutionary nanotechnology that will create a new generation of hydrogen fuel cells that are less expensive, smaller, lighter and more durable.

The technology, developed by Dr. Jim P. Zheng, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the Florida A&M University-Florida State University College of Engineering, will reduce the need for expensive platinum components in hydrogen fuel cells. Working with a material known as buckypaper – a form of carbon that is extraordinarily light and that easily conducts heat or electricity – Dr. Zheng has designed a thin material, or membrane, that will reduce the amount of platinum required in fuel cells. Since the membrane is thinner and lighter than current components, the fuel cell can be smaller and yet still provide the same amount of power.

Dr. Zheng’s technology is based on Dr. Ben Wang’s pioneering research and development of buckypaper. Dr. Wang is the assistant vice president for research at Florida State University.

“What Dr. Zheng has developed is truly the ‘better, faster, less expensive’ story applied to fuel cells,” said Richard Hennek, vice president for business development at Bing Energy, Inc. “He has cleverly utilized the latest in nanotechnology to provide a dramatically better solution for the PEM fuel cell. Performance improvements of 40-plus percent, durability improvements of 25 percent and all at a lower cost make for a compelling story. We at Bing Energy are truly excited to work with Dr. Zheng and Florida State University to bring this technology to the marketplace.”

Until now, fuel cells have been too expensive for mass production and use. Dr. Zheng’s breakthrough makes the fuel cell viable for mass-market use for the first time, with the potential to transform both transportation and distributed power generation.

Bing Energy, Inc., a manufacturer of state-of-the-art components for PEMFCs, will begin production in March of 2011 and serve the domestic and international energy markets.