FuelCellsWorks

A Special Applications Report by David Wolff, Proton OnSite

Independent industrial gas distributors fill a critical niche in the industrial gas market by providing superior service to customers. With highly personal attention and flexible systems, independent gas distributors can justify premium pricing when meeting the demands of customers whose requirements are dynamic and often urgent. When customer requirements become predictable, however, independent distributors sometimes find that they are at risk of losing accounts when the cost of raw materials, including gases, is subject to increased scrutiny. This situation reduces independent distributors’ margins.

Among the cylinder gases that distributors might fill themselves, hydrogen has been one of the last choices. Requiring more equipment and infrastructure than other gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, argon, helium, and carbon dioxide, and offering a smaller amenable market, hydrogen cylinders have traditionally been purchased from major gas producers and resold by independent distributors, rather than being filled at the distributor level. Buy and resell eases distributors’ filling challenge, but creates certain disadvantages. For example, buy and resell can limit a distributor’s product availability and flexibility, compress margins, and tie up vehicles and money. It also makes distributors vulnerable to competitors (sometimes their own suppliers) stealing their accounts.

Particularly for the supply of high purity grades of cylinder hydrogen, for purposes such as epitaxy, silicon furnaces, and gas chromatography, independent distributors have been at the mercy of the majors for their supply. If high purity grades of cylinder hydrogen could be filled by distributors themselves at reasonable cost, it would enhance their business and profitability. Proton OnSite™ (www.protononsite.com) has introduced a new model of Proton Membrane Electrolysis (PEM) hydrogen generator that can do just that. This system makes relatively small quantities of extremely high purity hydrogen at sufficient pressure to fill 2,400 psig hydrogen cylinders without requiring a hydrogen compressor. Proton’s HOGEN™ HP40 hydrogen generator offers distributors the chance to become self-reliant for most if not all of their hydrogen needs, and may offer them the opportunity to increase their margins.

As with other cylinder and bulk gases, the selling price of cylinder hydrogen is heavily dependent on the purity grade of the contained gas. Every “nine” of purity can double the selling price, or better, making high purity grades of hydrogen more attractive than industrial grade product from a profit perspective. But accessing very high purity grades of hydrogen is difficult.

For example, accessing hydrogen via tube trailer and maintaining very high purity in cascade filling from the tube trailer requires strict procedures and care. Also, because a hydrogen tube trailer may hold up to 125,000 standard cubic feet (scf) of hydrogen, the tube trailer itself becomes a storage problem under NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) flammability guidelines. Many distributors don’t have the room to hold a hydrogen tube trailer on their site in compliance with NFPA guidelines.

Alternatively, major independent distributors can buy liquid hydrogen to fill cylinders and tube trailers, but liquid hydrogen only is available from major industrial gas producers and is widely available only in North America. The liquid hydrogen pumping approach introduces several additional issues including very high front-end and monthly costs and the problem of liquid hydrogen vaporizing and venting if the distributor doesn’t pump cylinders every day. As with filling cylinders from a tube trailer, filling hydrogen cylinders from a liquid hydrogen source must follow NFPA spacing and fill procedure requirements.

Designed for a 100 percent duty cycle, Proton’s HOGEN HP40 hydrogen generator will produce up to 40 scf/hr of 99.9995+ percent purity electrolytic hydrogen at 2,500 psig, without a compressor to buy or maintain. The hydrogen purity can be increased to 99.9999 percent with a simple, inexpensive desiccant drier, which is available from Proton or others. The HOGEN HP40 hydrogen generator produces enough hydrogen to fill 28 cylinders per week of electronics grade hydrogen at 99.9999 percent. Any impurities in PEM electrolytic hydrogen are limited to those actually present in the water used to make the hydrogen, which also can cross the impermeable Nafion membrane; these impurities are known and limited. A HOGEN HP40 hydrogen generator equipped with downstream desiccant dryer produces hydrogen of 99.9999 percent assay, with known sub-1 ppm levels of water, nitrogen, and oxygen. As the HOGEN HP40 contains less than 10 scf of gas at any time, it can be utilized on a distributor’s site without the NFPA spacing concerns of a tube trailer or liquid hydrogen tank cylinder fill system.

With a much simpler and lower cost installation than a liquid hydrogen pumping system, and lower variable costs per volume of hydrogen gas filled than a tube trailer cascade system, the HOGEN HP40 hydrogen generator may provide up to electronic-grade hydrogen cylinders, at a total fixed plus variable cost, which is lower than fill alternatives. As compared to buying and reselling hydrogen cylinders, the business advantages are considerable. The HOGEN HP40 hydrogen generator may allow independent industrial gas distributors to grow their business and ensure their independence.

• Reaffirms benefits of clean fuel cell energy for uninterruptible power supply

VANCOUVER–Ballard Power Systems (TSX: BLD) (NASDAQ: BLDP) announced that its FCgen ^®-1020ACS fuel cell stack is the power source for a ten kilowatt (kW) backup power system deployed by Heliocentris Energy Solutions AG, specialist in environmentally-friendly energy storage solutions. A total of eight 1.2 kW Heliocentris Nexa 1200 fuel cell systems – using Ballard stacks – provide extended duration backup power to critical information technology services at the City Council headquarters of Meiningen, Germany.

The direct hydrogen system is hybridized together with lithium-ion batteries and deployed for indoor use. This replaces an uninterruptible power supply system using lead-acid batteries, which has proven insufficient for long power outages. This installation is the latest in a series of field trials demonstrating capabilities of the Heliocentris solution to industrial customers having requirements that include remote monitoring stations, emergency power supplies and auxiliary power units. Heliocentris also designs fuel cell training systems for the educational market.

Backup power solutions based on fuel cell technology deliver a number of advantages over conventional batteries and diesel generators, including higher reliability across a wide range of operating conditions, lower maintenance costs, longer operating life as well as reduced size, weight, installation footprint, noise signature and environmental impact. Ballard’s FCgen ^®-1020ACS fuel cell stack enables all of these advantages with its compact and cost-effective air-cooled design.

The trial in Meiningen is being supported by the German Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development as part of the National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Innovation Programme (NIP). NOW GmbH National Organisation for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology is in charge of coordinating the NIP.

About Ballard Power Systems Ballard Power Systems (TSX: BLD) (NASDAQ: BLDP) provides clean energy fuel cell products enabling optimized power systems for a range of applications. Products contain proprietary esencia™ technology, ensuring incomparable performance, durability and versatility. To learn more about Ballard, please visit www.ballard.com.

• Three B-Class F-CELL drive more than 30,000 km around the world
• Impressive proof of everyday usability of fuel-cell technology
• Reliable operation even under tough conditions
• Initial impetus for establishing hydrogen infrastructure
• 90,000 km covered with zero emissions

The “Mercedes-Benz F-CELL World Drive” – the first round-the-world drive with fuel-cell vehicles – successfully concluded on schedule today in Stuttgart. After more than 30,000 kilometers, three Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL vehicles with zero local emissions drivelines crossed the finish line in front of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. The hydrogen-powered B-Classes and their support vehicles set off from Stuttgart at the end of January on the occasion of the official 125^th birthday of the automobile, and on their way have crossed through 14 countries on four continents.

“With the F-CELL World Drive we have shown, that the time for electric vehicles with fuel cell has come. Now the development of the infrastructure has to pick up speed,” said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “For only an adequate number of hydrogen fueling stations enables car drivers to benefit from the advantages of this technology: high range, short refueling times, zero emissions.

Hydrogen infrastructure challenge

Within the scope of the F-CELL World Drive, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL was functioning as an ambassador for a new, zero-emissions auto-mobility of the future. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz was lobbying extensively for the establishment of a comprehensive network of hydrogen fueling stations – a crucial factor for the market success of this technology. So far, there are only approximately 200 fuel stations worldwide at which fuel cell vehicles can be refueled. According to expert calculations, a network of around 1,000 fixed fuel stations would be sufficient for basic nationwide coverage in Germany. A central aim of Mercedes-Benz is to see to it that, in future, drivers all over the world will be able to refuel with hydrogen – just as they do today with gasoline and diesel fuel.

The exclusive partner for hydrogen supply on the F-CELL World Drive was the Linde Group. Thanks to its hydrogen expertise and global presence, it was able to guarantee fuel supply throughout the entire world trip. A jointly developed mobile refueling unit based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter accompanied the tour – the only way to ensure fuel supply even on the most remote stretches.

Proof of the everyday usability of fuel-cell drive

During the F-CELL World Drive, Mercedes-Benz was able to provide an impressive demonstration of the qualities of its fuel cell vehicles in terms of performance and robustness. The World Drive vehicles drove not only in downtown areas, on country roads and lengthy stretches of highway, but also proved their capabilities driving on unfinished surfaces, for example on stages in Australia and China.

Even a no-fault accident in Kazakhstan was unable to stop the B-Class F-CELL. On the route from Almaty to Balkhash, the number-three B-Class F-CELL was rammed on its rear left fender. The rear axle and bumper of the fuel-cell car both sustained damage. However, the fuel cell vehicle was repaired in a nearby workshop and continued its way around the world. Only a small dent in the bodywork bears testament to this single incident.

Round the world with hydrogen – the tour in figures

Over a total of 70 driving days, participants in the F-CELL World Drive collected an abundance of travel notes documenting the multi-faceted aspects of the tour and, at the same time, underscoring the everyday usability of the fuel cell technology on board the B-Class F-CELL. The record distance of 648 kilometers, split between two stretches of more than 300 kilometers each, was covered on the drive from Almaty to Balkhash in Kazakhstan. Another likely record is the number of inhabitants in the places visited by the tour, ranging from no more than twenty in Balladonia, Australia, to an impressive 19 million in Shanghai, China. Due to the still insufficient hydrogen infrastructure, the mobile unit, which has been developed in cooperation with the Linde AG, was used around 130 times to refuel the B-Classes. Along the route, the B-Class
F-CELL vehicles were also refueled in just a few minutes at two hydrogen fueling stations.

Mercedes-Benz long-distance drives – in the tracks of Bertha Benz

With the now historic F-CELL World Drive, the first round-the-world drive with fuel cell vehicles, Mercedes-Benz is adding to a long history of legendary long-distance drives. Examples include the first crossing of Africa in a car in 1909 and the longest diesel marathon – the “E-Class Experience” – run in 2006 over 14,000 kilometers from Paris to Beijing.

As far as its objective was concerned, the F-CELL World Drive has a direct connection to the world’s very first long-distance drive – the pioneering endeavor of Bertha Benz, who, in 1888, completed the first cross-country drive with the Benz Patent-Motorwagen from Mannheim to Pforzheim. She faced in principle the same challenge as her successors with the B-Class F-CELL – she, too, could not exactly roll into the next fuel station and top up.

In the early days of the automobile, drivers had to buy their fuel from the pharmacy, which is why Bertha Benz stopped at the town pharmacy in Wiesloch. That was the only place she could acquire the light gasoline “ligroin” – which was actually intended for domestic use as a stain remover, but also worked as fuel. First gradually, then with increasing speed, the fuel station network expanded into the worldwide infrastructure we know today. That was a defining factor in the triumphant procession of the combustion-engine-powered automobile invented in 1886 by Daimler and Benz. With new drive systems the motto is: alternative drives need alternative infrastructures. In the case of the B-Class F-CELL, this means hydrogen fueling stations. It is for this reason that Mercedes-Benz, as the inventor of the automobile, together with partners from commerce and politics, is lobbying heavily for the establishment of a comprehensive infrastructure – both for electric cars with fuel cells and for those with battery-electric drive.

Contact:

Eva Wiese, Tel.: +49 (0)711-17-92311, eva.wiese@daimler.com

Matthias Brock, Tel.: +49 (0)711 17-91404, matthias.brock@daimler.com

Further information about Mercedes-Benz is available online at: www.media.daimler.com and www.mercedes-benz.com

Mercedes-Benz B‑Class F‑CELL

First electric car fully suited for everyday driving and with the driving dynamics of
a two-litre petrol car

Mercedes-Benz is launching its first series-produced electric car with a fuel cell on the road: the new B‑Class F‑CELL. The small-scale production of the environmentally friendly electric car is already underway. In 2010, the first of around 200 vehicles have been delivered to customers in Europe and the USA. The technology for the B‑Class F‑CELL drive system is based on the optimised latest-generation fuel cell system. It is some 40 percent smaller than the system in the A-Class F‑CELL from 2004, but develops 30 percent more power while consuming 30 percent less fuel. The main drive system components include a compact fuel cell stack, a powerful lithium-ion battery, three 700-bar tanks for the hydrogen and a compact, lightweight drive motor at the front axle.

Cold-start capability down to minus 25 degrees Celsius

The fuel cell module in the B‑Class F‑CELL, the stack, boasts outstanding cold-start capability down to minus 25 degrees Celsius. The system features a new humidification system consisting of hollow fibres that ensures, unlike with the first-generation fuel cell, that water no longer freezes in the stack, a characteristic that used to impair cold-start capability. Even at minus 15 degrees Celsius the B‑Class F‑CELL starts just as quickly as the very latest diesel engine. A dedicated operating strategy helps ensure the fuel cell stack reaches its optimum operating temperature of around 80 degrees Celsius as quickly as possible each time the vehicle is started. Thanks to the powerful cooling system and intelligent temperature management, this ‘pleasant temperature’ is maintained constant under all operating conditions.

Range of around 400 kilometres with the tanks full

The hydrogen used to run the fuel cell is stored in three tanks at a pressure of 700 bar. Each tank holds just under 4 kilograms of the gaseous fuel. The tanks are hermetically sealed from the outside world, preventing the loss of hydrogen into the atmosphere even if the vehicle is left to stand for long periods. Thanks to the high compression ratio, the B‑Class F‑CELL can cover long ranges of up to 400 kilometres with the tanks full, over twice as far as the A-Class F‑CELL. If the tanks are empty, they can be filled simply and quickly in less than three minutes, thanks to a standardised refuelling system.

Equivalent of just 3.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres

The electric motor – a permanently excited synchronous motor – develops a peak output of 100 kW/136 hp and a maximum torque of 290 Nm – typical of the high torque generated by an electric motor –, which is available from the instant the engine starts to turn. It ensures that the B‑Class F‑CELL, whose impressive dynamic handling properties are in some cases far better than those of a two-litre petrol car, gets off to an excellent start. Nonetheless, the local zero-emission electric drive with fuel cells consumes the equivalent of just 3.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (NEDC).

Compact lithium-ion battery with high power density

A powerful high-voltage lithium-ion battery is used to store the power. It boasts an energy capacity of 1.4 kWh and is cooled via the air-conditioning system circuit. When it came to the battery for the B‑Class F‑CELL, Mercedes‑Benz drew on the experience garnered during the development of the lithium-ion technology for the S 400 HYBRID. Advantages of the lithium-ion battery include its compact dimensions and much superior performance compared with nickel metal hydride batteries (NiMH). The energy density is 30 percent higher than with NiMH technology; the power density 50 percent higher by comparison. Furthermore, high recharge efficiency and a long service life make the technology even more compelling.

Intelligent drive system management for superb efficiency

Mercedes-Benz has further enhanced the operating strategy of the electric drive with fuel cells for the B‑Class F‑CELL. As the outside temperature plummets, the electric motor receives its electrical energy during a cold start both from the lithium-ion battery and from the fuel cell system as it “powers up”. Battery power is sufficient as the outside temperature warms up; the fuel cell then comes on line later – depending on the power requirements. In drive mode, the energy management system constantly maintains the F‑CELL system in the optimum operating range. The lithium-ion battery dynamically smoothes out variations with regard to the electrical power required in the current driving situation.

Whenever the driver brakes or as soon as they take their foot off the accelerator, the electric motor converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is then stored in the battery, using a process known as recuperation. While manoeuvring or on short journeys, the electric drive motor uses battery power. If the battery capacity is not sufficient, the fuel cell automatically kicks in. In a bid to ensure optimum efficiency and customer benefits, the intelligent drive management system decides whether the electrical energy is used from the lithium-ion battery, the fuel cell, or a combination of the two systems.

Full everyday practicality

Five seats and a boot capacity of 416 litres make the B‑Class F‑CELL fully suitable for day-to-day and family use. The key components for the electric drive with fuel cell are optimally protected in the vehicle underbody, thanks to a space-saving design that also promotes a low centre of gravity. Advantages of the design include:

• The generous interior space in the B‑Class is fully retained. As the entire fuel cell system is integrated into the spacious sandwich floor, no compromises are necessary with respect to passenger and luggage space as well as variability

• The drive technology built into the sandwich floor ensures a low centre of gravity and, consequently, extremely reliable, agile handling
• Crash safety meets the extremely high standards associated with Mercedes, as the key drive components as well as the hydrogen tanks are placed between the axles.

The B‑Class F‑CELL offers consummate driving pleasure and full day-to-day suitability – without local emissions. The innovative electric car also has a great deal to offer when it comes to equipment and appointments, including the bonamite silver special paint finish and exclusive 10-spoke light-alloy wheels. In the interior, leather upholstery, heated seats, automatic climate control and the COMAND system, as well as other features, ensure a high level of comfort. The dynamic energy flow display in the COMAND system display keeps the driver constantly abreast of the battery charge status, operating mode of the fuel cell system, as well as providing information on nearby hydrogen filling stations.

Safety first: uncompromising safety standards

Mercedes-Benz applies the same high safety standards to the B‑Class F‑CELL as to any of its other series-production models. The starting point is the outstanding crash safety of the Mercedes-Benz B‑Class, which received the highest five-star rating in the European NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme). The integrated safety concept of the B‑Class F‑CELL takes the specific characteristics of the innovative drive system into account. The experience garnered over many years by Mercedes-Benz with the electric drive powered by fuel cells from the A-Class F‑CELL and the high-voltage technology involving the lithium-ion battery from the S 400 HYBRID went into honing the concept.

Mercedes engineers have tested the safety of the drive-specific components including the hydrogen tanks in the B‑Class F‑CELL in more than 30 crash tests. The hydrogen tanks are installed in the sandwich floor and therefore well protected in the event of an impact. They hold the hydrogen which is pressurised to 700 bar and have been designed to withstand all conceivable loads. In the event of a crash, safety valves close the hydrogen supply lines to the fuel cell and decouple the tanks from the other system components. Even after a serious accident, the hydrogen poses no risk whatsoever. If a fire leads to excessive heat, a temperature-controlled value vents the tank contents in a controlled manner.

The lithium-ion battery and the high-voltage system in the B‑Class F‑CELL
feature – based on the experience garnered with hybrid technology in the S 400 HYBRID – an extensive, seven-stage safety concept.

• All the wiring is colour-coded to avoid confusion, and marked with safety instructions. This prevents assembly errors in production or in repairs, and makes the quality checks easier to carry out
• Comprehensive contact protection for the entire system by means of generous insulation and dedicated connectors
• The lithium-ion battery is accommodated in a high-strength steel housing. Further safety features: blow-off vent with a rupture disc and a separate cooling circuit. An internal electronic controller continuously monitors the safety requirements and immediately signals any malfunctions
• All high-voltage components are connected by an electric loop. In the event of a malfunction the high-voltage system is automatically switched off
• As soon as the ignition is switched to “Off”, or in the event of a possible malfunction, the high-voltage system is actively discharged
• During an accident, the high-voltage system is completely switched off within fractions of a second
• The system is continuously monitored for short circuits

The high level of safety means Mercedes-Benz fuel cell vehicles can use underground car parks, multi-storey car parks or tunnels with no restrictions whatsoever.

Zero-emission mobility with “green” hydrogen: how a hybrid power station can produce heat and fuel from renewable energies reports Enertrag AG chairman Werner Diwald in his lecture during the fuel cell specialist forum f-cell on September 26 and 27, 2011, in Stuttgart. The complete program of lectures of the f-cell congress with approximately 70 speakers from internationally renowned experts is now available at www.f-cell.de.

Stuttgart (eos) – “Power, heat, fuel: “We have to examine the entire energy supply system, then we will find convincing, sustained solutions,” says Werner Diwald, member of the board of directors of Enertrag AG from Dauerthal in Uckermark. He will report on a model project: the hybrid power station in Prenzlau that his company is building. More or less simultaneously with his lecture during this year’s international fuel cell specialist forum f-cell on September 26 and 27 in Stuttgart, the power station which is currently under construction will deliver its first “green” hydrogen. An electrolyzer driven with wind power that is currently not required produces hydrogen from water, providing intermediate storage for unevenly available wind energy. The hydrogen is then passed on either to a hydrogen service station and into the tanks of emission-free fuel cell vehicles or together with biogas into a block-type thermal power station, thus creating heat and power for building energy supply. “It would also be possible to feed the hydrogen into the existing natural gas distribution system,” explains Werner Diwald. Gas turbines or fuel cells could convert the gas into power on site. The highly discussed, expensive expansion of mains power supplies would be superfluous.

“Hydrogen will be an important component for the energy market of the future,” says Professor Bernd Höhlein from the EnergieAgentur.NRW, who in his f-cell lecture will discuss the costs of hydrogen use for possible future electromobility with fuel-cell drives. Dr. Manfred Waidhas from Siemens stresses in a speech the technical production of hydrogen on a large scale: “Hydrogen is not only a very versatile energy carrier. It is the only energy storage medium that also still works with energy with an output of more than ten Gigawatt hours.” The German Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (DWV) will use the f-cell forum to present its new compendium regarding the safety of hydrogen. The president of the International Council on Clean Transportation, Dr. Alan Lloyd, will be coming from San Francisco. He will report on solutions for sustained mobility. In his lecture, Dr. Klaus Bonhoff, CEO of NOW (National Organization for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies) will discuss the role of hydrogen in the context of expanding renewable energies.

Program at www.f-cell.de online

In total, approximately 70 lectures await the f-cell participants, covering the hydrogen infrastructure, fuel cell applications for portable devices, energy supply as well as electromobility under the motto “Mobile applications – fuel cells and batteries moving the future”. Renowned international speakers from Japan, China and Canada have confirmed their attendance, as have important German participants such as Daimler, BMW, Opel, BASF, EnBW, Vaillant or Linde as well as scientists from research facilities as for example the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT), the German Centre for Aerospace (DLR), the Jülich research center as well as the Center for Solar Power and Hydrogen research (ZSW). The detailed program is now available at www.f-cell.de on the Internet.

Alongside the program of lectures and approximately 800 expected visitors, f-cell offers a trade fair with approximately 50 exhibitors from the industry.

Photo credit: A/S Norske Shell

A winning combination of dedicated students and a top flight car, the DNV Fuel Fighter, brought a solid second place to NTNU’s entry in the 27th Annual Shell Eco-Marathon, an international competition designed to encourage today’s students to develop cutting-edge designs for tomorrow’s vehicles. The competition was held at the EuroSpeedway in Lausitz, Germany, from 26-28 May.

NTNU’s team, led by Uwe Schindler from the university’s Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management, managed to travel 99 km/kwh with their hydrogen fuel cell car, which is the equivalent of travelling nearly 1,000 km using just 1 litre of petrol.

The NTNU team had high hopes of  breaking a previous record set by NTNU’s 2009 version of the DNV Fuel Fighter, which in its year set a world record of travelling the equivalent of 1246 km on a single litre of petrol. That record still stands — the winners of the class in which NTNU competed, the “Urban Concept” class, were a Dutch team that travelled 104 km/kwh, just slightly over NTNU’s second place finish and not nearly enough to break the 2009 record.

NTNU team member Silje Owrenn also won the prestigeous Shell Communications and Marketing Award for her expert management of the team’s communications strategy in Norway, which included coverage of the team’s efforts in the Norwegian national media.

Different disciplines, different expertise
NTNU’s  2011 team consists of 19 members, of which 9 are “core members” from different university disciplines, including project management, mechanical engineering and cybernetics.

In addition to Schindler and Owrenn, the core team members are: Håkon Jenserud,  Mats Hoel, Tim Mjellem Stockfleth, Aksel Qviller, Alexander Welland, Sigri Halsteinsild Bleie, and Jardar Sølna Øverby.

Overall, this year’s competition attracted 3,000 competitors on 212 teams from 27 countries.

Master’s thesis project
The 9 core students who participated in the project write a master’s thesis about their work, which involves building the car, competing in the Shell Eco-Marathon, and writing a comprehensive report on the process. The remaining team members  work with design, PR and media, and sponsor contact. DNV (Det Norkse Veritas) is the team’s main sponsor, and is the reason for the vehicle’s name, DNV Fuel Fighter.

The Shell Eco-Marathon competition had its origins in a 1939 in an argument between employees of Shell Oil’s research laboratory in Wood River, Illinois, as to whose car got better fuel mileage.

STUTTGART, GERMANY and MUNICH, GERMANY–  The development of a German network of hydrogen filling stations is gaining pace. The automotive manufacturer Daimler AG (FRANKFURT: DAI) (ISIN DE0007100000) and the Linde technology group announced in Stuttgart that they intended to open 20 new filling stations in Germany over the next three years. This will more than triple the number of public hydrogen filling stations in the country. The new stations are to be set up in the regions of Stuttgart, Berlin and Hamburg, which are already supplied with hydrogen, and along the most contiguous possible North-South and East-West axis. For the first time, this would enable every location in Germany to be reached by a fuel-cell vehicle by the year 2015.

Existing locations will be used
The setup of the 20 new filling stations will begin in 2012, at existing convenient locations already operated by various oil companies. The joint initiative by Daimler and Linde, which involves an investment in the tens of millions, has also been opened up to other potential partners in the fuel, energy and automotive industry.

The infrastructure initiative of Daimler and Linde forms a bridge with already existing hydrogen projects such as the H2-Mobility or Clean Energy Partnership, which are being subsidised by the National Innovation Programme for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NIP). Germany will therefore assume the leading position in terms of an international hydrogen infrastructure.

“The development of electrical mobility will be largely characterised by the hydrogen fuel-cell”, explained Wolfgang Reitzle, Chairman of the Board of Linde AG. “We are delighted to be able to shape this development in cooperation with Daimler. We see ourselves as a forerunner in the field, and aim to promote the market maturity of hydrogen-powered vehicles.” The aim now is to ensure the gradually increasing number of fuel-cell powered vehicles running on generatively produced hydrogen.

Demonstrating the market maturity of the fuel cell
“Circling the globe with our three green B-class vehicles has shown that the time is ripe for electric vehicles powered by fuel cells. We must now address the subject of the relevant infrastructure”, said Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Daimler AG, and Director of Mercedes-Benz Cars, looking forward to the immediate future. “Car-drivers can only benefit from the advantages of technology if there are enough hydrogen filling stations available: long rangers, short refuelling times and no local emissions.” A focal point of the infrastructure development in Baden-Württemberg will be where such a re-intervention should start, 125 years after the original invention of the automobile.

The establishment of a comprehensive network of filling stations is an essential requirement for the successful introduction of hydrogen-powered vehicles, as planned by Daimler for the year 2015. Of the 30 hydrogen filling stations in Germany, only seven currently formed part of public filling station operations. In comparison: five to 10 filling stations would be required to supply a major city. The connection of individual major conurbations now undertaken, such as Berlin and Hamburg, Stuttgart and Munich, with hydrogen filling stations along main traffic routes is the logical next step towards a comprehensive network of filling stations.

Linde and Daimler press ahead with development of infrastructure for fuel-cell vehicles. Dr. Andreas Opfermann (Linde AG) and Dr. Thomas Weber (Daimler AG) in front of the B-Class F-CELL.

- Joint project agreed to build 20 hydrogen (H2) filling stations in Germany
- Significant contribution for Germany as the lead market for electromobility
- Major impetus for existing H2 infrastructure initiatives

Stuttgart/Munich – Car manufacturer Daimler and technology company The Linde Group are pressing ahead with the development of an infrastructure for hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicles. Over the coming three years, the two companies plan to construct an additional 20 hydrogen filling stations in Germany, thereby ensuring a supply of hydrogen produced purely from renewable resources for the steadily increasing number of fuel-cell vehicles on the roads. The initiative links in with the existing H2 Mobility and Clean Energy Partnership infrastructure projects, which are being subsidised by the National Innovation Programme for hydrogen and fuel-cell technology (NIP). This places Germany at the international forefront of hydrogen infrastructure development.

The initiative that Linde and Daimler are embarking upon involves investment running into the tens of millions, and is set to more than triple the number of public hydrogen refuelling points in Germany. The new stations will be located in the current hydrogen centres of Stuttgart, Berlin and Hamburg as well as along two new continuous north-south and east-west axes. The aim is to use existing sites belonging to different petroleum companies that are strategically located in the traffic network. This will make it possible to drive anywhere in Germany with a fuel-cell-powered vehicle for the first time. One of the focal points for the infrastructure’s extension will be in Baden-Württemberg, where, 125 years after the invention of the motor car, the stage is being set for its reinvention.

“Together with the fuel cell, hydrogen is set to be of fundamental importance to the expansion of electromobility” explained Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Reitzle, Chief Executive Officer of Linde AG. “We are delighted to be able to play such an instrumental role in shaping this development together with Daimler. We see ourselves as providing an impetus for existing initiatives, such as H2 Mobility and the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP), and wish to support the commercialisation of hydrogen vehicles as best we can. By systematically developing hydrogen technology, Germany can assume a pioneering role in this field and establish itself as the industry leader as we move towards emission-free mobility”

“The fuel cell represents a decisive step forward for electromobility, as it enables zero-emission driving with high ranges and short refuelling times – and not just for passenger cars, but for commercial vehicles, too. In partnership with Linde, we are now taking the next step by getting things going on the infrastructure side. 20 new hydrogen filling stations will give the market a major stimulus” remarked Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars at the finish of the Mercedes-Benz F-CELL World Drive in Stuttgart. Having started off from Stuttgart at the end of January, the first circumnavigation of the globe in fuel-cell vehicles took in four continents and 14 countries. Each of the vehicles involved covered over 30,000 kilometres. Linde accompanied the F-CELL World Drive as the exclusive hydrogen partner, providing the zero-emission vehicles with a mobile supply of hydrogen for the duration of the tour.

Construction and commissioning of the new filling stations will already start in 2012. Other partners from the petroleum, power supply or automotive industries, for instance, are welcome to become involved in the joint initiative that has been set up by Daimler and Linde.

Background: the infrastructure of hydrogen filling stations in Germany

The successful introduction of fuel-cell vehicles depends on the development of a public hydrogen supply infrastructure. The first centres have already sprung up in large metropolitan areas, such as Berlin and Hamburg. There are nearly 30 hydrogen refuelling points in Germany at the current time, seven of which are integrated into a public filling station facility. This means that Germany clearly leads the way in Europe. To begin with, just five to ten filling stations are sufficient for conveniently servicing the requirements of a large city. Joining up these urban centres – for example Berlin with Hamburg, Stuttgart with Munich – by means of corridors along the arterial roads between them is a major step forward towards the establishment of a nationwide public H2 infrastructure.

The Linde Group is a world-leading gases and engineering company with around 48,700 employees in more than 100 countries worldwide. In the 2010 financial year, it achieved sales of EUR 12.868 bn. 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.

For more information, see The Linde Group online at http://www.linde.com

Store will be the fourth Whole Foods Market to generate majority of its power with a fuel cell from UTC Power

SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn. — UTC Power, a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company, today announced that Whole Foods Market has selected UTC Power’s PureCell System Model 400 to provide clean, reliable on-site power to a new store in Fairfield, Conn. The 400 kilowatt (kW) UTC Power fuel cell system will generate 90 percent of the store’s electricity needs, and its byproduct thermal energy will be used for store heating, cooling and refrigeration. This marks the second Whole Foods Market in Connecticut and the fourth Whole Foods Market in the United States to install a UTC Power fuel cell.

“In connection to our company’s green mission, we are very proud to be reducing our carbon footprint while producing clean energy in our new Fairfield, Connecticut location,” said Tristam Coffin, green mission specialist for Whole Foods Market’s Northeast region. “UTC Power has been a great local partner in implementing our fuel cell to help us reduce our environmental impact in the Fairfield community.”

The UTC Power fuel cell installed at the Fairfield, Conn., store will be supported with a grant from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) through its On-Site Renewable Distributed Generation Program.

“This fuel cell project demonstrates Whole Foods Market’s continued commitment to sustainability by using smarter and more efficient sources of energy in our local communities,” said Bryan Garcia, president of CCEF. “Because supermarkets consume a lot of heat and electricity, they provide a great application for UTC Power’s fuel cells. By utilizing both the thermal and power attributes of fuel cells, energy is used more efficiently and therefore contributes to the bottom line of the company.”

By generating most of its power on-site with a fuel cell, the Whole Foods Market Fairfield, Conn., store will prevent the release of more than 847 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually – the equivalent of planting more than 85 acres of trees. The reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions compared to a conventional power plant are equal to the environmental benefit of removing more than 100 cars from the road. In addition to the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the PureCell System will allow Whole Foods Market to save nearly 3.5 million gallons of water annually. Unlike central generation and other fuel cell technologies, the PureCell System is designed to operate in water balance so there is no consumption or discharge of water during its operation.

“UTC Power is proud of our ongoing relationship with Whole Foods Market and we are excited that the company has decided to install our next-generation Model 400 at a new store in UTC Power’s home state of Connecticut,” said Neal Montany, director of UTC Power’s stationary fuel cell business. “It is truly rewarding to have Whole Foods Market as a repeat customer and to know our fuel cell technology is fulfilling our customer’s energy needs and helping them achieve their sustainability goals.”

UTC Power’s stationary fuel cell, the PureCell System, is a combined heat and power system that represents a game-changing technology. Compared to typical central generation and other fuel cell offerings, the PureCell System offers customers lower energy costs, reduced emissions, an industry-leading 90 percent system efficiency, 10-year cell stack durability and 20-year product life. No other stationary fuel cell product in the field today can offer the same range of benefits as the PureCell System.

The 400 kilowatt fuel cell in Fairfield, Conn., joins a growing fleet of PureCell Systems powering Whole Foods Market stores.  A 200-kilowatt UTC Power fuel cell has powered a Whole Foods Market store in Glastonbury, Conn., since March 2008 and the company’s 400-kilowatt fuel cell is providing electricity, heat and hot water for stores in Dedham, Mass., and San Jose, Calif.

About UTC Power

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 energy for buildings and for transportation, space and defense applications. For more information, please visit www.utcpower.com

About Whole Foods Market®

Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (wholefoodsmarket.com, NASDAQ: WFM) is the leading natural and organic food retailer. As America’s first national certified organic grocer, Whole Foods Market was named “America’s Healthiest Grocery Store” by Health magazine. The company’s motto “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet”™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, Team Member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company’s nearly 60,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine for 14 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2010, the company had sales of more than $9 billion and currently has more than 300 stores

Ceres Power reports that it has successfully deployed a solution for the boiler tuning/calibration issue identified in the current wave of field trials.

At its Interim Results presentation, the Company reported that initial results from the first wave of five field trial products, installed and operated in a range of occupied family homes, had highlighted an intermittent system reliability issue involving boiler tuning/calibration within the CHP product. In some cases this caused the boiler to automatically lock-out after ignition.  As with standard boilers today, if the ignition sequence is not successful after three attempts, then the boiler locks-out, requiring a manual re-set.

The engineered solution, involving a new release of software, has been developed in collaboration with Ceres Power’s supply chain partners.  The improved software has been approved by Kiwa Gastec as complying with the Company’s existing CE safety certificate.  The Company has now tested the solution and validated that it does satisfactorily resolve the identified boiler tuning/calibration issue and has now uploaded this new software to all CHP products in the field trial, confirming the solution works in occupied homes.

The Company is making good progress towards resolving the other reliability and durability issues identified from the field trials and expects to update the market on the progress in addressing these issues during the summer.  The company will obtain confirmation that any software or hardware changes made are in compliance with the current CE safety certificate and will implement the solutions across the CHP units deployed in the field trials.

For further information please contact.

Ceres Power Holdings Plc                                          Tel: +44 (0) 1403 273 463

Peter Bance, Chief Executive Officer

Rex Vevers, Finance Director

Morgan Stanley &Co International Limited                 Tel: +44 (0) 20 7677 5044

Peter Moorhouse

Jefferies International Limited                                                Tel: +44 (0) 20 7029 8423

Chris Snoxall

Kreab Gavin Anderson & Company                             Tel: +44 (0) 20 7074 1800

Ken Cronin / Deborah Walter

SURREY, B.C. — Surrey City Council passed an innovative new fuel initiative at it’s recent  Council meeting.  All new service stations in Surrey will be required to provide at least one alternative fuel source, such as hydrogen, compressed natural gas, or electric vehicle recharging, in addition to conventional gasoline, diesel and propane energy.

“We want to build the alternative fuel infrastructure of the future,” says Mayor Dianne Watts.  “It’s important for governments to set an example and lead the way in terms of advancing new technologies.  By requiring service stations to provide an alternative energy source, Surrey will be encouraging and promoting new energy sources and reinforcing our position as a leader in this sector.”

The City of Surrey is one of only four cities in the country to receive the prestigious Fleet Gold Rating from the Fraser Basin Council for implementing reductions in green house gas (GHG) emissions, investing in low or no-carbon vehicles and energy efficient technologies, and demonstrating staff and management excellence.

The City is currently working on a number of additional green fleet initiatives, including:

• Surrey is the only municipality in Canada to host two municipal hydrogen fuelling stations.  Both of these stations are fully funded by the Canadian Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association
• The City is operating two zero-emission Ford Focus hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCV) and is working toward expanding the number of FCV’s through a partnership with Powertech Labs.  Surrey is establishing itself as a desirable market area for major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)
• Over the course of 2011, the City will introduce a number of 100% electric vehicles (EVs) as part of a pilot project that will assist the City in assessing the performance of and establishing the appropriate operational changes that are required to ensure that this type of vehicle will be effective in its deployment as part of the City’s fleet
• The City will introduce Canada’s first compressed natural gas (CNG) municipal waste collection truck for residential curb side service.  Natural gas emits 20 to 30% fewer GHGs compared to gasoline and diesel fuels.  In addition, natural gas does not pool when it is spilled and is therefore not as impactful from a contamination perspective
• In partnership with SFU’s School of Mechatronics (Surrey campus), the Engineering Department is co-sponsoring a postdoctoral research project, which was initiated in April 2011.  It is focused on developing a tool that will help the City better assess the pros and cons of low carbon alternatives to gas and diesel municipal fleet vehicles.  It will evaluate the City’s alternative fuel vehicles and compare full life-cycle costs (capital, operational, depreciated costs), environmental pros and cons, operational and logistics benefits, limitations, etc.

PHILADELPHIA, PA–Early production stage hydrogen generation company AlumiFuel Power, Inc. (”API”), the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based wholly owned operating subsidiary of AlumiFuel Power Corporation (OTCBB: AFPW), (the “Company”), announced today that it is continuing to capitalize on the unique positioning and capabilities of its world class path-to-market partners.

API’s novel AlumiFuel powder-based technology generates hydrogen gas and steam/heat for multiple applications aimed at large global markets: hydrogen lift gas generators fill and launch weather balloons; steam and hydrogen generators feed turbines and fuel cells for undersea vehicle power plants; and hydrogen generators drive fuel cells for a wide variety of portable and back-up electrical power applications. AlumiFuel hydrogen and steam/heat power sources provide 5-10X the energy density (runtime) of lithium batteries.

API’s path-to-market partner for portable power applications is Ingenium Technologies, Inc. of Rockford, Illinois. The comprehensive, exclusive Partnership Agreement between API and Ingenium encompasses power generation and energy storage for Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUVs) and submersibles, as well as man-portable, back-up and Auxiliary Power Unit applications. In these applications, API’s AlumiFuel technology provides the power to drive turbines, fuel cells and/or thermoelectric converters in power plants designed, engineered and/or integrated by Ingenium. In addition to its power systems and development engineering expertise, Ingenium’s strengths include marketing to military and commercial customers, and a track record of program wins and successful program execution.

The global UUV market is expected to reach $12 billion over the next decade, encompassing commercial, naval and other national security applications. This number includes $1.2 billion for the power systems, with $400-$500 million related to the fuel modules. API and Ingenium are exploring a growing number of opportunities involving naval and commercial power plant applications with the U.S. Navy, allied navies, major defense contractors, and deepwater services industry players worldwide. In June 2010, the Ingenium-API team was selected for award of a U.S. Navy R&D contract for a novel new hydrogen fuel delivery system to power future fuel cell-driven UUVs, with Ingenium as the prime contractor. Based on the API-Ingenium development efforts using AlumiFuel, several major prime contractors/defense contractors have expressed keen interest in the API-Ingenium technology approach for UUV power aimed at two specific new multi-million dollar Navy program starts in 2011 for long endurance UUVs, replacing battery-based power, which does not provide sufficient mission duration, range, or safety for naval missions.

The overall global market for man portable power (generator and battery replacement) is nearly $8 billion annually, including $4.75 billion for portable systems (100W-500W) and $3 billion for mobile systems (25W-100W). The bulk of this market is in the U.S. and Europe, encompassing military applications powering battlefield electronics and munitions, first responder/emergency preparedness applications powering radios and other electronic and medical devices for homeland security& disaster relief, and commercial applications such as shoulder-mounted video cameras. API and Ingenium have successfully built a hydrogen generator capable of powering a 200W fuel cell. The generator has demonstrated eight hours of continuous operation, a very rapid start up time, and the ability to stop and restart. The generator/canister system has shown great scalability and is able to generate hydrogen flow rates suitable for fuel cells ranging from fractional kW to over 10kW. API and Ingenium are in active discussions with potential fuel cell company partners.

API’s path-to-market partner for weather balloon applications is Kaymont Consolidated Industries, Inc. of Long Island, New York, the world’s largest distributor of weather balloons. The global market for lift gas fuel is pegged at $150-$200 million and growing, with more than 1,000,000 weather balloons and special purpose balloons launched annually for telecom relay, cloud height measurement and special military applications. API’s innovative Portable Balloon Inflation System (PBIS-1000), which was delivered to the first military customer in 2010, enables on the spot generation of hydrogen without any external energy or toxic chemicals, is easier to use and is cheaper than current lift gas solutions. Traditionally, helium has been used as the primary lift gas, but with the increasing scarcity and cost of helium, users are rapidly switching to hydrogen. The API portable launching unit is far more mobile and cost effective than other on-site hydrogen generation systems. Based on customer reaction, Kaymont believes that the PBIS-1000 hydrogen generator can become the field standard and lift gas product of choice for NATO and allied military customers, and that a scaled down version is an affordable, ideal product for global meteorological customers.

API’s President & Chief Executive Officer, Mr. David Cade, said: “The domestic and international marketing opportunities for API and our world class partners are boundless, and we intend to leverage these relationships to the maximum extent possible.”

About AlumiFuel Power, Inc.
API (www.alumifuelpowerinc.com), the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based wholly owned operating subsidiary of AlumiFuel Power Corporation, is an early production stage alternative energy company that generates hydrogen gas and steam/heat through the chemical reaction of aluminum, water, and proprietary additives. API has significant differentiators in performance, adaptability, safety and cost-effectiveness in its target market applications, with no external power required and no toxic chemicals or by-products.

About AlumiFuel Power Corporation
AlumiFuel Power Corporation operates through its wholly owned subsidiary, AlumiFuel Power, Inc., a Philadelphia-based early production stage alternative energy company that generates hydrogen gas and steam for multiple applications requiring on-site, on-demand fuel sources.

On May 30, the fuel cell vehicles will embark on the last leg of the F-CELL World Drive, leading them from Hamburg via Berlin and Nuremberg to the Mercedes-Benz Headquarters in Stuttgart. About XXX guests will then welcome the convoy after its 125-day trip in the course of a festivity, taking place in the Mercedes-Benz Museum. Furthermore, the Stuttgart-based automotive manufacturer hosts events in Hamburg, Berlin and Nuremberg in order to draw attention to the potential of fuel cell technology and the need for a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure.

On May 30, the fuel cell vehicles will embark on the last leg of the F-CELL World Drive, leading them from Hamburg via Berlin and Nuremberg to the Mercedes-Benz Headquarters in Stuttgart. About XXX guests will then welcome the convoy after its 125-day trip in the course of a festivity, taking place in the Mercedes-Benz Museum. Furthermore, the Stuttgart-based automotive manufacturer hosts events in Hamburg, Berlin and Nuremberg in order to draw attention to the potential of fuel cell technology and the need for a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure.

Mercedes-Benz F-CELL World Drive back in Europe: The way from the Norwegian Oslo leads the World Drive Team via Denmark back to their home country

On May 28 the F-CELL World Drive embarks on a two-day trip, leading it towards its destination Germany, where the tour departed from in January. From Oslo in Norway via Malmö in Sweden the route leads to Hamburg. The vehicles thereby cover a distance of 1.200 Kilometer in four countries. Before the beginning of this leg, media representatives in Oslo took the chance of a press event to learn about the emission-free fuel cell technology, which will soon be available in Norway.

From Stockholm in Sweden, the tour embarks on a 550 kilometers-journey to the neighbouring country Norway, to Oslo. The interest in fuel cell technology there is great: After Germany and the USA, Norway will be the third market where the
B-Class F-CELL will be introduced. Also, on May 27, representatives of the local media have the opportunity to learn about fuel cell technology in Oslo.