6/28/2000 Reliant Energy Signs Licensing Agreement
With Texas A&M for Key Improvements In Fuel Cell Technology - Reliant
Energy/Texas A&M/PRNewswire
The fuel cell developed by the Center for
Electrochemical Systems and Hydrogen Research, a TEES division, has several unique
features that may provide a cost advantage by allowing it to be mass-produced. The cell,
invented by center director Dr. A. John Appleby, is designed to use common and previously
overlooked materials in the manufacturing process and to operate at low temperatures and
pressures. The TEES' design will allow units to range in size from 7.5 kW, which is the
capacity needed to power the average home in the Houston area, to 150 kW, which would
power light commercial and industrial customers.
6/27/2000 Air Liquide America to Construct a Large
Syngas Plant Resulting in Reduced NOX Emissions for Eastman Chemical Company - Air
Liquide/PRNewswire
This facility, consisting of an air
separation unit and a partial oxidation plant, represents the largest syngas contract
awarded in the history of Air Liquide worldwide. Air Liquide America's alliance partner
for syngas/hydrogen/carbon monoxide plants, Howe-Baker Engineers, Inc., will design and
construct the partial oxidation plant, and Air Liquide Process and Construction, Inc.,
will design and construct the air separation unit. This project confirms Air Liquide's
major position in the supply and manufacturing of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, syngas and
steam to the petrochemical industry.
6/22/2000 Gas Price Woes? Look for These Fuel
Efficient Technologies From Delphi on Future Vehicles - Delphi/PRNewswire
Delphi is working with European automakers
BMW and Renault to co-develop a solid-oxide fuel cell system as an auxiliary power unit
for passenger cars and light- and heavy-duty trucks. The system, being developed to use
both gasoline and diesel fuel, will permit the automakers to increase the total generation
of electrical energy in their vehicles. It will be able to power existing electrical
features, such as lights, window controls and fuel pumps, sub-systems that are currently
mechanically driven, such as air- conditioning and water pumps, and new electrical
features, such as electric power steering, electric brakes, and the extensive range of
communication, navigation and electronic equipment currently being introduced or planned.
6/22/2000 Teledyne Energy Systems Signs Strategic Agreement With
Humboldt State On Fuel-Cell Technology - Teledyne Brown Engineering
"There is no question that fuel cells
represent the next phase of the evolutionary cycle in power generation," said Bamdad
Bahar, general manager of Teledyne Energy Systems. "This agreement is the result of a
long and mutually beneficial relationship we have enjoyed with Dr. Peter Lehman and his
team at the Schatz Energy Research Center. This proven fuel-cell technology has thousands
of hours of documented real-life performance in the field." ...Bahar added, "Dr.
Lehman remains a visionary in the field of clean-energy systems, directing a team of
talented individuals at the forefront of this technology. More than 10 years ago he was
among the first to build and operate a complete solar-hydrogen system, incorporating
Teledyne's hydrogen gas-generation equipment and SERC's fuel-cell technology in a remote
power application." More recently the Humboldt State research lab designed and
produced a fuel-cell generator that helps bring reliable telephone service to remote Yurok
tribal lands by powering a telecommunications station on a rugged mountaintop in Redwood
National Park. Lehman said this Schoolhouse Peak project has been a good test of the
technology, providing critical durability data. Other fuel-cell applications from SERC
include a fleet of fuel-cell-powered vehicles in use near the city of Palm Desert, Calif.,
and the Stack-in-a-Boxä, a portable power generator used for education and
demonstrations.
6/20/2000 Hydrogen Burner Technology to Supply
Fuel-Flexible Reformers to DCH Technology - HBT/PRNewswire
The Enable(TM) Fuel Cell Corporation of
Wisconsin, a subsidiary of DCHT, will be integrating its larger Enable fuel cell with the
reformers for customers who will be testing the integrated power systems for specific
applications. The HBT reformer converts gasoline, diesel, natural gas, propane, kerosene
or methanol into a hydrogen-rich gas stream, which is then converted into electricity by
the fuel cell. President and CEO of HBT David Moard comments, "This
agreement is the first step in the standardization of a highly reliable hydrogen
generator. We're looking forward to working with DCH Technology in the development of this
important power system for the future." "This purchase represents a
solidification of an alliance of hydrogen specialists that will offer the customer a cost
competitive, high reliability power system that may be configured for various electrical
loads and adapts to the logistic fuel available to the customer," says Stephanie
Hoffman, Vice President and General Manager of Enable.
6/20/2000 Air Products Provides ExxonMobil's
Refining/Petrochemical Operations With Turnkey Cryogenic System and Hydrogen Pipeline -
Air Products/PRNewswire
The hydrogen will provide operating benefits
to a hydrocracker downstream of this new system, while the liquids can be used by
ExxonMobil in downstream refining and petrochemical applications. Start-up is scheduled
for the fall of 2000. The turnkey cryogenic system employs Air Products' Refinery Gas
Recovery System (RGRS) technology, which uses a proprietary mixed refrigerant technology
tailored to this application. This process yields higher recovery of products and lower
utility costs compared to alternate processes. In April 2000, Air Products completed the
tie-in of the hydrogen pipeline system to the ExxonMobil complex in Beaumont, which allows
Air Products and ExxonMobil to optimize hydrogen production and use at the complex. Air
Products operates hydrogen, syngas, and carbon monoxide pipeline systems on the Texas and
Louisiana Gulf Coast. The hydrogen system, which extends over 200 miles, supports over 30
customers with 7 plants totaling over 300MM SCFD of capacity.
6/20/2000 Ecostar to Provide Powertrain for TH!NK City
- EcoStar/PRNewswire
The powertrain system used in the TH!NK city
vehicle operates at a lower voltage (112v) than most electric vehicles. Ecostar is the
leading supplier of complete electric powertrains for electric vehicles and is able to
provide a uniquely integrated system for the TH!NK city. Ecostar's new powertrain will
become available when the TH!NK city is rolled out in North America, Europe and Japan.
Ecostar is working with ENOVA Systems, the supplier of DC/AC inverters, and Solectria, the
supplier of the motor and transaxle components. ...Ecostar Electric Drive Systems was
formed in 1998 and is part of the Fuel Cell Alliance Formed between Ford Motor Company, 
Ballard Power
Systems and DaimlerChrysler. Ford owns 62 percent of Ecostar, while DaimlerChrysler and
Ballad own 17 percent and 21 percent, respectively. Ecostar is the primary development
center for the alliance's power electronics and electric powertrains.
6/20/2000 Ocean Power Signs 10 Million Dollar Fuel
Cell Agreement - Ocean Power/PRNewswire
Ocean Power Corporation is pleased to
announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Hydrogen Performance
Technologies (HyPerTec), a newly formed fuel cell company, for 10 Million dollars
development and manufacturing support over the next two years. ...HyPerTec, based in New
York, NY, is committed to the commercialization of ambient pressure, low power fuel cells
for a wide range of commercial and military markets.
6/16/2000 Mechanical Technology Names President
- Mechanical Technology/PRNewswire
Mechanical Technology, Inc. announced today
that Dr. William Acker had been named President and Chief Technology Officer. Prior to
joining MTI, Dr. Acker spent almost three years as Vice President of Technology and
Product Development at Plug Power, Inc., a leader in the design and development of
residential fuel cells and a company founded as a joint venture of MTI and DTE Energy.
...In addition to its holdings in Plug Power, Mechanical Technology has holdings in SatCon
Technology Corporation, which manufactures and sells power and energy management systems,
and Beacon Power Corporation, which designs and develops flywheel energy storage systems.
6/15/2000 Manhattan Scientifics Successfully Tests
Fuel Cell Powered Bicycle - Manhattan Scientifics/PRNewswire
The prototype bicycle utilizes Manhattan
Scientifics' unique and proprietary mid-range power technology developed by the company's
NovArs unit in Passau, Germany. Jack Harrod, Manhattan Scientifics' COO, said, "We
are very excited about the results obtained from the HYDROCYCLE(TM). Our fuel cell powered
bicycle offers a strong value proposition when compared to today's battery powered
bicycles. The HYDROCYCLE(TM) is also wonderfully quiet and gives off no emissions other
than a small amount of water vapor. It is a real experience to ride through a forest and
only hear the sound of the tires on the dirt road. In the noisy, polluted cities of Asia
and elsewhere in the world, we believe the HYDROCYCLE(TM) could make an enormous
difference in the quality of life of the people in those cities. We have opened
discussions with industry leaders in the powered bicycle and scooter segments about
possible applications." ...The cylindrical-shaped fuel cell stack, which powers the
HYDROCYCLE(TM), weighs only 780 grams, delivers 670 watts of power to a hub motor. The
hydrogen fuel is contained in a two-liter carbon fiber reinforced pressure vessel located
behind the bicycle seat. This provides the cyclist with a driving range of up to 70-100 km
(flat surface) at a top speed of 30 km/h.
6/14/2000 Modine and XCELLSIS Sign Exclusive Agreement
for Fuel-Cell-Component Development - Modine/Business Wire
Modine's components will be part of highly
integrated, compact, fuel-cell engines for the world's mobile applications, which will be
introduced to the marketplace for cars within five years. "For our engineers to
be able to work and contribute to what is being considered an energy revolution is an
exciting opportunity for this company," said Tony DeVuono, Modine's Vice President,
Technical Services. "Modine was selected as a development partner with XCELLSIS
because we developed and delivered the right thermal- and fluid-management solutions
combined with the right material and manufacturing expertise at the right
time." Industry experts say that fuel-cell engines could eventually bring
about the demise of today's internal combustion engines, offering superior potentials in
efficiency and emission reduction. On May 24, Modine announced the formation of
a Fuel-Cell Products Group to focus on this new technology and to assist in bringing about
the commercialization of the fuel-cell engine.
6/13/2000 HBT (Hydrogen Burner Technology) Aquires
Second Manufacturing Facility - HBT/PRNewswire
Hydrogen Burner Technology (HBT)
has announced its expansion into a second facility to accommodate the company's growing
manufacturing requirements. The new plant is located at 19300 Susana Road, Rancho
Dominguez and will give the company 55,000 sq. ft. of additional office and factory space
plus another 35,000 sq. ft. of parking and lay down area. HBT has developed patented
technology, which converts hydrocarbons into clean burning hydrogen for use in
manufacturing, fuel cells and fuels for trucks and busses. The process has significant
cost advantages over other methods of producing hydrogen and comes at a time when there is
increased pressure for cleaner burning fuels for public transportation and stationary
building power systems. HBT will be delivering a few hundred systems this year into this
important growth market. CEO David Moard said, "We've simply outgrown our present
facility. When we were focused on research and development and proving our technology, we
did not focus our attention on commercial production numbers. But with the success of our
programs, we've definitely entered the manufacturing growth stage." The company will
also be adding up to 50 new employees through the remainder of the year. The expansion
will concentrate on the production of HBT's commercially priced products.
6/12/2000 Marubeni Corporation Procures FuelCell
Energy's Direct FuelCell Power Plants - FCEL/Business Wire
Under the contract, FuelCell Energy will
deliver one 250 kW DFC(R) power plant in 2001, followed by four additional 250 kW power
plants or a MW-class plant. The total value of the contract is $6.25 million for a total
of 1.25 MWs. ...As a major industrial and e-commerce player, Japan's appetite for power is
growing rapidly. "Markets are especially interested in maintaining environmental
stewardship while achieving the highest operating efficiencies", said Takeo Nakata,
General Manager, Environmental Team, Marubeni Corporation (Tokyo). "On-site
co-generation is considered important for enabling the growth of industries and local
economies. Fuel cells will satisfy market niches demanding 24x7 availability, high quality
power and island siting."
6/12/2000 IMPCO and Alcoa's Thiokol Propulsion Form
Technology Alliance To Accelerate Fuel Cell Technologies - IMPCO/PRNewswire
The alliance provides IMPCO access to over
1,000 Thiokol scientists, engineers and support personnel experienced in the handling and
management of hydrogen fuel and allows IMPCO to advance the commercialization of Thiokol's
unique composite conformable hydrogen fuel storage tank technology for the emerging
automotive fuel cell markets. ...The IMPCO-Thiokol alliance provides IMPCO access to over
1,000 Thiokol scientists, engineers and support personnel experienced in the handling and
management of hydrogen fuel as well as many other energetic materials. One of the first
products IMPCO will develop for commercialization is Thiokol's unique, advanced composite
conformable storage tank technology. This technology expands IMPCO's product line and
complements IMPCO's "TriShield" ultra-lightweight composite gaseous fuel storage
cylinders which are critical components required for optimizing the storage of on-board
hydrogen fuel for fuel cell vehicles. The conformable tank technology allows for varying
shapes, unlike conventional cylindrical shaped hydrogen storage tanks.
6/12/2000 Acumentrics Begins Manufacturing Natural Gas
Fed Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Systems - Acumentrics/PRNewswire
Acumentrics Corporation, a leading innovator
of power protection and energy products, announced today that Nigel Sammes, Ph.D., and
seven Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) scientists and engineers from the University of Waikato
in New Zealand have joined the company. ...Acumentrics intends to begin production
immediately of complete power systems that operate from propane or natural gas and output
AC electricity, without the need of an external reformer, air blower, or fuel pump.
..."This design is unique because it can heat up and cycle in seconds, operates at
standard gas line pressure, and internally reforms natural gas at approximately 45-50% gas
to electrical efficiency," said Dr. Sammes, Acumentrics' Director of Fuel Cell
Development. ...Acumentrics has also exclusively purchased all patent rights to technology
developed by the University of Waikato, originally sponsored by Fletcher Challenge Energy
Power Generation Limited, in the field of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. Acumentrics intends by
year-end, to become the largest SOFC developer in the world for up to 100 kWatt products
and systems.
6/10/2000 China, Italy United Over Energy Project by
Zhao Shaoqin - China Daily
The two countries will sign a strategic memorandum of
co-operation on developing hydrogen energy, the China-Italy Workshop on Hydrogen said
yesterday in Beijing. The workshop was sponsored by the Ministry of Science &
Technology and the Italian Embassy to China, and organized by the China Energy Research
Society. About 80 experts from both countries discussed technical problems related to
hydrogen production, storage and utilization. Carlo Rubbia, chairman of the Italian
National Board for New Technology, Energy and Environment, said in his keynote speech that
the development of hydrogen energy heralds a new road towards zero-emission of pollution
in the industrialization era. Rubbia won the Nobel Prize in physics. Vice-Premier Li
Lanqing met with Rubbia yesterday in Beijing, exchanging ideas on research and development
of renewable energy. Rubbia called the possibility of producing clean energy from coal by
removing carbon as "very promising and valuable." Rubbia said such research
efforts will greatly benefit China, a country that suffers from acid rain because of its
heavy dependence on coal. Ma Songde, vice-minister of Science and Technology, said China
is actively developing different methods of producing clean energy, including hydrogen, to
help co-ordinate its economic growth and environmental protection.
6/9/2000 IdaTech Delivers First Fuel Cell System to
Bonneville Power Administration - KVO/Business Wire
After making any necessary adjustments to
the first 10 "alpha" units installed and tested by BPA, IdaTech will implement
improvements and commence shipments of the remaining 100 "beta" units in late
2000. The $3.5 million dollar contract with BPA, which includes a 50% cost-sharing
arrangement with BPA customers, is part of a testing and development phase to
commercialize fuel cell systems for home and small commercial applications by 2003.
6/8/2000 ABB Sees Billion-Dollar Growth Opportunity in Alternative
and Renewable Energy - ABB/Business Wire
ABB has shifted its focus from being a
builder of traditional large-scale power plants with the recent divestitures of most of
its power generation activities to ALSTOM of France and BNFL of the U.K. ABB remains a
major supplier to this important sector and has targeted alternative energy as a growth
opportunity that complements existing power markets. ...ABB and DuPont of the U.S. have
agreed on joint development of fuel cell systems for a variety of applications, in
particular a very-low emission solution for distributed power generation.
6/8/2000 Johnson Matthey Announces "Dual Fuel" Processor
for Fuel Cells - Johnson Matthey
Johnson Matthey, the world leader in catalysts and
catalysed components for fuel cells, has demonstrated a new fuel processor capable of
converting both natural gas and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) to hydrogen which can be
used directly in a fuel cell to provide electricity cleanly and at high rates of
efficiency. Based on Johnson Matthey's advanced catalyst technology, the system is equally
efficient with either fuel and can be changed from one to the other at any time.
...Commenting on this important development Neil Carson, Executive Director, said:
"The initial customers for high value fuel cell systems will be residential users in
areas with unreliable power supplies. Hence many of our development partners have
requested LPG fuel processors for these applications. Ultimately, the larger market will
probably be for natural gas fueled systems and our ability to supply both markets with the
same processor reduces the development cost and increases the speed to market of the
technology".
6/8/2000 Quantum Composites Develops Innovative
Injection-Molding Process That Uses Pemtex Conductive Composite to Mold Fuel Cell Plates
- Premix/PRNewswire
When used in injection molding, it enables
fuel cell processors to mold bipolar plates with a high-volume, cost-effective thermoset
process never before possible. "We are working with major developers of proton
exchange membrane fuel cells to provide a key element that enables mass production and
commercialization of fuel cells," said Marc Imbrogno, market development specialist
at Premix Inc. "This technology offers an economic solution to the manufacture of
bipolar plates, an essential component in fuel cell manufacturing." The process, for
which a patent has been applied, couples specialized injection-molding techniques, and
uses the patent-pending Pemtex material.
6/7/2000 Hawks Industries and Blue Star Form Joint
Venture To Advance Fuel Cell Technology Development - Blue Star Sustainable
Technologies Corp/PRNewswire
"This is an exciting venture that will
develop future directions for new, clean energy systems based on known natural gas
reserves," said Dr. Nicholas E. Vanderborgh, the President of Blue Star. Dr.
Vanderborgh previously headed the fuel cell engineering team at Los Alamos National
Laboratory in New Mexico. "This technology has the promise of impacting the future of
human progress as we learn to utilize natural gas with greater efficiency. Fuel cell
technology is an important part of that future, but fuel cells need the kind of fuels we
are going to generate." Over a projected two-year period, the joint venture agreement
calls for assessments to be made to determine which of Hawks' coal bed reserves in
Wyoming's Powder River Basin is best suited for use of the new technology, for Blue Star
equipment to be moved there from Blue Star's development laboratory in Colorado, for
suitable markets to be identified for the projected gas derived products, and for
production to be actually commenced at the site of the chosen Hawks resource.
6/6/2000 FuelCell Energy Moves From Amex to Nasdaq On
June 7th - FCEL/Business Wire
FuelCell Energy, Inc. common stock will
begin trading on the Nasdaq National Market on June 7, 2000 under the ticker symbol FCEL.
The stock moves from the American Stock Exchange where it is traded under the symbol FCL.
6/6/2000 Plug Power Signs Agreement with Engelhard To
Develop Advanced Catalysts for Fuel Cells - Plug Power/PRNewswire
Plug Power Inc.announced today that it has
signed agreements with Engelhard Corporation for development and supply of advanced
catalysts to increase the overall performance and efficiency of Plug Power's fuel
processor -- the front end of the fuel cell system.
6/5/2000 Thor to Build World's First Commercially
Viable, Zero Emissions Fuel Cell Buses in Alliance with International Fuel Cells, A United
Technologies Company, and ISE Research - Thor Industries/PRNewswire
Thor Industries, Inc.announced today that it
will build the world's first commercially- viable, fuel cell powered, zero emissions
transit buses in an exclusive alliance with International Fuel Cells Inc.(IFC), a United
Technologies company, and ISE Research. The first bus will be built by mid 2001. IFC is
the world's largest and most advanced manufacturer of fuel cells. IFC fuel cells have
powered every NASA space shuttle mission and IFC is the leader in stationary fuel cell
power plants. Thor is the largest mid-size bus builder and the second largest recreation
vehicle manufacturer. ...ISE Research Corporation, San Diego, CA, the leading developer
and integrator of hybrid drive systems for bus and truck applications, will provide its
hybrid system and perform the fuel cell systems integration.
6/5/2000 IMPCO Awarded Major $2.6M DOE Contract for
Next Generation Hydrogen Storage Tank Technology - IMPCO/PRNewswire
Under the terms of the DOE contract, IMPCO
will design, develop, prototype and produce ultra-lightweight production hydrogen tanks
for demonstration on two vehicle programs in close association with the DOE's Lawrence
Livermore National Laboratory. The IMPCO hydrogen storage tanks will be demonstrated on a
fuel cell public transportation bus in Las Vegas, Nevada, and two sport utility vehicles
(SUVs) participating in the Future Truck Competition. Syed Hussain, Vice President and
General Manager of IMPCO's Technology and Automotive OEM Division said: "This is an
important program and critical to near term mass commercialization of fuel cell vehicles.
It is evident that the DOE supports and endorses on-board vehicle hydrogen storage as the
best solution for fuel cell vehicles. We are very pleased to be working closely with such
a prominent government agency as the DOE Golden Field Office."
6/5/2000 BOC Gases Further Expands Korean Business
- BOC Gases/PRNewswire
BOC Gases recently signed a long-term
agreement with Hyundai Petrochemical Company for the supply of hydrogen to be used in
various chemical processing applications at Hyundai's petrochemical complex in the Daesan
region of South Korea. As part of the agreement, BOC will invest an additional $12 million
at the complex, which includes the acquisition of Hyundai's 9 million cubic feet per day
hydrogen production, compression and infrastructure facilities. Last year, BOC announced
it would invest more than $100 million in plant and infrastructure to service the
industrial gases needs of both Hyundai Petrochemical Company and Samsung General
Chemicals, working closely with these companies in their outsourcing and restructuring
program. Adjacently located in the Daesan region, the two companies form one of Asia's
largest and most modern petrochemical complexes.
6/2/2000 DCH Technology Completes Major Purchase of
Fuel Flexible Reformers From Hydrogen Burner Technology
DCH Technology announced today
that it has purchased 110 fuel flexible reformers from Hydrogen Burner
Technology, of Long Beach, California. The Enable Fuel Cell Corporation of
Wisconsin, a wholly owned subsidiary of DCHT, will be integrating its larger Enable(TM)
fuel cell energy systems with the reformer in support of strategic customers who will be
testing the integrated power systems for specific applications. HBT reformers can operate
on gasoline, diesel, natural gas, propane, kerosene or methanol, delivering high quality
hydrogen for the conversion into electricity by a fuel cell. "This purchase
represents a solid alliance of hydrogen specialists that offer a cost competitive, high
reliability power system configured for a variety of electrical loads and adaptable to the
logistical fuel available to the customer," stated Stephanie Hoffman, Vice President
and General Manager of Enable. Hoffman continued, "The initial systems will run on
natural gas and propane, with liquid fuels to follow in locations worldwide. We think our
approach to integration, safety and logistical support will further distinguish us in the
marketplace."
6/1/2000 DCH Technology and Daido Metal Company
Announce Joint Venture - DCH Technology/PRNewswire
Under the agreement Daido will manufacture
and assemble fuel cell products for the joint venture. The initial target will focus on
the production of small portable fuel cells, ranging from less than one watt to 50-watt
units. The automated production line will be located in a section of a new $12 million,
50,000-square-foot manufacturing facility currently under construction in Japan. The JV
will also encompass future production of larger fuel cells for stationary applications.
..."Daido Metal has over 60 years of strong international experience, skills and
expertise in precision component engineering, including complex metal structures and
combined polymer metal processing," said Seigo Hanji, President of Daido Metal.
"Mapping our core competency of producing highly engineered materials, bonding
technologies, and micron level accuracy machining is a natural transition for the
production of fuel cells." Mr. Hanji added, "Our goal is to produce high quality
fuel cells at the lowest possible cost." ...Taking into account their numerous joint
ventures, Daido has approximately 3,000 employees worldwide utilizing over 5 million
square feet of facility space throughout Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore,
Indonesia, England, France and the US, with more than $290 million in sales annually.
Daido is the largest Japanese manufacturer of plain bearings for internal combustion
engines for motor vehicles, vessels, and heavy equipment. Customers include Honda, Toyota,
Nissan, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Isuzu, Hino Motors, Caterpillar, Daimler Chrysler, and
Hyundai of Korea.
5/31/2000 DCH Technology Delivers Sensor Systems To
Alaska for Monitoring Remote Backup Power Systems - DCH Technology/PRNewswire
DCH Technology, Inc. (OTC Bulletin
Board: DCHT) announced today that it has shipped 30 complete robust hydrogen sensor(TM)
(RHS) systems, ahead of schedule, to GCI for deployment in remote areas of Alaska. GCI is an
Alaska-based company that provides voice, video and data communication services to more
than 180,000 residential, commercial and government customers with annual sales of
$250,000,000. "This order confirms the market potential for storage of backup battery
power systems. This proven sensor technology application ensures the safe implementation
of distributed energy," said Dennis Reid, DCHT's Director of Sales. "As sealed
lead acid batteries are charged, the batteries build up heat. To compensate for the heat,
GCI uses Rectifiers to adjust float voltage as related to battery temperature. If the
temperature compensation of the Rectifier fails, the batteries can create a thermal
runaway, which will produce hydrogen. If hydrogen is allowed to accumulate in closed
storage, any ignition source could touch off the hydrogen accumulation resulting in damage
and possible injury. As a safety backup, GCI uses hydrogen specific sensors that will
detect excessive hydrogen buildup and send a signal to shut down the charging
system." Jim Hruby, Lead Engineer of GCI stated, "Due to the remote location of
many of our backup power systems and the expense of unit maintenance, it was extremely
important to obtain a reliable monitoring device. After researching available
technologies, we felt that DCHT's sensor systems would more than meet our requirements at
a reasonable cost."
5/25/2000 DCH Technology Establishes Expanded Sensor
Operations; Installs Senior Management - DCH Technology/PRNewswire
DCH Technology, Inc.announced today that it has recently
acquired a new building dedicated to advanced sensor development and full scale
manufacturing operations. DCHT has also named Mr. Steven Huenemeier as General Manager of
Sensor Operations. This is the second expansion of the sensor division and will include
the addition of on-site hydrogen production capability. The facility will allow for
large-scale production of sensors and the associated electronic controls to meet the
growing demand for complete hydrogen sensor systems.
5/24/2000 Modine Forms Fuel-Cell Products Group to
Address Emerging Opportunity - Modine/Business Wire
According to Allied Business Intelligence,
an Oyster Bay, N.Y., technology research think tank specializing in communications and
emerging-technology markets, PEM fuel cells will dominate the fuel-cell market with 80
percent of all automotive fuel cells by 2010. Every major automobile manufacturer in
the world has a developmental program for fuel-cell vehicles. Only recently have fuel
cells evolved to a point where they are seriously considered as a source of clean power
for the world's vehicles as well as stationary applications for the 21st century.
..."Fuel cells use a chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to produce
energy," said Mark A. Baffa, who will lead the Fuel-Cell Products Group. "While
doing so, they also produce water and large amounts of heat. Heat exchangers, which are
the basis for Modine's business, are a critical, enabling technology for the success of
fuel cells and offer a substantial market opportunity for Modine. These are high-growth
markets where our heat-transfer expertise can differentiate Modine from the rest of the
field."
5/24/2000 Hyundai Selects International Fuel Cells'
Power Plant For Its SUV Demonstrator Program - IFC/PRNewswire
The 75-kilowatt fuel cell system developed
by IFC will use hydrogen as its fuel, thereby eliminating the emissions that cause air
pollution and smog. The only emission from the vehicle will be water vapor. ...The IFC
system will have a greater power density than fuel cell systems that have been tested in
cars in the past. That means the system will have greater power in a smaller package. In
addition, it will have substantially greater efficiency because it uses a near ambient
pressure system. ...The fuel cell system to be used in the Santa Fe SUV will contain a
single "stack" of fuel cells. It will use a conventional automobile battery for
start-up. Enova Systems of Torrance, CA, a major developer of Electric and Hybrid drive
trains for Hyundai Motor Company will supply the electric drive train and power management
systems for the vehicles.
5/22/2000 General Motors and Giner Create R&D Company To Accelerate Pace of Fuel
Cell Innovation - GM/PRNewswire
The establishment of Giner Electrochemical
Systems, L.L.C. (GES) fuses the strength and experience of the world's leading automaker
with the highly focused electrochemistry work of a renowned research and development firm,
officials from both companies said today in announcing the partnership.
"Hydrogen fuel cells are the powertrains of the future," said GM Vice Chairman
Harry J. Pearce. "General Motors' fuel cell stack is the industry benchmark. Giner
Electrochemical Systems will provide important technologies to speed the commercial
introduction of these fuel cells."
5/22/2000 FuelCell Energy Inc. Awarded $16.5 Million
U.S. Navy Contract for Marine Fuel Cell Power Plant Demonstration -
FCE/Business Wire
FuelCell Energy, Inc. received a $16.5
million cost-shared contract from the U.S. Navy to demonstrate a 0.625 MW marine fuel cell
power plant operating on diesel fuel, based on the Company's Direct FuelCell technology.
Under the planned three-year contract, FuelCell Energy will build, test, and deliver the
Ship Service Fuel Cell power plant for evaluation at a Navy facility.
5/22/2000 IMPCO and California's SCAQMD to Advance CNG
and Fuel Cell Storage Technology in $1.42 Million Program -
IMPCO/SCAQMD/PRNewsxwire
A field application at SunLine Transit of
Palm Springs is planned as part of this program.
They bring together Johnson Matthey's strong catalyst
technology and intellectual property in the field of fuel cells and MEAs and James
Cropper's experience in the volume manufacturing of advanced technical non-woven materials
to form a significant alliance for the development of commercial fuel cell manufacturing.
Under these agreements Johnson Matthey will market all of the new products for fuel cells
that result from the collaboration with James Cropper TFP.
5/15/2000 India
Business Briefs: Satyam Partnership With Vignette - Dow Jones
Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (P.LTB) has
received an order from Haldor Topsoe A.S. of Denmark to supply machinery for the hydrogen
plant of Indian Oil Corp. (P.IOL) in the western Indian city of Baroda.
5/8/2000 Manhattan Scientifics Wins U.S. Army
Contract To Build Ultra Lightweight Fuel Cell Test System - Manhattan
Scientifics/PRNewswire
The program is to evaluate the feasibility
of battery replacement in certain types of portable communication equipment now in use by
the Army. The fuel cell will be based on Manhattan Scientifics' unique proprietary mid
range power technology (2 watts to 3 kilowatts) developed by the company's NovArs unit in
Passau, Germany. ...The fuel cell's unique design uses advanced composite materials and
sealing technology to minimize size and weight. This cell is potentially ideal as a power
source for portable electronic equipment. The system is a hydrogen/air system using
hydrogen as fuel. It will supply 15 watts of power with up to 30 watts under peak load
conditions at ambient pressure with minimum ancillary equipment.
5/5/2000 Plug Power
Down 19% After Analysts Downgrade Stock - Dow Jones
The revelation that changes in the design of the
company's commercial fuel cell now allow General Electric to be excused from a take-or-pay
obligation in the contract prompted Bear Stearns & Co. analyst Robert Winters to
downgrade Plug shares to neutral from buy. Winters said he now believes there is a higher
risk in Plug's business model. In a research note, Winters said, "Plug's failure to
meet product specifications of agreement with GE puts them in technical default of
contract with GE." ...Plug's shift to a grid-parallel model for its residential fuel
cell system is also raising eyebrows, analysts said. ...Goldman Sachs' Amir Karim fears
the grid-parallel model will have less appeal than the grid-independent model.
5/2/2000 Reliant Energy to Provide Natural Gas to
Clark Refining for Future Hydrogen Production - Chemical Online
Effective March 1, Reliant Energy began providing
supplies of natural gas to the Clark complex at an initial annualized rate of more than
21.9 Bcf per year. "Supplies will increase to a rate of almost 43.8 Bcf per year in
2001, after the planned hydrogen plant is completed," said Phil Vance, director,
Industrial Gas Sales, Major Accounts Gas Group.
5/2/2000 Texaco Purchases a 20 Percent Interest in
Energy Conversion Devices - ECD/PRNewswire
Texaco and Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
announced today the execution of a share purchase agreement for Texaco to purchase a 20
percent equity stake in Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. for $67.3 million. Additionally,
the companies have agreed to establish joint ventures for the continued development and
commercialization of advanced energy technologies, initially in the fields of ECD's
proprietary Ovonic solid hydrogen storage technology and the Ovonic regenerative fuel
cell. ...Texaco's interest in ECD will be managed by Texaco Energy Systems Inc., a wholly
owned subsidiary of Texaco Inc., established in 1999 to harness the company's fuel
conversion expertise to advance commercialization activities in the areas of fuel cells
and hydrocarbons-to-liquids.
5/2/2000 BMW, Renault, Delphi Team Up to Develop Fuel
Cell Auxiliary Power Unit - Delphi Automotive Systems/PRNewswire
The MOU was signed by Dr. Burkhard Goeschel,
member of the Board of BMW AG, development; Jose Maria Alapont, president of Delphi
Automotive Systems - Europe; and Pierre-Alain De Smedt, director general adjoint for
Renault. ...This proposed partnership expands the existing development agreement reached
last April between BMW and Delphi under which they are jointly developing a fuel-cell
system to be used as an auxiliary power unit for gasoline engines for passenger vehicles.
Now diesel-fuel solid-oxide fuel cell reformers for Renault light- and heavy-duty trucks
will also be included. This technology will allow BMW and Renault to offer vehicles with
more electrical and electronic features that will be able to operate with the engine off.
The technology also has the potential to reduce most of the emissions of an internal
combustion engine. Delphi will develop the gasoline and diesel fuel cell systems, and BMW
and Renault will integrate the system into their respective vehicles within the next five
years. ...Goeschel points out that solid-oxide fuel cells do not contain precious
materials, and that BMW and Renault anticipate volume production; therefore, the
technology should be more attractive and more affordable.
5/2/2000 UniDyn Corp.
To Merge With Fuel Cell Tech Firm - Dow Jones
In a press release Tuesday, UniDyn said that
following the merger it will to change its name to Fuel Cell Industries, Inc. and its
trading symbol to FCEL.
5/1/2000 Army, Government, Industry Team to Develop Better, Cleaner
Trucks - TACOM
The
program partners include the Army, the U.S. Departments of Energy and Transportation, the
Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. trucking industry. ..."This new truck
partnership will end up saving business and truckers and taxpayers billions of dollars in
reduced fuel costs while at the same time, cleaning the air and helping to combat global
warming," the vice president explained. TACOM's National Automotive Center is the
Department of Defense's and Army's lead agency for this innovative effort. It is the
Army's focal point for developing and implementing dual-use technologies into military
ground vehicles by fostering relationships with industry, academia and other government
agencies. It is also TACOM's focal point for technology transfer.
BUILDING A WORLD THAT WORKS
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