Twitter headlinesFuel Cells
[Due to the increasing size of the archives, each topic page now contains only the prior 365 days of content. Access to older stories is now solely through the Monthly Archive pages or the site search function.]
Proterra Fuel Cell Hybrid Bus in DoD Hydrogen Energy Cycle Pilot Project
July 11, 2009
Colorado-based Proterra LLC, a manufacturer of electric drive commercial transportation solutions (battery-electric and range-extended EVs) from city transit buses to class 4-8 trucks (earlier post), will provide a hydrogen fuel cell hybrid bus (earlier post) for use a US Department of Defense (DoD) pilot project designed to test an end-to-end clean hydrogen energy cycle.
Led by the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), the pilot project will include all elements of a clean hydrogen energy cycle, including local hydrogen generation via waste water treatment digester gas cleanup and reformation; bulk hydrogen storage, transport and dispensing; and hydrogen load in the form of 19 fuel-cell powered electric forklifts and Proterra’s fuel cell powered bus.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative Launches €140M Call for Proposals
July 03, 2009
The European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen (FCH) Joint Technology Initiative (JTI) has issued a second call for proposals for research. Around €140 million (US$196 million) has been allocated to this second call, with €71.3 million by the Commission matched by in-kind contributions of the industrial partners. The FCH JTI, an EU-wide collaborative private-public partnership, has a total budget amounts around €1 billion (US$1.4 billion) to be invested in hydrogen and fuel cell research and development by 2014. (Earlier post.)
The 29 project topics in the second call aim to put fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies on the market two to five years sooner than what is estimated without the support the JTI offers. Selected teams of researchers will investigate bottlenecks in the whole range of applications for these energy technologies, from cars to large scale power plants, as well as the whole supply chain from hydrogen production to demonstration of the market-readiness of applications.
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Sweden, Volvo Group and Partners to Invest $26M in Powercell Sweden AB to Advance Volvo Fuel Cell APU Work
July 02, 2009
| Powercell Sweden power generation unit. Click to enlarge. |
The Swedish Energy Agency and the Volvo Group, in partnership with international corporations Midroc and OCAS, are investing SEK 200 million (US$26 million) to accelerate Volvo’s introduction of fuel cell APUs (auxiliary power units) into the market.
The Volvo Group, through its company Volvo Technology Transfer, will receive investment from the companies Midroc New Technology and OCAS, as well as from the Swedish Energy Agency. The parties will make a joint investment of SEK 200 million in Powercell Sweden AB in Gothenburg. Powercell Sweden is currently owned by Volvo Technology Transfer but following the investment, Volvo will be a minority owner.
More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
BNSF Railway and Vehicle Projects Demonstrate Experimental Hydrogen Fuelcell Hybrid Switch Locomotive
June 30, 2009
| Rear view of the fuelcell hybrid switch locomotive. The dual Ballard fuel cell stacks are to the left (i.e., rear) of the switcher. Source: Vehicle Projects. Click to enlarge. |
BNSF Railway and Vehicle Projects Inc. of Denver/Golden, Colo., a developer of large fuelcell vehicles such as mine loaders and mine locomotives, unveiled an operational hydrogen fuelcell hybrid switch locomotive at BNSF’s Topeka System Maintenance Terminal. (Earlier post.)
Following its introduction, the locomotive is heading to the Transportation Test Center in Pueblo, Colo., for additional testing. Late this summer or early fall, depending on the outcome of the testing, the locomotive will go into service in the Los Angeles Basin, where it will face the test of actual service in the railroad environment.
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
UK TSB Awards £25M to Eight Low-Carbon Vehicle Demonstration Projects; Focus On Electric Vehicles
June 24, 2009
Eight new low carbon vehicle projects will receive a share of £25 million (US$41 million) of funding from the UK’s Technology Strategy Board Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator to run ‘real-life’ trials. The project, which will put 340 vehicles on the road in trials within the next six to eighteen months, will be the biggest of its kind and is intended to accelerate the availability of low carbon cars to consumers.
The majority of the vehicles are electric, with a small number being plug-in gasoline-electric hybrids. The information gained from this project will contribute to the future plans of manufacturers and their partners to develop low carbon vehicles for the mass market.
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
California Air Resources Board Pushes for Restoration of DOE Funding for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles; Tackles the “Four Miracles”
June 19, 2009
California Air Resources Board Chairman Mary Nichols met with US Energy Secretary Steven Chu in May and followed up that meeting with a letter, urging the continuation of funding to support research, development and deployment of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Nichols is also requesting a follow-on meeting between ARB technical staff, DOE technical staff and the several automakers pursuing fuel cell vehicles to continue the “dialog and investigation”.
The Obama Administration’s 2010 Department of Energy (DOE) budget proposes cutting the federal hydrogen fuel cell research and deployment budget by more than two-thirds ($130 million), eliminating funds for the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle program and market transformation programs. (Earlier post.)
More... | Comments (71) | TrackBack (0)
UK Company to Introduce Hydrogen Fuel Cell Urban Car; Open Source Approach
June 14, 2009
| Cutaway of the Hyrban. Ultracapacitor bank is beneath the seat. Click to enlarge. |
UK-based Riversimple will unveil on Tuesday (16 June) its first production-intent car: a two seater hydrogen fuel cell urban car with composite bodyshell. Riversimple designed the Hyrban (earier post) to achieve 300 mpg (energy equivalent); the company calculates that the fuel cell car will have well-to-wheel CO2 emissions of 31 g/km when fueled with hydrogen produced via steam methane reforming of natural gas.
The Hyrban has a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h), can accelerate from 0 - 30 mph in 5.5 seconds, and has a range of more than 200 miles (320 km). Riversimple, founded by Hugo Spowers, a former motorsport engineer and racing driver, earlier initiated the hydrogen LIFECar project through its subsidiary OSCar Automotive Ltd. (earlier post).
More... | Comments (23) | TrackBack (0)
New PNNL Small-Scale Hydrodesulfurizer/Steam Reformer System Lets Portable Fuel Cells Use JP-8 or Diesel
June 12, 2009
| JP-8 steam reformer (left) and a compact hydrodesulfurization system (right). Source: PNNL. Click to enlarge. |
A new system developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory allows portable fuel cells to operate using JP-8—a common fuel used worldwide in military applications with and sulfur levels that can vary considerably from region to region—or road diesel.
The development of fuel cell power systems supplied by liquid hydrocarbon fuels such as JP-8 or diesel has continued to be challenged by the difficulty in cleanly reforming these fuels without catalyst deterioration. One of the major sources of catalyst deterioration and resulting low conversion activity has been the presence of sulfur in these fuels.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
DOE Issues RFI for Fuel Cells For Combined Heating and Power and APU Applications; Reflective of New Direction for Hydrogen Program
May 31, 2009
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) (DE-FOA-0000111) seeking input from stakeholders and the research community on proposed technical and cost targets for fuel cells designed for residential combined heating and power (CHP) and auxiliary power unit (APU) applications. This is a Request for Information and not a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA); therefore, DOE is not accepting applications and is instead providing an opportunity for stakeholders to submit feedback on targets for residential Combined Heat and Power and Auxiliary Power Unit applications.
The RFI reflects the steps being taken by the DOE’s Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and Infrastructure Technologies Program to rebalance its portfolio in alignment with the DOE’s new position of focusing on fuel cell applications for near-term impact, and less on the long-term development for application in transportation, said Dr. Sunita Satyapal, Acting Program Manager, during the recent Hydrogen and Vehicle Technology combined Merit Review meetings in Washington, DC.
More... | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)
California-to-Canada Road Tour is Finale for Daimler’s A-Class F-CELL; B-Class F-CELL Due to Customers by End of 2009
May 26, 2009
| A cutaway model of the future B-Class F-CELL. Click to enlarge. |
Daimler’s A-Class F-CELL hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle will cap five years of road trials in the US with its participation in the California to Canada Hydrogen Road Tour 09 (earlier post). The recently converted A-Class F-CELL “plus” with 700 bar technology will participate in the tour along with hydrogen-powered vehicles from other automakers. The new 700 bar technology extends the range in the current vehicle generation by about 70%.
A fleet of 30 A-Class F-CELL vehicles has been in daily use on public roads in the US since 2004. The program includes fleet and infrastructure trials supported by the states of California and Michigan. After the tour, the A-Class F-CELL will be replaced by Daimler’s next generation of fuel cell vehicles: the B-Class F-CELL (earlier post), Daimler’s first fuel cell vehicle produced in a small volume series, but under full series development processes.
More... | Comments (15) | TrackBack (0)
Researchers Propose a Renewable Energy Cycle Based on Co-electrolysis of Water and CO2 to Produce Syngas
May 21, 2009
| Schematic illustration of a generic liquid-fuel energy cycle utilizing a renewable electrical source. Credit: ACS. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers at Northwestern University are proposing, and have begun experimental validation of, a renewable liquid-fuel energy storage cycle based on the co-electrolysis of H2O and CO2 using a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) powered by renewable electricity to produce syngas. The syngas is then in turn converted into liquid fuels (e.g., methanol or synthetic hydrocarbons) which could be used in a direct fuel cell.
The direct fuel cell produces electricity, with water and CO2 as byproducts of the oxidation of the liquid fuel in the fuel cell. These would be captured and recycled back into the co-electrolysis process.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
Proton Motor Previews “Triple-Hybrid” Electric Drive Passenger Bus
May 13, 2009
Proton Motor Fuel Cell GmbH, a subsidiary of Proton Power Systems plc, a designer, developer and producer of fuel cells and fuel cell electric hybrid systems, has previewed the first passenger bus using the company’s “triple-hybrid” fuel cell system. The presentation took place in Puchheim, near Munich on 8 May, with an official unveiling and handover to take place this summer in Prague.
The new vehicle is the product of a cooperation agreement between Skoda Electric, UJV Nuclear Research Institute Rez plc and Proton Motor. As a manufacturer of trolley buses and electric-powered rail vehicles, Skoda Electric was responsible for the vehicle, including its electric drive system and system integration. The project was coordinated by UJV, a leading research institution in the Czech Republic. Proton Motor supplied the propulsion system.
More... | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
Ener1 Subsidiary Developing Fuel Cell Range Extender for Electric Vehicles
May 12, 2009
Although much of the attention on Ener1 has been focused on its lithium-ion battery subsidiary EnerDel (which last week signed a letter of intent for a potential long-term battery supply agreement with Fisker, earlier post), Chairman and CEO Charles Gassenheimer used the company’s quarterly earnings conference call also to highlight what he called the “excellent progress” being made at EnerFuel—Ener1’s fuel cell subsidiary—on fuel cell range extenders for plug-in hybrids.
EnerFuel is developing advanced high-temperature PEM fuel cell systems and is currently focused on developing a range extender for electric vehicles, said Daniel Betts, EnerFuel’s Principle Engineer and on the executive management team, on the conference call.
More... | Comments (25) | TrackBack (0)
Next-Generation Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid Debuts in June
May 09, 2009
| The new Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid. Click to enlarge. |
The new Mercedes-Benz Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid bus will have its world premiere from 7-11 June at the UITP Congress in Vienna (the World Congress of the International Association of Public Transport). (Earlier post.) This fuel cell hybrid bus is the first representative of the new generation of fuel cell models from Daimler Buses.
Daimler said that the Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid is the next logical step on the path to zero-emission public transport which the company had already announced it would take, and thus represents an important element in the development of the mobility solutions of the future.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
DOE Announces Up to $13M in Funding for Six Advanced Combustion and Emissions Controls R&D Projects
May 04, 2009
The US Department of Energy (DOE) selected six cost-shared University Advanced Combustion and Emissions Controls research and development projects totaling up to $13 million in DOE funding, subject to annual appropriations.
The research projects will contribute to the development of high efficiency internal combustion engines with the goals of improving fuel economies by 20-40% in light-duty vehicles and attaining 55% brake thermal efficiency in heavy-duty engine systems.
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
DOE to Award $41.9M in Recovery Funds to Spur Growth of Fuel Cell Markets
April 16, 2009
The US Department of Energy (DOE) is awarding $41.9 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to 13 projects to accelerate the commercialization and deployment of fuel cells and to create jobs in fuel cell manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and support services. Funded projects include stationary, portable and specialty vehicle applications. Total project funding of nearly $114.3 million will include approximately $72.4 million in cost-share funding from industry participants in addition to the Federal money.
The $41.9 million will support immediate deployment of nearly 1,000 fuel cell systems for emergency backup power and material handling applications (e.g., forklifts) that have emerged as key early markets in which fuel cells can compete with conventional power technologies. Additional systems will be used to accelerate the demonstration of stationary fuel cells for combined heat and power in the larger residential and commercial markets.
More... | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
Researchers Achieve Major Advance in Performance of Non-Precious Metal Catalysts for PEM Fuel Cells
April 06, 2009
| Comparison of the best NPMC (non-precious metal catalyst) in this work with a Pt-based catalyst. Lefèvre et al. (2009). Click to enlarge. |
Researchers at Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Énergie, Matériaux et Télécommunication in Quebec, Canada, report a major advance in the use of non-precious metal catalysts for PEM fuel cells. In a study published 3 April in the journal Science, they describe a new synthetic route for inexpensive iron-based catalysts that can equal the performance of a platinum-based cathode with a loading of 0.4 milligram of platinum per square centimeter at a cell voltage of ≥0.9 volt.
One of the obstacles to commercializing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is the cost of the fuel cells themselves. Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) cells, widely studied for such mobile applications, generally use carbon-supported platinum (Pt/C) catalysts at the electrodes. Much research has gone into replacing platinum with less expensive substitutes. (Earlier post, earlier post.)
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Researchers Show Direct Bacterial Production of Methane from Electricity and CO2
March 30, 2009
Researchers at Penn State University, led by Dr. Bruce Logan, have found that methane can be directly produced using a biocathode containing methanogens in electrochemical systems (abiotic anode) or microbial electrolysis cells (MECs; biotic anode) by a process called electromethanogenesis.
The results show that electromethanogenesis can be used to convert electrical current produced from renewable energy sources (such as wind, solar, or biomass) into a biofuel (methane) as well as serving as a method for the capture of carbon dioxide. A paper on the work was published online 26 March in the ACS journal Environmental Science and Technology.
More... | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
DOE Awards RPI $1.6M to Develop New Fuel Cell Manufacturing Technology and Processes
March 26, 2009
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) a $1.6 million grant to create new technology and processes for faster, more cost-effective manufacturing of fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). Consisting of a stacked proton exchange membrane (PEM), catalyst, and electrodes, MEAs are the core of a fuel cell. One of the barriers to more widespread adoption and use of fuel-cell technology is the high cost of their manufacture.
Ray Puffer, principle investigator of the project and program director for industrial automation at Rensselaer’s Center for Automation Technologies and Systems (CATS), in collaboration with Rensselaer collaborators Daniel Walczyk, professor of mechanical, aerospace, and nuclear engineering, as well as CATS Director John Wen, professor of electrical, computer, and systems engineering, will develop materials, designs, and adaptive process controls for MEA manufacturing.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
FTA Report on Worldwide H2 Bus Demonstrations Finds Better Than Expected Performance and Strong Customer Acceptance; Challenges Remain
March 20, 2009
The US Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has published a report summarizing interviews with participants in the hydrogen-powered buses trials underway in more than 20 cities around the world from 2002 to 2007. These included buses powered by fuel cells or hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines, as well as a variety of fueling and related technologies.
The report gathers insights from demonstration participants at transit agencies in the United States, Europe, China, Japan and Australia, analyzes lessons learned, identifies key remaining challenges, and suggests potential roles for government in supporting commercialization. Among the findings were that the performance of the fuel cell stacks exceeded expectations, but the batteries and supporting components experienced significant challenges.
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
Researchers Develop Better-Performing Pd Catalysts for Fuel Cells
| The new Pd nanoparticles outperform commercially available versions. Credit: ACS. Click to enlarge. |
Chemists at Brown University have developed palladium (Pd) nanoparticles for use as fuel cell catalysts with about 40% greater active surface area than commercially available palladium particles, and the nanoparticles remain intact four times longer. A paper on their work was published online 12 March in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
Palladium has been under investigation as an alternative to platinum for use in fuel cells; palladium is more abundant and less expensive. However, researchers have had difficulties in creating palladium nanoparticles with enough active surface area to make catalysis efficient in fuel cells while preventing particles from clumping together during the chemical processes that convert a fuel source to electricity. The two Brown University researchers found a way to overcome those challenges.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
DOE to Award Up to $2.4B for Advanced Batteries, Electric Drive Components, and Electric Drive Vehicle Demonstration/Deployment Projects
March 19, 2009
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has released two competitive solicitations that will provide up to a combined $2.4 billion in federal funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) in support of the development of advanced electric drive vehicles (EDVs) including plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), electric vehicles (EV), and fuel cell vehicles (FCV). President Barack Obama announced the availability of the funding during a visit to Southern California Edison’s Electric Vehicle Center today.
This funding has been divided between two Funding Opportunity Announcements: Recovery Act - Transportation Electrification (DE-FOA-0000026); and Recovery Act - Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative (DE-FOA-0000028). The former will provide up to $400 million for EDV and electrification infrastructure demonstration and evaluation projects. The latter will provide grants to US-based manufacturers of up to $1.5 billion to produce advanced automotive batteries and their components, and up to $500 million to produce other components needed for electric vehicles, such as electric motors.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
New Method Produces Longest Platinum Nanowires Yet; Implications for Increased Fuel Cell Longevity and Efficiency
March 11, 2009
 |
| Electron microscope view of platinum nanowires with beads (left) and without beads (right). Credit: University of Rochester. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers at the University of Rochester (New York) have developed an electrospinning method to produce the longest platinum nanowires with minimal bead formation yet made—an advance that could significantly enhance the longevity and efficiency of fuel cells.
The platinum nanowires produced by Professor James C. M. Li and his graduate student Jianglan Shui are roughly ten nanometers in diameter and also centimeters in length—long enough to create the first self-supporting web of pure platinum that can serve as an electrode in a fuel cell. A report on their work is published in the 11 March issue of ACS journal Nano Letters.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
ARB Chairman Characterizes Ideological Debate Between Hydrogen and Batteries as “Madness”
February 23, 2009
California Air Resources Board (ARB) Chairman Mary Nichols characterized the sometimes contentious, ideological debate between those who advocate for hydrogen fuel cells and those who advocate for batteries as the ultimate enabler of low-carbon transportation as “madness” from the point of view of a regulator.
Chairman Nichols made the comment during a keynote at the third annual UC Berkeley Energy Symposium, presented by the Berkeley Energy & Resources Collaborative (BERC), that focused on policy and legislative activity in the context of California’s climate change efforts.
More... | Comments (67) | TrackBack (0)
East Penn Manufacturing and Nuvera Fuel Cells Provide 20 Fuel Cell/Battery Hybrid Units for Forklift Demonstration
February 10, 2009
 |
| ReadyPower 750 Ah hybrid fuel cell/battery power pack. Source: Nuvera. Click to enlarge. |
East Penn Manufacturing and Nuvera Fuel Cells have supplied 20 ReadyPower fuel cell/battery hybrid units to the Susquehanna Defense Distribution Supply Depot (DDSP) in New Cumberland, PA. The units have been installed into 20 Yale forklift trucks as part of a two-year demonstration project run by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).
The ReadyPower units will be run at the DDSP in regular operation consisting of two shifts a day, five days a week, and will be compared to the performance that would have been attained using standard motive batteries.
More... | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)
Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanotube Arrays Perform Better Than Platinum as Fuel Cell Catalysts
February 06, 2009
 |
| CO-poison effect on the i-t chronoamperometric response for Pt-C/GC and VA-NCNT/GC electrodes. The arrow indicates the addition of 55 mL/min CO gas into the 550 mL/min O2 flow. The mixture gas of ~9% CO (volume/volume) was then introduced into the electrochemical cell. From Gong et al. (2009) Click to enlarge. |
A team of researchers led by Liming Dai at the University of Dayton, Ohio, has found that arrays of vertically aligned nitrogen-containing carbon nanotubes (VA-NCNTs) can act as a metal-free electrode with a much better electrocatalytic activity, long-term operation stability, insensitivity to CO poisoning and tolerance to crossover effect than platinum for oxygen reduction in alkaline fuel cells.
The ability to replace costly platinum with a much lower-cost carbon-based catalyst could lead to more efficient fuel cells that can be affordably mass-produced. A paper on the findings was published in the 6 Feb issue of the journal Science.
More... | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
Platinum-Free Fuel Cell Cathode Technology Achieves Performance Level Comparable to Conventional FCs
February 05, 2009
 |
| ACAL replaces the cathode in a conventional PEM fuel cell (left) with a liquid, non-precious metal catalyst system (right). Click to enlarge. |
ACAL Energy Ltd. has obtained peak power density figures from a development proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells using its platinum-free cathode technology (FlowCath, earlier post) that consistently exceed 570mW/cm2 since late December 2008.
This represents a new record power density level from a liquid platinum-free cathode system. Further improvements are expected in 2009, with an ultimate peak power density target of over 1W/cm2, according to the company.
More... | Comments (19) | TrackBack (0)
New Catalyst Can Efficiently Oxidize Ethanol to CO2 at Room Temperature; Boost for Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells
January 26, 2009
 |
| Model of the electrocatalyst for ethanol oxidation consisting of platinum-rhodium clusters on a surface of tin dioxide. Click to enlarge. |
A team of scientists at the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Delaware and Yeshiva University, has developed a new ternary (Pt/Rh/SnO2) electrocatalyst that could make direct ethanol fuel cells feasible.
Consisting of platinum and rhodium deposited on carbon-supported tin dioxide nanoparticles, the new catalyst can split C–C bonds in ethanol at room temperature in acid solutions, facilitating its oxidation at low potentials to CO2—a capability which has not been achieved with existing catalysts, according to the researchers. A paper on the work was published online 25 January in the journal Nature Materials.
More... | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0)
US Fuel Cell Council Pushes Congress for $1.17B for Hydrogen, Fuel Cell and Infrastructure Programs
December 30, 2008
The US Fuel Cell Council (USFCC), an industry association formed to foster the commercialization of fuel cells in the United State, is asking Congress to put $1.17 billion into fuel cells, hydrogen and infrastructure.
Fully funding programs of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) at levels Congress has already approved for FY2010, and use of other authorized funds, would account for the $1.17 billion. The US Fuel Cell Council would like to see the money applied in six basic areas: deployment programs; development of a refueling infrastructure; learning demonstrations; building domestic manufacturing capability; accelerating public-private research; and investing in fuel cell transit programs.
More... | Comments (29) | TrackBack (0)
Study Concludes Wind-Powered BEV and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles Best Options, Biofuels the Worst to Address Climate, Energy Security and Pollution
December 13, 2008
 |
| A combined weighted ranking of the 12 combinations of energy sources and vehicle type against 11 impact categories. Click to enlarge. |
A new study by Stanford University professor Mark Jacobson (earlier post) reviews and ranks major proposed energy-related solutions to global warming, air pollution, and energy security while considering impacts of the solutions on eleven different factors ranging from resource availability to mortality. To place electricity and liquid fuel options on an equal footing, Jacobson considered 12 combinations of energy sources and vehicle type: nine electric power sources (solar-PV, CSP, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, wave, tidal, nuclear, and coal with CCS) and two liquid fuel options (corn-E85, cellulosic E85) in combination with three vehicle technologies (battery-electric, BEVs; hydrogen fuel cell, HFCVs; and flex-fuel E85 vehicles).
The overall rankings of the combinations (from best to worst) were: (1) wind-powered battery-electric vehicles (BEVs); (2) wind-powered hydrogen fuel cell vehicles; (3) concentrated-solar-powered-BEVs; (4) geothermal-powered-BEVs; (5) tidal-powered-BEVs; (6) solar-photovoltaic-powered-BEVs; (7) wave-powered-BEVs; (8) hydroelectric-powered-BEVs; (9-tie) nuclear-powered-BEVs; (9-tie) coal-with-carbon-capture-powered-BEVs; (11) corn-E85 vehicles; and (12) cellulosic-E85 vehicles. His findings are published online in an open access article in the journal Energy & Environmental Science.
More... | Comments (92) | TrackBack (0)
Michelin to Commercialize Electric Active Wheel Technology
December 01, 2008
 |
| Michelin’s Active Wheel integrates brake disk, electric motor and suspension motor. Click to enlarge. |
Michelin’s Active Wheel, an in-wheel system comprising a brake, 30 kW (40 hp) electric traction motor and electric suspension motor system, will be used in the Heuliez-produced WILL electric vehicle (battery or fuel cell), due to be available to fleet owners in 2010. The WILL grew out of a concept developed by Heuliez and Michelin and features networked services innovated by Orange.
Michelin has shown earlier versions of the Active Wheel in concepts before, such as the Michelin/PSI Concept HY-LIGHT Fuel Cell Vehicle shown at the 2004 Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai. (Earlier post.) The two-wheel motor WILL is its first application in a series production-intent vehicle. The partners showed the WILL at the Paris Motor show in October. Venturi Automobiles also showed an application of the Active Wheel in the premier of its four-wheel motor Volage.
More... | Comments (35) | TrackBack (0)
VW Highlights Three Fuel-Cell Vehicle Prototypes at LA Auto Show
November 19, 2008
 |
| The Tiguan HyMotion fuel cell concept uses a VW-developed high-temperature fuel cell stack. Click to enlarge. |
Volkswagen came to the Los Angeles Auto Show to tout the efficiency and performance of its diesel powertrains and the recent market success of the Jetta Clean Diesels in the US, as well as to introduce the new Touareg V6 TDI.
However, the company said it was also casting an eye to the future with its presentation of three fuel cell prototypes: the Tiguan, a compact SUV; the Touran, a compact minivan; and the Passat Lingyu, a sedan customized for use in China (earlier post). In Germany, the Tiguan and Touran are the most successful cars in their class. The same is true of the Passat Lingyu in China. All three zero emissions vehicles were available for test drives at the show.
More... | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)
Eaton To Supply Fuel Cell Cathode Blowers To SAIC For 2010 Shanghai World Expo
November 11, 2008
|
| The Eaton blower with electric drive motor and control for the SAIC fuel cell application. Click to enlarge. |
Eaton Corporation’s fuel cell cathode blowers will be used in a fuel cell vehicle demonstration program being prepared by Shanghai Automotive Industries Corporation (SAIC) for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.
A fuel cell blower is an important balance-of-plant component in a fuel cell system. Development of efficient, cost-effective air management technologies is one of the target areas with the Department of Energy’s Research, Development and Demonstration roadmap for hydrogen technologies.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Europe Launches Major Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Push with €1B JTI
October 15, 2008
Representatives of industry, the research community and the European institutions launched the €1 billion (US$1.357 billion) Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative (JTI) (earlier post) at an event in Brussels, Belgium on 14 October.
Over the next six years, the European Commission and industry will invest almost €500 million each into the initiative, with the aim of accelerating the development of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and bringing them to the market by 2020. The EC estimates that the JTI’s activities will reduce the time to market for these technologies by two to five years.
More... | Comments (18) | TrackBack (0)
NREL Report Finds Operational Problems with CTTRANSIT Prototype Fuel Cell Bus Reduced Availability
October 14, 2008
 |
| CTTRANSIT’s fuel-cell hybrid bus. Click to enlarge. |
A report on the results of a preliminary evaluation of a prototype plug-in fuel-cell hybrid bus at Connecticut Transit (CTTRANSIT) in Hartford by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that while the experience for operators and riders with the fuel cell bus has been positive, there have been a number of specific problems and limitations that resulted in bus availability consistently below the 85% target.
These problems include initial quality assurance of the bus manufacturing/integration, the traction batteries, heating and air conditioning, operating in slippery conditions, maximum bus operating speed, and degradation of the fuel cell power system.
More... | Comments (35) | TrackBack (0)
EIA: PHEV40s Could Come Close to Matching Energy and Emissions Benefits of Fuel Cell Vehicles
September 13, 2008
 |
| Full fuel cycle CO2 emissions for PHEV40s and FCVs with 2x (top) and 3x (bottom) baseline fuel economy, under different H2 production scenarios. Click to enlarge. |
The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) has published an analysis of the impacts on US energy import dependence and emission reductions resulting from the commercialization of advanced hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in the transportation and distributed generation markets.
Among its findings, the report concludes that successful deployment of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) is dependent on several concurrent R&D successes and investments within the next 25 years. At the same time, other promising technologies such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) offer opportunities for major reductions in petroleum use and CO2 emissions from light-duty vehicles (LDVs).
More... | Comments (62) | TrackBack (0)
Ford Extends Current Fuel Cell Vehicle Fleet Program with DOE for 24 Months Prior to Next Gen System
August 21, 2008
Encouraged by the success of its fleet of 30 fuel cell vehicles, Ford recently reached an agreement with the US Department of Energy (DOE) to extend its three-year-old hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle program for up to 24 months, until the next generation system is ready for deployment in the 2010 timeframe.
According to Ford’s global fuel cell team, the first generation Focus Fuel Cell vehicles have lasted three times longer and worked much better than originally expected with virtually no degradation in performance. In light of that success, the DOE, which shares the program’s operating cost with Ford, agreed to extend the program.
More... | Comments (17) | TrackBack (0)
Nissan Previews Upcoming Hybrid and New All-Electric Vehicles, New Fuel Cell Stack
August 06, 2008
 |
| Nissan’s new parallel hybrid system. Click to enlarge. |
At its Advanced Technology briefing in Tokyo, Nissan Motor unveiled prototypes of its original hybrid electric and new all-electric vehicles, both powered by lithium-ion batteries from the Nissan-NEC joint-venture, AESC (Automotive Energy Supply Corporation) (earlier post). Nissan plans to introduce production versions of the hybrid and the EV in 2010.
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). The hybrid system employs two new Nissan technologies: a parallel-powertrain hybrid system and a high-performance rear-wheel drive hybrid system. The parallel-powertrain system uses two clutches in which one motor is directly connected to the V-6 engine and transmission via two separate clutches.
More... | Comments (28) | TrackBack (0)
New Superlattice Material Improves Ionic Conductivity Near Room Temperature by Factor of 100 Million; Implications for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
August 02, 2008
 |
| The molecular model of the ion-conducting material shows that numerous vacancies at the interface between the two layers create an open pathway through which ions can travel. Click to enlarge. Credit: ORNL |
A research team from Spain’s Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) has developed a new superlattice material that improves ionic conductivity near room temperature by a factor of almost 100 million. A paper on the work, written in collaboration with researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), appears in the 1 August issue of the journal Science.
The new material, represents “a colossal increase in ionic conduction properties,” according to Maria Varela of the ORNL Materials Science and Technology Division, who characterized the material’s structure with senior researcher Stephen Pennycook. The material could lead to more efficient and lower temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), among other applications.
More... | Comments (25) | TrackBack (0)
New Organic Polymer Air Electrode for Fuel Cells and Metal/Air Batteries; PEDOT on Goretex
August 01, 2008
 |
| (A) Schematic representation of the PEDOT/Goretex air electrode. (B) The Goretex membrane coated with gold. Scale bar, 5 µm. (C) The PEDOT/Goretex structure. Scale bar, 5 µm. (D) Cross-section of the electrode with thickness measurements of the PEDOT layer. Scale bar, 20 µm. Click to enlarge. Credit: AAAS |
Researchers at Monash University in Australia have developed a lower-cost, platinum-free flexible air electrode based on Goretex covered with a thin layer of gold and coated with an organic polymer—poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)—which acts as an oxygen reduction catalyst.
An air electrode, which reduces oxygen (O2), is a fundamental component in fuel cells and metal/air batteries. The researchers found that their new PEDOT/Goretex electrode delivered O2 conversion rates comparable to those of Pt-catalyzed electrodes of the same geometry, and that the organic polymer air electrode was not sensitive to CO, as is platinum. A paper describing their work is published in the 1 August issue of the journal Science.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
NRC Study: Supporting a Transition to Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles in the US Will Require About $200B Over Next 16 Years
July 17, 2008
 |
| Total annual expenditures for vehicles and hydrogen supply for transition to the breakeven year for the Hydrogen Success case, excluding RD&D costs. Cumulative public-private cost totals $184 billion, of which 91% is the cost of fuel cell vehicles and 9% is the cost of hydrogen supply. An additional $16 billion in RD&D costs over the period brings the overall to $200 billion. Click to enlarge. |
While hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) could alleviate US dependence on oil in transportation and significantly reduce US emissions of carbon dioxide, bringing the technology from its current state to market viability will require substantial time and additional investment, according to a new study by the National Research Council.
The study estimates a total public-private investment of about $200 billion would be required from 2008 to 2023, at which point fuel cell vehicles would become competitive with gasoline-powered vehicles. The government cost to support the transition would be roughly $55 billion. This funding includes a substantial research and development program ($5 billion), support for the demonstration and deployment of the vehicles while they are more expensive than conventional vehicles ($40 billion), and support for the production of hydrogen ($10 billion).
