In Japan, Toshiba has commenced demonstration operation of H2One, an independent energy supply system based on renewable energy and the use of hydrogen as a fuel for power generation. Kawasaki City and Toshiba have installed the system at the Kawasaki Marien public facility and Higashi-Ogishima-Naka Park in the Kawasaki Port area.

The H2One project, which runs to March 2021, combines a 30 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) installation, storage batteries, water electrolysis equipment, hydrogen and water tanks, and 3.5 kW fuel cells [FCB, December 2014, p6]. Electricity generated from the PV installations is used to electrolyse water and produce hydrogen, which is stored in tanks and used in fuel cells to produce electricity and hot water. The system can produce up to 1 m3/h of hydrogen, and store up to 33 m3 at low pressure (8 bar, 116 psi), with an electricity storage capacity of 350 kWh.

H2One can independently provide electricity and hot water in times of emergency, even when lifelines are cut. Kawasaki Marien and

Higashi-Ogishima-Naka Park, a municipal facility to promote Kawasaki Port, is a designated emergency evacuation area. In times of disaster, H2One will use stored hydrogen to provide 300 evacuees to the site with electricity and hot water for about a week. The system is housed in a container, and can be transported to disaster-hit areas on trailers.

In normal, non-emergency operation, H2Ones hydrogen energy management system is used to contribute to peak-shifting, which reduces demand for grid power at times of high demand, through optimised control of hydrogen production, power generation, and storage. Toshiba is working to enhance its hydrogen storage capabilities, to realise a self-contained solution for local energy production for local consumption.

Toshiba is also participating in the Levenmouth project in Scotland, which is using solar and wind energy to produce hydrogen for buildings and vehicles [see page 11].

Toshiba, Hydrogen Economy: www.toshiba.co.jp/newenergy/en/index.htm

Video of H2One installation: www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1dnc9L619g

fUelCELLS BULLETIN

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fUelCELLS BULLETIN

ISSN 1464-2859/15 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reservedThis journal and the individual contributions contained in it are protected under copyright by Elsevier Ltd, and the following terms and conditions apply to their use:PhotocopyingSingle photocopies of single articles may be made for personal use as allowed by national copyright laws. Permission of the publisher and payment of a fee is required for all other photocopying, including multiple or systematic copying, copying for advertising or promotional purposes, resale, and all forms of document delivery. Special rates are available for educational institutions that wish to make photocopies for non-profit edu-cational classroom use.

ISSN 1464-2859 April 2015

NEWSToshiba starts H2One independent energy supply 1HES solid-fuel system for small electric UAVs 1

ROAD VEHICLES

UK consortium targets range-extended van fleets 2Symbio FCell powers DHL fleet of vans in Lyon 2Hydrogenics in projects for fuel cell truck, bus 3PowerCell to cut diesel use at Norway grocery 3Intelligent Energy high-performance architecture 4

MOBILE APPLICATIONS

Plugs GenKey for FreezPak freezer warehouse 4Alstom, German district to develop fuel cell train 5China produces first fuel cell tram, Ballard power 5EnergyOrs world-first fuel cell multirotor UAV 5

SMALL STATIONARY

Altergy units in Caribbean telecom deployment 6Convion C50 validated in distributed generation 6SFC EFOY Pro 12000 Duo for industrial power 6

LARGE STATIONARY

SA Chamber of Mines installs 100 kW fuel cell 7Bloom units for IKEA, ASP, and Japan market 7Doosan, ABB extend production partnership 8FCE MCFCs in large-scale carbon reduction role 8Implats deploys 1.8 MW at refinery, 20 MW plan 8

PORTABLE & MICRO

Neah, Tectonica partner for military portables 9

FUELING

UK funds new hydrogen stations, upgrades 9Air Liquide station for forklifts at FM Logistic 10CEP partner Shell opens new Hamburg station 10Air Products dispenser first at UK supermarket 10

ENERGY STORAGE

Scottish community project with green hydrogen 11

COMMERCIALISATION

UQM first order for new fuel cell compressor 12Greenlight robotic automated parts production 12JCB takes strategic stake in ITM Power 12

RESEARCH

DOE awards for hydrogen production, FCEVs 12German project on SOFC degradation processes 13SiEnergy wins Massachusetts follow-up grant 13

FEATUREStudy on commercialisation of energy storage

in European market to 2030 and beyond 1416

REGULARSEditorial 32015 Fuel Cell Seminar: Call for Abstracts 5News In Brief 11, 13Patents 1719Events Calendar 20

Contents

www.fuelcellsbulletin.com

Toshiba starts H2One independent energy supply

HES solid-fuel system for small electric UAVs

Singapore-based Horizon Energy Systems is launching an on-demand hydrogen generation technology based on a compact solid fuel system, which will further improve the flight endurance of small fuel cell powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). HES is unveiling the new solid chemical AEROPAK-S at the AUVSI trade show, taking place 37 May in Atlanta, Georgia.

Compared to 200 Wh/kg lithium batteries and previous fuel cell designs, the new 700 Wh/kg solid fuel AEROPAK-S eliminates the need for a complex catalytic reactor, which reduces size, weight and complexity, while offering a self-contained, plug-and-play fuel cartridge system. The new technology uses special software algorithms to produce hydrogen through a controlled chemical

reaction onboard the UAV, rather than utilising hydrogen stored as a high-pressure gas.

The new technology is ideal for powering small electric UAVs on long-endurance missions in border patrol, infrastructure surveillance, exploration, and critical asset and environmental monitoring [see the feature on military UAVs in FCB, December 2007]. The AEROPAK-S powered a commercial mini-UAV flight earlier this year, and custom versions have been in stealth development with several leading aerospace OEMs, ahead of imminent serial production.

Horizons visibility has mostly been in the fixed-wing segment [FCB, March 2014, p3], although it expects to set a new flight duration record in the multirotor segment in the coming weeks [see the EnergyOr item on page 5].

Horizon Energy Systems: www.hes.sg

NEWS

2

UK consortium targets range-extended van fleets using fuel cells

Intelligent Energy is leading a UK industry consortium that aims to develop a new class of range-extended, zero-emission light commercial vehicles (LCVs, i.e. vans), with members drawn from driveline technology and vehicle integration specialists as well as large fleet users. By integrating hydrogen fuel cell technology into battery electric vehicles (BEVs), the consortium will deliver the capability to provide low-carbon LCVs with significantly improved range and rapid refueling.

The three-year project, utilising Intelligent Energys advanced PEM fuel cell technology, will develop validated systems and vehicle conversion expertise ready for volume manufacture. The goal is also to provide fleet operators with a zero-emissions solution that enables vehicle operation for extended periods.

The consortium will receive a 6.3 million (US$9.6 million) grant, as part of the 12.7 million ($19 million) project, from the Advanced Propulsion Centre. The APC is a government-industry partnership that aims to position the UK as a global centre of excellence for low-carbon powertrain development and production. The other partners are low-carbon electrical technology experts Frost EV Systems and Frost Electronics, Millbrook Proving Ground, the Cenex centre of excellence for low carbon and fuel cell technologies, energy and services supplier British Gas, and courier giant DHL.

The collaborative project will minimise technical and commercial risk by initially targeting captive and commercial fleet operators, providing a package that can be integrated into vehicles as an end-of-line fitment at an OEM, through a new-vehicle conversion facility, or by retrofitting at approved centres.

Fuel cell systems can be used to increase battery electric vehicle range while maintaining zero emissions. The LCV systems developed during this programme will offer operational advantages through increased access to restricted emission zones, combined with faster refueling times than battery pack recharging alternatives. The consortium will work in conjunction with a steering group that includes vehicle manufacturers, government agencies, and major fleet operators.

By the end of the project, vehicles will be delivered using Intelligent Energys class-leading fuel cell technology built to automotive standards, ready for extensive fleet use, says James Batchelor, MD of Intelligent Energys Motive Division. The relationships formed as a result of this programme will help to develop a mature supply chain and commercial framework, in turn supporting the expansion of hydrogen infrastructure, with the expectation that this will lead to the availability of fuel cells at scale.

Intelligent Energy is developing hydrogen PEM fuel cell systems for global markets such as automotive [see page 4 ], consumer electronics [FCB, March 2015, p6], and distributed generation [FCB, February 2015, p4, and see the Intelligent Energy feature in FCB, August 2009].

Intelligent Energy, Loughborough, UK. Tel: +44 1509 271271, www.intelligent-energy.com

Advanced Propulsion Centre: www.apcuk.co.uk

Cenex: www.cenex.co.uk

Frost EV Systems: www.frostevsystems.co.uk

Symbio FCell powers DHL fleet of hydrogen delivery vans in Lyon

DHL Express in Lyon, France has taken delivery of Renault Kangoo ZE-H2 light commercial vehicles (LCVs, i.e. small vans) powered by Symbio FCells hydrogen fuel cell range-extender, in a major step towards the commercial deployment of zero-emission electric vehicles.

DHL is operating the vehicles as part of the French HyWay project, coordinated by the Grenoble-based Tenerrdis energy cluster. Since the beginning of March, DHL Express has been using the Renault Kangoo ZE-H2 vans for deliveries in central Lyon, and will run them for the next 18 months. The combination of electricity and hydrogen will increase battery range from 120 km (75 miles) to over 300 km (190 miles).

The Renault Kangoo ZE-H2 vehicles are fitted with a 5 kW PEM fuel cell range-extender, which doubles energy capacity and battery life. The vehicle, once fully charged with 1.7 kg of hydrogen, offers a total range of 300 km, three times further than a regular electric model. The vehicles will only need refueling every 34 days, using one of the two hydrogen stations constructed for this project in Lyon and Grenoble [FCB, November 2014, p4]. The vehicles will drive around 400 km (250 miles) each week.

Symbio FCell provides mobility solutions based on hydrogen PEM fuel cell systems, integrated

Fuel Cells Bulletin April 2015

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ROAD VEHICLES

NEWS / EDITORIAL

April 2015 Fuel Cells Bulletin3

E D I T O R I A L

Energy storage is an increasingly important topic in the renewable energy sector, as grid operators and other stakeholders try to work out how to cope with the intermittent power supply from renewable energy technologies.

In Europe, the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) has just published a comprehensive analysis of the implications of projected development of the European electric power system up to 2030, in terms of the role and commercial viability of energy storage. The article in this issue [pages 1416] outlines the Executive Summary from the report, Commercialisation of Energy Storage in Europe.

The report was created to ensure a deeper understanding of the role and commercial viability of energy storage in enabling increasing levels of variable renewable power generation. It was prepared by a broad coalition of energy storage technology developers, utilities, energy companies, research institutions, regulatory authorities, and European institutions.

The share of renewable energy sources in the European electric power generation mix is expected to grow considerably in the coming decades, making a significant contribution to the European Commissions challenging targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. System flexibility needs, which have historically been driven by variable demand patterns, will increasingly be driven by supply variability as renewable energy penetration increases to 50% and more. The large intermittent power flows will strain the transmission & distribution (T&D) network, and make it more challenging to ensure that the electricity supply matches demand at all times.

Therefore new systems and tools are required to ensure that renewable energy is effectively integrated into the power system. There are four main options for providing the required flexibility to the power system: dispatchable generation, T&D expansion, demand-side management, and energy storage. The FCH JU report focuses on to what extent current and new energy storage technologies can contribute to the integration of renewables in the long term, and play additional roles in the short term.

If youre interested in the wider topic, i.e. beyond hydrogen and fuel cells, Ive recently written an online article for Renewable Energy Focus (http://ow.ly/L8pZe) about the E30 million Nice Grid project in France (www.nicegrid.fr). This project brings together a broad range of stakeholders in the countrys first smart solar-energy district demonstration project, and features integrated energy storage based on advanced lithium-ion battery technology.

Steve Barrett

into a wide range of applications for passenger or goods transportation. The companys hydrogen fuel cell range-extender offers a significant increase in battery capacity, as well as maximum reduction of the carbon footprint.

Symbio FCell recently delivered five Renault Kangoo ZE-H2 vans as part of a fleet of 40 vehicles for the Conseil Gnral de la Manche (Manche regional council) in northwestern France [FCB, February 2015, p2]. And La Poste (the French postal service) has been testing these vehicles in the Franche-Comt region in eastern France for more than a year [FCB, December 2013, p1]. The Symbio FCell fuel cell range-extender is also being demonstrated with La Poste in a Renault electric truck [FCB, March 2015, p2].

Symbio FCell, Grenoble, France. Tel: +33 1 5679 1506, www.symbiofcell.com

Tenerrdis energy cluster, HyWay project: www.tenerrdis.fr/en/News/hyway-project.html

Hydrogenics wins California projects for fuel cell truck, bus

Canadian-based Hydrogenics has been awarded two projects by the California Energy Commission, under its Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Technology Demonstration programme. The projects, with a total value of US$4.4 million, will demonstrate zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles utilising the companys CelerityPlus hydrogen PEM fuel cell drive system [FCB, November 2014, p3].

The California Energy Commissions Alternative & Renewable Fuel & Vehicle Technology Program aims to develop and deploy alternative and renewable fuels and advanced transportation technologies, to help meet the states goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and petroleum dependence in the transportation sector.

For the first project, Advanced Fuel Cell Vehicle Technology Demonstration for Drayage Truck, Hydrogenics with technical support from Siemens will integrate its drop-in CelerityPlus fuel cell drive system into a Class 8 drayage truck. Total Transportation Services Inc (TTSI) will demonstrate the hydrogen fuel cell-powered drayage truck on the Alameda Corridor freight rail expressway and in the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.

In the second project, New Flyer Advanced Fuel Cell Vehicle Technology Demonstration for Bus, heavy-duty bus manufacturer New Flyer will integrate the CelerityPlus system into

its Xcelsior 40 ft (12 m) battery electric transit bus platform, for a 12-month demonstration. Siemens will again provide technical support. SunLine Transit will operate the bus over its regular route in the Coachella Valley, to validate the viability and market acceptance of this pre-commercial fuel cell propulsion technology.

Celerity is a fuel cell system purposely developed for medium- and heavy-duty buses and trucks, providing a distinct solution which will help accelerate the commercialisation of zero-emission vehicles, says Daryl Wilson, CEO of Hydrogenics. By reducing the time and cost needed to integrate fuel cells into a vehicles drive train, we expect to see increasing demand in the quarters to come.

TTSI had previously been working with Vision Industries to demonstrate hybrid electric/hydrogen fuel cell powered Class 8 trucks [FCB, June 2012, p3], but last autumn Vision filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection [FCB, October 2014, p5], with no further news on any of its projects.

Hydrogenics Corporation, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Tel: +1 905 361 3660, www.hydrogenics.com

California Energy Commission, Alternative & Renewable Fuel & Vehicle Technology Program: www.energy.ca.gov/drive

Total Transportation Services Inc: www.tts-i.com

PowerCell PowerPac to cut diesel use at Norway grocery firm

PowerCell Sweden is collaborating in a Norwegian project that aims to reduce diesel consumption for electricity generation during vehicle loading and unloading at a major grocery company by up to 90%. The project will utilise PowerCells PowerPac generator, which combines a diesel reformer with a PEM fuel cell, as an auxiliary power unit that offers reduced emissions from distribution vehicles that are idling during deliveries.

The Distrocell project will see PowerCell working with Norways largest grocery distributor ASKO, mobile refrigeration technology provider ThermoKing Norge, and the research institute SINTEF. ASKO is the project manager, while ThermoKing Norway will assist with integration, and SINTEF will focus on computing and communications. The project, which began in March, is partly financed by Transnova, which promotes more efficient energy consumption and increased renewable energy production in Norway.

NEWS

4Fuel Cells Bulletin April 2015

A pilot project showed that use of a PowerPac reduced CO2 emissions by up to 90%, while emissions of CO, NOx, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter smaller than 10 m (PM10) were almost eliminated.

As PowerPac for transportation is not part of our development and product realisation today, this project will give us invaluable information about the benefits, which then could be the basis for future product development decisions, says Andreas Bodn, marketing and sales manager for PowerCell.

ASKO has currently got 600 distribution vehicles on the road every day, so the phasing of a PowerPac on our vehicles will be an important part to be able to reduce our emissions, adds Jrn Arvid Endresen, director of ASKO Midt Norway. We look forward to start the project and we see several great opportunities to use fuel cell technology in our operations in the future.

PowerCell a spinout from the Volvo Group [FCB, July 2005, p1] has combined its PEM fuel cell and autothermal reactor (ATR) reforming technology to develop a fuel cell system that converts diesel fuel to electricity in an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly manner, with minimal emissions and quiet operation. The fuel cell system is initially adapted to supply electric power to the telecom industry [FCB, February 2015, p5], with the transport industry another focus.

PowerCell Sweden AB, Gothenburg, Sweden. Tel: +46 31 720 3620, www.powercell.se

SINTEF, Renewable Energy: www.sintef.no/home/topics/renewable-energy

ASKO: www.asko.no (in Norwegian)

ThermoKing Norge: www.thermoking.no (in Norwegian)

Intelligent Energy for high-performance 100 kW automotive fuel cell architecture

UK-based Intelligent Energy has unveiled an innovative 100 kW automotive PEM fuel cell architecture, which is designed to provide primary motive power for the next generation of premium and high-performance fuel cell electric vehicles.

The novel architecture has been developed in response to increasing market demand for next-generation, high-power automotive fuel cell solutions, and is the result of extensive research, engineering, cost reduction and test activities by

Intelligent Energys Motive Division. The 100 kW platform takes full advantage of Intelligent Energys advanced stack technology, which offers an exceptional power density of 3.5 kW/l (volumetric) and 3.0 kW/kg (gravimetric), while being engineered for low-cost, high-volume series production.

Designed to deliver primary motive power within an advanced electric driveline, the 100 kW fuel cell architecture and core technology will be available to vehicle manufacturers through technology licensing programmes and joint development agreements. Intelligent Energy already has non-exclusive, collaborative commercial relationships in place with a number of global vehicle manufacturers.

The key enabler for such a high power density is Intelligent Energys proprietary evaporatively cooled (EC) technology. Compared to conventional liquid-cooled fuel cell stacks, the EC design removes the need for individual cooling channels between each cell. This delivers a considerable advantage in terms of stack mass and volume, which translates into in-vehicle packaging and weight advantages.

Our capability and proven technology provide a cost-effective opportunity for any vehicle manufacturer without a presence in this fuel cell power-band to jump ahead of its competitors, says James Batchelor, MD of Intelligent Energys Motive Division.

Intelligent Energy has a long association with the automotive industry [see the IE feature in FCB, August 2009], and is now leading a UK industry consortium to develop range-extended, zero-emission light commercial vehicles for fleet users [see page 2]. The company also has an eight-year collaboration with Suzuki Motor Corporation in Japan [FCB, June 2014, p4], which introduced the worlds first type-approved fuel cell powered scooter, powered by 4 kW systems based on Intelligent Energys air-cooled technology [FCB, February 2010, p1]. The partners have also established a joint venture that manufactures stacks and fuel cell systems from a ready-to-scale production facility in Japan [FCB, March 2013, p8].

Intelligent Energy, Loughborough, UK. Tel: +44 1509 271271, www.intelligent-energy.com

Plug Power GenKey for FreezPak Logistics NJ freezer warehouse

FreezPak Logistics has selected the full-service GenKey solution from

New York-based Plug Power, for its new cold storage distribution centre freezer warehouse currently under construction in Carteret, New Jersey.

The GenKey deployment includes 25 GenDrive PEM fuel cells for materials handling vehicles, a GenFuel outdoor hydrogen storage infrastructure with two indoor GenFuel dispensers, and complete GenCare service. The contract also includes a 10-year hydrogen supply agreement.

Plug Power is focusing on its GenFuel hydrogen dispensing business in 2015 as a path to expanding its total addressable market within materials handling [see the Plug Power feature in FCB, December 2011]. For this greenfield site in New Jersey, Plug Power developed a downsized fueling infrastructure that is scaled to economically meet FreezPaks needs.

The GenDrive-powered fleet mix consists of Class 3 units for pallet jacks and Class 2 units for reach trucks. Plug Power has already manufactured and shipped the entire order, which will begin supporting FreezPaks facility when it opens, planned for the second quarter of 2015. The GenFuel installation is also targeted for completion during Q2.

Cold storage applications represent a sweet spot for Plug Powers GenDrive units. Unlike lead-acid batteries, which display significant performance degradation at very low temperatures, GenDrive fuel cells maintain full operation in environments as low as 30C (22F), and their performance does not diminish over a full operating shift. Battery changes are eliminated, and FreezPak operators will refuel the units themselves in just minutes at strategically placed onsite GenFuel dispensers, improving productivity and output for each shift.

FreezPaks state-of-the-art centre will feature a pallet freezer and loading dock that is larger because there is no need for a battery room. The facility is conveniently located within 5 miles (8 km) of the New York and New Jersey ports.

Newark Farmers Market in New Jersey recently integrated a full GenKey solution at its new food distribution building in Newark [FCB, December 2014, p3]. That followed a deployment of GenDrive fuel cells for the materials handling fleet at Golden State Foods new food distribution centre in Illinois [FCB, November 2014, p5], and orders from Wal-Mart Stores for a site in Illinois and from Ace Hardware in Ohio [FCB, August 2014, p2].

Plug Power, Latham, New York, USA. Tel: +1 518 782 7700, www.plugpower.com

FreezPak Logistics: www.freezpak.com

MOBILE APPLICATIONS

NEWS / CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

April 2015 Fuel Cells Bulletin5

2015 Fuel Cell Seminar & Energy Exposition

The 2015 Fuel Cell Seminar & Energy Exposition will take place 1619 November at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, California.

This years event will bring together more than 1000 delegates from around the world and representing the entire global fuel cell industry supply chain.

Call for AbstractsThe Call for Abstracts is now open, as the organisers seek abstracts for session speakers and poster presentations from academics, industry, and government professionals to be featured during the conference. Abstracts must be submitted online via the website, with the submission deadline of Friday 29 May.

The topic areas (and sub-topics) for the 2015 Fuel Cell Seminar Call for Abstracts are:

U Fuels and Renewable Energy: hydrogen production & storage; renewable energy fuel generation; hydrocarbon fuel processing, conversion, handling, and utilisation by fuel cells; fuel safety & training.U Fuel Cell Industry Status & Analysis: fuel

cell industry status & forecasts; fuel cell commercialisation, trends, new markets, scale-up and cost analysis; application market economics, value propositions, financing and customers; industry, academic and public partnerships; public involvement, investment or promotion of fuel cell and related energy industries, government policy.U Fuel Cell Applications: automotive, bus and

other motive applications; emerging market applications (including materials handling equipment, telecom backup power, ground support equipment); stationary (primary and backup distributed generation, CHP, trigeneration, micro and smart grids, renewable energy/fuel cell hybrid systems); auxiliary power units (terrestrial, aviation, maritime); military; and portable.U Fuel Cell Technology Development:

PEM, alkaline exchange membrane, molten carbonate and phosphoric acid, solid oxide, other fuel cell technology, balance of plant, and advancements in manufacturing and assembly.U Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Related Technologies

for Energy Storage: reversible fuel cells; flow batteries; and technology validation (demonstrations, cost analysis, market economics).U Fuel Cell Education & Training: fuel cell

and energy curriculum development; and student and general public outreach.

More information: www.fuelcellseminar.com/abstracts

Alstom working with German district to develop fuel cell train

French-based train manufacturer Alstom has signed a Letter of Intent with the Calw district in southwestern Germany, for the planned use of new fuel cell powered trains on the Hermann Hesse scenic railway line, which aims to improve access to the Black Forest.

This new-generation train is based on the Alstom Coradia platform, with Alstom planning to begin testing two prototypes in 2018. The zero-emission train consumes less energy, through the use of a smart energy management system, and it is much less noisy than conventional diesel trains. The trains are being developed and will be manufactured in Salzgitter, Alstoms competence centre in Germany for electric and diesel powered regional trains, although there is no word yet on whose fuel cells will be used.

Last September, Alstom signed letters of intent with the German states of Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and Baden-Wrttemberg, and the Hesse public transport authority, for the use of this new generation of zero-emission trains [FCB, October 2014, p11].

China recently unveiled what is claimed to be the worlds first hydrogen fuel cell-powered tram, built by CSR Sifang, and powered by a PEM fuel cell module supplied by Canadian-based Ballard Power Systems [see the next item].

Alstom Rail Systems: www.alstom.com/transport

China produces first hydrogen fuel cell tram, with Ballard unit

What is claimed to be the worlds first hydrogen fuel cell-powered fixed rail electric tram has rolled off the assembly line in Qingdao, Shandong province in China. The inaugural tramcar was built by CSR Qingdao Sifang Company (CSR Sifang), a Chinese rolling stock manufacturer and subsidiary of China South Rail Corporation, and features a PEM fuel cell module supplied by Canadian-based Ballard Power Systems.

CSR Sifangs chief engineer Liang Jianying claims that the new tram is the only such

hydrogen powered vehicle in the field, with China the first country to master the necessary technology, according to the Xinhua News Agency. The rollout of fuel cells in rail transit is lagging well behind the automotive industry [but see the above item].

It took two years for Sifang to solve key technological problems, with the help of research institutions, says Liang. The average distance of tramcar lines in China is about 15 km (10 miles), which means one refill for our tram is enough for three round trips.

Liang adds that the overall running costs will be greatly reduced for the new tram, which has more than 60 seats and can carry more than 380 passengers. The tram can be refueled with hydrogen in three minutes, and run for 100 km (62 miles) at up to 70 km/h (43 mph).

Additional testing of the fuel cell-powered tram is being completed at CSR Sifangs facility in Qingdao. A likely early customer is the southern city of Foshan, in Guangdong province, which is keen to build up hydrogen powered transit. Last year the city invested US$72 million in a plan with Sifang to manufacture the trams locally for nationwide distribution, and the two sides also have agreed to create a national hydrogen power research centre, according to a Bloomberg report.

Ballards FCvelocity PEM fuel cell module is integrated into the low-floor tram design. Clean urban transportation is a high priority in China, and this zero-emission prototype fuel cell tram is an important step in demonstrating one solution, says the companys president and CEO, Randy MacEwen.

Ballard is also collaborating with Rigas Satiksme and koda Electric to develop and deploy hydrogen fuel cell-powered trolley buses for the Latvian capital, Riga [FCB, November 2014, p2]. Ballard recently terminated two licensing deals with Azure Hydrogen in China [FCB, February 2015, p9].

Ballard Power Systems, Burnaby, BC, Canada. Tel: +1 604 454 0900, www.ballard.com

CSR Qingdao Sifang Company: www.csrgc.com.cn/g865.aspx

EnergyOr shows off worlds first fuel cell multirotor UAV

Canadian-based EnergyOr Technologies, a leading developer of advanced PEM fuel cell systems, recently demonstrated what it believes is the first flight of a fuel cell powered

NEWS

6Fuel Cells Bulletin April 2015

multirotor vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

This demonstration which lasted for 2 h, 12 min, 46 s was performed to highlight EnergyOrs improvements in overall fuel cell system specific power (W/kg), a critical requirement for multirotor UAVs, while maintaining an exceptional specific energy (Wh/kg), allowing flight times that are two to three times longer than those possible with state-of-the-art, rechargeable lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries.

A conventional, commercial heavy lifting Quadrotor airframe was used to ensure versatility for a wide range of applications, with an aircraft gross (total) weight of 9.5 kg and with payloads up to 1 kg. Further optimisation will be performed in the coming months, and EnergyOr expects to extend the flight endurance with similar payloads to as long as 4 h.

The commercial market for multirotor UAVs used in civil applications is expected to increase dramatically in the coming years, for applications such as hydroelectric and rail line inspections, precision agriculture, search and rescue missions, and film production. Battery-powered multirotor UAVs have very limited flight times with existing rechargeable battery technologies.

Montreal-based EnergyOr Technologies is developing lightweight, compact PEM fuel cell systems for high value-added premium niche markets. Its proprietary technology is well suited for aerospace, portable, and mobile power applications. The company first flew a fuel cell powered UAV in Canada in May 2007, and in Israel that December. In March 2009, EnergyOr integrated a fuel cell system into the Bird Eye 650 developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and demonstrated long-endurance flight. In Canada in 2011, EnergyOr achieved a flight of more than 10 h with its fuel cell powered operational UAV, the FAUCON H2, followed by an autonomous landing [FCB, September 2011, p4].

In late 2009 researchers at the United Technologies Research Center in Connecticut flew a remote-controlled model electric helicopter powered by a custom-made PEM fuel cell, with at least one flight lasting for 20 minutes [FCB, January 2010, p4]. Several companies are working on aircraft-shaped fuel cell powered UAVs [see the feature on military UAVs in FCB, December 2007], including Neah Power Systems [FCB, November 2014, p6], Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies [FCB, March 2014, p3, and see page 1], Ultra Electronics AMI [FCB, July 2013, p4], and Protonex Technology [FCB, June 2013, p5].

EnergyOr Technologies Inc, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Tel: +1 514 744 6122, www.energyor.com

Altergy units replace batteries in Caribbean telecom deployment

California-based Altergy Systems has delivered and deployed hydrogen PEM fuel cell Freedom Power systems to a major regional telecom customer in the Caribbean, up and running ahead of the hurricane season. Altergy has also launched its new Freedom Power Nacelle, a small, lightweight packaging of its rugged and reliable fuel cell system.

The companys 5 kW Freedom Power systems are replacing batteries as the backup power source in telecom applications. For the Caribbean customer the systems utilise a methanol reformer to provide the hydrogen for the fuel cell, and provide more than 100 h of backup power runtime on a single fuel fill-up.

This Caribbean island customer suffers from the normal power outages that disrupt communications capability around the world, but with the added threat of frequent hurricanes, which have the potential to disrupt power for days at a time. Altergys fuel cell systems bridge these interruptions, ensuring customers have continuous communications capability.

Altergys fuel cell generators provide power at the point-of-use, offering high reliability, long runtime, small footprint, low weight, long life, low maintenance requirements, and low noise. The company adds that the systems offer the lowest upfront capital cost and lowest total cost of ownership over traditional backup power solutions.

Altergy has also recently introduced the Freedom Power Nacelle version of its proven system, available in 1, 2.5 and 5 kW variants, and with numerous mounting options. The Nacelle has almost half the system footprint, volume and weight, and the price is reduced by more than 26%. The long-runtime solution is convertible to unlimited runtime via the Altergy Freedom Fuel service.

While customers have already benefited from the more modern, reliable, and green features offered by Altergys Freedom Power systems, the new Nacelle breaks the final barrier to wide-scale adoption: cost, says CEO Eric S. Mettler.

Altergy has been participating in a project led by Sandia National Laboratories, to develop mobile lighting systems powered by fuel cells [FCB, October 2014, p5]. The company has also been working with hydrogen generation and purification specialist Hy9 in Massachusetts, to develop and market an integrated methanol fuel

processor for use in Altergys Freedom Power systems [FCB, December 2012, p10].

Altergy Systems, Folsom, California, USA. Tel: +1 916 458 8590, www.altergy.com

Convion C50 product being validated for distributed generation

Finnish company Convion has begun validation of its innovative Convion C50 solid oxide fuel cell product for distributed power generation. Manufacturing of the product has been finalised and validation has been started at 20 kW net power, as Convion aims to bring the new product to market with interested partners.

The C50 product is designed for premium energy efficiency, reliability, and easy integration in the built environment at customer premises. The product is capable of combined heat and power generation, and can operate on natural gas or biogas. The Convion product may operate parallel to the grid or in island mode, securing critical loads during power outages.

The new product has a nominal power output of 58 kW, with electrical efficiency above 53% and total energy efficiency above 85%. It is suitable for outdoor installations, and does not require a water connection. The C50 power modules can be installed in a parallel configuration, facilitating installations requiring a higher power output. The modular approach also makes maintenance easy, with minimal disturbance to other functions.

Convion is developing and commercialising SOFC products in the power range above 50 kW for distributed power generation. The company was established in late 2012 when Wrtsil spun off its fuel cell activities [FCB, January 2013, p1], and is continuing SOFC system development and commercialisation work originating from Wrtsils fuel cell programme. Since 2000 the core team has been developing and operating several generations of 20 and 50 kW SOFC units fueled by natural gas, biogas, and methanol. Commercialisation of the first 50 kW units is planned for this year.

Convion Ltd, Espoo, Finland. Tel: +358 10 328 7370,

www.convion.fi

SFC launches 500 W EFOY Pro 12000 Duo for industrial power

The latest addition to SFC Energys portfolio of reliable off-grid power

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generators is the companys most powerful fuel cell to date. The EFOY Pro 12000 Duo is a 500 W direct methanol fuel cell for professional and industrial applications, and is available now for beta testing, with sales starting in Q4.

The EFOY Pro 12000 Duo integrates the German-based companys proven DMFC technology with maximum scalability and application flexibility, offering a nominal power of 500 W and power capacity of 12 kWh per day. If required, several units can be clustered to satisfy higher energy demands; up to five units can be integrated into one cabinet to deliver 60 kWh per day, and cabinets can be combined if required.

The new product offers fully automatic, remote-controlled, maintenance-free power 24/7, in any weather and season, requiring no user intervention over very long periods of time. One or two 28 litre fuel cartridges can be connected, which would allow a 500 W application to run continuously for five days fully autonomously. The EFOY Pro 12000 Duo is already in trials for several wind energy and oil & gas applications.

In EFOY fuel cell generators the fuel cell is connected to the batteries, whose charge state is continuously monitored. As soon as this drops below a predefined level, the fuel cell automatically switches into operating mode and recharges the batteries. When they are fully charged, the fuel cell returns to standby mode, in which no fuel is consumed.

The EFOY Pro 12000 Duo was specifically developed for easy integration into weatherproof cabinets as a robust off-grid and backup power source for industrial applications in demanding environmental scenarios. It will reliably operate from 20C to +40C. Development of the EFOY Pro 12000 Duo was in part funded by the German National Organisation Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NOW GmbH).

SFC Energy is a leading provider of hybrid stationary and portable power solutions [see the SFC feature in FCB, January 2013], serving a range of applications in the oil & gas [FCB, July 2014, p4], security and industry [FCB, March 2015, p1], military [FCB, April 2014, p7], and consumer markets [FCB, May 2013, p3].

SFC Energy, Brunnthal/Munich, Germany. Tel: +49 89 673 5920, www.sfc.com or www.efoy-pro.com

NOW GmbH: www.now-gmbh.de

SA Chamber of Mines installs 100 kW fuel cell at HQ building

The Chamber of Mines of South Africa (COMSA) has partnered

with Mitochondria Energy to deploy what they say is Africas first building baseload fuel cell system running on natural gas. The 100 kW Platinum Power Fuel Cell using a phosphoric acid system manufactured by Fuji Electric in Japan was inaugurated recently at the COMSA offices in Johannesburg.

The venture began four years ago, when the Chamber in partnership with the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Egoli Gas, and Mitochondria Energy embarked on a project to demonstrate the applicability of fuel cell technology to South Africa. The Platinum Power Fuel Cell project was funded through a financial injection from the DTI of R7.5 million (US$620 000) for feasibility work, and Mitochondria received R3.25 million ($270 000) in loan financing from the IDC.

The Chambers primary goal in this project is to demonstrate to large Japanese fabrication companies the market potential for utilisation of one of South Africas core commodities, in this instance platinum, in power generation. It will also encourage the localisation of fuel cell technology production for the South African and African markets through effective beneficiation.

We have been looking at ways we can add value to our resources as a driver of industrial development in our country, says trade & industry minister Dr Rob Davies. He adds that the Platinum Power Fuel Cell technology has taken the country to the top of the value chain, where we would be able to establish small plants like this one, providing power in outlying areas and areas where it is difficult to connect people to the grid.

South Africa is one of the worlds primary suppliers of platinum group metals (PGM), and aims to significantly accelerate beneficiation, i.e. adding value to these raw materials by turning them into fuel cell catalysts, components and systems [see the Hydrogen South Africa features in FCB in June, October and November 2013]. Last autumn the Department of Science & Technology unveiled a prototype 2.5 kW fuel cell generator developed by HySA Systems [FCB, December 2014, p5].

Mitochondria Energy is also working with mining giant Impala Platinum on a large-scale deployment of Fuji Electric PAFC systems at one of its PGM refineries [see page 8], and recently signed a Letter of Intent with PowerCell Sweden to collaborate on developing diesel-fueled power solutions for African telecom towers [FCB, February 2015, p5].

Platinum Power Fuel Cell project: www.platinumpowerfuelcell.co.za

Mitochondria Energy: www.mitochondria.co.za

Chamber of Mines of South Africa: www.chamberofmines.org.za

Fuji Electric Solutions: www.fujielectric.com/company/promotion/fuel-cell.html

Bloom units for IKEA and ASP in California, and market in Japan

US-based Bloom Energy has announced several new installations of its solid oxide fuel cell power plants. Home furnishings retailer IKEA plans to install a Bloom Energy Server at its Emeryville, California store. Completed installations now include systems at Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) in Irvine, California, and a system at the Osaka Prefectural Central Wholesale Market in Japan.

IKEA plans to install a 300 kW Bloom Energy system at its location in Emeryville, one of two San Francisco-area stores for the Swedish company. This project represents the first IKEA endeavour to convert biogas into electricity through a clean electrochemical process. The fuel cell system will be installed, commissioned, and in operation by the summer. The SOFC unit, in combination with the rooftop solar energy system, will generate most of the stores power onsite.

Emeryville is something of a fuel cell hot spot: last year Pixar Animation Studios installed a 1 MW fuel cell power plant apparently a Bloom Energy system at its campus there, according to the Disney Citizenship Performance Summary 2014. (Pixar is also in the process of installing a fuel cell at its Burbank Studio Lot campus.) And AC Transit is operating a Linde solar-powered hydrogen production and dispensing station in Emeryville, to refuel its fleet of fuel cell buses [FCB, May 2012, p13].

In southern California, Advanced Sterilization Products in Irvine has installed the first Bloom Energy project for a Johnson & Johnson franchise. Reduced carbon emissions and improved resiliency against grid outages were important factors for ASP, which designs and manufactures medical device processing products and solutions for hospitals and healthcare facilities worldwide.

The 500 kW Bloom Energy Servers installed with uninterruptible power modules (UPMs) will provide 25% of the ASP facilitys daily energy consumption, and generate an estimated $10 million over the 20-year project life.

Meanwhile, Bloom Energy Japan has installed a Bloom Energy Server at the Osaka Prefectural Central Wholesale Market in

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Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture. This 1.2 MW power plant can provide 50% of the buildings overall electricity needs.

This is the first Bloom Energy Server installation in the Kansai region, and also the first commercialised SOFC generating system over 1 MW in Japan. To contribute to Osaka Prefectures disaster preparedness policy, Bloom Energy Japan will supply electricity generated by Bloom Energy Servers to the important facilities of the Osaka Prefectural Central Wholesale Market. Osaka Prefecture and Bloom Energy Japan will also report on resulting CO2 emission reductions as an advanced model case.

Bloom and Japanese telecom/internet company SoftBank established their Bloom Energy Japan joint venture in 2013 [FCB, August 2013, p4], with 200 kW Bloom Energy Servers now installed at SoftBanks M-Tower facility in Fukuoka City [FCB, December 2013, p6] and at the Tokyo Shiodome Building [FCB, July 2014, p6].

Bloom Energy Corporation, Sunnyvale, California, USA. Tel: +1 408 543 1500, www.bloomenergy.com

IKEA in the US: www.IKEA-USA.com

Advanced Sterilization Products: www.aspjj.com/us

Bloom Energy Japan: www.bloomenergy.co.jp

Doosan, ABB extend fuel cell production partnership for 2016

Connecticut-based Doosan Fuel Cell and power and automation engineering giant ABB in Switzerland have extended their partnership agreement through 2016.

The agreement will see continuing production of Doosans 400 kW PureCell Model 400 phosphoric acid fuel cell power plants for clean energy commercial sites.

ABB supplies specialised electrical modules that serve as the control system for Doosans fuel cell systems. The ABB system harnesses and controls the power created in the fuel cell stacks, and makes it usable for providing energy to buildings such as universities, hospitals, telecom facilities, and data centres. With power resiliency as a core product feature, Doosan fuel cells have provided customers with continuous combined cooling, heat and power (CCHP) during major outages, ranging from Hurricane Sandy in 2012 [FCB, December 2012, p5] to the recent winter storms along the Eastern Seaboard of the US.

With assistance from ABBs superior power and automation technologies, the PureCell System delivers low-cost fuel cells that generate electrical power quietly and without pollution,

says Jeff Chung, president and CEO of Doosan Fuel Cell. More and more businesses around the globe are utilising sustainable fuel cell energy, and Doosan intends to be at the heart of this expanding energy movement by providing secure, cost-effective, clean energy.

Doosan Fuel Cell America has significantly expanded its workforce in recent months, with its factory in South Windsor targeting full manufacturing capacity in the spring [FCB, February 2015, p5]. Doosan FC came into existence last summer [FCB, August 2014, p1], as a new subsidiary of the Korean-based industrial conglomerate Doosan Corporation following its acquisition of ClearEdge Power in July [FCB, July 2014, p5]. The company is focusing primarily on the PureCell Model 400 stationary products that ClearEdge Power acquired from UTC Power in early 2013 [FCB, January 2013, p8].

ABB has been supplying electric modules for PureCell systems since 2007, and weve worked with three different owners during that time, says Derek Monk, ABB general manager for power conversion. We recognise that Doosan Fuel Cell is a well grounded company, backed by one of the most successful corporations in Asia, and they have the right technology and dedication to take the fuel cell industry to the next level.

Doosan Fuel Cell America, South Windsor, Connecticut, USA. Tel: +1 860 727 2200, www.doosanfuelcell.com

ABB, Power Convertors: http://new.abb.com/power-converters-inverters

FuelCell Energy using MCFCs in large-scale carbon reduction role

Connecticut-based FuelCell Energy is continuing to make progress on the commercialisation of an affordable and efficient carbon capture solution utilising its molten carbonate fuel cells, following thousands of hours of testing with simulated flue gas of a coal-fired power plant.

In addition to this evaluation under a US Department of Energy contract [FCB, September 2014, p6], the programme includes a detailed design and cost analysis for fuel cell applications capturing CO2 from large-scale coal-fired power plants. Results of this study support cost targets below the DOE threshold of $40/ton. An additional benefit demonstrated is tolerance levels and cleanup requirements for the impurities in coal plant exhaust, as well as the ability to destroy approximately 70% of smog-producing nitrogen oxide (NOx).

Testing is also being conducted with private

funding to evaluate fuel cells for capturing CO2 from natural gas-fired power plants. Results so far support the viability and cost targets for gas-fired power plants and exhaust sources. Discussions are currently under way with multiple parties to scale the technology from the current sub-MW level to a multi-MW fuel cell demonstration project at an operating coal- or gas-fired power plant.

Our fuel cell power generation and carbon capture solutions are scalable, enabling an initial installation that can begin with capturing 6% of carbon output, consistent with first-step reductions recommended by US EPA rule 111(d), says Tony Leo, VP of applications & advanced technology development for FuelCell Energy. Beginning with 5% or 6% carbon capture, additional fuel cell power plants can then be added incrementally to reach the ultimate goal of 90% capture.

The FuelCell Energy technology efficiently separates and concentrates CO2 as a side-reaction during the power generation process. In a typical application, clean natural gas is combined with ambient air to the fuel cells for power generation. For the carbon capture fuel cell solution, the exhaust flue gas from a coal- or gas-fired power plant is directed to the air intake of the fuel cell plant, replacing the use of ambient air. The CO2 in the flue gas is separated and concentrated within the fuel cells, enabling cost-effective capture.

Additional benefits include destruction of 70% of the smog-producing NOx emissions from coal- and gas-fired power plant exhaust in the electrochemical fuel cell reaction, and reduced water usage compared to the current water-intensive carbon capture technologies.

FuelCell Energy, Danbury, Connecticut, USA. Tel: +1 203 825 6000, www.fuelcellenergy.com

Implats rolling out 1.8 MW deployment at refinery, plans 20 MW

Impala Platinum (Implats) in South Africa is beginning a large-scale deployment of stationary fuel cell systems at its platinum group metals (PGM) refinery in Springs, east of Johannesburg, from early 2016. The fuel cells will supply an initial 1.8 MW of power, and will also produce heat that will be integrated into plant operation.

Implats is partnering with local company Mitochondria Energy to develop and deliver fuel cell solutions which provide sustainable economic returns. The first phase of this project

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will see the mining company install systems using phosphoric acid fuel cell technology from Fuji Electric in Japan, running on excess hydrogen piped in for the metal reduction process by Sasol and Air Products. The only emissions will be pure water, which can be utilised within the plant.

The second phase is expected to deliver 8 MW of fuel cell power from a natural gas source, with the final phase delivering in excess of 10 MW, enabling Implats refineries to operate off the increasingly unreliable national electricity grid.

Implats is also working to convert its underground load, haul, dump (LHD) machines from diesel to fuel cell hybrid configurations [and see the Anglo American news feature in FCB, May 2012, p12]. This collaboration with local mobile mining equipment manufacturers, Mitochondria, and its Danish fuel cell partner SerEnergy, aims to integrate solutions that offer a superior cost and carbon solution for underground mining. Implats is also working with the Department of Trade & Industry and international technology partners to understand the potential of downstream beneficiation in the market [FCB, November 2012, p10].

Mitochondria Energy is also partnering with the SA Chamber of Mines, to deploy what they say is Africas first building baseload fuel cell system running on natural gas [see page 7], and recently signed a Letter of Intent with PowerCell Sweden to collaborate on developing diesel-fueled power solutions for African telecom towers [FCB, February 2015, p5].

Impala Platinum: www.implats.co.za

Mitochondria Energy Company: www.mitochondria.co.za

Neah partners with Tectonica on business, product development

US-based Neah Power Systems and Tectonica Australia have announced an international partnership agreement to integrate Neahs formic acid reformer platform (Formira Hydrogen on Demand, HOD) with Tectonicas Bantam soldier-worn power management system. This also includes new products developed using Tectonicas system integration expertise to offer integrated, robust, off-grid

and on-demand power generation solutions for a variety of markets.

In addition to product integration, since Neah and Tectonica have marketing presence in different geographic regions, the agreement allows each company to market their new partners products in areas where they already have a strong client base. This joint marketing relationship offers strong economic possibilities to both companies, with no capital investment.

Dr Chris DCouto, president and CEO of Neah Power, says that Tectonicas system integration expertise allows Neah to integrate the Formira HOD platform into a seamless, user-focused, power-on-demand system for defence, commercial, and other off-grid requirements.

With the user-friendly, intuitive design of Tectonicas Bantam power management system, even in the heat of battle, the powering of mission-critical devices such as night vision goggles or satellite telephones can be managed from a single power source, says DCouto. Our business relationships in the US and India can further our common business interests to meet the critical power needs of our customers.

Neah Powers core solutions have a small form-factor, recharge instantly, and can be operated in air and non-air (anaerobic) environments, providing a longer life with lower total cost of ownership. The company offers the BuzzBar Suite of handheld device charging products [FCB, September 2014, p7], and recently completed testing of its PowerChip units with the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation [FCB, February 2015, p7].

Tectonica Australia is a leading defence and security systems integrator, developing fully integrated systems for armoured vehicles, ground stations, and soldiers. The company serves customers in Australia and internationally, including the UK and South East Asia.

Neah Power Systems, Bothell, Washington, USA. Tel: +1 425 424 3324, www.neahpower.com

Tectonica Australia: www.tectonica.net

UK government funds new hydrogen stations, upgrades

The UK government has announced 6.6 million (US$9.6 million) in funding for three new hydrogen fueling projects and nine station upgrades, representing a significant step in enabling the use of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles in the UK. The awards

cover new stations built in Brentford and Croydon in the London area, a new mobile station to serve the south of England, and upgrades to existing hydrogen demonstrator stations.

The 6.6 million investment by the Hydrogen Refueling Stations (HRS) Infrastructure Grants Scheme, managed by Ricardo-AEA and E4tech for the Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) [FCB, March 2015, p11], will establish an initial network of 12 hydrogen refueling stations by the end of 2016. These awards represent the first stage in the rollout of hydrogen stations resulting from the UK H2Mobility initiative [FCB, February 2013, p1].

Sheffield-based ITM Power has been awarded 1.89 million ($2.76 million), to build two new hydrogen stations in Brentford and Croydon, sited with strategic partners, plus 1 million ($1.5 million) to upgrade four existing ITM refueling stations in Sheffield and London.

Both of the new ITM stations will incorporate onsite hydrogen generation using the companys HGas PEM electrolyser platform. This project will also receive 1.7 million ($2.5 million) from the European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU), to support operation of these stations in the early years. One of the new stations will be built on the forecourt of a major global fuel retailer, with which ITM Power recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build initially up to three hydrogen stations in London; ITM will be seeking funding support for at least one more station. The MOU also allows for further development of the collaboration in the UK.

ITM Power is also upgrading three existing hydrogen stations in London under development as part of the European HyFive project, and one in Rotherham, just off the M1 motorway. The latter will be upgraded from 350 to 700 bar refueling capability, in a strategic location that will allow FCEV users to travel between London and the North of England.

Air Products has also won two awards, to upgrade existing stations in Hatton Cross and Hendon [see page 10] as part of the London Hydrogen Network Upgrade (LHNU), and to upgrade a mobile refueling station to support conferences and FCEV test drives.

The other awards are to Fuel Cell Systems Ltd in Berkshire, which will establish a new mobile hydrogen refueling station based in the southern UK; the University of South Wales in Glamorgan, which will upgrade an existing station on the Hydrogen M4 West at the Baglan Hydrogen Centre in Port Talbot [FCB, March 2010, p8]; and Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd, which will upgrade its existing station in Swindon [FCB, November 2014, p8].

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UK H2Mobility: www.ukh2mobility.co.uk

HyFive project: www.hyfive.eu

Ricardo-AEA, hydrogen refueling stations grants: http://tinyurl.com/ricardo-aea-hrs-grants

ITM Power: www.itm-power.com

Air Products, Hydrogen Energy: www.airproducts.co.uk/h2energy

Fuel Cell Systems Ltd: www.fuelcellsystems.co.uk

University of South Wales, Baglan Hydrogen Centre: http://tinyurl.com/baglan-h2-centre

Honda of the UK Manufacturing: www.hondamanufacturing.co.uk/about-us

Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking: www.fch-ju.eu

Air Liquide hydrogen station for forklifts at FM Logistic in France

In France, Air Liquide has been chosen by FM Logistic to provide support for its projected deployment of hydrogen-powered forklift (pallet) trucks at its large 85 000 m2 (915 000 sq ft) Neuville-aux-Bois logistics platform, located near the city of Orlans.

Air Liquide has installed a hydrogen refueling station that will initially service 10 fuel cell powered forklifts at the busy Neuville-aux-Bois logistics platform. Eventually, the facilitys 84 forklifts could be switched to hydrogen, which would make it the first logistics hub in Europe to convert its entire fleet of forklift trucks to hydrogen. The use of hydrogen at logistics hubs was first developed in the US and Canada, where more than 6000 materials handling vehicles are now running on hydrogen [see the fuel cell forklift features in FCB, September and October 2010].

FM Logistic anticipates gradually introducing hydrogen fuel cell materials handling vehicles at its other facilities, in particular at new sites with more than 50 pallet trucks.

The fuel cell units for the forklifts are supplied by HyPulsion, a joint venture between Air Liquide subsidiary Axane and US-based Plug Power, which is developing, manufacturing and marketing a range of fuel cells for forklifts in the European market [FCB, November 2011, p3]. The fuel cells replace electric batteries, and offer flexibility and improved productivity due to the greater autonomy resulting from their use in forklifts. Air Liquides hydrogen station can fully refuel a forklift in just 3 minutes, for 910 hours of continuous operation.

This project for the large-scale deployment of hydrogen fuel cells demonstrates the competitiveness of this solution for forklifts. It

is the result of a cooperative effort involving the partners of the HAWL (Hydrogen And Warehouse Logistics) project, financed in part by the European Union. The HAWL project aims to support the launch of a European market for hydrogen fuel cell powered forklifts in logistics hubs. The project partners are forklift manufacturers Crown and Toyota Material Handling Europe, fuel cell module manufacturer HyPulsion, Air Liquide for the hydrogen station and the hydrogen, supply chain management services company Diagma, and end-user FM Logistic.

Air Liquide, Hydrogen Filling Station: http://tinyurl.com/airliquide-h2filling

HyPulsion: www.hypulsion.com

FM Logistic: http://corporate.fmlogistic.com/eng-gb

HAWL project: www.hawlproject.eu

CEP partner Shell opens new hydrogen station in Hamburg

Shell Deutschland has boosted the growing hydrogen refueling infrastructure in Germany by opening a new hydrogen station in Hamburg, based on H2Station technology from Danish company H2 Logic. The station is the latest addition to the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP), which has expanded to 20 member companies with the addition of OMV Deutschland GmbH, part of the Austrian oil & gas company.

The station on Schnackenburgallee in west Hamburg is Shells third hydrogen-capable service station in Germany, and the first with hydrogen produced onsite. The station is supported with funding from the National Organisation Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NOW GmbH). Other Shell hydrogen stations will follow soon in Frankfurt, Wuppertal, Geisingen, and Wendingen.

As a member of the E350 million H2 Mobility Initiative in Germany alongside Air Liquide, Daimler, Linde, OMV, and Total Shell will help grow the public hydrogen infrastructure, which currently comprises 17 hydrogen stations. The goal is a nationwide network of 400 hydrogen stations by 2023, allowing fuel cell electric vehicles to refuel all over Germany [FCB, October 2013, p6].

Last autumn CEP reported continuing progress on its plan to roll out 50 new hydrogen stations across Germany by the end of 2015 [see the CEP feature in FCB, June 2011], with six additional stations announced for Nordrhein-Westfalen (NRW) and eight for Baden-

Wrttemberg [FCB, December 2014, p9].The new 700 bar Hamburg station is the

first in Germany to achieve CEP approval in accordance with the latest version of the SAE J2601 standard [FCB, August 2014, p7], following extensive third-party acceptance and verification tests. The station features onsite hydrogen production, which enables grid-balancing and storage by turning electricity production on/off as required, to help integrate the increasing share of fluctuating renewable electricity in Germany.

In other news, CEP has added OMV Deutschland GmbH as a strong new partner for infrastructure development in Germany. In 2009 OMV opened the first public hydrogen station in Baden-Wrttemberg, at Stuttgart Airport, allowing fuel cell cars and buses to refuel with gaseous hydrogen at 350 and 700 bar [FCB, August 2009, p9]. This station is now part of the CEP hydrogen station network, and OMV plans to build three more stations in southern Germany.

OMV is also planning to build a basic hydrogen mobility infrastructure in Austria. In addition to its existing hydrogen station in Vienna [FCB, November 2012, p5], between three and five additional stations will go into operation in the next few years, including one that will open shortly in Innsbruck.

Clean Energy Partnership: www.cleanenergypartnership.de/en

NOW GmbH: www.now-gmbh.de/en

Shell, Hydrogen and Electrification: http://tinyurl.com/shell-h2

Shell Deutschland: www.shell.de (in German)

H2 Logic: h2logic.com

OMV Group: www.omv.com

Air Products hydrogen dispenser first on UK supermarket forecourt

The UKs first supermarket hosted hydrogen station has opened, to kickstart a public hydrogen refueling network in London as part of the London Hydrogen Network Expansion (LHNE) project. The flagship Air Products SmartFuel hydrogen dispenser is hosted by Sainsburys at its Hendon store.

Owned and operated by Air Products, this latest addition strengthens an existing network of hydrogen stations in London, including a newly upgraded, publicly accessible dispenser at Heathrow [FCB, August 2014, p7]. Together these stations meet demand from a burgeoning number

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World added 17 hydrogen stations in 2014The seventh annual assessment by www.H2stations.org, a website of Ludwig-Blkow-Systemtechnik (LBST) and TV SD in Germany, reports that 17 new hydrogen refueling stations were opened throughout the world in 2014. About one-third of the newly operational stations are supplied by green hydrogen, i.e. hydrogen produced using renewable energy.

As of March 2015, the total number of hydrogen stations in operation is 184. Several countries are prioritising hydrogen refueling infrastructure development, which will see a rapid increase in the number of public stations.

In North America two stations were inaugurated in 2014, three in Asia, and 12 in Europe. Based on information available to LBST, a total of 82 stations are currently operated in Europe, 63 in North America, one in South America, and 38 in Asia. Worldwide, 74 of these have public access, including 17 of the 29 stations in Germany.

Some older stations, operated within specific projects which came to an end, were taken out of service last year. But Germany, California and Japan have ambitious programmes to extend their hydrogen infrastructure, so some of the currently closed stations will be reopened with upgraded technology. There are 129 planned stations with already determined locations: 55 in North America, two in South America, one in Australia, 18 in Asia, and 53 in Europe (34 of which are in Germany).

Distributed generation fuel cells: FCH JUA new study (http://tinyurl.com/fchju-DG-report) published by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU, www.fch-ju.eu) outlines a pathway for commercialising stationary fuel cells in Europe. It analyses the current and future market potential for fuel cell distributed energy generation in Europe, benchmarks stationary fuel cell technologies against competing conventional technologies in a variety of applications, and assesses potential business models for commercialisation.

The study, Advancing Europes energy systems: Stationary fuel cells in distributed generation, was sponsored by FCH JU and compiled by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants. It builds on an interactive approach involving more than 30 companies, institutions and associations from the stakeholder community of the European stationary fuel cell industry. By considering the results of the technological and commercial analysis, the study pinpoints focus areas for further R&D to sustain innovation, and provides recommendations for supportive policy frameworks.

The FCH JU has also just published a report on the commercialisation of energy storage in Europe [summarised in this issues feature, on pages 1416].

of hydrogen-powered fleets, ranging from taxis to delivery vans operated by Commercial Group [FCB, June 2014, p11], and a number of Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell cars [FCB, November 2014, p2].

Encouraging people to consider and ultimately choose hydrogen as a transport fuel is an important part of Londons progression towards a low-carbon future, says Diana Raine, LHNE coordinator and Air Products hydrogen energy business manager. By working with responsible partners such as Sainsburys and providing networks of fueling stations in convenient locations, we will be able to offer the public a real alternative to petrol.

Hydrogen fueling technology can play an integral role in reducing CO2 emissions, as well as improving air quality and combating climate change. Drivers benefit from a quieter and more comfortable driving experience, because of the quiet operation and smooth acceleration of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. Refueling takes less than three minutes, and FCEVs offer the same range and speed as conventional vehicles.

The 700 bar (10 000 psi) SmartFuel station at Hendon is being delivered as part of the London Hydrogen Network Expansion (LHNE) project, which aims to create the UKs initial hydrogen transport system. The project is backed by the UK government, and co-funded by Innovate UK (formerly the Technology Strategy Board).

The LHNE consortium, led by Air Products, is delivering a publicly accessible, state-of-the-art, fast-fill 350 and 700 bar hydrogen fueling station network over a three-year period. The creation of this network is particularly important, because the hydrogen FCEVs now coming to market require a 700 bar fueling system.

Air Products has recently won two funding awards, to upgrade the Hendon and Heathrow stations as part of the London Hydrogen Network Upgrade, and to upgrade a mobile refueling station to support conferences and FCEV test drives [see page 9].

Air Products, Hydrogen Energy: www.airproducts.co.uk/h2energy

Cenex, LHNE project: www.cenex.co.uk/research/hydrogen/lhne

Innovate UK: www.innovateuk.org

Scottish community energy project targets use of green hydrogen

The Levenmouth Community Energy Project in Fife, eastern Scotland will investigate the potential of hydrogen

as a future fuel, with 4 million (US$6 million) in Scottish government funding through the Local Energy Challenge Fund. This pioneering industry development aims to shape the future prosperity of local communities through a number of green hydrogen projects in a redevelopment area of Methil.

The Methil Docks site already has a 750 kW wind turbine and 30 kW water electrolysis system; the new project will install a 200 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation facility, 60 kW and 250 kW water electrolysis systems, hydrogen storage tanks, hydrogen stations, and fuel cells. Renewable energy generated by the wind and solar systems will be used to power the facility, and also to electrolyse water to produce hydrogen. Stored hydrogen will be supplied via hydrogen stations to 25 hybrid commercial vehicles powered by fuel cells and diesel engines, and also reconverted to electricity by fuel cells for use in the projects facilities.

The project is led by Bright Green Hydrogen, along with Fife Council (project support and provision of some vehicles), Toshiba, Leven Valley Development Trust, Fife College, BOC (for hydrogen transport), Green Business Fife, Community Energy Scotland, and the Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (SHFCA).

The project, which will run from April 2015 to March 2020, is based at the Hydrogen Office in Methil and run by Bright Green Hydrogen, which was previously known as The Hydrogen Office [FCB, February 2011, p9]. The new scheme involves the facility being developed into a leading demonstration of innovative applications of hydrogen derived from renewable sources. This includes Levenmouth becoming the home of Europes largest fleet of hydrogen dual-fuel vehicles, including 10 Ford Transits, 10 Renault Kangoo vans, and two refuse collection vehicles. Hydrogen refueling will be installed at both the Hydrogen Office and at the Fife Council vehicle depot at Bankhead in Glenrothes.

Toshiba will deploy its hydrogen energy management system (H2 EMS), which is designed for optimal production and storage of hydrogen based on electricity supply and demand forecasts. Toshiba will also handle overall system control, allowing it to collect operating data from the entire system including the H2 EMS, water electrolysis systems, and vehicles for use in future projects [and see page 1].

Bright Green Hydrogen Ltd, Methil, Fife, Scotland, UK. Tel: +44 1333 439321, www.brightgreenhydrogen.org.uk

Toshiba, Hydrogen Economy: www.toshiba.co.jp/newenergy/en/index.htm

ENERGY STORAGE

NEWS

Fuel Cells Bulletin April 201512

UQM wins first order for its new fuel cell compressor system

Colorado-based UQM Technologies has received its first fuel cell compressor module purchase order, from PEM fuel cell manufacturer Ballard Power Systems in Canada. These compressor modules are an integral component of hydrogen powered fuel cell electric vehicles.

The UQM R410 fuel cell compressor system is designed for medium-duty automotive and commercial bus applications for up to 150 kW fuel cell stacks. The purchase order calls for shipments of product to Ballard over the next four months, and will generate revenue in excess of US$600 000, with follow-on orders expected from Ballard.

We are excited to be working directly with Ballard on their fuel cell bus programmes, says Eric R. Ridenour, president and CEO of UQM Technologies. Our expansion directly into the fuel cell compressor business is already paying off for UQM, and we believe that the advantages our system offers will allow further growth with Ballard and additional customers.

UQM Technologies is a developer and manufacturer of power-dense, high-efficiency electric motors, generators, and power electronic controllers for the commercial truck, bus, automotive, marine, military, and industrial markets. A major emphasis for UQM is developing propulsion systems for electric, hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and fuel cell electric vehicles.

UQM Technologies, Longmont, Colorado, USA. Tel: +1 303 682 4900, www.uqm.com

Ballard Power Systems, Burnaby, BC, Canada. Tel: +1 604 454 0900, www.ballard.com

Greenlight using robot for automated fuel cell component production

Canadian-based Greenlight Innovation has taken delivery of an integrated robotic assembly system specific to fuel cell manufacturing, which it will use in the automated hydrogen fuel cell component production systems it offers.

The automated system was developed for a leading automotive manufacturer, to support its

advance into PEM fuel cell mass production. The custom Greenlight solution features a turntable with three stations: operator load/unload, robotic applicator, and infrared curing.

The robotic station can be programmed to apply sealant, primer, adhesive, or gasket material in a rapid and precise manner. For this task, Greenlight selected a KUKA six-axis Agilus robot with a 700 mm reach, and integrated a Nordson piezoelectric metering head for precision dispensing. The robotic solution has proven to be much more efficient, accurate, and cost-effective than alternative material application methods. The end result is a more repeatable process that virtually eliminates component rejects.

In addition to fuel cell manufacturing, this automated solution can be configured for a wide variety of applications, such as electronics manufacturing, product assembly etc. The robotic arm can also be easily reprogrammed to accommodate new parts as designs evolve.

Greenlights Industrial Automation division specialises in robotics and custom automation machinery for the hydrogen fuel cell, battery, solar, chemical, and automotive industries.

Last summer Greenlight supplied its 200th PEM fuel cell test station to an automotive OEM [FCB, July 2014, p5], and before that it acquired Commonwealth Automation, a leading supplier of automated equipment for fuel cell manufacturing [FCB, April 2014, p11].

Greenlight Innovation, Burnaby, BC, Canada. Tel: +1 604 676 4000, www.greenlightinnovation.com

KUKA Robotics: www.kuka-robotics.com

JCB takes strategic stake in ITM Power

In the UK, ITM Power reports that JCB Research and Valebond Consultants Ltd which is wholly owned by Jo Bamford, director of the JCB excavators manufacturer have together acquired a strategic shareholding in ITM Power through a subscription for new ordinary shares, making them ITMs largest shareholder.

The new investors paid nearly 4.9 million (US$7.3 million) for 16.1 million new shares, representing 9.1% of ITM Powers enlarged share capital. ITM will use the proceeds as additional working capital as it continues to scale up its business. JCB Research also has the right to appoint a person it nominates to the board of ITM Power.

In addition to the new funds that this investment brings to ITM Power, we are

delighted to have on board a strategic investor who can potentially add significant value to our business, says Dr Graham Cooley, CEO of ITM Power. I look forward to working with JCB as we scale up our business and seek to enter new markets with our product offering.

We are excited by the prospects of hydrogen technology, adds Lord Bamford, chairman of JCB Research. We expect to be an actively supportive shareholder in ITM Power, and look forward to working with the board and management team and to sharing some of our expertise in manufacturing and engineering.

Sheffield-based ITM Power has just been awarded funding to build new hydrogen vehicle fueling stations in London, and upgrade four existing stations in Sheffield and London [see page 9]. The company is also commercialising PEM electrolysers for applications such as Power-to-Gas (P2G) [FCB, March 2015, p9], and developing its hydrocarbon membrane technology for fuel cell applications [see the ITM Power features in FCB, January and June 2012].

ITM Power, Sheffield, UK. Tel: +44 114 244 5111,

www.itm-power.com

US DOE awards for hydrogen production and FCEV systems

The US Department of Energy has announced the 2015 Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Phase 2 Release 1 Awards, which include three projects focusing on hydrogen production from electrolysis and hydrogen systems supporting fuel cell electric vehicles.

DOEs key hydrogen objectives are to reduce the cost of producing and delivering hydrogen to less than $4 per gallon of gasoline equivalent (gge), to enable FCEVs to be competitive with gasoline vehicles. Key fuel cell objectives are to reduce fuel cell system cost to $40/kW and improve durability to 5000 h (equivalent to 150 000 miles, 240 000 km of driving) for automotive fuel cell systems by 2020.

The SBIR/STTR projects selected for negotiation build on Phase 1 awards last year [FCB, March 2014, p11], and include:

U Tetramer Technologies (www.tetramer.com) in Pendleton, South Carolina will improve PEM electrolyser ion-exchange membranes to develop a lower-cost, higher-performance method of commercially generating onsite hydrogen by water electrolysis.

COMMERCIALISATION

RESEARCH

NEWS / IN BRIEF

April 201513

Fuel Cells Bulletin

U 6> (www.gvdcorp.com) in Cambridge, Massachusetts will develop improved plastic and elastomer seal coatings to enable reliable performance of hydrogen systems to support FCEVs.U i (www.ginerinc.com) of Newton,

Massachusetts will address the high capital and operating costs of electrolysis, by working to commercialise advanced water electrolysis catalysts that are more active and require sig-nificantly less precious metal than those used in conventional PEM electrolysers.

DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program: http://energy.gov/eere/transportation/hydrogen-and-fuel-cells

German joint research project studying SOFC degradation processes

Several German research groups and industry partners are collaborating in the SOFC Degradation joint research project, supported by the federal ministry of education and research (BMBF), to develop a deeper understanding of the degradation processes occurring in solid oxide fuel cells.

Optimising the long-term stability of operational SOFC systems is a significant issue, so reducing degradation which leads to a continuous loss of capability during operation has an important role. Previous analysis and experience show that these losses in performance mean that existing SOFC components are not yet qualified for long-term and reliable operation.

One of the industrial partners in this German project is FuelCon, a manufacturer of fuel cell and battery test stations. Working with the project partners, the company aims to significantly increase the life cycle of SOFC systems compared to existing durability. In a first step, several sub-projects will investigate in detail how different parameters (e.g. temperature, partial pressure, current) influence the degradation process and life cycle. The project partners will then use these results to draft appropriate countermeasures. FuelCon is providing its extensive experience in electrochemical impedance analysis of SOFCs, testing environments for evaluation of long-term behaviour, and accelerated test procedures.

FuelCon is also working with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE to develop a testing station for analysing start-stop cycles in PEM fuel cells, as part of the three-year Stress project funded by the German federal ministry for economic affairs and energy (BMWi) [FCB, February 2015, p11].

Several other groups are focused on reducing SOFC degradation, including the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), where researchers are monitoring nanoscale reactions in operating SOFCs and electrolysis cells, observing weak spots as they evolve [FCB, November 2014, p12]. And the recently completed European SOFC-Life project, coordinated by the Forschungszentrum Jlich in Germany, found that processes