Motorola selects IdaTech fuel cell system
IdaTech plc, a fuel cell solutions provider, has been selected by Motorola to install and operate the ElectraGen5 XTR system in the Motorola “Real World Showcase” exhibit at the GSMA Mobile World Congress conference in Barcelona, Spain, Feb.11-14. The IdaTech fuel cell solution will power Motorola’s telecommunications equipment – including a BTS station, LCD display and a PC – for the duration of the event. In addition to highlighting the IdaTech fuel cell system, the Motorola “Real World Showcase” will focus on a commitment to sustainable energy with other alternative power sources such as photovoltaic and wind.
Operating on a liquid fuel, the IdaTech ElectraGen5 XTR system provides a solution for Motorola with no requirements for onsite hydrogen storage that enables quicker and easier installation. By reforming and purifying HydroPlus, a mixture of methanol and water, the ElectraGen5 XTR system provides truly extended run backup power. In field installations, the ElectraGen5 XTR system provides an economically sound solution to help avoid traditional challenges associated with hydrogen delivery and storage. The IdaTech fuel cell system is ideal for remote sites such as telecommunications towers where frequent hydrogen delivery is not possible.
Voller awarded $280,000 grant
Voller Energy Group PLC, a developer of fuel cells systems, has been awarded a $280,000 grant from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform BERR (previously known as the Department of Trade & Industry or DTi) under the United Kingdom’s Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and Carbon Abatement Technologies Demonstration Programme (HFCCAT) to develop an environmentally friendly cabin for the construction sector.
The cabin will be developed in collaboration with GenQuip, the U.K.’s leading supplier of welfare cabins, based in Wales. These cabins provide kitchen, toilet and hand washing facilities on-site. Normally, welfare cabins use diesel generators, which produce high emissions, noise and vibration. Instead, Voller will work with GenQuip to design and develop a cabin that is based on environmentally friendly and energy efficient principles. The aim is to develop a next generation of cabin that is more fuel-efficient and has low emissions. The cabin will have features such as movement sensor light switches, low energy light bulbs and improved insulation.
The grant has been awarded, following a review of Voller’s application by a panel of independent assessors, under the HFCCAT Competition Call No. 1, which was opened as publicized on Oct. 23, 2006.
RIT, Delphi awarded $2.75 million for fuel cell development
Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-Fairport), Chairwoman of the House Rules Committee, today joined William Destler, President of RIT, Steven Shaffer, Delphi Chief Engineer - Fuel Cells, and Nabil Nasr, Director of RIT’s Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies (CIMS), to announce $2.75 million in federal funds for fuel cell development.
The funding was secured by Rep. Slaughter in the FY 2008 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill for a joint project between RIT and Delphi to accelerate manufacturability and application of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) in the armed forces.
Ballard signs supply agreement with H2 logic A/S
Ballard Power Systems has signed a two-year supply agreement with Danish system integrator H2 Logic A/S, to supply fuel cells for products developed for the materials handling market.
“This agreement with H2 Logic is evidence of the growing interest in fuel cell powered forklift solutions,” said Mike Rosenberg, Ballard’s director, materials handling. “Ballard continues to build a solid set of customer relationships in the materials handling space. This is our first strategic relationship with a European system integrator actively engaged in this market. While volumes under this supply agreement will be small initially, we see strong growth potential with H2 Logic.”
Under the agreement, H2 Logic will purchase Mark9 SSL and Mark1020 ACS fuel cell products from Ballard and integrate these into fuel cell hybrid systems targeted for various materials handling vehicles such as forklifts for warehouses and distributions centers.
“Ballard’s technology has proven itself in terms of performance, reliability and ease of integration,” said Mikael Sloth, business development manager at H2 Logic. “We are excited to develop and commercialize H2 Logic’s next generation of fuel cell hybrid systems for materials handling with Ballard as a strategic supplier.”
TDI hires power systems powerhouse
Transistor Devices, Inc (TDI) added Lou DeBartelo to its executive management staff as vice president of global sales and marketing. DeBartelo brings with him over 25 years experience in general management of electronics companies, the last 15 in the power supply industry.
His past positions include CEO of Galaxy Power, CEO of EOS Corp. and president of Artesyn Technologies. His strengths are in sales and marketing, mergers and acquisitions and strategic planning.
As part of TDI’s restructuring, DeBartelo has been tasked with aggressively growing sales and increasing the customer base. His mandate is to increase business to existing customers while developing new account relationships with industry leaders in high-growth emerging markets. DeBartelo will also be focusing on penetrating core markets including the military, industrial, in-flight entertainment and medical markets.
“I am excited to be part of the ‘New TDI’ and look forward to bringing them to new level of success,” DeBartelo said.
FuelCell Energy appoints new director to board
FuelCell Energy named Togo Dennis West, Jr., chairman of the board of Noblis, Inc. and of TLI Leadership Group, to its board of directors recently.
During Secretary West's distinguished career he has held senior positions in three presidential administrations, spanning both political parties; was a partner and an of-counsel attorney with two distinguished national law firms; was a senior officer in one of the nation's largest aerospace corporations; and served his country as a military officer, senior Defense Department leader, Justice Department official and Cabinet member.
“We're delighted to welcome Secretary West to our board," said R. Daniel Brdar, chairman and CEO of FuelCell Energy. "He brings a wealth of experience in both the public and private sector to our board.”
Ceramic Fuel Cells partners with H.C. Starck
Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited has signed agreements with H.C. Starck of Germany to secure a high volume supply of fuel cell components.
Under a co-operation agreement, CFCL and HC Starck will collaborate to develop advanced SOFC components, in particular anode supported cells. CFCL is prepared to license its relevant IP in order to optimize the performance of the cell. H.C. Starck will collaborate to continually improve manufacturing processes and reduce unit costs.
Under a supply agreement, H.C. Starck will supply fuel cells at agreed prices until December 2011, securing long-term costs for CFCL. Supply of the fuel cells is expected to commence in mid 2008, with further increases in forecast volumes, and reductions in unit prices, from 2009. |
