Fuel Cell

IdaTech (IDA) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Rittal Corp. at CeBit in Hannover, Germany. IdaTech's ElectraGen(TM)5 fuel cell system was unveiled at the CeBit electronics show last week by Rittal, a global supplier of enclosure systems for industrial, electronic, telecommunication, and data communication equipment. The system's backup power features are on display at the show one of the world's leading events for showcasing new information and telecommunications technologies, and supporting software and services. The IdaTech and Rittal partnership is worldwide and includes integration of the IdaTech fuel cells technologies with Rittal's telecommunications and information technology...

Ballard Power (BLDP) states that a commercially viable fuel cell stack technology for hydrogen-powered vehicles can be demonstrated by 2010, according to a Technology "Road Map" released today. The "Road Map", announced to coincide with the start of the National Hydrogen Association's Annual Hydrogen Conference in Washington, D.C., comprises four technology trendlines and targets for fuel cell stack durability, cost, freeze start and volumetric power density. It is widely agreed that demonstrating the ability to meet the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) targets for these four performance attributes is key to the successful commercialization of automotive fuel cell technology....

ZAP (ZAPZ) announced that its automotive distribution subsidiary Voltage Vehicles has signed an exclusive agreement with Apollo Energy Systems of Pompano Beach, Florida for its fuel cell technology. Under the contract, ZAP's Voltage Vehicles subsidiary has agreed to purchase up to $100 million in Apollo's propulsion systems. Apollo has developed a patented Alkaline Fuel Cell and Tri-Polar Lead-Cobalt battery technology that is expected to revolutionize the auto industry. According to Apollo, the new fuel cell is ready for production, years before similar propulsion systems are expected to be available. ZAPZ was up over 15% today on...

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc (QTWW) announced that it was awarded a United States patent for portable and transportable hydrogen refueling systems. Quantum's patent covers portable and transportable hydrogen refueling systems that incorporate self-contained hydrogen producing subsystems or accept low pressure hydrogen from external sources, and are capable of compressing and dispensing at either 5,000- or 10,000-psi (35 or 70 MPa). Transportable hydrogen refueling stations play a major role in developing a hydrogen refueling infrastructure, for both commercial and military applications.

Carbon nanotubes play a pivotal role in a three-company effort to create small-scale fuel cells for portable electronics. The project, which recently received $3.6 million in funding from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, looks to establish a low-cost manufacturable hydrogen fuel cell based on proton-exchange membranes, or PEMs. The work is being conducted by Carbon Nanotechnologies, Motorola Labs and Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells.

Honda Motor Co (HMC) announced the delivery of a Honda FCX, the world's most advanced hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle, to the city of Chula Vista. The city of Chula Vista will lease the vehicle for a period of two years and will operate the FCX on a regular daily basis as part of their normal operations. The FCX will be refueled at a publicly accessible hydrogen station already operated by the city on their property. The placement of this FCX in tandem with the public accessibility of hydrogen fuel expands the geographical range for some of Honda's existing...

Mechanical Technology Inc (MKTY) has been named Business Leader in the Energy category for pioneering work commercializing its Mobion(TM) micro fuel cell technology for the portable electronics market. The Mobion(TM) cord-free rechargeable micro fuel cell is based on a number of MTI Micro breakthrough discoveries, covered by numerous patents (either granted or in application), enabling effective miniaturization of a greatly simplified fuel cell system of high energy density. MTI Micro's proprietary Mobion(TM) power pack technology is being designed to deliver extended run-time and instant re-charge benefits for powering a broad array of future portable electronic devices.

Maryland will lease a fuel cell-powered minivan from General Motors and will pursue plans for a hydrogen refueling station in the state. General Motors has partnered with Shell Hydrogen to open what will be the first hydrogen dispenser at a retail gas station in Washington this fall.

Dana Corporation (DCN) unveiled a number of new fuel-cell advancements at the Convergence 2004 automotive electronics show in Detroit. The advancements are featured on a fuel-cell scooter developed with Dana partners. One of just three in the world, the scooter is making its North American debut at Convergence.

United Technologies Corporation (UTX) has renamed the PC25(TM), the industry's foremost 'workhorse' fuel cell power system, to the PureCell(TM) 200. UTC Power has been producing the on-site power plant since 1991. The system generates 200 kW of clean, reliable electricity and 900,000 BTUs of usable heat suitable for co-generation applications. With a five-year continuous duty cell stack durability and 85 percent efficiency, the PureCell(TM) 200 sets the standard for fuel cell reliability and efficiency. The PureCell(TM) 200 technology has been installed in 19 countries on five continents, ranging from a New York City police station to a science center...

Hydrogenics Corp (HYGS) announced today that it has won a contract to supply a 65 kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell power module to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Fuel Cell Test and Evaluation Center (FCTec) operated by Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC). The power module will be integrated into an Aircraft Tow Tractor by CTC and will be used in fuel cell demonstrations at select Air Force Bases and civil airports in the United States, in conjunction with the United States Air Force Advanced Alternate Power Technology Transformation Office, Warner-Robins AFB, Georgia. The fuel cell system will be delivered...

DaimlerChrysler AG (DCX) reported Thursday that it doubled the number of fuel cell powered vehicles it manages in the United States in December. The company said it is preparing 19 vehicles for customers in California and Michigan. The vehicles include the Mercedes F-Cell passenger car and medium-duty Dodge Fuel Cell Sprinter van.

Medis Technologies Ltd. (MDTL) announced that yesterday it made available functional prototype fuel cell Power Packs and fuel cartridges to General Dynamics C4 Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD - News) for testing in connection with an advanced, rugged personal digital assistant (PDA) being developed for the U.S. Department of Defense. Each Medis Power Pack is currently capable of delivering five watts and five volts of continuous power. The Medis technical team will work closely with General Dynamics to evaluate the ability of the Power Packs and cartridges to meet extended mission requirements and military environmental...

SiliconBeat.com caught up with Jadoo's chief executive, Larry Bawden, last week who said Jadoo is one of the few companies actually shipping hydrogen-converting fuel cell technology to customers. It is good to see that VC's are starting to put some capital in the AltE marketplace.

Millennium Cell Inc (MCEL) announced the successful initial closing of its previously announced joint development program with The Dow Chemical Company (DOW). The development program will combine Millennium Cell's novel technology with Dow's strengths in materials, engineering and operational excellence to accelerate product commercialization.

Plug Power Inc (PLUG) announced that its GenCore® 5T hydrogen fuel cell product is currently providing electricity for the holiday tree located in London at Trafalgar Square. The GenCore 5T fuel cell system is currently providing up to 5kW of power to the tree 24 hours a day. This year the lights only require approximately 4.5kW of power which is a significant reduction over last year due to the introduction of new low voltage bulbs that are more energy efficient.