Fuel Cell Bulletin_2015_Issue 7

US-based Plug Power has entered into a definitive agreement with

PEM fuel cell developer Axane SA in France, a subsidiary of Air Liquide, to acquire the remaining 80% that it doesn’t own of HyPulsion, their European materials handling joint venture. The transaction, for $11.47 million in Plug Power common stock, is expected to close by the end of August.

Plug Power and Air Liquide founded HyPulsion in 2012, to jump-start the hydrogen and fuel cell market for materials handling vehicles in Europe [FCB, November 2011, p3]. The venture has achieved key milestones in product development, customer engagement, and strong OEM relationships. Plug Power believes that it is now poised to target the $20 billion European electric lift truck market for conversion to hydrogen fuel cells.

The original agreement anticipated that Plug Power would ultimately assume control of HyPulsion; this has been accelerated as a result of Plug Power’s success in the North American

market [e.g. FCB, June 2015, p3, and page 4 of this issue]. The partners now believe that Plug Power is the right entity to drive growth in commercialising the European hydrogen and fuel cell market. Air Liquide will remain a key partner for Plug Power and its growth strategy within Europe, supporting HyPulsion as a hydrogen supplier to its materials handling customers. Air Liquide will retain its seat on Plug Power’s board of directors.

Plug Power primarily sells its products into materials handling applications [see the Plug Power feature in FCB, December 2011]. The company has more than 7000 fuel cell products deployed in North American materials handling operations, which have accumulated more than 100 million hours of operational time.

Plug Power: www.plugpower.com

HyPulsion: www.hypulsion.com

Axane Fuel Cell Systems: http://tinyurl.com/airliquide-axane

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

fUelCELLS BULLETIN

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ISSN 1464-2859 October 2010

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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 July 2015

NEWS

Plug Power takes full control of HyPulsion JV 1Ballard to acquire Protonex Technology in US 1

ROAD VEHICLES

Ballard powers China buses, London bus support 2Symbio FCell 1000 Kangoo ZE-H2 vans in 2016 2Riversimple to build fuel cell city car in Wales 3Calstart says improved cells for AC Transit buses 3

MOBILE APPLICATIONS

GreenGT H2 racing car continues development 4Plug Power expands Walmart Canada lift trucks 4Ballard to develop modules for Chinese trams 4Fraunhofer, DLR demo power for airliner galleys 5

SMALL STATIONARY

Fuel cell tech powering South African schools 5Hydrogen power for French alpine refuge 6SFC integrates 500 W cell in EFOY ProCabinet 6

LARGE STATIONARY

Doosan FC for 13 units in Korea, one in Connecticut 7AFC final building permit to finish Stade facility 7Dominovas MW SOFC deals in Congo, Power Africa 7

FUELING

CaFCP list of CA hydrogen station priority sites 8Fast-fill hydrogen station serves Hawaii GM fleet 8Hyundai boosts hydrogen infrastructure in Korea 9Air Products station is first in Europe for forklifts 9

ENERGY STORAGE

ThyssenKrupp Uhde, McPhy hydrogen generation 9

COMMERCIALISATION

PowerCell first order for S2 stack, appoints CEO 10Neah, Clear Path solutions for security & defence 10

RESEARCH

NexTech methane/oxygen SOFC unit for NASA 10DOE awards for Giner & Tetramer, AMR awards 11

NEWS FEATURES

Delaware engineers investigate use of solar power on hybrid fuel cell shuttle buses 12

UCLA researchers develop lower-cost, more efficient nanostructures for PEMFCs 13

Japanese researchers show how combination imaging reveals PEM fuel cell damage 14–15

REGULARS

Editorial 3

News In Brief 5, 11

Research Trends 15

Patents 16–19

Events Calendar 20

Contents

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Plug Power takes full control of HyPulsion JV

Ballard to acquire Protonex Technology in US

Canadian-based Ballard Power Systems has signed a definitive agreement to

acquire Protonex Technology Corporation in Massachusetts, a leading designer and manufacturer of power management products and portable fuel cell solutions. Ballard says that the acquisition will provide diversification into these markets, and boost profitability as Protonex generates high-margin revenue.

The transaction – expected to close in Q3 – is valued at US$30 million, with Ballard paying Protonex’s debt obligations of $4.4 million, and paying the balance of $25.6 million through the issuance of approximately 11.2 million Ballard shares.

Founded in 2000, privately owned Protonex is headquartered in Southborough, Massachusetts, and currently has 53 employees.

Ballard expects the Protonex employee base and leadership team to remain intact, including Dr Paul Osenar, who is expected to continue in his current leadership role as president of Protonex.

Protonex has approximately 85 patents issued and pending in power management solutions, proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells, and fuel reformer technology for utilising readily available fuels such as propane, natural gas, or diesel. In its last fiscal year to 30 September 2014, Protonex generated revenue of $13.8 million with 40% gross margin.

Protonex recently announced early access availability of its P200i SOFC-based portable remote power system, operating on widely available propane [FCB, March 2015, p7].

Ballard Power Systems: www.ballard.com

Protonex Technology: www.protonex.com

NEWS

2

Ballard to power buses in China, adds London bus support, launches HD7 transit module

Canadian-based Ballard Power Systems has signed deals with

Nantong Zehe New Energy Technology Co Ltd and Guangdong Synergy Hydrogen Power Technology Co Ltd, to provide fuel cells and technology solutions to support the planned deployment of an initial 33 fuel cell buses in two Chinese cities. Ballard has also signed an agreement with Transport for London in the UK, to extend the operation of eight fuel cell buses for five additional years. And Ballard has announced the commercial launch of its FCvelocity®-HD7 next-generation, heavy-duty PEM fuel cell power module for use in mass transit applications.

The definitive licence and supply agreements with Nantong Zehe New Energy Technology and Guangdong Synergy Hydrogen Power Technology have an estimated total value of US$10 million, the majority of which is expected to be recognised in 2015. Ballard and Zehe are collaborating with electric bus manufacturer Jiangsu GreenWheel New Energy Electric Vehicle Co Ltd in Rugao city in Jiangsu province, while Ballard and Synergy are collaborating with electric bus manufacturer Foshan Feichi Automobile Manufacturing Co Ltd in Yunfu city in Guangdong province. These municipal city governments plan to have fuel cell bus fleets operating in revenue service in 2016.

In April Ballard announced an initial order from Zehe for FCvelocity-HD7 modules to power eight buses, which now forms part of the new deal [FCB, May 2015, p2]; Ballard expects to ship all of these modules this year. Ballard has expanded its relationship with Zehe to include the supply of additional power products and Technology Solutions, including a non-exclusive licence for local assembly of FCvelocity-HD7 modules for buses in China. In addition, Ballard will be the exclusive supplier of its fuel cell stacks for power modules assembled under this deal. A similar deal was signed with Synergy.

Ballard is also collaborating with Tangshan Railway Vehicle Company in China, to develop a new fuel cell module for tram or ground transport vehicle applications [see page 4].

In addition, Ballard has signed an agreement with Transport for London (TfL) to extend the operation of eight fuel cell buses for five more years. TfL began operation of the first five buses in 2010 [FCB, January 2011, p2], and three additional fuel cell buses joined the fleet in 2013 [FCB, September 2013, p2]. The eight Ballard-powered buses are operated by TfL on its central Covent Garden–Tower Gateway route, now in service for more than 73 000 hours, with fuel performance and reliability exceeding expectations. The contract extension is being partially funded by the European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU).

Meanwhile, Ballard has announced the commercial launch of its FCvelocity-HD7 next-generation, heavy-duty fuel cell power module for use in mass transit applications, at the UITP public transport World Congress and Exhibition in Milan, Italy. The simplified and scalable design means the module can be integrated into multiple transportation applications, from medium-duty trucks to light rail, and the modular design of the air and cooling systems allows for flexible and simpler integration into the vehicle drivetrain.

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

Jiangsu GreenWheel New Energy Electric Vehicle Co Ltd: www.greenwheelev.com

Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking: www.fch.europa.eu

Symbio FCell aims to deliver 1000 Kangoo ZE-H2 vans in 2016

French-based Symbio FCell has already supplied embedded fuel

cell systems in more than 50 vehicles, and the company will boost this by launching 200 Kangoo ZE-H2 small vans in 2015, and more than 1000 deliveries are expected for 2016.

The French HyWay project recently reached another milestone with 21 new Kangoo ZE-H2 utility vehicles, equipped with Symbio FCell’s 5 kW PEM fuel cell range-extender, now fully operational in Grenoble [FCB, June 2015, p8]. This is in addition to the vehicles deployed in Lyon [FCB, April 2015, p2]. Symbio FCell is making use of the expertise and support of its co-shareholder Michelin in ramping up mass production to meet this significant increase in market demand [FCB, June 2014, p9].

HyWay is the largest fleet of electric/hydrogen utility vehicles in daily service in Europe, with financial backing from the French national

Fuel Cells Bulletin July 2015

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NEWS / EdItorIAL

July 2015 Fuel Cells Bulletin3

E D I T O R I A L

Portable electronic devices are expected to be one of the key

applications in which the general public really takes to using fuel cells, but progress towards commercial devices is still slow.

That said, while I was compiling the Patents section for this issue, I noticed that three of the biggest ‘tech’ giants have recently been granted patents on fuel cells in portable devices. I’ve come across these companies occasionally in the past while checking out the USPTO database, but three in one month gives me hope that owning a fuel cell powered smartphone – or a charging device for conventional electronic gadgets – perhaps isn’t so far off.

Whenever word reaches the ‘tech’ media that Apple is investigating fuel cell power sources, there is a collective spasm of hyper-excitement (although that seems to happen whenever Apple does anything at all, or even when it doesn’t). In this case, on 17 March Apple was granted a patent (US 8980491) covering bidirectional communication and control between a sodium borohydride PEM fuel cell power source and a portable computing device. It can’t be long before we start hearing fevered speculation about an iFuelCell…

A week later, BlackBerry was granted US 8986898, on a power source for a portable device (e.g. a smartphone) that includes a PEM fuel cell and an electrolyser, and a method to control the fuel cell. And the following week, Google was granted a patent (US 8993187) that describes a method and device for limiting methanol crossover in DMFC power sources for portable devices – working with a different fuel to the hydrogen used in the Apple and BlackBerry patents.

We’ll keep an eye on developments in this area, trying to dodge the hype while working out what’s really going on in their R&D labs…

We have three news features in this issue. The first reports on work at the University of Delaware in the US to use solar panels on top of its hybrid fuel cell-battery buses, recharging the batteries and supplying additional power if required [page 12]. The second highlights research at the University of California, Los Angeles to develop nanostructures made from platinum, nickel and molybdenum, that increase the efficiency and durability of PEM fuel cells while lowering the production cost [page 13].

And in the third, Japanese researchers have demonstrated a technique for simultaneously mapping the morphology as well as electronic and bonding states on PEM fuel cell electrode membranes [pages 14–15]. The results show how the electrode catalysts degrade, and provide insights into improving their durability.

Steve Barrett

agency for energy management ADEME, Rhône-Alpes regional government, European Regional Development Fund, and the European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU). The project – coordinated by the Tenerrdis new energy technologies cluster – is establishing an innovative model ofsimultaneous deployment of hydrogen stations serving multiple customers’ captive fleets. This deployment model is recommended in the French Hydrogen Mobility study [FCB, August 2013, p2], and the approach can be easily replicated across Europe. The project has attracted a lot of interest, with applications from nearly 30 cities in France.

Following the first deployments in 2015, some major operators are planning to extend their deployments to a few hundred vehicles in their fleets. The new developments will be based on the simultaneous implementation of commercial vehicle fleets, according to the H2 Mobilité France cluster model. In 2016, these vehicles will be equipped with the latest fuel cell stack developed by Michelin, in a more powerful system with extended functionality. To support the deployment at European level, a 700 bar range-extender version will be available in early 2016.

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

Riversimple to build fuel cell city car at R&D facility in Wales

In the UK, Riversimple Engineering is building its production prototype

fuel cell powered city car at its new R&D headquarters in Llandrindod Wells in mid-Wales. A multi-million pound investment – with Welsh government support – will create a unique hydrogen-fueled car that is on track to hit the road this summer.

The company’s £3.5 million (US$5.4 million) investment is backed by £2 million ($3.1 million) in research, development and innovation funding from the Welsh government. If the vehicle design achieves certification and goes into volume production, manufacturing will probably be based in Wales, with the potential to create an additional 220 jobs assembling some 5000 cars annually. Locating the work in Wales is a condition of the government funding, unless it presents a commercial barrier.

The two-seater car under development features a Network Electric architecture, and a strong but lightweight carbon-fibre monocoque construction. The car is being designed by respected car designer Chris Reitz, previously design director at Fiat and Alfa Romeo. It is powered by a compact hydrogen fuel cell rated at just 8 kW, using regenerative braking to recapture energy stored in supercapacitors that can provide 80% of the power for acceleration. The aim is for energy efficiency equivalent to about 240 mpg (0.98 l/100 km) with a range of 300 miles (480 km), 0–50 mph (80 km/h) in 8 s, and a top speed of around 55–60 mph (90–95 km/h).

The company has already built a technology demonstrator vehicle, which achieved the equivalent of 300 mpg (0.78 l/100 km). The Mk2 version now under development in Wales integrates the system into a prototype car designed for full type approval. This will be a general working model to demonstrate the design and technical advances, and further design refinements will be incorporated for volume production. Next year the company hopes to build 20 cars for a 12-month public trial, with future plans for volume production.

Riversimple’s earlier city car featured a 6 kW PEM fuel cell supplied by Singapore-based Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies [FCB, July 2010, p2 and November 2011, p2], although it is not clear who will supply the fuel cell for this new car.

Riversimple, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, Wales, UK. Tel: +44 1597 821060, www.riversimple.com

Calstart reports much improved fuel cells for AC Transit buses

California-based clean transportation organisation Calstart reports that the

best fuel cell stacks in AC Transit’s fleet of 12 fuel cell transit buses have achieved more than 19 000 hours of operation (about five years) with zero failures, beating industry durability and reliability expectations by nearly two years.

The improved performance of fuel cell power plants and their commercialisation was envisioned and supported by the Federal Transit Administration’s National Fuel Cell Bus Program (NFCBP), which provides research, development, and demonstration funding to improve technology and product commercialisation.

The Department of Energy and FTA had established a 2016 goal for fuel cells to achieve a lifetime of 18 000 h, but the FTA funding

NEWS

4Fuel Cells Bulletin July 2015

has led to that objective being met two years early. Improved stack design and manufacturing helped enable the increased stack life. AC Transit’s demonstration over the past five years indicates that the commercial lifetime target of 25 000 h is within reach. Conventional diesel buses operate on a similar timeline, about six years in service or half the lifetime of the bus, at which point diesel engines used in transit operations require a major overhaul.

Under a contract managed by Calstart, the FTA’s NFCBP accelerated testing of upgraded fuel cells in AC Transit’s original three-bus fleet. AC Transit installed these units in three of their fleet of 12 second-generation fuel cell transit buses, to continue testing.

The agency’s 40 ft (12 m) hybrid-electric fuel cell buses were made by Belgian bus builder Van Hool, and are powered by a PureMotion® 120 kW PEM fuel cell system from what was UTC Power in Connecticut. Early last year, Torrance-based US Hybrid executed a global licensing agreement with United Technologies Corporation to commercialise UTC Power’s proven PEM fuel cell technologies [FCB, February 2014, p10]. US Hybrid provides technical support to maintain the AC Transit fuel cell bus fleet, and is also working to develop a next-generation fuel cell, to lower the cost and further increase lifetime in transit operations.

Non-profit Calstart has a successful long-term track record of working with the FTA to develop and commercialise hybrid, fuel cell, and battery electric transit buses [see the News Feature on hydrogen refueling at AC Transit in FCB, May 2012, p13].

Calstart, Pasadena, California, USA. Tel: +1 626 744 5600, www.calstart.org

National Fuel Cell Bus Program (Calstart): http://tinyurl.com/calstart-fcbuses

National Fuel Cell Bus Program (FTA): www.fta.dot.gov/about/14617.html

AC Transit, Fuel Cell Buses: www.actransit.org/environment/the-hyroad

US Hybrid, Torrance, California, USA. Tel: +1 310 212 1200, www.ushybrid.com

GreenGT H2 fuel cell racing car continues development in France

The GreenGT H2 electric/hydrogen racing car made an appearance at

the Paul Ricard circuit near Marseille, during the recent French leg of the FIA World Touring Car Championship.

The GreenGT H2 car, powered by 400 kW of high-temperature PEM fuel cells supplied by French-based Symbio FCell, now achieves the performance of a GT-class race car, and has a range comparable with competition cars powered by an internal combustion engine.

‘Following its 35 days of tests, our development programme has given the technical team invaluable experience in the dynamic use of a high-powered hydrogen fuel cell,’ says Jean-François Weber, managing director and head of R&D at Swiss-based GreenGT. ‘We have focused our work on understanding the complex phenomena linked to this new technology, and on building in the consequent technical solutions. By optimising the components and programs, we have significantly improved the output and reliability of all the GreenGT H2’s systems.’

In 2012, GreenGT was selected by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest to enter the GreenGT H2 racing hydrogen-electric prototype in the 2013 Le Mans 24 Hours [FCB, July 2012, p11]. But the team withdrew as the epic endurance race approached, because it was unable to complete sufficient preparation of the car in time [FCB, June 2013, p5].

GreenGT SA, Le Mont-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland. Tel: +41 21 869 7666, www.greengt.com

Symbio FCell: www.symbiofcell.com

Plug Power expands fuel cell lift truck fleet with Walmart Canada

US-based Plug Power has announced an expansion contract

with Walmart Canada, to provide 124 GenDrive fuel cells for the latter’s new High Velocity Distribution Center building in Balzac, Alberta. This expansion to the fleet, in operation since 2010, makes it more than 230 GenDrive units at the site.

Walmart Canada will also add a GenFuel infrastructure – the first GenFuel installation in Canada – to support the new High Velocity Distribution Center, as well as the existing Perishable Distribution Center. The GenFuel system provides advanced diagnostics to help customers monitor fleet fueling and operational metrics.

Plug Power has an extensive tenure with Walmart. In the US, more than 1800 GenDrive units have been deployed since the relationship began in 2007 [FCB, December 2007, p3]. By the end of Q2 of 2015, Walmart will be using Plug Power hydrogen fuel cells in eight

distribution centres, all utilising the GenFuel system [FCB, August 2014, p2]. Plug Power has supported Walmart Canada with fuel cells since 2010 [FCB, March 2010, p3].

Plug Power has also announced – but not named – a ‘Big Box’ retailer as the latest new customer to deploy a comprehensive GenKey hydrogen and fuel cell system [FCB, January 2014, p1], to power the materials handling fleet in a new distribution warehouse in Troy Township near Toledo, Ohio. (It’s worth noting that Home Depot has just opened a distribution warehouse in Troy Township.)

The fully deployed installation includes 177 GenDrive units that are powering a mix of Class 2 and Class 3 lift and reach trucks, a GenFuel hydrogen fuel supply and storage infrastructure, and a GenCare maintenance contract. This site is the first to deploy the newest GenFuel enhancement, an outdoor skid, which gives Plug Power greater quality control and boosts profitability. Plug Power is currently in discussions with this partner – which has more than 100 distribution centres in North America – for future deployments across its network.

Plug Power has more than 6500 GenDriveunits deployed with materials handling customers [see the Plug Power feature in FCB, December 2011]. It recently announced a GenDrive deployment for lift trucks at Dietz & Watson in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and a GenKey agreement with a large, unnamed North American footwear manufacturer [FCB, June 2015, p3], as well as contracts with Wisconsin-based Uline [FCB, May 2015, p1] and for the FreezPak Logistics cold storage distribution centre in Carteret, New Jersey [FCB, April 2015, p4].

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

Ballard signs Chinese deal to develop fuel cell modules for trams

Canadian-based Ballard Power Systems has signed a framework

agreement with Tangshan Railway Vehicle Company Ltd (TRC) in China, for the development of a new fuel cell module that will be designed to meet the requirements of tram or ground transport vehicle (GTV) applications.

The agreement contemplates that TRC trams will use next-generation Ballard PEM fuel cell power modules designed specifically for this application. Initial work is expected to involve Technology Solutions provided by Ballard to assist in the design and integration of a fuel cell

mobILE AppLICAtIoNS

NEWS / IN brIEf

July 2015 Fuel Cells Bulletin5

I N B R I E F

Taiwan shows its first fuel cell hybrid carA new city car powered by a fuel cell-battery hybrid system debuted recently at National Cheng Kung University (www.ncku.edu.tw) in Tainan, Taiwan. The first fuel cell hybrid vehicle developed in Taiwan is the result of collaborative efforts between NCKU and Wei-Chi High-Tech Co Ltd.

The 7.5 kW hybrid power system combines a lithium-ion battery and a fuel cell, which is mainly used to charge the battery, and provide additional power during acceleration. The lightweight vehicle can be driven at up to 50 km/h (30 mph) for up to 150 km (90 miles), using hydrogen stored in four 200 bar (2900 psi) bottles. Wei-Hsiang Lai, NCKU professor of aeronautics & astronautics, says that the range could be extended to 350 km (220 miles) if the stored pressure is increased to 700 bar.

La Poste trialling hydrogen fuel cell bikeThe French postal service La Poste has started testing 12 hydrogen fuel cell-battery bikes developed by Swedish bicycle company Cycleurope (www.cycleurope.com), according to bike-eu.com. The bikes feature a fuel cell with hydrogen chemical storage in a reusable canister, and with hybrid power electronics connecting the fuel cell with a lithium-ion battery.

The hydrogen e-bikes being trialled in Bayonne by La Poste use the same technology as the first prototype displayed two years ago by Cycleurope [FCB, July 2013, p3]. That prototype ‘Alter’ e-bike was a joint development with French companies Pragma Industries and Ventec. Pragma (www.pragma-industries.com) develops hydrogen fuel cells for portable applications and electric mobility, while Ventec (www.ventec-bms.com) is a leading producer of lithium battery management systems. Cycleurope says that it plans to start sales of the Alter bike under the Gitane brand in 2016.

4th Energy Wave annual review for 2015The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Annual Review 2015 from 4th Energy Wave (PDF, http://tinyurl.com/4thenergywave-2015) reports on the latest growth and long-term industry trends. New for this year is information on jobs, platinum demand, and fuel cell costs, alongside information on industry statistics and policy.

The Annual Review is produced in two versions. The first is a 70-page, free report which provides in-depth analysis of the fuel cell and hydrogen industry during 2014. The second version – which can be purchased from the website for £1000 (US$1600, E1400) – includes a range of forward-looking statements on the potential growth areas for the industry, in terms of regions, applications, and platinum demand.

power module in TRC tram equipment, with the goal of powering a GTV prototype in 2016.

Ballard supplied a module for the fuel cell-powered fixed rail electric tram recently unveiled by CSR Sifang in Qingdao [FCB, April 2015, p5]. The company recently terminated licensing deals for bus and telecom backup power with Azure Hydrogen in Beijing [FCB, February 2015, p9], but more positively, it is increasingly busy with orders for bus fuel cell modules in China [FCB, May 2015, p2, and see page 2].

Headquartered in Tangshan in Hebei province, TRC offers a range of electric train cars and magnetic levitation products, as well as technologies for electric multiple unit (EMU) system integration and network controls. The company was established in 1881 as China’s first manufacturer of locomotives and rolling stock, and has now manufactured more than 10 000 trains.

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

Tangshan Railway Vehicle Company Ltd: www.tangche.com/eng/index.php

Fraunhofer, DLR project demonstrates power for airliner galleys

German researchers have engineered a movable trolley cart for an

aircraft galley (kitchen) that can provide supplementary onboard power. The unit was developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT in collaboration with Diehl Aerospace GmbH and the DLR German Aerospace Center, and made its debut at the recent Paris Air Show in France.

Airplanes are built for several decades in service, but cabin furnishings and the galleys are renovated many times over the aircraft lifetime. This means that obsolete equipment is replaced by new, more power-hungry equipment. An auxiliary power unit supplies the required power when the main engines are not running, such as during boarding. But when new electrical loads are added in the passenger cabin, the entire aircraft power system has to be re-approved, because new devices could disrupt or even paralyse the power supply.

This project has demonstrated a supplementary galley power unit, in the form of a movable trolley cart utilising using PEM fuel cells. Researchers at the ICT-IMM branch of the Fraunhofer ICT in Mainz engineered the

system in partnership with the DLR German Aerospace Center and Diehl Aerospace GmbH, a joint venture between Diehl Aerosystems in Germany and French-based Thales. The work was conducted under the DIANA project within Diehl Aerospace’s DACAPO (Distributed Autonomous Cabin Power) concept.

The core of the innovative trolley is the fuel processor developed by Fraunhofer ICT-IMM, which comprises a reformer, integrated evaporator and superheater, and other components. The system uses liquid propylene glycol (C3H8O2), which does not require apressurised container, becomes non-flammable when mixed with water, and is non-toxic. It is already being used in aircraft as a coolant and de-icing agent. The reformer also transforms byproduct CO into non-toxic CO2. Fraunhofer researchers engineered the necessary catalysts, and ensured that the device takes up a minimal amount of precious onboard space. The cart can even facilitate the re-approval process, since it does not need new approval every time the airplane gets a retrofit or a face-lift.

The research team has produced a mockup of the reformer, and they will assemble and test the first working prototype over the next few months.

Last year Diehl Aerospace was granted a patent (US 8814086) for an aircraft onboard power supply system and galley that utilises a combination of low- and high-temperature PEM fuel cells to produce power and heat [FCB, January 2015, p16].

Contact: Professor Dr-Ing Gunther Kolb, Micro4Energy Department, Fraunhofer ICT-IMM, Mainz, Germany. Tel: +49 6131 990340031, Email: [email protected], Web: www.imm.fraunhofer.de/en.html

Project DIANA: www.imm.fraunhofer.de/en/product_areas/m4energy/project_diana.html

DLR German Aerospace Center: www.dlr.de

Diehl Aerospace GmbH: www.diehl.com/en/diehl-aerosystems.html

Fuel cell technology providing power to South African schools

Hydrogen fuel cell technology is being used in South Africa to

provide standby power in several schools in Eastern Cape province, in a three-year project led by the SA Department of Science and Technology (DST). The project uses fuel cells in three junior and senior secondary

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schools in the Cofimvaba region, to support basic energy requirements such as charging stations for tablets, fax machines, and computers.

Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) sponsored three platinum-based fuel cell systems, including installation and ongoing maintenance and operations, while Clean Energy Investments – co-owned by DST and Amplats – commissioned the fuel cells. (The fuel cell supplier was not named; Amplats is collaborating with Canadian-based Ballard, while Clean Energy Investments is partnered with US-based Altergy Systems.)

Air Products is supplying hydrogen fueling, and has conducted feasibility assessments and erected hydrogen storage facilities according to international standards to supply the fuel cells at the three schools. All the fuel cell power systems have been operating since last September.

Anglo American, the Young Engineers and Scientists of Africa (YESA), and the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) have rolled out an educational programme to teach about fuel cell science. Already 3500 children of all ages at 26 schools in the region have observed the fuel cell process in action, using educational kits procured by Anglo American from Singapore-based Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies.

This year DST, through the TECH4RED (Technology for Rural Education Development) project, will also install two solar systems and a biogas system, and provide portable rechargeable batteries to learners with no electricity at home. The fuel cell project is part of the energy working group of TECH4RED that DST is piloting in the Nciba Circuit in Cofimvaba, to assess how technology can contribute to improving education.

Last summer Anglo American and Ballard launched a mini-grid field trial at the Naledi Trust Community in Kroonstad, Free State province, utilising a methanol-fueled PEM fuel cell home generator system [FCB, August 2014, p3]. This rural off-grid residential application, in partnership with South African power utility Eskom and the SA Department of Energy, is powering 34 households through the fuel cell system. Anglo American has been working with Ballard for several years to develop fuel cell electric generators for the African rural home market [FCB, December 2012, p2].

The Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) programme is focused on developing high-value hydrogen fuel cell technology products that promote the nation’s beneficiation of platinum group metals, and comprises three centres of competence covering catalysis, infrastructure, and systems integration [see the HySA features in FCB in June, October and November 2013].

SA Department of Science and Technology: www.dst.gov.za

TECH4RED: www.ict4red.co.za

Anglo American Platinum: www.angloamericanplatinum.com

Air Products South Africa: www.airproductsafrica.co.za

Clean Energy Investments: www.cleanenergyinvest.co.za

Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies: www.horizonfuelcell.com

Altergy Systems: www.altergy.com

Ballard Power Systems: www.ballard.com

Hydrogen power for French alpine refuge

The Col du Palet refuge, near Tignes in the French Alps, is now utilising

a hydrogen fuel cell to supply clean renewable electricity for hikers staying at the mountain hut – the first in Europe to benefit from hydrogen technology, according to TignesNet.com.

The refuge of the Col du Palet is located at 2600 m (8500 ft) above sea level in the heart of the Vanoise National Park and, like most mountain refuges, it faces the problem of an independent energy source. The refuge already has solar photovoltaic panels to convert sunlight into electricity, but more than 50% of the energy produced during the year is wasted, as there is nowhere to store it during the months when the refuge is vacant. The introduction of a hydrogen fuel cell system overcomes this, by producing hydrogen using excess electric power, and storing it for subsequent use in the fuel cell to produce electricity.

A consortium of French companies comprising Gest’Hydrogène, Gest’Performance, MaHyTec, PowiDian, and Waechter Energies won a tender launched last year by the Vanoise National Park. The turnkey installation is connected to the electric grid to ensure a continuous energy supply. The system comprises a 500 l/h electrolyser, 2.5 kW fuel cell, and medium-pressure hydrogen storage. This will produce and store 5 kg of hydrogen during the closed season, which will be used as an additional energy reserve throughout the open season.

Gest’Hydrogène and Gest’Performance designed and manufactured the removable enclosure, and provide thermal management of the complete system, while MaHyTec designed and constructed the hydrogen storage and distribution system. PowiDian provided its Smart Autonomous Green Energy System (SAGES) solution that includes the rack-mounted electrolyser and fuel cell for the production and conversion of hydrogen, plus

the battery, solar panels, energy workshop and electrical equipment, and all equipment control. Waechter Energies managed the different phases of installation of electrical connection and distribution.

Gest’Hydrogène: www.gesthydrogene.fr

MaHyTec Matériaux Hydrogène Technologie: www.mahytec.com

PowiDian: www.powidian.com

Waechter Energies: www.waechter-energies.com

SFC integrates 500 W fuel cell in new EFOY ProCabinet product

German-based SFC Energy introduced a new addition to its

portfolio of reliable off-grid power generators at the recent Global Petroleum Show in Calgary, Canada. The EFOY ProCabinet 4120S, with an integrated 500 W EFOY Pro 12000 Duo fuel cell, will deliver reliable, weather-independent power in demanding professional and industrial applications.

The EFOY ProCabinet 4120S was specifically developed as a robust off-grid and backup power source for industrial applications in demanding environmental scenarios. It is fully automatic, maintenance-free, remote-controlled, reliably operates between –40°C and +40°C, and requires no user intervention over extremely long periods of time.

The new EFOY ProCabinet utilises SFC’s most powerful direct methanol fuel cell to date, offering a nominal power of 500 W and a power capacity of 12 kWh per day. Cabinets can be combined as required to provide additional power. Series production of the EFOY Pro 12000, which was launched in the spring [FCB, April 2015, p6], will begin at the end of 2015.

The EFOY Pro 12000 Duo has two fuel connectors, allowing up to four 28 litre fuel cartridges to be connected. Utilising four cartridges containing 112 litres of fuel, with four batteries included in the cabinet, a 500 W application can be run continuously for 10 days fully autonomously.

SFC Energy is a leading provider of hybrid stationary and portable power solutions [see the SFC feature in FCB, January 2013], and has sold more than 33 000 DMFC products worldwide into 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]. The company recently won a large order to

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equip Volkswagen vans with EFOY Pro fuel cells and unveiled a trailer-based hybrid power solution [FCB, May 2015, p3 and p7], while its Canadian subsidiary Simark Controls announced new sales agreements for the US and Canada [FCB, May 2015, p10].

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

Doosan FC wins order for 13 units in Korea, one for Connecticut

US-based Doosan Fuel Cell has been selected by Korea South-

East Power Co Ltd (KOSEP) to provide 13 PureCell® Model 400 phosphoric acid fuel cells to the utility’s plant in Bundang, a southern suburb of the capital, Seoul. Doosan FC will also supply a Model 400 power plant to Connecticut Transit (CTtransit) in the US, for its maintenance and storage facility in Hamden.

The new installation for KOSEP will incorporate a state-of-the-art construction design – the first of its kind in South Korea – with multiple 400 kW fuel cells installedon each floor of a two-storey structure. The installation will conserve valuable urban land resources, taking up half the space of previous configurations, while maximising power density. The 13-unit installation will produce 5.6 MW of electric power and heat for the local electric grid and KOSEP customers, and is scalable for future expansion needs. The supply deal is worth KRW28 billion (US$24 million), and Doosan also expects to sign a KRW40 billion ($35 million) long-term service agreement for fuel cell operation.

When these latest PureCell power plants go live at the end of 2015, Doosan will have 48 active fuel cell systems in South Korea, generating nearly 21 MW of electricity. The new Korean project comes only a month after six Doosan fuel cells went live at the KOSEP facility in Ansan, southwest of Seoul [FCB, June 2015, p6].

And in its home state, Doosan FC will supply a Model 400 system for the Connecticut Transit maintenance and storage facility in Hamden, for installation later this year. The fuel cell will supply 400 kW of electricity, plus heat and hot water, to the facility, which hosts buses that serve cities and towns in Greater New Haven.

This will be the second PureCell system utilised by the Connecticut Department of Transportation-owned bus service, joining a power plant which went live in August 2012 at the CTtransit facility in Hartford [see the PureCell feature in FCB, February 2012]. CTtransit also operates a small fleet of fuel cell buses [FCB, September 2011, p2], powered by PEM fuel cells manufactured locally by UTC Power – which was later acquired by ClearEdge Power [FCB, January 2013, p8], before that in turn was taken over by Doosan [FCB, July 2014, p5]. CTtransit has subsequently partnered with the Atlanta-based Center for Transportation and the Environment and Ballard Power Systems in Canada, as part of a project to bring a new fuel cell bus to Hartford by 2015 [FCB, April 2013, p3 and p9].

The Doosan-CTtransit project is partly funded by the Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) Program, a Federal Transit Administration project to provide grants to public transportation agencies seeking to cut greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption [FCB, December 2011, p9].

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

Korea South-East Power Co Ltd: www.kosep.co.kr/kosep/en/main.do

CTtransit, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Program: http://fuelcell.cttransit.com

AFC has final building permit to finish Stade facility construction

UK-based AFC Energy has received its second and final building

permit from the Stade building and urban development authorities in Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen), Germany to conclude construction of what will be the world’s largest industrial alkaline fuel cell facility.

This final stage building permit follows the first partial building permit, issued in late March. The final permit will allow AFC and its contractors to erect all above-ground infrastructure, including the industrial steel frame building to house the KORE fuel cell system, all storage tanks, piping, connection points, and ancillary above-ground equipment. The final permitting review and approval process has been undertaken in parallel with early phase construction works over the last few months, with concrete now poured on top of the installed piled foundations and reinforcement base structure.

AFC is proceeding with erection of the industrial steel frame building and the liquid

nitrogen tank, vaporiser and reheater installation, hydrogen supply pipework, the medium voltage grid connection substation, chemicals and product water tanks, above-ground piping, electrical and control & instrumentation connections, and the corresponding ancillary structures and support work.

‘Receipt of the final building permit from the Stade consenting authorities will now allow us to conclude our construction activities over the next few weeks, and reinforces the company’s confidence in delivering an accelerated timeline for initial power generation from the KORE system in July 2015 [FCB, June 2015, p6],’ says CEO Adam Bond.

AFC Energy is approaching commercialisation for its KORE low-cost alkaline fuel cell system [see the AFC Energy feature in FCB, November 2011]. The company’s Power-Up project will demonstrate the world’s largest alkaline fuel cell system at the Air Products industrial gas plant in Stade, near Hamburg in northern Germany. The demonstration of the 240 kW KORE system has been fast tracked to December 2015, representing the final phase of AFC’s pre-commercialisation technical development programme [FCB, January 2015, p6 and February 2015, p6]. AFC has also recently announced large-scale projects in Asia and the Middle East [FCB, March 2015, p1 and May 2015, p6].

AFC Energy, Cranleigh, Surrey, UK. Tel: +44 1483 276726, www.afcenergy.com

Power-Up project: www.project-power-up.eu

Dominovas signs MW SOFC deals in Congo, joins Power Africa

Atlanta-based Dominovas Energy has executed a 3 MW, multi-year Power

Provider Agreement (PPA) to provide electricity to the City of David in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in central Africa, utilising its modular, off-grid Rubicon™ solid oxide fuel cell system. Dominovas subsequently executed a similar PPA to provide electricity to the Somico Mine in DRC. The company also says that it has been selected as the first fuel cell company to participate in US President Obama’s Power Africa Initiative, which aims to accelerate private investment in Africa’s power sector over the next several years.

The City of David is a public-private partnership (PPP) between the DR Congo government and a private enterprise, which will comprise 3000 homes, a hospital, health clinics,

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schools, malls, parks, food markets, sports centres, police stations, and waste treatment facilities across 8000 ha (30 square miles). The deployment of the 3 MW Rubicon system, expected to begin in Q4 of 2016, will be the largest single deployment of fuel cell technology in Africa so far. The PPA will yield more than US$100 million in guaranteed revenue to Dominovas Energy over its term. The company has partnered with Delphi Automotive Systems to jointly develop the technology and methodologies necessary to facilitate the commercial manufacture, assembly, and deployment of the Rubicon system [FCB, November 2014, p11].

The Somico Mine, owned and operated by mining company Somico-RDC, is located in the Lusambo/Sankuru region, which has one of the largest certified concentrations of diamonds, gold, and iron ore in Africa. As one of several mines operated by Somico-RDC, the Somico Mine will serve as a model for deploying Rubicon systems throughout Africa and other global markets. With the vast reserves of natural resources in Africa, the mining sector represents a tremendous opportunity for Dominovas Energy’s continued expansion across diverse applications. The deployment of this Rubicon system is also expected to begin in Q4 of 2016, and the multi-year PPA will yield more than $107 million in guaranteed revenue to Dominovas Energy.

The Power Africa Initiative – announced by President Obama in Cape Town, South Africa in June 2013 – is a partnership of private sector participants, the US government, and governments of several sub-Saharan countries, which aims to nurture and accelerate private sector investment in Africa’s power sector over the next several years. Power Africa partners represent the foundational support in building the regulatory, economic, and policy framework integral to meeting increasing African demand for – and access to – electricity.

Dominovas Energy Corporation, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Tel: 1 800 679 1249 (tollfree in US), www.dominovasenergy.com

Power Africa Initiative: www.usaid.gov/powerafrica

CaFCP releases list of California hydrogen station priority sites

The automaker members of the California Fuel Cell Partnership have

released an open letter, that states their consensus list of the priority locations

for the next 19 stations to continue the expansion of the hydrogen fueling station network in California. The aim is to help guide the coordinated efforts of station developers and government planners with those of the anticipated commercial market needs of early-market fuel cell electric vehicle customers.

The primary priority station locations (in alphabetical order) are Berkeley/Richmond/Oakland, Beverly Hills/Westwood, Fremont, Lebec, Manhattan Beach, Sacramento, San Diego #2 and #3, San Francisco, Thousand Oaks/Agoura Hills, and Torrance/Palos Verdes. The secondary priority locations are Culver City, Dublin/Pleasanton, Encino/Sherman Oaks/Van Nuys, Granada Hills, Irvine South, Los Banos, Palm Springs, and Ventura/Oxnard. (The Lebec and Los Banos locations are to further strengthen the Interstate 5 corridor.)

In preparing their recommendations, the CaFCP OEM Advisory Group members – American Honda, General Motors, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota, and Volkswagen – first worked individually to ascertain station deployment for their own market needs, then the data were shared independently in a double-blind process, and compiled into an aggregate list. The Advisory Group then collaboratively reviewed the data to refine the cluster and regional infrastructure needs. Their recommendations focus on building hydrogen fueling network coverage and redundant capacity throughout the Northern California, Southern California, and Central Valley regions. In addition, some recommended priority locations are being fostered as replacements for early ‘demonstration/research project’ hydrogen stations that are not expected to be upgraded to full retail operational status.

The recommendations are to aid the next phase of California’s hydrogen fueling network development, consistent with two CaFCP reports, A California Road Map: The Commercialization of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (published in June 2012) and the subsequent 2014 Update: Hydrogen Progress, Priorities and Opportunities (published in July 2014) [and see the CaFCP feature in FCB, November 2009].

Last summer the California Energy Commission announced $47 million in funding to accelerate the development of publicly accessible hydrogen fueling stations in California [FCB, May 2014, p7 and June 2014, p6]. And Kalibrate Technologies recently released the results of its own California hydrogen refueling infrastructure analysis for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, to identify the best locations for establishing a network of stations [FCB, June 2015, p1].

California Fuel Cell Partnership: www.cafcp.org

2012 Road Map: http://tinyurl.com/cafcp-2012-roadmap

2014 Update: http://tinyurl.com/cafcp-2014-roadmap

Fast-fill hydrogen station in Hawaii to serve GM FCEV fleet

The Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) has commissioned a Fast-

Fill high-pressure (700 bar) hydrogen fueling station at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) in Kaneohe Bay. Operational since November 2014, this station was recently certified for unattended operation, allowing drivers to self-fill their cars just like at a regular gasoline station.

The hydrogen station was developed to support a fleet of General Motors Equinox Fuel Cell cars leased by the Office of Naval Research for use by Marine Corps and Navy personnel on Oahu [FCB, March 2012, p2].

‘We have been really impressed with the fill speed and control algorithms of the hydrogen station at MCBH,’ says Chris Colquitt, Hawaii site leader for GM. ‘The algorithms to control flow have done a really good job of ensuring tank temperature thresholds are maintained, without stopping fills before completion.’

A major challenge for hydrogen production and dispensing stations is the cost of hydrogen at the nozzle. In this project, HNEI – part of the University of Hawaii at Manoa – is conducting research to assess the technical performance and economic value of an electrolyser-based hydrogen production system in a 350/700 bar Fast-Fill (under 5 min) fueling station.

The technical analysis includes component efficiencies under various operating scenarios, and the long-term durability of major components. The economic analysis determines the station’s daily operating cost, and the overall cost benefits of producing hydrogen. The dual fill pressure capability will allow this station to service both light-duty vehicles mostly designed to use high-pressure (700 bar) hydrogen storage, and larger fleet vehicles such as buses, usually designed for 350 bar.

This station is part of the Hawaii Hydrogen Power Park project, established by HNEI to support the Department of Energy’s Technology Validation Program. Initial funding from DOE’s Fuel Cell Technologies Office was used to procure the electrolyser and a low-pressure fueling capability. Additional ONR funding added the capability to include the 700 bar Fast Fill to support the Equinox FCEV

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demonstration at MCBH. The State of Hawaii also provided funding for project management and equipment installation.

HNEI is also participating in a DOE/Sandia project to explore potential cost savings and emissions reductions by using fuel cells to provide electrical power to berthed ships [FCB, March 2014, p7].

Contact: Mitch Ewan, Hydrogen Systems Program Manager, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. Tel: +1 808 956 2337, Email: [email protected], Web: www.hnei.hawaii.edu

Marine Corps Base Hawaii: www.mcbhawaii.marines.mil

Hyundai partners to boost hydrogen fueling infrastructure in Korea

Hyundai Motor Group is part of a Korean consortium to construct

additional hydrogen refueling infrastructure for fuel cell electric vehicles, and is offering a 16-passenger hydrogen fuel cell bus to the city of Gwangju for trial operation. But Hyundai also reports that global sales of its FCEVs are well below target, which is blamed on their high price and the lack of hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

The Gwangju metropolitan government, Gwangju Creative Economy Innovation Center, and Hyundai Motor Group have signed a contract to cooperate on establishing integrated hydrogen stations and test the operation of fuel cell buses. Gwangju Metropolitan City will provide infrastructure including appropriate sites, while Hyundai will offer technologies and activities to construct the integrated stations, according to BusinessKorea.co.kr.

An integrated station serves as a hydrogen fueling station, electric vehicle charging station, and electricity distribution feeder after hydrogen production. It provides hydrogen to FCEVs, and can also charge EVs using electricity generated with stored hydrogen. The Gwangju Creative Economy Innovation Center plans to complete the first such station by the end of this year.

In a bid to build a network of integrated stations, the Center will analyse the business models of fuel cell projects and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) demonstration projects. It will also evaluate the performance and verify commercialisation of products and technologies such as inverters for FCEVs and fuel cell generators.

Hyundai will provide its fuel cell bus to Gwangju Metropolitan City free of charge until May 2016, so the city can evaluate its performance and eco-friendliness. The

second-generation bus features integrated clean technologies developed by the group, and has a driving range of 440 km (270 miles).

Meanwhile, Yonhap News Agency reports that global sales of Hyundai FCEVs have fallen far short of the company’s target over the past two years, apparently due to a lack of hydrogen refueling infrastructure and their relatively high price.

In 2013, when the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell (known in some markets as the Tucson) was launched [FCB, March 2013, p2], 76 cars were sold. Sales came to 128 units in 2014, and 69 units during the first five months of 2015. Only 29 cars have been sold in Korea, with 116 and 117 vehicles exported to the US and Europe, respectively. The sales figures are far smaller than the company’s earlier target to sell 1000 cars by the end of this year.

Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell: http://tinyurl.com/hyundai-ix35FC

Air Products station for Daimler is its first in Europe for forklifts

Daimler has chosen Air Products’ SmartFuel® hydrogen refueling

technology to fuel heavy-duty fuel cell powered forklifts at the automaker’s Sprinter van manufacturing site in Düsseldorf, Germany. This is the first time that Air Products has supplied its SmartFuel technology to the materials handling market in Europe.

Air Products has installed a mobile refueler as part of the project, which will help demonstrate the benefits of hydrogen technology in the materials handling market. These include providing consistent power during use, and avoiding reduced performance or wear-down as battery units do when nearing change-out or recharge time. Also, unlike battery-powered forklifts, hydrogen-powered fuel cells are not adversely impacted by low temperatures when operating in coolers and freezers. This technology is also more environmentally friendly and does not involve lead-acid battery storage or disposal issues [see the features on fuel cell powered forklifts in FCB, September and October 2010].

This is the first time that Daimler has evaluated hydrogen-fueled forklifts in Europe, and is taking place at its global logistics competence centre. The two fuel cell powered forklifts, supplied by Linde Material Handling, are equipped with fuel cells that charge the onboard 80 V batteries. Linde MH is also demonstrating its fuel cell powered materials handling vehicles in the H2IntraDrive

project at the BMW manufacturing plant in Leipzig [FCB, January 2015, p3].

The project – which will run until 2016 – is part of the German National InnovationProgramme Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NIP), coordinated by NOW GmbH in Berlin, and is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Traffic and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI).

Air Products is globally active in hydrogen refueling, with another station recently installed in India [FCB, June 2015, p1], an alliance in Japan with Suzuki Shokan to serve the materials handling market [FCB, March 2015, p7], the first supermarket hosted hydrogen station in the UK [FCB, April 2015, p10], a station for Hyundai in Australia [FCB, January 2015, p6], and numerous US installations including at Honda R&D in California [FCB, April 2014, p8, and see the Air Products feature in FCB, February 2013].

Air Products, Hydrogen Energy: www.airproducts.com/h2energy

Linde Material Handling: www.linde-mh.com

NOW GmbH: www.now-gmbh.de

ThyssenKrupp Uhde, McPhy in alliance for hydrogen generation

French-based McPhy Energy, a leading developer of hydrogen-

based solutions for industry and energy markets, has signed a strategic commercial agreement in the area of hydrogen generation with ThyssenKrupp Uhde Chlorine Engineers in Germany, a global leader in chlor-alkali and hydrochloric acid electrolysis plants.

McPhy Energy will become ThyssenKrupp Uhde Chlorine Engineers’ exclusive supplier for its high-capacity and high-pressure water electrolysis-based hydrogen generation equipment for the renewable energy storage market, particularly Power-to-Gas (P2G) and zero-carbon mobility applications. The Japanese market and atmospheric-pressure water electrolysis are not part of the exclusivity in this agreement.

‘This strategic alliance will enable us to bring our knowledge from more than 400 electrolysis projects into the growing and important industry sector of renewable energy storage,’ says Dr Sami Pelkonen, CEO of ThyssenKrupp Uhde Chlorine Engineers. ‘This alliance will enlarge and speed up our offerings in the electrochemical plant and technology business, especially with regard to large-scale high-pressure alkaline electrolysers.’

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‘By attacking the renewable energies market with our new-generation equipment, delivering improved technical and economic performance capabilities, ThyssenKrupp Uhde Chlorine Engineers will help drive our commercial deployment forward,’ adds Pascal Mauberger, CEO of McPhy Energy.

The alliance will make it possible to accelerate the commercial deployment of the new-generation alkaline high-pressure water electrolysers developed by McPhy Energy using De Nora’s activated electrodes [FCB, March 2015, p8], utilising ThyssenKrupp Uhde Chlorine Engineers’ strong commercial capabilities and engineering expertise.

Created in April 2015, ThyssenKrupp Uhde Chlorine Engineers is a joint venture between plant engineering and construction company ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions and Italian electrochemical technologies specialist De Nora. The JV aims to expand its sales of water electrolysis equipment for renewable energy specialists.

McPhy Energy has developed a proprietary metal hydride-based technique for storing hydrogen in solid form [FCB, August 2014, p8], and also now has a range of electrolyser products for the energy and mobility markets [FCB, March 2015, p9, and see the News Feature in FCB, June 2015]. The company has production sites in France, Germany and Italy, and an R&D laboratory in France.

McPhy Energy, La Motte-Fanjas, France. Tel: +33 4 7571 1505, www.mcphy.com

ThyssenKrupp Uhde Chlorine Engineers:

www.thyssenkrupp-uhde-chlorine-engineers.com

PowerCell wins first order for S2 stack, appoints new CEO

PowerCell Sweden has received the first order for its S2 next-generation

PEM fuel cell stack platform, with an unnamed German company ordering two 25 kW stacks for delivery in August and September. PowerCell has also announced the appointment of Per Wassén as its new CEO.

The S2 fuel cell stack platform was launched at the Hannover Messe trade fair in Germany in April, where it attracted great interest from industry [FCB, May 2015, p10]. The S2 platform complements the company’s first-generation fuel cell stack, the S1 (rated at 1–5 kW), as it covers a larger power range, from 5 kW to 25 kW, but still with the same tolerance to CO and reformate.

Another feature is the capability for repeated starts and stops, which means that battery buffers can be kept to a minimum.

‘We are very happy that the Hannover Fair gained good attraction to the new stack platform, and resulted in our first sale of stacks from the S2 platform,’ says marketing and sales director Andreas Bodén. ‘To get the S2 fuel cell stack platform into production and start to sell it is also one of the main goals for PowerCell Sweden this year.’

Meanwhile, Per Wassén has been appointed as CEO, replacing the departing Magnus Henell, who will support the company during the transitional period. Wassén has been chairman since PowerCell started in 2008, and has broad industrial, commercial and financial experience from his background in the Volvo Group. Current board member Magnus Jonsson will take over as chairman. A board member since 2012, he has extensive experience from the automotive industry in particular.

PowerCell – a spinout from Volvo [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 company is collaborating in a Norwegian project that aims to greatly reduce diesel consumption for electricity generation during vehicle loading and unloading at a grocery distributor, utilising the PowerPac generator, which combines a diesel reformer with a PEM fuel cell [FCB, April 2015, p3]. The S2 stack can run on pure hydrogen, as well as being part of a PowerPac reformer/fuel cell system.

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

Neah, Clear Path team on energy solutions for security & defence

In the US, Neah Power Systems has entered into a Teaming Agreement

with California-based Clear Path Technologies for business development and system integration. They have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the distribution, resale, and support of Neah’s products to the growing global security and defence market, including its Formira HOD™ (Hydrogen On Demand) formic acid reformer/fuel cell platform.

The main focus of the Teaming Agreement is to jointly pursue security and defence business with the Department of Defense, Department

of Homeland Security, and Department of Energy, as well as with foreign government counterparts in regions where Clear Path has established strong relationships, including the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. Clear Path has also agreed to support Neah Power with expert systems integration, engineering, technical and operational support.

The MOU provides the framework and terms for a distribution and reseller agreement, covering the distribution, sales, marketing and support of Neah Power’s products in selected regions. It is expected to provide Neah Power with expansive distribution and sales channels, as well as high-level access to governmental agencies and commercial end-users.

As part of this collaboration, Clear Path has already identified substantial demand for Neah Power’s product offerings for remote power applications in homeland defence projects through the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and East Africa, and humanitarian efforts such as refugee camps and natural disaster response. Clear Path will work with Neah Power to deliver a robust, reliable fuel cell system that will tolerate the conditions that systems experience in forward positions located in challenging environmental conditions. This will allow security and defence customers to easily connect communications equipment, shelters, and control & surveillance electronics to Neah’s systems.

Neah Power offers the BuzzBar Suite® of handheld device charging products [FCB, September 2014, p7]. Earlier this year it completed testing of its PowerChip® units with the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation [FCB, February 2015, p7], and is integrating the Formira HOD platform with Tectonica Australia’s Bantam® soldier-worn power management system [FCB, April 2015, p9].

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

Clear Path Technologies: www.clear-path-tech.com

NexTech to develop methane/oxygen SOFC unit for NASA

Ohio-based NexTech Materials has initiated work on a Small Business

Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project, sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), to develop a high-efficiency solid oxide fuel cell system operating on liquid methane and oxygen reactants.

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Japanese consortium plans fuel cell shipA consortium of Japanese companies plan to develop a hydrogen fuel cell powered ship, according to a Nikkei report. Yamaha Motor (http://global.yamaha-motor.com) will supply the hull of the 10 tonne vessel, while low-emissions bus builder Flat Field (http://en.flatfield.co.jp/service/hydrogen.html) will develop and procure parts and materials for the fuel cells. Iwatani (www.iwatani.co.jp/eng) will provide technical support in handling hydrogen, and Toda (www.toda.co.jp/english) will manage the overall project, which is backed by the environment ministry.

The consortium will begin test runs of the vessel in Nagasaki Prefecture this summer. The ship can travel about 80 km (50 miles) on 160 Nm3 of hydrogen, roughly twice that used in a fuel cell car. The ship’s construction cost more than ¥100 million (US$800 000), more than three times as much as a similarly sized ship running on heavy oil. The companies aim to make the ship commercially available by the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The consortium also sees the project as boosting the economies of Japan’s coastal areas, by putting in place infrastructure to produce hydrogen for ship use at coastal wind and solar power facilities.

In Germany, a tourist ferry has been operated in Hamburg harbour since 2008, powered by a fuel cell system supplied by Proton Motor [FCB, October 2008, p4]. And two years ago the UK’s first hydrogen-powered ferry was operated in Bristol harbour over that summer [FCB, July 2013, p4].

IEA tech roadmap outlines critical stepsThe new Technology Roadmap: Hydrogen and Fuel Cells (http://tinyurl.com/iea-hfc-tech-roadmap-2015) from the International Energy Agency details the steps that governments, industry, and researchers need to take to foster and track deployment of this technology if hydrogen is to become a significant energy carrier by 2050.

For example, the Technology Roadmap says that developing the hydrogen refueling infrastructure required for widespread adoption of fuel cell electric vehicles would entail investment of US$900–1900 for each FCEV sold by 2050. Thus critical steps include large-scale demonstration projects to prove the economic feasibility of electrolysers for producing hydrogen, hydrogen fueling stations, and the FCEVs themselves.

The IEA roadmap addresses the challenge of taking these steps in harmony to bolster the confidence of hydrogen users and suppliers. It shows how a fast ramp-up of FCEV sales – plus basic installation of hydrogen infrastructure, including at least 500–1000 stations – could create a self-sustaining market for such vehicles within 15–20 years.

In Phase I of this project, NexTech designed a methane/oxygen SOFC system, established a process model for a 70% efficient system, and designed the stack for this system. Phase II will develop a 3D CAD model of the methane/oxygen SOFC system, the stack designed in Phase I will be built and tested, and the long-term durability and thermal cycling capability of the stack will be evaluated.

This project is designed to meet NASA’s need for energy-dense and highly efficient energy storage and power delivery systems for future space missions. SOFC-based systems are better suited to meeting NASA’s efficiency targets than other fuel cell technologies while operating directly on methane and oxygen reactants. SOFC power systems for lunar landers and other exploration vehicles are an ideal application for this technology, as well as for power generation on the moon or on Mars. NexTech Materials has established SOFC technology that offers high power density with direct internal fuel reforming and high single-pass fuel utilisation, making it ideally suited for achieving NASA’s performance and efficiency requirements.

‘The applications of a new methane/oxygen SOFC system will greatly benefit NASA, and extend to other markets where alternative energy and high-performance technology are needed,’ says Dr Scott Swartz, CTO of NexTech Materials.

The high-efficiency SOFC technology to be developed on this project is specifically geared towards meeting the demanding requirements of NASA applications, and leverages NexTech’s previous work on developing SOFC-based energy systems for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) [FCB, June 2012, p4]. Meeting the robustness requirements (i.e. thermal cycling and rapid startup) for NASA applications will make NexTech’s SOFC technology suited for other military applications, such as gensets, auxiliary power units for silent-watch vehicles [FCB, December 2014, p4], and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Furthermore, the internal reforming stack technology to be developed in this SBIR project is directly applicable to residential micro combined heat and power (CHP) systems.

NexTech Materials Ltd, Lewis Center, Ohio, USA. Tel: +1 614 842 6606, www.nextechmaterials.com

DOE awards for Giner and Tetramer, Annual Merit Review awards

The US Department of Energy has announced Small Business

Innovation Research and Small

Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) funding for projects at Giner and Tetramer. And DOE’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program presented its annual awards at its recent 2015 Annual Merit Review and Peer Evaluation Meeting.

DOE’s 2015 SBIR/STTR Phase II Release 2 awards include two projects focused on fuel cell durability, performance, and efficiency with the ultimate goal of lowering costs:

• Giner (www.ginerinc.com) of Newton,Massachusetts will develop advancedmembrane and electrode components tosignificantly enhance the durability andperformance of fuel cells and electrolysers.

• Tetramer Technologies (www.tetramer.com) of Pendleton, South Carolina willdevelop new high-performance water vapourmembranes to improve fuel cell balance-of-plant (BOP) components, reducing cost andimproving performance.

Both of these companies recently won funding for projects under Phase 2 Release 1 of the 2015 SBIR/STTR programme [FCB, April 2015, p12].

Meanwhile, the DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program presented its annual awards at the 2015 DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program Annual Merit Review and Peer Evaluation Meeting (AMR) in June. Each year, awards are presented for contributions to the overall efforts of the Program and to recognise achievements in specific areas.

Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program Awards were presented to George Parks (FuelScience LLC) and Jesse Schneider (BMW of North America).

Program Area Awards were made for several specific areas:

• Hydrogen production: Pin-Ching Maness(National Renewable Energy Laboratory).

• Hydrogen storage: Robert Bowman (OakRidge National Laboratory).

• Fuel cells: David Harvey (Ballard Power Systems).• Safety, codes and standards: Jennifer Hamilton

(California Fuel Cell Partnership).• Safety, codes and standards: Nick Barilo

(Pacific Northwest National Laboratory).• Systems analysis: Marc Melaina, Brian Bush

and Michael Penev (NREL), and AmgadElgowainy (Argonne National Laboratory).

• Systems analysis: Marianne Mintz (ArgonneNational Laboratory) and Catherine Mertes(RCF Economic & Financial ConsultingInc).

• Technology validation: Michael Kashuba(California Air Resources Board).

DOE, Hydrogen and Fuel Cells: http://energy.gov/eere/transportation/hydrogen-and-fuel-cells

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Fuel Cells Bulletin July 201512

Delaware engineers investigate use of solar power on hybrid fuel cell shuttle buses

The University of Delaware fuel cell bus programme currently has two 22 ft (6.7 m), 22-seat transit buses equipped with nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries to meet the power demand of the buses, and hydrogen-fueled PEM fuel cells to maintain the state-of-charge (SOC) of the onboard batteries.

UD engineering researchers have recently developed a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) for automotive applications. In this approach, a roof-installed solar photovoltaic (PV) array is combined with the PEM fuel cell/NiCd battery hybrid bus currently operating on shuttle routes on the UD campus in Newark.

‘The additional power produced by the roof-installed photovoltaic array can supplement the battery in meeting power demand and the fuel cell in charging the battery,’ explains Professor Babatunde Ogunnaike.

But hybrid systems require a delicate balance of sometimes competing objectives, under varying environmental and driving conditions. In this case, the bus power demand must be satisfied instantly at all times, while also maintaining the battery state of charge at an optimal 65%. Adding solar to the hybrid system means that you also have to contend with the unpredictable variability in solar power. Appropriately designed controllers can provide a solution, but which type is most effective?

To answer these questions, Ogunnaike teamed with Dr Ajay Prasad, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and director of UD’s Center for Fuel Cell Research, to demonstrate the design, implementation, and performance of the three-way hybrid system, through the simulation of real shuttle runs under various operating conditions. They also conducted an economic analysis to determine whether solar would be a cost-effective addition to the bus. Their findings are reported in a paper recently published online in the Open Access journal Processes.

The system’s overall operating objectives – meeting the total power demand of the bus, and maintaining the desired state-of-charge of the NiCd battery – are achieved with appropriately designed controllers: a logic-based ‘algebraic controller’, and a standard proportional-integral (PI) controller.

Ogunnaike explains that the algebraic controller is based on the straightforward logic of matching power demand to available supply. ‘As a consequence, control decisions are based on simple algebra, without consideration for the often important difference between the point at which control action is taken and when its effect is felt by the system – known as system dynamics,’ he says. ‘On the other hand, the proportional-integral, or PI, control is based on a standard algorithm that takes such system dynamics into consideration.’

The performance and effectiveness of the two strategies were evaluated under three operating conditions: first, under typical operating conditions in terms of solar irradiance, vehicle speed, and ambient temperature during summer and winter; second, during sudden changes in cloud cover; and third, with a sustained increase in bus speed.

‘What we found is that the two control strategies perform equally well under typical operating conditions and under sudden cloud cover conditions,’ continues Ogunnaike. ‘However, at consistently high bus speeds, battery state-of-charge maintenance is better, and the system consumes less hydrogen with PI control.’

An economic analysis of the PV investment necessary to realise the HRES design objectives indicates a return-on-investment of approximately 30% in Newark, Delaware, representing a slight profit of some $550 over the bus lifetime. This establishes the economic viability of the proposed addition of a PV array to the existing UD fuel cell/battery bus.

‘UD’s fuel cell bus programme has now completed a decade of existence, with its two current buses accumulating a combined 14 years of service,’ says Ajay Prasad.

Two new, advanced fuel cell hybrid buses will be added to the UD fleet later this year, providing opportunities for additional research.

ReferenceZachary S. Whiteman, Piyush Bubna, Ajay K. Prasad, and Babatunde A. Ogunnaike: Design, operation, control, and economics of a photovoltaic/fuel cell/battery hybrid renewable energy system for automotive applications, Processes 3(2) (June 2015) 452–470, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/pr3020452 or www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/3/2/452 [Open Access].

For more information, contact: Professor Babatunde Ogunnaike, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA. Tel: +1 302 831 4504, Email: [email protected], Research Group: www.che.udel.edu/systems

University of Delaware, Center for Fuel Cell Research: www.cfcr.udel.edu

Engineering researchers at the University of Delaware in the US are investigating the use of solar power on UD’s fuel cell bus fleet, as a way to reduce operating costs without increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Schematic diagram of the PV/PEM fuel cell/NiCd battery hybrid powertrain in the University of Delaware fuel cell bus. Colour key: (1) Blocks: primary components (green), auxiliary fuel cell components (beige), power conditioning units (black); and (2) Streams: glycol/water mixture (purple), hydrogen (light blue), air (yellow), DC power (red), AC power (light green), mechanical power to/from the drivetrain (dark blue). Black arrows indicate stream flow direction. [Image courtesy of MDPI]

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July 201513

Fuel Cells Bulletin

UCLA researchers develop lower-cost, more efficient nanostructures for PEMFCs

Surface engineering to enhance stabilityThe chemical processes that take place in PEM fuel cells are catalysed by metals. One of these processes is the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode, which has typically used platinum as its catalyst, but the high cost of platinum has been a major factor in hindering wider adoption of these fuel cells. Scientists have studied alternative catalysts – including using a bimetallic platinum-nickel compound – but to date, none has been durable enough to be a viable solution.

Doping platinum-nickel nanostructures To create a fuel cell that would be more efficient, more durable and less expensive to produce, the research consortium used a surface engineering technique called ‘surface doping’, in which they added a third metal (molybdenum, Mo) to the surface of platinum-nickel (Pt3Ni) nanostructures (octahedra).

The change made the alloy surface more stable, and prevented the loss of nickel and platinum over time. Surface doping with

molybdenum resulted in the best ORR performance, although they also tried this approach with several other transition metals: vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, tungsten, and rhenium.

The Mo‐Pt3Ni/C nanostructures showed thebest ORR performance, with a specific activity of 10.3 mA/cm2 and mass activity of 6.98 A/mg of Pt, which are 81- and 73‐fold enhancements compared with the commercial Pt/C catalyst (0.127 mA/cm2 and 0.096 A/mg of Pt).

Theoretical calculations suggest that Mo prefers subsurface positions near the particle edges in vacuum and surface vertex/edge sites in oxidising conditions, where it enhances both the performance and the stability of the Pt3Ni catalyst. Mo‐Pt3Ni/C also retained about 95% ofits efficiency over time, significantly better than the efficiency rate of 66% or less for Pt-Ni catalysts. The work was published recently in Science.

Improving catalyst efficiency, reducing cost‘We showed that the addition of a third transition metal enables improvement in both efficiency and durability to bring down long-term costs,’ says Dr Yu Huang, who led the research team. Huang is a UCLA associate professor of materials science and engineering, and a member of the California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA.

She continues: ‘In addition, the surface doping approach may also apply to a broad range of catalysts, and opens up a new route for catalyst engineering for the search of high-performance catalysts for environment protection, energy generation, and chemical productions.’

Research consortiumThe paper’s co-lead authors are postdoctoral scholar Xiaoqing Huang and graduate student Zipeng Zhao, both members of Huang’s

research group. The other authors are Yu Chen and Enbo Zhu, graduate students in Huang’s lab; UCLA chemistry and biochemistry graduate students Zhaoyang Lin and Mufan Li and their adviser, Professor Xiangfeng Duan; Aiming Yan, a University of California, Berkeley postdoctoral scholar in physics and her adviser, Professor Alex Zettl (Center of Integrated Nanomechanical Systems and Kavli Energy NanoSciences Institute); Y. Morris Wang, a researcher at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; and Johns Hopkins University physics graduate student Liang Cao and his adviser, Professor Tim Mueller.

AcknowledgmentThe research was supported by the Office of Naval Research, National Science Foundation, and US Department of Energy.

This summary is based on a report by Matthew Chin in the UCLA Office of Media Relations.

ReferenceXiaoqing Huang, Zipeng Zhao, Liang Cao, Yu Chen, Enbo Zhu, Zhaoyang Lin, Mufan Li, Aiming Yan, Alex Zettl, Y. Morris Wang, Xiangfeng Duan, Tim Mueller, and Yu Huang: High-performance transition metal–doped Pt3Ni octahedra for oxygen reduction reaction, Science 348:6240 (12 June 2015) 1230–1234, http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.aaa8765

For more information, contact: Dr Yu Huang, Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, USA. Tel: +1 310 794 9589, Email: [email protected], Research Group: http://yhuang.seas.ucla.edu

California NanoSystems Institute: www.cnsi.ucla.edu

Or contact: Professor Tim Mueller, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Tel: +1 410 516 8145, Email: [email protected], Research Group: http://muellergroup.jhu.edu

A team led by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles has developed nanostructures made from a compound of three metals – platinum, nickel, and molybdenum – that increases the efficiency and durability of proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells while lowering the cost to produce them.

PEM fuel cell created using ‘surface doping’. Adding a third metal (Mo) to the surface of Pt-Ni nanostructures made the alloy surface more stable, and prevented the loss of Ni and Pt over time. [Image courtesy of UCLA]

Fuel Cells Bulletin July 201514

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Japanese researchers show how combination imaging reveals PEM fuel cell damage

Professor Yasuhiro Iwasawa and colleagues from the University of Electro-Communications in Tokyo (including UEC’s Innovation Research Center for Fuel Cells), the University of Tokushima, and the Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute in Hyogo, studied proton-exchange membrane fuel cells based on Nafion®, an ion-containing polymer (ionomer) that is widely used in PEMFCs.

The team report in The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters how they might expect the non-uniform distribution of catalytic platinum nanoparticles in membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs) to lead to non-uniform degradation throughout the fuel cell. As a result, spatially resolved imaging of the membrane and catalytic platinum chemical species is key to determining how to reduce the deterioration of the catalyst, and hence improve the durability.

Combination of imaging techniquesThe researchers combined scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques with X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements. ‘The STEM/EDS can give morphological information on atomic arrangement and element distribution, while the nano-XAFS can give molecular-level chemical information on electronic (oxidation) states and coordination structures with chemical bonding,’ they explain in the paper.

The team used their ‘same-view’ STEM/EDS and XAFS equipment to compare the membranes before and after 300 cycles of anode gas exchange, which simulates the startup/shutdown process in fuel cell electric vehicles, for example. They were able to identify two processes causing irreversible degradation of the platinum catalyst: detachment of the platinum nanoparticles

from the carbon support, and the formation of platinum ions. Furthermore, they found that these processes were dependent on the ratios of platinum and ionomer.

PEMFCs and NafionPEM fuel cell catalysts cause the hydrogen molecules to break up into protons and electrons. The proton-exchange membrane allows the protons to pass through, while the electrons follow an external circuit to the anode to complete the circuit, providing an electric current. Nafion was the first reported ion-containing polymer, and is widely used in fuel

cells because of its high thermal and mechanical stability.

Electron microscopyThe resolving power of traditional optical microscopes is limited by the diffraction limit to around half the wavelength of the incident light. The resolving power of electron microscopes is much greater, because the wavelength associated with the electron beams used is up to several orders of magnitude shorter than optical light.

Electron microscope images are derived from the changes in the electron beam after it is transmitted through the sample. Scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) images are achieved by scanning the beam across the sample, providing atomic-scale information about the shape and contours of a sample.

A collaboration of researchers in Japan has demonstrated a technique for simultaneously mapping the morphology as well as electronic and bonding states on PEM fuel cell electrode membranes for the first time. The results show how the catalysts on the membrane electrodes degrade, and provide insights into improving their durability.

Schematic diagram of the combined approach that yields both X-ray absorption (bottom left) and electron microscopy (top right) data. The combined approach helps to identify how PEM fuel cell membranes deteriorate. [Image courtesy of ACS]

July 2015 Fuel Cells Bulletin15

Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopyThe electron beam can also stimulate the emission of X-rays from a sample. The wavelength of the X-rays emitted is determined by the atomic structure, which is specific to each individual element. Thus measuring the peaks in the X-ray spectra – referred to as energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) – can identify the elements in STEM images.

X-ray absorption fine structureWhen a sample is irradiated with a beam of X-rays, some pass through and some are absorbed at specific wavelengths that depend on the binding energy of the electrons in the sample. Identifying these binding energies in this way gives an indication of the molecular-level chemical information on electronic

(oxidation) states and coordination structures with chemical bonding.

Same-view cell imagingThe researchers produced a ‘same-view’ membrane cell that allows the simultaneous viewing of both chemical distribution (by STEM) and bonding states (by nano-XAFS) in fuel cell membranes. By combining the information in these imaging techniques in the same-view cell in this way, they could monitor and locate the movement and ionisation of the catalytic platinum nanoparticles that causes deterioration of the fuel cell.

The same-view imaging under the humid N2 atmosphere provided unprecedented spatial information on the distribution of Pt nanoparticles and oxidation states in the Pt/C cathode catalyst layer. The imaging also shows Nafion ionomer-filled nanoholes of carbon support in the wet MEA, providing evidence of the origin of the formation of Pt

oxidation species and isolated Pt nanoparticles in the nanohole areas of the cathode layer with different Pt/ionomer ratios.

ReferenceShinobu Takao, Oki Sekizawa, Gabor Samjeske, Shin-ichi Nagamatsu, Takuma Kaneko, Takashi Yamamoto, Kotaro Higashi, Kensaku Nagasawa, Tomoya Uruga, and Yasuhiro Iwasawa: Same-view nano-XAFS/STEM-EDS imagings of Pt chemical species in Pt/C cathode catalyst layers of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters 6(11) (4 June 2015) 2121–2126, http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.5b00750

For more information, contact: Professor Yasuhiro Iwasawa, Innovation Research Center for Fuel Cells, University of Electro-Communications, Chofu, Tokyo, Japan. Tel: +81 42 443 5921, Email: [email protected], Web: www.icfc.uec.ac.jp/index_eng.html

NEWS fEAturE / rESEArCh trENdS

Research TrendsReduced in-plane swelling of Nafion by biaxial modificationS. Hink et al.: Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics 216(11) (June 2015) 1235–1243.http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/macp.201500063

Special issue on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Systems for Clean Energy Applications (ICCE 2014, 8–12 June 2014, Istanbul, Turkey)Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 40(24) (29 June 2015) 7423–7902.www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03603199/40/24

Carbon-supported NiPdAu hollow nanoparticles with superior catalytic activity for methanol electrooxidationC. Shang et al.: J. Power Sources 285 (1 July 2015) 12–15.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2015.03.092

Manufacturing method for tubular MCFCs, and basic cell performanceM. Kawase : J. Power Sources 285 (1 July 2015) 260–265.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2015.03.117

Review of stability and durability of non-precious metal catalysts for ORR in PEMFCsD. Banham et al.: J. Power Sources 285 (1 July 2015) 334–348.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2015.03.047

Critical review of current collectors for passive DMFCs R.K. Mallick et al.: J. Power Sources 285 (1 July 2015) 510–529.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2015.03.089

Synchrotron investigation of microporous layer thickness on liquid water distribution in PEMFCJ. Lee et al.: J. Electrochem. Soc. 162(7) (July 2015) F669–676. [Open Access]http://dx.doi.org/10.1149/2.0221507jes

Mechanically stable poly(arylene ether) AEMs prepared from commercial polymers for alkaline electrochemical devicesC.G. Arges et al.: J. Electrochem. Soc. 162(7) (July 2015) F686–693. [Open Access]http://dx.doi.org/10.1149/2.0361507jes

MWNTs composited with Pd nanocatalysts for highly efficient ethanol oxidationY. Wang et al.: J. Electrochem. Soc. 162(7)

(July 2015) F755–763. [Open Access]http://dx.doi.org/10.1149/2.0751507jes

Cross-linked SPAEK electrolyte membranes containing hygroscopic proton conductors, for DMFCsJ. Park et al.: Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 40(25) (6 July 2015) 8160–8171.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2015.04.108

Water control by employing microgrooves inside gas channel for performance improvement in PEMFCsR. Koresawa et al.: Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 40(25) (6 July 2015) 8172–8181.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2015.04.113

Evaluation of polyaniline-Nafion composite membranes for DMFC durability testsR. Escudero-Cid et al.: Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 40(25) (6 July 2015) 8182–8192.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2015.04.130

Special issue on 10th European Symposium on Electrochemical Engineering (28 September–2 October 2014, Sardinia, Italy)J. Applied Electrochem. 45(7) (July 2015) 635–808.http://link.springer.com/journal/10800/45/7

Fuel Cells Bulletin July 201516

pAtENtS

PatentsMultilayer contact for planar SOFC stack, with at least three layers of electrically conductive, thermally matching perovskite materialsAssignee: Versa Power Systems, Canada [FuelCell Energy]Inventors: X. Zhang et al.Patent number: US 8962218Published: 24 Feb. 2015 (Filed: 14 Jan. 2011)

SOFC interconnects comprising mix of Cr and higher than normal Fe content, and fabrication methodsAssignee: Bloom Energy Corporation, USAInventors: S. Couse et al.Patent number: US 8962219Published: 24 Feb. 2015 (Filed: 16 Nov. 2012)

Gasifier with integrated SOFC power generation system for direct carbon operationAssignee: ThermoChem Recovery International, USAInventor: R. ChandranPatent number: US 8968433Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 1 Dec. 2011)

Methods and devices for printing seals for SOFC stacks, including applying seal paste to interconnect using stencil printingAssignee: Bloom Energy Corporation, USAInventors: M. Gottmann et al.Patent number: US 8968509Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 9 May 2013)

SOFC hot box components, including cathode recuperator heat-exchangers and cathode exhaust steam generatorsAssignee: Bloom Energy Corporation, USAInventors: M. Perry et al.Patent number: US 8968943Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 5 Jan. 2012)

Membrane cartridge humidifier device for humidifying fluid in automotive (PEM) fuel cell systemAssignee: Daimler, GermanyInventors: B. Altmueller et al.Patent number: US 8968944Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 8 July 2009)

Fuel cell humidifier comprising stack of parallel water-permeable membranes, with effective sealingAssignee: Mann+Hummel GmbH, GermanyInventors: M. Fasold et al.Patent number: US 8968945Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 23 Oct. 2012)

DMFC system with efficient reduction of lost moisture in anode exhaust, improved fuel efficiencyAssignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute, TaiwanInventors: K.-Y. Kang et al.Patent number: US 8968946Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 15 Aug. 2007)

SOFC/reformer operating method for high efficiency, long life, and reduced soot deposition on anodeAssignee: Eberspaecher Climate Control Systems GmbH, Germany [Eberspächer]Inventors: K. Reiners et al.Patent number: US 8968947Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 6 Oct. 2011)

Automotive PEMFC startup by supplying fuel to flow-field from downstream side through discharge passage, to suppress degradationAssignee: Honda Motor Co, JapanInventors: M. Mohri et al.Patent number: US 8968950Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 17 May 2011)

Intelligent system for PEMFC dynamic modelling and operation, controlling voltage output by varying input parametersAssignees/Inventors: R.V. Mayorga Lopez and S. Song, Canada [University of Regina]Patent number: US 8968951Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 23 Jan. 2007)

Changing SOFC module operation based on monitoring degradation, to maintain long-term performanceAssignee: Toto Ltd, JapanInventors: T. Shigezumi et al.Patent number: US 8968953Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 31 Mar. 2010)

Controlling fuel reaction condition in DMFC, to maintain normal operation even in changing or extreme external environment

Assignee: Samsung SDI, KoreaInventors: J.S. Heo et al.Patent number: US 8968954Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 9 Jan. 2012)

Derivation of control parameters for flexible fuel operation of SOFC systemsAssignee: Bloom Energy Corporation, USAInventors: D. Weingaertner et al.Patent number: US 8968955Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 18 Feb. 2014)

Flexible, electrolyte-supported planar SOFCs with dense cell edge for enhanced sealing, maximised active area: FlexCell™, HybridCell™Assignee: NexTech Materials, USAInventors: M.J. Day et al.Patent number: US 8968956Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 20 Sep. 2011)

PEMFC with shock-absorbing resin guides on separators, for easy and accurate stack assemblyAssignee: Honda Motor Co, JapanInventors: S. Goto et al.Patent number: US 8968957Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 22 Feb. 2011)

Voltage lead jumper-connected columns in cylindrical integrated SOFC/fuel processor systemAssignee: Bloom Energy Corporation, USAInventors: M. Gottmann et al.Patent number: US 8968958Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 2 July 2009)

Fabrication of high power density, tubular SOFC with low-melting metal or low-cost elastomer sealsAssignee: Akademia Gorniczo-Hutnicza, Poland [AGH University of Science and Technology]Inventors: Z. Magonski et al.Patent number: US 8968959Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 12 July 2010)

Reversal-tolerant PEMFC MEA, with layer of Ru or Ru compound on anode to electrolyse water, preventing MEA damageAssignees: Daimler, Germany and Ford Motor Company, USA [AFCC, Canada]Inventors: H. Zhang et al.Patent number: US 8968960Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 8 Jan. 2010)

pAtENtS

July 2015 Fuel Cells Bulletin17

Manufacture of proton-conducting membranes, composite polymer films with inorganic ceramic oxides, for regenerative PEMFCsAssignee: Ramot at Tel-Aviv University Ltd, IsraelInventors: E. Peled et al.Patent number: US 8968961Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 24 Jan. 2011)

Fabrication of planar SOFC stack, with suppressed warping via reduction performed on anode layerAssignee: NGK Insulators Ltd, JapanInventors: M. Ohmori et al.Patent number: US 8968962Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 12 Aug. 2009)

Planar integrated DMFC that can be structurally redesigned easily and flexibly for use in variety of mobile electronic devicesAssignee: Sharp, JapanInventors: T. Onishi et al.Patent number: US 8968966Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 3 Aug. 2012)

PEMFC catalyst support with fluoride-doped metal oxides/phosphates, manufacturing methodAssignee: Ballard Power Systems, CanadaInventors: B. Merzougui et al.Patent number: US 8968967Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 17 Sep. 2008)

Flat single cells for SOFC stacks, with thermally matched electrode layers to avoid curvature on coolingAssignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, USAInventors: Y. Narendar et al.Patent number: US 8968968Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 16 Nov. 2011)

Preparation of PEMFC composite Pt nanoparticle core/graphene shell electrode catalyst using simultaneous evaporation processAssignee: Korea Institute of Energy Research, KoreaInventors: H.-Y. Kim et al.Patent number: US 8969234Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 7 June 2013)

Tungsten carbide/carbon nanotube/Pt composite materials, e.g. for DMFC electrocatalysts, preparationAssignees: Zhejiang University of Technology, China and Queen’s University Belfast, UKInventors: C.-A. Ma et al.Patent number: US 8969235Published: 3 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 14 Dec. 2012)

Humidifying PEMFC inlets using wick-based water trap humidifiersAssignee: General Motors, USAInventor: G.W. SkalaPatent number: US 8974976Published: 10 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 31 Jan. 2007)

Wet side paper for PEMFC humidifier, comprising glass fibre-based paper diffusion mediumAssignee: General Motors, USAInventors: A.M. Brenner et al.Patent number: US 8974977Published: 10 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 13 Apr. 2012)

SOFC/reformer that suppresses ignition problems and prevents flameout subsequent to ignitionAssignee: Toto Ltd, JapanInventors: T. Ooe et al.Patent number: US 8974978Published: 10 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 26 May 2010)

MEA with peripheral frame body and sandwiching separator sheets, for compact automotive PEMFCAssignee: Nissan Motor Co, JapanInventors: T. Oku et al.Patent number: US 8974980Published: 10 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 31 May 2011)

SOFC interconnect for reduced or eliminated diffusion (leakage) of fuel and oxidantAssignee: LG Fuel Cell Systems, USA [formerly Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems]Inventors: R. Goettler et al.Patent number: US 8974981Published: 10 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 15 June 2011)

PEMFC stack with high sealability and adhesiveness at edge of electrolyte membrane, manufactureAssignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, JapanInventors: H. Tanahashi et al.

Patent number: US 8974982Published: 10 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 28 Oct. 2008)

PEMFC separator with improved corrosion resistance and excellent electrical conductivityAssignee: Nissan Motor Co, JapanInventors: T. Himeno et al.Patent number: US 8974983Published: 10 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 20 Oct. 2009)

Power generation using alkaline fuel cell with anion-exchange membrane, fuel contains ammoniaAssignee: Tokuyama Corporation, JapanInventors: S. Watanabe et al.Patent number: US 8974984Published: 10 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 22 July 2010)

Low-cost fuel cell unit box with stack hinge, fabricated with high accuracy and coupling strengthAssignee: Honda Motor Co, JapanInventors: R. Yoshitomi et al.Patent number: US 8974985Published: 10 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 6 June 2008)

Metal-supported carbon, crystals comprising fullerene molecules and fullerene nanowhiskers/nanofibres, for PEMFC electrode catalystAssignee: M Technique Co Ltd, JapanInventor: M. EnomuraPatent number: US 8974986Published: 10 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 4 July 2008)

Method to dry exhaust gas from (PEM) fuel cell system onboard an aircraft, for inerting its fuel tanksAssignee: Airbus Operations GmbH, GermanyInventors: R.-H. Stolte et al.Patent number: US 8978264Published: 17 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 30 Apr. 2012)

Hot-pressing method for producing PEMFC MEA with excellent CNT electrode transferability to electrolyte membraneAssignee: Toyota Motor Corporation, JapanInventors: K. Yamaue et al.Patent number: US 8980038Published: 17 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 1 Nov. 2012)

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18Fuel Cells Bulletin July 2015

Thin separator with improved electrical conductivity for DMFC fabricated on PCB to power phoneAssignee: Nitto Denko Corporation, JapanInventor: S. InouePatent number: US 8980138Published: 17 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 6 Feb. 2013)

Removing water in cathode catalyst layer before supplying coolant after subzero startup, to reduce automotive PEMFC degradationAssignee: Toyota Motor Corporation, JapanInventors: S. Usami et al.Patent number: US 8980486Published: 17 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 17 June 2010)

Monitoring PEMFC activation progress with rising temperature, to accurately estimate completion timeAssignee: Toyota Motor Corporation, JapanInventors: K. Umayahara et al.Patent number: US 8980487Published: 17 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 16 June 2008)

LPG reformer/PEMFC system capable of stable startup with stable combustion in burner unitAssignee: Panasonic, JapanInventors: H. Tatsui et al.Patent number: US 8980488Published: 17 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 7 May 2010)

PEMFC power source for portable device, with methanol reformer operated to prevent exhaust of unburnt fuel from combustor(s)Assignee: Casio Computer Co, JapanInventor: T. TeradaPatent number: US 8980489Published: 17 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 22 Mar. 2007)

Control of coolant circulation timing and flow rate for aftercooler in automotive PEMFC, to enable power generation on cold startupAssignee: Nissan Motor Co, JapanInventors: I. Taniguchi et al.Patent number: US 8980490Published: 17 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 1 Aug. 2014)

Sodium borohydride PEMFC to power portable computing device, with bidirectional device-fuel cell controller communication

Assignee: Apple, USAInventors: B.L. Spare et al.Patent number: US 8980491Published: 17 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 3 Aug. 2010)

Control of semiconductor PEMFC array integrated onto fuel cell chip, e.g. pulsing to self-clean catalyst of contaminantsAssignee: Encite LLC, USAInventors: S.A. Marsh et al.Patent number: US 8980492Published: 17 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 2 Mar. 2007)

Automotive PEMFC cooling system which prevents abnormal heating of ion-exchange resins that remove impurity ions from coolantAssignee: Toyota Boshoku Corp, JapanInventors: A. Imamura et al.Patent number: US 8980493Published: 17 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 9 June 2009)

Water management for (PEM) fuel cell, managing differential pressure across water transport plate to ensure desired water flowAssignee: Ballard Power Systems, CanadaInventor: J.P. MeyersPatent number: US 8980494Published: 17 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 25 July 2006)

Automotive reformer/SOFC system with enhanced combustor durability, improved heat efficiencyAssignee: Honda Motor Co, JapanInventor: H. HommaPatent number: US 8980495Published: 17 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 16 May 2007)

Control of SOFC operation to restrain further degradation of affected cellsAssignee: Toto Ltd, JapanInventors: T. Ooe et al.Patent number: US 8980496Published: 17 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 31 Mar. 2010)

Automotive SOFC stack with suppressed separator distortion due to thermal expansion/contraction, to increase power and durabilityAssignee: Honda Motor Co, JapanInventors: T. Ogawa et al.Patent number: US 8980498Published: 17 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 1 Sep. 2010)

Low-cost, polyimide-based PEM with high resistance to methanol crossover, and use in DMFC MEAAssignee: Nitto Denko Corporation, JapanInventors: T. Sugitani et al.Patent number: US 8980499Published: 17 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 21 May 2010)

PEMFC with reactant channels overlapping electrode edge for lower hydrogen peroxide crossover, reducing deteriorationAssignee: Panasonic, JapanInventors: S. Takeguchi et al.Patent number: US 8980500Published: 17 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 2 Feb. 2011)

Gold coating method for PEMFC metal separator, with reticulate coating area around main coating area, to suppress peelingAssignee: Honda Motor Co, JapanInventors: M. Utsunomiya et al.Patent number: US 8980501Published: 17 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 4 Apr. 2012)

Pore formation by in situ etching of nanorod PEMFC electrodes using glancing angle deposition, for much greater available electrode surface area and hence higher cell performanceAssignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst., USAInventors: M.D. Gasda et al.Patent number: US 8980502Published: 17 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 8 July 2010)

Metal oxide (silica, zirconia and/or ceria)-Pt nanowire mesh compound catalyst with high catalytic activity, and production methodAssignee: Shinshu University, JapanInventors: Y. Murakami et al.Patent number: US 8980786Published: 17 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 8 Aug. 2011)

Integrated baffles for automotive PEMFC stack, featuring subgasket that impedes reactant bypass flow within fuel cellAssignee: General Motors, USAInventors: S. Vyas et al.Patent number: US 8986860Published: 24 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 22 Apr. 2008)

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July 2015 Fuel Cells Bulletin19

A SubSCrIptIoN INCLudES:• Onlineaccessfor5users• Anarchiveofbackissues

www.fuelcellsbulletin.com8

Ammonia fuel cell with solid electrolyte including layered metal oxide based on doped LaSrCoO, with high current densityAssignees: Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan and Hokkaido University, JapanInventors: H. Nakanishi et al.Patent number: US 8986894Published: 24 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 7 Feb. 2012)

PEMFC treated with water transfer materials, and offering integrated gas humidification, membrane hydration, water removal, and cell coolingAssignee/Inventor: Yong Gao, Canada [Shanghai Everpower Technologies]Patent number: US 8986897Published: 24 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 5 July 2007)

Power source for portable device (e.g. smartphone) including (PEM) fuel cell and electrolyser, and fuel cell control methodAssignee: BlackBerry, CanadaInventors: D.G. Rich et al.Patent number: US 8986898Published: 24 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 30 Sep. 2011)

Enhanced FCEV startup, utilising current control module to apply load to fuel cell, and cell voltage monitoring moduleAssignee: General Motors, USAInventors: D.I. Harris et al.Patent number: US 8986899Published: 24 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 29 Oct. 2012)

Controlling SOFC system using impedance determination, reduces operating temperature variationsAssignee: Bloom Energy Corporation, USAInventors: M. Gottmann et al.Patent number: US 8986900Published: 24 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 4 Dec. 2013)

Control of valve to prevent air inflow to automotive PEMFC when

stopping, to minimise cathode catalyst degradationAssignee: Toyota Motor Corporation, JapanInventor: K. KatanoPatent number: US 8986901Published: 24 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 26 Feb. 2010)

PEMFC stack sealing using pair of integrally formed gaskets, and manufacturing methodAssignee: NOK Corporation, JapanInventor: T. UrakawaPatent number: US 8986902Published: 24 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 27 Oct. 2010)

Fabrication of moulded PEM with excellent proton conductivity and robustness, for use in DMFCAssignee: Toray Industries, JapanInventors: D. Izuhara et al.Patent number: US 8986903Published: 24 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 14 Feb. 2006)

SOFC multilayer seal in which layers have different porosities, and manufacturing method, for improved durabilityAssignee: Samsung SDI, KoreaInventors: Y.-S. Kwon et al.Patent number: US 8986904Published: 24 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 7 Sep. 2012)

SOFC interconnect with serpentine fuel flow-field and straight air flow-field, for high fuel utilisation in tall stacksAssignee: Bloom Energy Corporation, USAInventors: J.F. McElroy et al.Patent number: US 8986905Published: 24 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 11 Nov. 2008)

Aerosol-assisted co-assembly process for preparing nanoporous Pt/TiO2 composite particles, for DMFC anode catalystAssignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, Korea

Inventors: H.D. Jang et al.Patent number: US 8986906Published: 24 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 14 July 2011)

Robust porous electrode substrate comprising carbon fibre mesh, production method, PEMFC MEAAssignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co, JapanInventors: K. Sumioka et al.Patent number: US 8986907Published: 24 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 2 Feb. 2010)

Manufacturing PEMFC anode by adding water electrolysis catalyst to formed electrode to minimise deformation, improve performanceAssignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Korea and Kia Motors Corporation, KoreaInventor: H. LeePatent number: US 8986908Published: 24 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 16 Oct. 2012)

PEMFC electrode catalyst layer of sulfonated poly(arylene ether)s, and fast, low-cost manufacturingAssignee: National Sun Yat-sen University, TaiwanInventors: W.-Y. Huang et al.Patent number: US 8987407Published: 24 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 23 Jan. 2014)

PEMFC power source for small electronic devices, water vapour reacted with hydride for clean, controllable hydrogen generationAssignee: Honeywell International, USAInventor: S.J. EickhoffPatent number: US 8993135Published: 31 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 1 Nov. 2007)

Method and device for limiting methanol crossover in DMFC power sources for portable devicesAssignee: Google, USAInventors: R.J. Kelley et al.Patent number: US 8993187Published: 31 Mar. 2015 (Filed: 13 Dec. 2005)

CALENdAr

20Fuel Cells Bulletin July 2015

16–22 August 20152nd International Conference on Electrochemical Energy Science and Technology, EEST2015Vancouver, BC, CanadaMore information: www.iaoees.org/events/EEST2015

30 August–4 September 201516th International Conference on Advanced Batteries, Accumulators and Fuel Cells (16th ABAF)Brno, Czech RepublicMore information: www.aba-brno.cz

6–9 September 2015H2YPOTHESIS XI Conference, Hydrogen Power Theoretical and Engineering Solutions International Symposium 2015Toledo, SpainMore information: www.hypothesis.ws

6–10 September 2015Euromembrane 2015 ConferenceRWTH, Aachen, GermanyMore information: www.euromembrane2015.com

9–10 September 20158th Annual Low Carbon Vehicle Event (LCV2015), organised by UK Cenex Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell TechnologiesMillbrook, Bedfordshire, UKMore information: www.cenex-lcv.co.uk

13–16 September 20152015 EFCD, Electrolysis & Fuel Cell Discussions conference: Challenges Towards Zero Platinum for Oxygen Reduction (with Fuel Cell Fundamentals Short Course on 13 September)La Grande Motte, FranceMore information: www.efcd2015.eu

15 September 2015FCH JU Workshop on Aeronautical Applications of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen TechnologiesLampoldshausen, GermanyMore information: http://tinyurl.com/fchju-aero-workshop

20–26 September 2015Joint European Summer School on Fuel Cell, Electrolyser and Battery Technologies, JESS 2015Athens, GreeceMore information: http://tinyurl.com/jess-2015

24–26 September 20155th New Energy Forum: The Light of Hope for Future EnergyXi’an, ChinaMore information: ww.bitcongress.com/nef2015

30 September–2 October 2015PlugBoat 2015, 2nd World Electric & Hybrid Boat Summit (including fuel cells)Amsterdam & Friesland, The NetherlandsMore information: www.plugboat.com

1–3 October 2015International Conference on New

Devices for Energy Conversion and StorageHong Kong University of Science and Technology, ChinaMore information: ww.cbme.ust.hk/ISE2015HK

4–9 October 201566th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry: Green Electrochemistry for Tomorrow’s SocietyTaipei, TaiwanMore information: http://annual66.ise-online.org

11–14 October 20156th World Hydrogen Technologies Convention, WHTC 2015Sydney, NSW, AustraliaMore information: www.whtc2015.com

12–14 October 2015World of Energy Solutions 2015, including 15th f-cell Forum for Producers & Users (alongside Battery+Storage and e-mobil BW Technologietag)Stuttgart, GermanyMore information: www.world-of-energy-solutions.de

19–21 October 2015International Conference on Hydrogen Safety, ICHS 2015Yokohama, JapanMore information: www.ichs2015.com

8–11 November 2015International Conference on Innovative Electrochemical Energy Materials and Technologies, EEMT2015Nanning, ChinaMore information: www.fuelcellscn.com/EEMT

10–11 November 20153rd Dresden Conference on Energy in Future: Materials for EnergyDresden, GermanyMore information: www.zukunftenergie-dresden.de/en.html

16–19 November 20152015 Fuel Cell Seminar & Energy Exposition, Featuring Hydrogen FuelLos Angeles, California, USAMore information: www.fuelcellseminar.com

17–20 November 20153rd Zing Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Conference 2015Cancun, MexicoMore information: www.zingconferences.com/conferences/3rd-zing-hydrogen-fuel-cells-conference

19 November 201515. Jahrestreffen des NetzwerksBrennstoffzelle und Wasserstoff NRW (15th Annual Meeting of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Network North Rhine-Westfalia) [in German]Düsseldorf, GermanyMore information: www.fuelcell-nrw.de/events/?no_cache=1&L=4

1–4 December 2015European Battery, Hybrid and Fuel Cell

Electric Vehicle Congress, EEVC-2015Brussels, BelgiumMore information: www.eevc.eu

6–8 December 20154th International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Conference, Hydrogen Association of IndiaAgra, Uttar Pradesh, IndiaMore information: www.hai.org.in/home.html

16–18 December 2015Piero Lunghi European Fuel Cell Conference & Exhibition, EFC15Naples, ItalyMore information: www.europeanfuelcell.it

2016

18–21 January 2016World Future Energy Summit, WFES 2016Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesMore information: www.worldfutureenergysummit.com

2–4 March 2016FC EXPO 2016, 12th International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo (within World Smart Energy Week 2016)Tokyo, JapanMore information: www.fcexpo.jp/en

15 March 201612th International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell ConferenceNEC, Birmingham, UKMore information: www.climate-change-solutions.co.uk

15–17 March 2016International Renewable Energy Storage Conference, IRES 2016Düsseldorf, GermanyMore information: www.eurosolar.de/enCall for abstracts deadline: 16 September 2015

28 March–1 April 2016Materials Research Society Spring Meeting & Exhibit, including Symposia on Mechanics of Energy Storage and Conversion, Grid-Scale Energy Storage, and Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies for TransportationPhoenix, Arizona, USAMore information: www.mrs.org/spring2016

4–6 April 2016Green & Sustainable Chemistry Conference 2016Berlin, GermanyMore information: www.greensuschemconf.comCall for papers deadline: 2 October 2015

21–22 April 2016Advanced Energy Conference, AEC 2016New York City, New York, USAMore information: www.aertc.org

25–29 April 2016Group Exhibit Hydrogen + Fuel Cells + Batteries, within Hannover Messe 2016Hannover, GermanyMore information: www.h2fc-fair.com

EVENTS CALENDAR

26–27 May 201623rd FCDIC Fuel Cell Symposium, Fuel Cell Development

Tokyo, JapanMore info: index.html

5–9 June 2016

Forum on New

5th International

Systems