Shipments of new portable fuel cell from Voller commence

Voller Energy Group PLC, a manufacturer of portable fuel cell systems for use as battery chargers and mobile generators, announces that it has started shipments of the latest generation of the VE100 portable fuel cell. This product is currently being shipped out to Voller Energy's distribution partners around the world, including Germany, the United States and Taiwan…


The latest version, the VE100 v3 portable fuel cell system, is capable of delivering up to 200 watts at peak power and 100 watts at nominal performance. The unit is completely self contained and importantly does not require an external battery to start the system. The VE100 v3 is quiet and produces AC mains electricity and simultaneously runs 12v DC electrical appliances that are designed to fit into a car lighter socket.

The module weighs just nine kilograms and delivers 230 volts, the equivalent to the power produced from a plug in the wall. The European version produces EU standard 230 volts at 60Hz, US version is also available producing 110 volts at 50Hz. No toxic emissions are produced while the unit is operating, the only output being pure water.

The VE100 v3 will go on sale with several new features. An enhanced software controller has been incorporated with an internal microprocessor that monitors the fuel cell and optimises performance. This data can be viewed directly by a Windows® based computer or linked via the Internet or a wireless data connection. A data port on the side of the system enables remote monitoring and the download of new software. The VE100 v3 now also boasts a new LCD display that shows the quantity of hydrogen remaining in the canister and enables the user to program the fuel cell to be operational in a number of different modes.

Stephen Voller, CEO of Voller Energy Group plc, said: "The VE100 v3 fuel cell is now in its third generation. We believe that the VE100 v3 is the most sophisticated portable fuel cell on the market and look forward to updating shareholders in due course."
Source: Voller Energy Group plc

More than 600 fuel cell vehicles by the end of 2005

When is the hydrogen vehicle coming? Following unduly optimistic announcements of the vehicle manufacturers, who had predicted widespread use of these environment friendly cars for 2003/2004, the timing of market launch seems to have shifted a little into the future. The vehicles with hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine or fuel cell and electric motor are ready for the road, and are being tried out in a number of test fleets under everyday operating conditions. The H2Expo will give an overview based on a survey off Fuel Cell Today, showcasing current activities by the automobile manufacturers...

A small fleet of three fuel cell buses has been operating in Hamburg since 2003. Experience there is so good that the EU funded "CUTE" project (Clean Urban Transport for Europe) has been extended, initially by a year, and buses from other CUTE cities are to be taken over in addition. From 2009 onwards, the next generation of hydrogen-powered buses built by the DaimlerChrysler subsidiary EvoBus will be used on scheduled routes. A survey conducted by the public transport operator Hochbahn with some 200 passengers shows that the buses are well received. 95% of respondents assess the vehicles, which are based on the Citaro model, as very good or good; they feel it is right for fuel cell technology to be tested in buses, and would welcome increased use. 90% described comfort of ride as very good or good. The only criticism they had was the reduced space compared with the usual Hochbahn buses - installation of the future technology meant fewer seats and standing spaces. Nevertheless, 70% said they would rather travel on the hydrogen bus than on a conventional bus.

On the passenger car front, too, DaimlerChrysler has long been active with fuel cell vehicles, and currently has the world's largest fleet with 60 F-Cell vehicles based on the A class, in Germany, the US, Japan and Singapore. Delivery was completed at the end of 2004. The new fuel cell vehicle based on the B class was presented recently; it has an extended range of 400km and is electric powered with more than 100kW/136hp.

By the end of 2006, Ford intends to get 40 fuel cell vehicles onto the roads. The main focus of testing will be California, and further vehicles are to be delivered to Vancouver and Berlin. General Motors (GM) plans to produce the same number of fuel cell cars, but in a time frame extending up to 2008. Both of these car makers together with BMW, DaimlerChrysler, the public transport company BVG and a number of power companies are participating in the CEP project (Clean Energy Partnership). The purpose of this project is to test operation of hydrogen vehicles and different ways of fuel production and distribution, and is funded by the German government.

Honda has so far put 18 vehicles into testing. The first leasing customer for their FCX was the City of Los Angeles. It has been announced that the FCX compact car will also be made available to private individuals in the US at the end of 2005. The leasing price is to be the same as that for the companies and government agencies. Due to the existing filling facilities there, the main focus of this campaign will probably also be in California.

All vehicle manufacturers are testing their fuel cell cars in California, where environmental legislation is very tough. Vehicles that prove viable under these strict conditions are regarded as viable (almost) anywhere. The only aspect that cannot be tested there is behaviour at temperatures below zero. The efforts by the manufacturers are led by the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP), a grouping of car companies, power companies and fuel cell manufacturers.

They include Toyota, whose worldwide test fleet comprises more than 20 vehicles. The current model FCHV-5 is the fifth generation of a development series that was launched in 1996. For the past four years, Toyota has been using this model to test public acceptance, reliability and starting behaviour. Volkswagen has kept a very low profile up to now. Last year the company announced that it would deliver 15 units of the Touran HyMotion for tests and demonstrations in California. So far, no announcements have been made on the details of operation there. Likewise in the USA, five Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage will be tested this year with fuel cell propulsion. Nissan has started leasing its X-Trail FCV model to a limited range of customers at about 10,000 dollars a month, but has given no information about the size of this test fleet.

The total number of fuel cell cars has exceeded 500 globally, and is likely to be more than 600 by the end of 2005. The dominant technology is a combination of PEM fuel cells with a high-pressure hydrogen tank, whereby 700 bar storage seems to be establishing itself as the standard. In the period from 2000 to 2003, market observers saw the main focus of development as Japan. In 2004 developments in Europe were dominant, even though operation with the vehicles was mainly in North America. More than 55% of the models in 2004 were driven on US and Canadian roads. Major contributions were made by deliveries of the models F-Cell, Ford Focus FCV and GM HydroGen3. Eight of the US States have now adopted regulations on the use of zero-emission vehicles.

BMW is taking a different approach with development for series production of the hydrogen combustion engine powered vehicle based on the 7 series. These vehicles have been in service on the airport site at Munich Airport in the framework of the ARGEMUC project. BMW has opted for the proven technology of the reciprocating engine, and see the fuel cell more as the supplier for the vehicle's electronic systems. And the environment friendly energy converter can be used for example in the hot summer months in California to operate the air-conditioning system while the engine is switched off. The company recently confirmed its announcement that the new model expected at the beginning of 2006, which is to be filled with liquid hydrogen at a temperature of ?253°C, is to be put on the market within the model cycle of the current 7 series.

There is no longer any doubt that a changeover to this clean source of energy will come. And the German Automotive Industry Association (VDA) announced its agreement with the view that hydrogen is the only way forward. But the timing of that development has not yet been settled. There are still different scenarios under consideration for the start of mass production of vehicles powered by hydrogen, and the construction of a nationwide fuel infrastructure.

The H2Expo 2005, 5th International Conference and Trade Fair on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies, will present vehicles with fuel cell propulsion, including the new development of a minibus and a vehicle built by a team of students. The scientific conference on "Fuel Cell Systems for Transportation: Maritime, Aerospace and General Transportation" will focus on the synergy effects which the maritime and aerospace sectors can provide for the transport sector. Aspects of market launch will be covered by the conference on "Introducing Hydrogen Energy Technologies in a Global Market". The H2Expo 2005 will be held at the CCH-Congress Center Hamburg on 31 August and 1 September, from 9am to 5pm on both days.
Source: Hamburg Messe GmbH

DaimlerChrysler Increases Fuel Cell Vehicle Presence in California

DaimlerChrysler announced the delivery of two more DaimlerChrysler F-Cells for the Department of Energy (DOE) Program. They will be delivered to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (Air District), where they will be used in daily use. These are some of the first fuel cell vehicles delivered since the official kick-off of the Department of Energy (DOE) Hydrogen Learning Demonstration Project…


The use of the F-Cells will enable DaimlerChrysler and the Air District to gain additional experience with fuel cell vehicles. By operating in California, DaimlerChrysler will receive data on variables that may affect future vehicle design. The two F-Cells bear Air District's commitment toward California's Hydrogen Highway program. Part of a 100-plus-vehicle fuel cell fleet that DaimlerChrysler has put into service around the world, these two F- Cells also will contribute to the DOE Hydrogen Learning Demonstration Project.

The F-Cell is a presentation of DaimlerChrysler's fuel cell technology. The entire fuel cell system is housed in the floor of the vehicle, leaving full use of the passenger and cargo spaces. It has a range of approximately 100 miles and a top speed of 85 mph. The electric motor develops 88 hp (65 kW), enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 16 seconds. The stack has been developed by the DaimlerChrysler cooperation partner, Ballard Power Systems.

Through the DOE Controlled Hydrogen Fleet and Infrastructure Demonstration and Validation Project, DaimlerChrysler will place more fuel cell vehicles in the hands of customers who will provide valuable feedback about performance in different conditions. DaimlerChrysler is testing more than 100 fuel cell vehicles under varying weather, traffic conditions and driving styles in different locations worldwide. This experience will benefit the development of the fuel cell automobile and how it will be refueled.

BP Energy is partnered with DaimlerChrysler in the project. BP recently opened the first public hydrogen refueling station in Southfield, Mich., with DTE Energy Company. Another station was opened in a cooperative effort between BP and Praxair at the Los Angeles International Airport.

"DaimlerChrysler and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District are delivering on a challenge for the automotive industry and government agencies to push fuel cell technology forward," said Mark Chernoby, Vice President, Advance Vehicle Engineering - Chrysler Group. "The Bay Area District is a perfect fit for the Department of Energy Hydrogen Learning Demonstration Project."
Source: DaimlerChrysler

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H2Expo with extensive program

The program of the 5th H2Expo on Aug 31-Sept 1, 05 in Hamburg is more extensive than ever!
The conference focuses on hydrogen technologies in transportation, and listing and certification issues for fuel cell products. Air Products again offers its training course for the safe handling of hydrogen. The free of charge workshops "H2 for contractors" and "H2 for students" give newcomers the chance to learn more about the technology. Further highlights include the international exhibition and demonstrations in the outdoor area, such as live hydrogen refueling and tours with the fuel cell bus to the H2 filling station.

NanoLogix Study Confirms Early Success Of Hydrogen Bioreactor

NanoLogix, Inc. announces that preliminary data and results of a study which confirms laboratory proof-of-concept measurements have shown it possible to generate hydrogen in high yields via the use and adaptation of its intellectual property. In this study, the bioreactor produced biogas consisting of 50% hydrogen by volume, without any trace of methane…

Recently, NanoLogix, Inc. signed a feasibility study with the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering of Gannon University in Erie, PA to develop a bioreactor which utilizes patented bacterial culturing methods in order to produce hydrogen inexpensively. Hydrogen reacts with oxygen to yield significant amounts of energy, and has the added benefit of not producing carbon dioxide as a by-product.

NanoLogix believes they have discovered the most likely method for low cost production of massive quantities of hydrogen as an alternate energy source. The company has ascertained through its patent counsel that additional patents will be pending beyond those already filed.

NanoLogix, Inc., formerly known as Infectech, Inc., is a technology application innovator of biogas products and services designed to assist in worldwide energy independence and reduce pollution from renewable, environmentally-friendly energy sources.
Source: NanoLogix, Inc.