New Hydrogen Production Technology Demonstrated Successfully at Connecticut Global Fuel Cell Center

Publication Date:06-Sept-2007 03:30 PM US Eastern Timezone Source:Connecticut Innovations

Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, FuelCell Energy, University of Connecticut and U.S. Department of Defense join forces to implement demonstration
Rocky Hill, Conn.--The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), FuelCell Energy (FCE), and the University of Connecticut today hosted a luncheon at the Connecticut Global Fuel Cell Center (CGFCC) to celebrate the successful demonstration of an innovative, distributed generation hydrogen production technology that holds great promise for both transportation and industrial applications. The Electrochemical Hydrogen Separator (EHS) technology, developed by FCE and demonstrated on a subscale level at the CGFCC, could potentially make the cost of hydrogen competitive with that of gasoline.
CCEF provided a $600,000 grant to support the project through its Operational Demonstration Program. This funding helped FCE obtain two subsequent contracts totaling $2.6 million from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) through demonstrations managed by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC-CERL).
FCE’s EHS technology involves the separation of excess hydrogen generated by high-temperature fuel cells through a process that requires relatively low energy consumption, involves no moving parts and is less expensive than existing mechanical separation technologies. In the subscale demonstration, a combined fuel cell/EHS system, consisting of a stack of 25 cells and the separator equipment, was used. In the power mode, the unit produced 2 kW of power, and in the hydrogen mode, the unit separated enough hydrogen to fuel up to three fuel cell vehicles per day. The unit has been operating for over 6,000 hours with practically no change in its performance. Results have also shown that significant operating cost savings of 30-60% are possible when compared with today’s commercially available hydrogen separation systems.
“We are excited by the successful outcome of the EHS demonstration,” said Lise Dondy, president of CCEF. “This technology has the potential to offer industrial customers who need both hydrogen and electric power – such as semiconductor producers, industrial gas companies, glass manufacturers and metal heat treatment facilities – a cost-effective option.”
“This first demonstration is an important milestone toward making hydrogen powered cars a reality,” said Pinakin Patel, Director of Special Systems and Research for FCE. “It opens the pathway for on-site hydrogen co-production for industrial customers now, leading to the hydrogen economy in the future. The combined market for military, industrial and transportation use of on-site hydrogen is well above 10 billion dollars.”
“Collaborative relationships between the School of Engineering and industrial practitioners, that promote technology transfer and facilitate proof of concept, have produced impressive results,” said CGFCC Interim Director Mehdi Anwar. “The symbiosis allows us – as academics – to remain grounded in practical challenges and applied research with commercial considerations, while our industry partners gain a more fundamental understanding of how systems function.”
“DoD has always been at the forefront of cutting edge technologies. The introduction of a sustainable hydrogen infrastructure at our bases supports goals and requirements in EPAct 2005, Executive Order 13423, and the Army Energy Strategy for Installations,” said Franklin H. Holcomb, Project Leader of ERDC-CERL’s fuel cell team.
About the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) was created by the Connecticut General Assembly and is administered by Connecticut Innovations, a quasi-public organization. CCEF promotes the development and commercialization of clean energy technologies; the creation of clean energy supply; and the demand for electricity from clean, renewable sources in Connecticut in order to strengthen Connecticut’s economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state. CCEF’s funding comes from a surcharge on electric ratepayers’ utility bills. For more information on CCEF, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.
About Connecticut Innovations Inc. Connecticut Innovations (CI) is a quasi-public organization dedicated to driving a vibrant, entrepreneurial, technology-based economy in Connecticut. CI stimulates high-tech growth by investing in: early-stage Connecticut technology companies; university/industry research collaborations; technology transfer; and, clean energy initiatives through the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. CI also fosters collaboration among government, business, nonprofit and academic organizations to advance technology growth and promotes public policies consistent with CI’s mission. For more information on CI, please visit www.ctinnovations.com.
About FuelCell Energy Inc. FuelCell Energy is the world leader in the development and production of stationary fuel cells for commercial, industrial, municipal and utility customers. FuelCell Energy’s ultra-clean and high efficiency DFC® fuel cells are generating power at over 60 locations worldwide. The company’s power plants have generated more than 180 million kWh of power using a variety of fuels including renewable wastewater gas, biogas from beer and food processing as well as natural gas and other hydrocarbon fuels. FuelCell Energy has partnerships with major power plant developers, trading companies and power companies around the world. The company also receives substantial funding from the US Department of Energy and other government agencies for the development of leading edge technologies such as hybrid fuel cell/turbine generators and solid oxide fuel cells. For more information please visit our website at www.fuelcellenergy.com.
About Connecticut Global Fuel Cell Center The Connecticut Global Fuel Cell Center (CGFCC) is an interdisciplinary R&D center founded in 2001 to conduct visionary research, commercialization and educational activities focusing on proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), molten carbonate and other fuel cell types. A unit of the UConn School of Engineering, the CGFCC enjoys more than $9 million in funding from federal, state and private sources and partners with Connecticut fuel cell and alternative energy leaders, including the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund and Connecticut Innovations. For more information, please visit www.engr.uconn.edu/ctfuelcell.
About ERDC-CERL The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is the integrated Army Corps of Engineers' research and development organization. Seven labs located at four sites comprise ERDC: Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Hanover, N.H.; Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL), Champaign, Ill.; Coastal and Hydraulics, Environmental, Geotechnical and Structures, Information Technology Laboratories, Vicksburg, Miss.; and Topographic Engineering Center, Alexandria, Va. CERL conducts research and development in infrastructure and environmental sustainment. This research results in new technologies that help military installations provide and maintain quality training lands and facilities for Soldiers and their families. Many of these products also find use in the private sector. CERL represents a unique asset to the nation for research in civil engineering and environmental quality.