IdaTech
prototype liquid hydrocarbon fuel cell
Posted: 28 May 2003
IdaTech has developed a prototype fuel cell system capable of
operating on liquid hydrocarbon fuels, an accomplishment the company
believes is unmatched within the industry.
The system, which will be available to select development partners,
is capable of operating on such low-sulfur fuels as diesel, kerosene,
bio-diesel, GTLs (gas-to-liquids) and Fischer-Tropsch (FT).
“These fuels are significant in a variety of military and
automotive markets and applications,” said IdaTech President
and Chief Executive Officer Claude Duss, “and the capability
to convert them makes fuel cell technology a greater reality for
them.
“The fuel cell industry has struggled with reforming liquid
fuels – especially diesel – into high-purity hydrogen
and this achievement further positions IdaTech as a leader in fuel
processing,” said Duss. “Not only are we able to successfully
reform a variety of gaseous and liquid hydrocarbon fuels, but we
have incorporated this technology into a fully-integrated, compact
and operational prototype fuel cell system to further demonstrate
our capabilities and the potential of fuel cells.
“This is another accomplishment in the development of our
multi-fuel solutions. Previously, we developed a proof-of-concept
kerosene system and now we are announcing the availability of this
prototype system to select development partners,” Duss noted.
IdaTech has adapted its FCS 1200 fuel cell system platform to operate
on a variety of different fuels.
These systems incorporate IdaTech’s patented fuel processor
that produces hydrogen at purity levels exceeding 99.95%, a Ballard
Nexa™ fuel cell module, and the electronics systems required
to integrate the technologies.
The prototype diesel system is similar in size with the exception
of an additional water tank. Actual dimensions are 34” long
x 34” wide x 25” tall (86cm x 86cm x 64cm), making it
comparable in size to a small generator.
The company is developing a range of systems based on a modular
architecture with patented multi-fuel fuel processing capabilities.
The modular system design enables proven components and subsystems
to be integrated into the development of new products. This helps
eliminate much of the time required to test durability and establish
maintenance intervals and produce reliability standards.
This approach greatly reduces development time and offers increased
flexibility in meeting specific customer and application requirements.
IdaTech is developing fuel cell solutions based on its proprietary
multi-fuel fuel processing technology and fuel cell system integration
capabilities. With the support of strategic partners, the company’s
solutions are being deployed on a global scale for stationary and
portable applications.
IdaTech is a subsidiary of the Boise, Idaho-based energy and technology
holding company IDACORP, Inc.
For more information see www.idatech.com.
Posted by Richard Price,
Editor Pipeline Magazine
Information supplied by companies
or PR agencies who are responsible for content. Send press releases
to info@pipelinedubai.com |
