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Showing posts from December, 2008

Ammonia as a Fuel 101

This is the Executive Summary from the 2006 US Departement of Energy White Paper "Partial Roles of Ammonia in a Hydrogen Ecconomy" by George Thomas and George Parks. -Editor Ammonia has a number of favorable attributes, the primary one being its high capacity for hydrogen storage, 17.6 wt.%, based on its molecular structure. However, in order to release hydrogen from ammonia, significant energy input as well as reactor mass and volume are required. Other considerations include: safety and toxicity issues, both actual and perceived The incompatibility of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells in the presence of even trace levels of ammonia (> 0.1ppm). Given the state of the art in ‘cracking’ ammonia to produce hydrogen, there are many issues in the on-board use of ammonia similar to those identified for on-board fuel processors. Specifically, these include: high operating temperature (>500° C) Longevity and reliability of catalysts and other components (at high te

Ammonia Fuel Network

Ammonia Fuel Network Mission: To promote the implementation of anhydrous ammonia as an affordable, sustainable, carbon-free fuel for transportation and stationary power applications, thereby enhancing economic security, reducing fossil-fuel dependence, and helping save the environment. Anhydrous ammonia is an ultra-clean, energy-dense alternative liquid fuel. Ammonia is the only fuel other than hydrogen that produces no greenhouse gases (GHG) on combustion. Ammonia will power diesel and spark-ignited internal combustion engines, direct ammonia fuel cells, and even combustion turbines. And, ammonia can be manufactured from simply water and air using clean renewable energy. info@ammoniafuelnetwork.org

Flywheel energy storage (FES) 101

Flywheel energy storage (FES) works by accelerating a rotor ( flywheel ) to a very high speed and maintaining the energy in the system as rotational energy . The energy is converted back by slowing down the flywheel. Most FES systems use electricity to accelerate and decelerate the flywheel, but devices that directly use mechanical energy are being developed. [1] Advanced FES systems have rotors made of high strength carbon-composite filaments that spin at speeds from 20,000 to over 50,000 rpm [2] in a vacuum enclosure and use magnetic bearings . Such flywheels can come up to speed in a matter of minutes -- much quicker than some other forms of energy storage.[2] Source: Wikipedia

Deep Cycle Lead Acid Batteries 101

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation , search A lead-acid gel battery A deep-cycle lead-acid battery is designed to deliver a consistent voltage as the battery discharges. In contrast, starter batteries (e.g. most automotive batteries) are designed to deliver sporadic current spikes. Battery-driven vehicles, such as golf carts, forklifts and floor sweepers commonly use deep-cycle batteries. While a deep-cycle battery can be used as a starting battery (and may work better than a traditional starting battery with the myriad of electronic components attached to most modern vehicles), the lower "cranking amps" imply that an over-sized battery may need to be used in an older vehicle that lacks fuel injection. Deep cycle batteries can be charged with a lower current than regular batteries. The key structural difference between deep cycle batteries and cranking batteries is the Lead plates, which are solid in deep-cycle batteries and composed of porous sponge-l

Emergency Power System (EPS) 101

Emergency power system A backup generator for a large apartment building Emergency power systems are a type of system, which may include lighting, generators and other apparatus, to provide backup resources in a crisis or when regular systems fail. They find uses in a wide variety of settings from residential homes to hospitals , scientific laboratories, data centers [1] , telecommunication [2] equipment and modern naval ships. Emergency power systems can rely on generators , deep cycle batteries , flywheel energy storage or hydrogen fuel cells [3] [4] . Finally, some homebrew emergency power systems use regular lead-acid car batteries, but these do not make a very efficient or reliable system. [5] Source: Wikipedia

Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) 101

An uninterrupted power supply (UPS), also known as a battery back-up, provides emergency power and, depending on the topology, line regulation as well to connected equipment by supplying power from a separate source when utility power is not available. It differs from an auxiliary or emergency power system or standby generator, which does not provide instant protection from a momentary power interruption. A UPS, however, can be used to provide uninterrupted power to equipment, typically for 5-15 minutes until an auxiliary power supply can be turned on or utility power is restored. While not limited to safeguarding any particular type of equipment, a UPS is typically used to protect computers , data centers , telecommunication equipment or other electrical equipment where an unexpected power disruption could cause injuries, fatalities, serious business disruption or data loss. UPS units come in sizes ranging from units which will back up a single computer without monitor (around 200

Ultra Capacitors 101

How An Ultra Capacitor Works Ultra capacitors & Super Capacitors store electricity by physically separating positive and negative charges— different from batteries which do so chemically. The charge they hold is like the static electricity that can build up on a balloon, but is much greater thanks to the extremely high surface area of their interior materials. An advantage of the ultracapacitor is their super fast rate of charge and discharge... which is determined solely by their physical properties. A battery relies on a slower chemical reaction for energy. A disadvantage of an ultracapacitor is that currently they store a smaller amount of energy than a battery does. Ultracapacitors are very good at efficiently capturing electricity from regenerative braking, and can deliver power for acceleration just as quickly. With no moving parts, they also have a very long lifespan - 500,000 plus charge/recharge cycles. Ultracapacitors are currently used for wind energy, solar energy, and

Fuel Cell Terminology & Definitions 101

Glossary of Fuel Cell Terms Alkali: A chemical "base" (loosely, the opposite of an acid). Certain types of alkalis (especially potassium hydroxide) have been used as fuel cell electrolytes. Anion: A negative ion. Alkali, molten carbonate and solid oxide fuel cells are "anion-mobile" cells – anions migrate through the electrolyte toward the anode. Anode: One of two electrodes in a fuel cell or battery. In a fuel cell it is where the fuel reacts or "oxidizes", and releases electrons. Capital Cost: The purchase price of a power generating system. Carnot Limit: A theoretical limit on the efficiency of an engine based on the flow of heat between two reservoirs. Named for its discoverer Sadi Carnot (1796-1832) of France, this limit stems from basic physical laws and applies to all steam engines. Fossil fuel and nuclear power plants are bound by this limit, but most fuel cells are not. Catalyst: A substance that causes or speeds a chemical reaction without itself

Plug Power

Plug Power , seem to be building one system at a time, they have participated in some US goverment military housing projects, and a few others. Corporate Headquarters 968 Albany Shaker Road (directions) Latham, New York 12110 Tel: 518.782.7700 Fax: 518.782.9060 Canada1 3120 Vanier Place Richmond, B.C. V6V 2J2 Tel: 604.303.0050 Fax: 604.231.0400 Washington, D.C. 499 South Capitol Street, SWSuite 606 Washington, D.C. 20003 Tel: 202.484.5300 Fax: 202.554.2896 government@plugpower.com Europe/Middle East/Africa Wilmersdorf 50 (directions) 7327 AC Apeldoorn The Netherlands Tel: 31 55 53 81 000 Fax: 31 55 53 81 099 apeldoorn@plugpower.com

AA- Shandong Saikesaisi Hydrogen Energy Company

Shandong Saikesaisi Hydrogen Energy Co., Ltd. is an expansion of Jinan Applied Chemical Technology Development Co., Ltd. Many high-technology people with multi-disciplinary educational background get together, such as experts returning overseas, senior engineers and postgraduates. This is an excellent team which has an innovative and exploiting ability. The chief technical expert is the first one developing SPE technology in China, who has 20 years experience in the relative research. She has developed four generations of hydrogen generators using SPE technology and all obtained patents. This technology fills in the blank in China. The company focuses on utilizing Solid Polymer Electrolyte—SPE positive ion (proton) exchange membrane, carrying on the research and development of pure water electrolysis and hydrogen fuel batteries etc. Large Hydrogen Equipment is a core product of our company, has obtained the Golden Prize of BCEIA and the European CE certification. It is the only

Methane Gas Production 101

by Al Rutan Research http://www.methane-gas.com/ Methane, Biogas, or Gobar Gas (Gobar is the Nepali term for manure) is made by the anaerobic (in the absence of oxygen) digestion of manure and plant life. The purpose is to convert this manure into methane to use as cooking fuel. Methane is: A gas made up of one molecule of carbon and four molecules of hydrogen. It is the major component of the "natural" gas used in many homes for cooking and heating. It is odorless, colorless, Yields about 1,000 British Thermal Units (Btu) [252 kilocalories (kcal)] of heat energy per cubic foot (0.028 cubic meters) when burned. Natural gas is: a fossil fuel that was created eons ago by the anaerobic decomposition of organic materials. It is often found in association with oil and coal. The same types of anaerobic bacteria that produced natural gas also produce methane today. Anaerobic bacteria are some of the oldest forms of life on earth. They evolved before the photosynthesis of green plant

Hydrocell’s metal hydride technology

Hydrocell’s metal hydride technology is a very safe and simple way to store, transport and use hydrogen. Hydrogen is not stored in the metal hydride in gaseous form, but is adsorbed into the material’s crystal structure. The energy densities that can be achieved using metal hydride are very large . Sorage pressure, just 2-4 bar depending on temperature and the amount of hydrogen that the storage unit contains. The metal hydride pressure level can be adjusted to suit different client applications. As storage units do not suffer from self-discharge, they can be stored for years without any loss of capacity. Since only hydrogen is stored in the metal hydride, the gas drawn from storage units is very pure, approximately 99.9999%. Hydrocell’s portable hydrogen storage units are well suited to use with fuel cells and other applications that require a source of hydrogen. All Hydrocell storage units are fitted with a self-sealing quick-fit hose connection and a safety valve, and can be eas

ZAO Independent Power Technologies

ZAO Independent Power Technologies Cascade-6 6kw Alkaline Fule Cell, seems to be based on Space Station Technology 6.0 kW Voltage Output: 30.0 - 42.5 V Maximum Current Output: 200 A Fuel: Industrial Grade Hydrogen Fuel Consumption: <> Pressure: Atmospheric Ambient Temperature Range: -20 to +40 °С (-4 to +104 oF) Maximum Relative Humidity: 98% at 25 °С Dimensions (l×w×h): 125 cm × 58.2 cm × 86.3 cm (48.8” × 22.7” × 33.7”) Gross Weight: <> Start-up Time: <> Electrolyte: 6.6 M KOH (aqueous solution) Emissions: H2O (vapor), heat DC Output: 1 pair negative and positive terminals Hydrogen Supply Pressure: 4-6 atm (59-88 psi) 3rd Mytishchinskaya 16 bldg 60 Moscow129626 Russian Federation phone: + 7 495 687 9817 + 7 495 684 1635 fax: + 7 495 787 5361 info@independentpower.biz

Fuel Cell Technology 101

The following types of fuel cells are commercial viable at this time Alkaline - AFC Phosphoric Acid - PAFC Molten Carbonate - MCFC Polymer Electrode Membrane - PEMFC Solid Oxide - SOFC Direct-Methanol - DMFC * Alkaline - AFC have one of the highest system efficiencies of all fuel cell types. Operating temperature is directly linked to material and manufacturing costs i.e. the lower the operating temperature, the lower the cost of the materials needed to create a working and reliable electrode and system. The fact that Alkaline technology can work perfectly well without the use of precious metals is an insurance against aggressive price hiking in the industry. Alkaline technology is the longest established technology having been invented in 1839. Alkaline technology is the most reliable of all fuel cell technologies having been selected for both the space and submarine applications over other available technologies. Having liquid electrolyte means that we can control the temperature of

Fuel Cell Manufacturers

Acumentrics Corporation They make a 5 kw SOFC Fuel cell : Acumentrics’ 5000 Electric Power Generator Efficient: Peak efficiencies between 40-50%; up to 90% with waste heat recovery. Silent: Whisper quiet electrochemical process generates continuous electricity. Internal scrubbing: Negligible NOx and SOx output; reduced CO2 output. Solid State: Ceramic fuel cell tubes. Fuel-flexible: Compatible with natural gas, propane, biofuels, LPG, H2 \ Site flexible: Small scale package is easy to site. Grid-tie option: Allows connection to utility grid for peak shaving and net-metering. Easy operation: Rapid start and stop. Fuels can be stored onsite or delivered at residential line pressures. No external or internal pressure boosting required. Communications ready: Monitor and control using built-in Ethernet port. Altergy Altergy Systems designs and manufactures proprietary proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems, collectively known as Altergy Freedom Power™ products . These compact, r

Hyrdogen Engine Center

Preliminary data sheets are available for the 60kW and 250kW generator sets. For information regarding generator capabilities and sales, please contact us via telephone 1-515-295-3178 or e-mail at sales@hydrogenenginecenter.com . Hydrogen Engine Center 2502 E. Poplar St., Algona, IA 50511 Phone: 515-295-3178 Fax: 515-395-1877 www.hydrogenenginecenter.com info@hydrogenenginecenter.com OTCBB Symbol: HYEG:OB Preliminary data sheets are available for the 60kW and 250kW generator sets. For information regarding generator capabilities and sales, please contact us via telephone 1-515-295-3178 or e-mail at sales@hydrogenenginecenter.com . Hydrogen Engine Center Announces a 9.3L Compacted Graphite Iron Engine10/06/2008 Hydrogen Engine Center, Inc. (HEC) (OTCBB: HYEG.OB) announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Eliminator Performance Products to produce the largest spark ignited hydrogen V8 engine yet built. It is intended for large hydrogen-fueled electrical power generation

CFC Solutions GMBH now MTU Onsite Energy GmbH

MTU Onsite Energy GmbH is a subsidiary business unit of MTU Friedrichshafen , a subsidiary of Tognu m AG , involved in manufacturing large diesel engines and complete propulsion systems. (thanks for the Update Bryan-see comments below) CFC Solutions became MTU Onsite Energy GmbH (Fuel Cell Systems Division) in September 2008. The company manufactures diesel engines for propulsion systems in ships, distributed power plants, heavy vehicles and rail in the power range between 35 and 9,000 kW. Since 1990, MTU has shown interest in fuel cells which resulted in the foundation of MTU CFC Solutions, now CFC Solutions. The company has been involved in the development and manufacture for molten carbonate fuel cells ("HotModule", 250kW). Since the end of 2000, MTU is also involved in PEM technology in order to develop fuel cell drive systems for off-highway applications. The focus of this work has been on propulsion systems for ships and on-board power generation. The aim is to develop

Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) 101

People who Purchase certain renewable enery assets may be eligible to depreciate those assets more quickly than they think. Thow owners of the equipment get the "MACRS" sometimes prounouced "MACKERS". The Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) is the current method of accelerated asset depreciation required by the United States income tax code. Under MACRS, all assets are divided into classes which dictate the number of years over which an asset's cost will be recovered. Source : Wikipedia Here are some links to the US Internal Revenue Web Site that Might help: Introduction Useful Items - You may want to see: What Property Qualifies? Terms you may need to know (see Glossary): Eligible Property Property Acquired for Business Use Property Acquired by Purchase What Property Does Not Qualify? Terms you may need to know (see Glossary): Land and Improvements Excepted Property How Much Can You Deduct? Terms you may need to know (see Glossary): Dollar Limi

The Hydrogen Economy

The hydrogen economy is a proposed method of deriving the energy needed for motive power (cars, boats, airplanes), buildings or portable electronics, by reacting hydrogen (H2) with oxygen , the hydrogen having been generated by a number of possible methods, including the electrolysis of water . If the energy used to split the water were obtained from renewable or Nuclear power sources, and not from burning carbon-based fossil fuels , a hydrogen economy would greatly reduce the emission of carbon dioxide and therefore play a major role in tackling global warming . Countries without oil, but with renewable energy resources, could use a combination of renewable energy and hydrogen instead of fuels derived from petroleum , which are becoming scarcer , to achieve energy independence . In the context of a hydrogen economy, hydrogen is an energy carrier , not a primary energy source (see nuclear fusion for an entirely separate discussion of using hydrogen isotopes as an atomic energy s

Fuel Cell Market Analysis

The following excellent article was originally published on 18 November, 2008. By the Institue fur Kraft Fahr Zuge in Aachen, Germany. It is such an accurate and complete summary of my own research that I present it. The only difference I would have is an editors note I added near the bottom. I disagree that this technology is 4 years away from major market penetration. I believe it is imminent. -Editor The Rest Published in the Road2 hy .com . The application of Fuel Cell and Hydrogen technologies to the industrial and commercial markets takes the form of co-generation or tri -generation systems . Systems available today have total powers in the range 100kW to 2-3MW (higher power, modular, systems are possible but have not been installed) and produce electricity, heating and, sometimes, cooling. Most quoted efficiencies are 70-80% overall and 45-50% electrical, suggesting that co-generation using Fuel Cells will yield significant reductions in GHG emissions. In developed countrie

Back up and Running

Sorry for the Technical difficultires, Back up on running: Send me any venders or reps youthink should be here

Texas Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Initiative Grants

To encourage fleets to increase the number of heavy-duty Natural Gas Vehicles, the Land Office has a Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Initiative Grant Program available in certain Texas counties . The program is funded with a Texas Emissions Reduction Plan grant through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TXEQ) . A variety of vehicles - including street sweepers, forklifts, buses, and garbage trucks - are eligible for grants to help cover the cost of replacing diesel vehicles with NGVs. The Land Office offers preference for these grants to state and local public sector fleets . Private fleets also may be eligible , especially those that operate directly under contract for government work or do other government business. Additional information on eligibility is available in the NGV Initiative Grant Program guidelines. Counties Eligible Austin area: Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, Williamson Beaumont-Port Arthur area: Hardin, Jefferson, Orange Dallas-Fort Worth area: Collin, Dallas