Hydrogen Station Set To Open In Britain

Britain’s first Hydrogen fuel station is set to open at Birmingham University this week with plans to open at least twelve stations across the country by 2010. The Hydrogen station will be a part of trials being conducted with a fleet of five fuel-cell vehicles. Three Hydrogen stations are planned for London with the first opening next year at a bus garage in East London.

Air Products, the company installing the fuel station, is working with Transport for London (TfL) to build fuel stations for a fleet of 70 Hydrogen-powered vehicles that are being introduced next year. TfL vehicles will contain a mixture of buses, vans, cars and motorcycles and will be used by TfL staff, the police and the fire brigade. The five-year trial of both fuel cells and Hydrogen combustion engines will cost around $43 million (£22 million).

A fuel cell combines Hydrogen from a tank with oxygen from the air to produce electricity, which powers an electric motor. The only byproduct is water and the whole process produces no carbon dioxide emissions

http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/article3753961.ece

Boeing Takes Hydrogen To New Heights

Boeing has laid claim to being the first company in the world to put into the air a plane powered by a Hydrogen cell battery. The plane, carrying just the pilot on board, was flown over the airport at Ocana, Spain at a speed of 62 mph (100kmh) for about 20 minutes at an altitude of some 3,300 (1,000m) using only the Hydrogen battery for power.

Although the plane is on the smaller side (wing span of 51 feet (16.3m), 21 feet (6.5m) long and weighing approximately 1,760 pounds (800kg)) this is promising news for Hydrogen technology being utilized in the aviation industry.

This type of technology use is something we can expect to see more of in the Hydrogen Future.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=080403162501.d2gts0go&show_article=1

Hydrogen and Hythane Station In Delhi

Hythane Company LLC (owned by Eden Energy Limited) has been selected by IndianOil Corporation to install and supply the first public Hydrogen fueling station in India. The $1 million retail outlet is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2008 and will be located at one of India's busiest natural gas fuelling stations in the center of Delhi .

The station will produce, store, blend, and dispense Hydrogen as well as Hythane (a patented mixture of Hydrogen and natural gas that provides a dramatic reduction in nitrous oxide emissions) that will used to power natural gas vehicles, including buses, cars, and trucks.

India has set a target of having at least 20% of all of its vehicles operate on Hydrogen based fuel by 2020 (an estimated one million vehicles). This Hydrogen fuel project in Delhi is seen as a important springboard for the commercial rollout of Hythane worldwide.

http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/industries/energy/article/eden-energy-install-supply-indias-public-hydrogen-fueling-station_463499_11.html

Hydrogen To Go

Millenium Cell Inc. and Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies have announced that they will be debuting a pre-production version of their HydroPak portable Hydrogen-fueled generator at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The HydroPak will use disposable Hydrogen fuel cells to provide instant power in the place of traditional gasoline and diesel powered generators. The HydroPak has been designed to be lighter and quieter and will run indoors without problems thanks to the lack of harmful emissions. Just like a traditional generator it is able to provide continuous electricity for 14 hours to low-power devices like portable work lights, portable televisions, and communications networks. One Hydrogen fuel cell should provide enough electricity to recharge a laptop eight to ten times.

The generator should cost around $400, with refill Hydrogen packs costing around $20.

http://news.digitaltrends.com/news/story/15314/hydrogen-powered_generator_to_debut_at_ces

Hydrogen Station Opened In Shanghai

A new Hydrogen refueling station has opened in Anting, Shanghai. The station is the result of research and development conduced at Tongji University as well as funding and technical advice provided by Shell Hydrogen.

Tongji University will be responsible for operating the station that will dispense Hydrogen for a fleet of fuel cell cars and buses operating in the region.

The Anting Hydrogen station is part of the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology's 863 Program, named for the date on which it was created (March 1986). The program aims to stimulate the development of advanced technologies in a wide range of fields, including the commercialization of hybrid-electric drive and fuel cell vehicles.

http://www.energycurrent.com/index.php?id=3&storyid=6908

The Grass Is Greener On The Other Side

Researchers at Penn State University have developed a process whereby bacteria is used to extract Hydrogen from almost any biodegradable organic substance (from grass clippings to wastewater).

The discovery, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is very promising given that the researchers were able to use existing technology meaning the process can be put to use immediately.

Professor Bruce Logan and his research assistant Shaoan Cheng discovered a method whereby bacteria called exoelectrogens break down acetic acid (produced by fermenting cellulose, glucose or other biodegradable organic matter) in a microbial electrolysis cell to create Hydrogen.

The way the process works is that when the bacteria consume the acid, electrons are transferred to a graphite anode. During the process the bacteria also release protons (which are Hydrogen atoms stripped of electrons) that are held in solution. As the electrons are then transferred to a platinum cathode they combine with the protons and generate 0.3 volts of electricity. When another 0.2 volts is added to the process it creates Hydrogen gas.

This is all very promising especially given that this method produces up to 82 percent more energy than the electricity and biomass needed to produce it.

http://www.wired.com/cars/energy/news/2007/11/hydrogen_bacteria

Working Together to Test Hydrogen Technology

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are set to test Hydrogen fueling technologies in cold weather military applications. Through cooperative research and development agreements, the U.S. Army, Chevron Technology Ventures (CTV) and Hyundai-Kia America will collaborate on the project set up at a state of the art facility located at the Selfridge Air National Guard (SANG) Base in Michigan.

The facility will initially power a fleet of five Hyundai Tucson fuel cell vehicles used by the Army and National Guard. The facility will utilize Chevron's proprietary advanced steam methane reforming technology to produce about 88 pounds (40kgs) of Hydrogen per day.

The SANG Base station is the fifth Hydrogen demonstration station commissioned by CTV. Each of the five stations features a different production technology to assess and determine the benefits of various production systems.

http://www.energycurrent.com/index.php?id=3&storyid=6464

Hydrogen Honda Available Next Year

Honda has taken the motoring world by surprise by announcing at the Tokyo motor show that it will be putting the world’s first Hydrogen fuel cell car into production next year. The car will travel an estimated 270 miles at speeds of up to 100 mph and will produce only water vapor from its exhaust. It is expected to cost around $101,000 (£50,000) and will be available initially only in America and Japan.

The Hydrogen automobile will be unveiled at the Los Angeles motor show next month and is expected to closely follow the design of the FCX concept car with space for four passengers in its futuristic looking cabin. Instead of a fuel gauge the vehicle will have a range meter that tells you how far you can travel with the Hydrogen left in the tank. It is also expected to feature lithium-ion batteries to recover energy during braking and a gearless transmission.

This is truly incredible news especially given that previous estimates for a viable Hydrogen fuel cell car ranged from 10 years to 20 years in the future. Also, this vehicle will have a modest price tag which means the Hydrogen Honda will cost less than many exotic vehicles available now. The Hydrogen Future is coming sooner than we think.

http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/features/article2744803.ece

Hydrogen Honda Is Here To Stay

Honda Motor Company has come out with a trial based Hydrogen fueled vehicle called the FCX Concept. During the debut of the vehicle Honda predicted a bright future for Hydrogen fuel cell cars, stating that mass production of such vehicles may happen within a decade.

Honda has stated that it is making significant efforts in the development of fuel cell vehicles with the hopes of bringing down the high price from $840,000 (more than 100 million yen) to below $87,700 (10 million yen) within the next ten years.

Honda also believes that there is no future for the auto history without Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles especially when other cleaner technology such as electric vehicles cannot go as far as needed without additional charging or a massive battery. After trying to mass produce electric vehicles three years ago Honda realized the technology was not enough and decided to pursue fuel cell technology instead.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific_business/view/307388/1/.html

So You Think You Can Drive?

As a part of their Project Driveway Program, General Motors Corporation is launching an online research community whereby members will have a chance to test drive the Equinox Fuel Cell vehicle. You have to live or work in the metropolitan New York City, Washington, D.C. or southern California area and sign up on their website to become eligible to test drive this Hydrogen powered vehicle.

The first group of eligible test drivers will be identified in the fall of 2007, with the first mainstream driver vehicles available after the New Year. The program will stretch over a three year period with several hundred people getting a chance to test drive one of the Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles for an extended period of time. Unfortunately, due to the limited number of vehicles, not all online community members will become Project Driveway drivers.

Although Chevrolet seems to refer to this vehicle as being more of an electric vehicle than a Hydrogen powered vehicle, this program is a still good start as it will hopefully bring awareness to all of the possibilities that Hydrogen has to offer.

www.chevrolet.com/fuelcell

The Ultimate UAV

Korean scientists at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have developed a Hydrogen fuel cell powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The UAV weighs less than 4.5lbs (2kg) and is able to carry out a flight of over 10 hours with only one charge of its Hydrogen fuel cell.

According to the sceintists, the sodium borohydride used as the liquid fuel can produce more Hydrogen than Hydrogen gas and is also more convenient for commercialization. Furthermore, the Hydrogen fuel cell produces about 10 times more electricity that existing batteries.

http://www.avionews.com/index.php?corpo=see_news_home.php&news_id=1080690&pagina_chiamante=corpo%3Dindex.php

Keep On Truckin'

Exide Technologies (the parent company of battery maker GNB Industrial Power) and Ballard Power Systems (a Canadian fuel cell manufacturer) have teamed up to develop a hybrid energy system for lift trucks that uses both a battery and a Hydrogen fuel cell.

As part of their contract with the U.S. Department of Defense the companies are looking to produce a system that will use a Hydrogen fuel cell to recharge a lead acid battery while the battery remains in the lift truck. The battery will do its traditional work of providing power and acting as a counterweight while the fuel cell will eliminate the need to lift the heavy batteries out of the trucks for electric charging. A working prototype of the hybrid system is expected to be ready in 12 months.

Although this is not something targeted for the masses maybe the technology could be leveraged into other uses such as for automobiles, motorcycles or even boats.

http://www.mmh.com/article/CA6489246.html

First One To Zero Wins

As part of project Zero Regio (zero-emission region) a second Hydrogen station has been opened in Mantova, Italy. True to its name, the goal of the project is to establish a zero emission region. Financed in part by the European Commission and supported by 16 partners from four European countries, the project involves constructing two Hydrogen distribution networks for the refuelling of fuel cell vehicles in the municipality of Mantua, Italy and Frankfurt, Germany.

The newly opened service station allows for Hydrogen to be produced on site using a gas powered reformer, with the Hydrogen then being used to power a fleet of three fuel cell Fiat Pandas.

Although the service station uses gas to produce Hydrogen it is still a very positive project since it should help improve the acceptance of fuel cell and Hydrogen technology by the general public.

http://www.fuelcelltoday.com/online/news/articles/2007-10/New-hydrogen-station-opened-in-I

Hats Off To The Hydrogen Man

Mike Strizki of Hopewell, New Jersey has rigged his home to run on Hydrogen in the winter and solar power in the summer. This one of a kind home has zero public utilities bills and produces zero pollution. Not only does his house run on Hydrogen but so does his speed boat, car and even his golf cart.

To generate electricity all Mr. Strizki has to do is turn on a flow of water, which leads to an electrolyzer machine that splits the water into its component parts of Hydrogen and oxygen. The Hydrogen then feeds into oblong metal tanks that fuels his house, his vehicles and boat. The Hydrogen can be stored in pressurized tanks for months or even years and when needed is funneled into a Hydrogen fuel cell where, when recombined with oxygen, free electrons are created and captured in the form of electricity. At the end of the process the only byproduct is water which is fed right back into the electrolyzer, where the solar energy splits it into Hydrogen once again.

Hats off to Mr. Strizki and his wonderful set up! Although this system cost around $500,000 it is great to see that living in a Hydrogen Future is definitely possibly as Mr. Strizki is proof of it today.

http://www.theolympian.com/524/story/236061.html

He Sells Hydrogen Hyundai's on the Sea Shore

Hyundai has unveiled its new Hydrogen fuel cell concept vehicle called the i-Blue at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. The company says that the zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) is built on a car based crossover platform in what it calls a two plus two crossover utility vehicle (CUV).

Hyundai is confident that they have succeeded in designing a true Hydrogen fuel cell ZEV that still retains the comfort, convenience, safety and driving range of a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle. The company is optimistic that it will begin mass production of the vehicle within the next decade.

Hopefully with all of their technology and ingenuity Hyundai will become successful in producing the Hydrogen fuel cells necessary for vehicles like the i-Blue without using any fossil fuels. This would position the company very well into the Hydrogen Future.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4217080a30.html

Coming to a Movie Premiere Near You - The New Toyota Hydrogen SUV

Toyota has announced that a new version of the Highlander SUV fitted with Hydrogen fuel cells is capable of driving 900km (560 miles) at around 80 km (50 mph) on a single tank of Hydrogen. This is excellent news especially given that the only exhaust produced during the trip would be water.

The company did not mention when the vehicle might become available or what it might cost.

Once again though we have to ask whether the original Hydrogen fuel cell was made using fossil fuels or not. Either way, this is very promising.

http://www.tech.co.uk/gadgets/future-tech/news/toyotas-hydrogen-car-covers-new-ground?articleid=832724589

Pedalling Hydrogen in China

Recently Shanghai Pearl Hydrogen Power Source Technology unveiled a Hydrogen fuel cell bicycle at an international fair in Shanghai, China. According to the company the $2,600 bicycle is similar to a conventional electric bicycle except that there are two hydrogen gas bottles and a small fuel cell. The bicycle has a range of 100km (62 miles) at a speed of around 25km (15.5 mph). The bicycle only takes 30 minutes to refill compared to three hours for recharging an electric bicycle battery.

Given the technology involved the bicycle is expensive although the company is confident that price will drop to around $670 once mass production begins.

This is a great start although one has to wonder how the Hydrogen fuel cell was made in the first place. If it was made using a wind mill or some other non fossil fuel source that is great. However if it was made using fossil fuels, although it is still great progress, it is not yet a true product of the Hydrogen Future.


http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22395601-664,00.html