News2008-1
http://www.fcpat-japan.com To home


Contents
Eye-Catching News Mainly in Japan - Feb. 11 to 19, 2008 -
Eye-Catching News Mainly in Japan - Feb. 6 to 11, 2008 -
Eye-Catching News Mainly in Japan - November 15 to 29, 2007 -
Eye-Catching News Mainly in Japan - November 15 to 29, 2007 -
038007 Succeeds in Doubling Cell Life - Over 4,000 Hours Continuous Run -
037007 Carbon Monoxide of 2 ppm or Higher in High-Concentration Hydrogen - Sensed by New FC Reformed Gas Analyzer - September 14, 2007

036007 Full-Ceramics Hydrogen Separation Module of High Performance September 7, 2007
035007 DWFC: New Fuel Cell Autonomously Operates with Only Air Supplied August 13, 2007
Eye-Catching News Mainly in Japan - Feb. 6 to 11, 2008 -
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English
$B!!(J Japanese
(27)
The site updating is too late.
Sorry again for the delay.
The number of news caught my eyes through Japanese medias during the period from the last site updating are not large.
FC EXPO 2008 has absorbed most of the news on emerging technology and related products. ?? This is a joke.


1) Yamanashi University has submitted to NEDO an application to participate in the fuel cell research project under control of NEDO.
If the application is approved, Yamanashi University will receive about \70 oku yen (7000, 000,000 x 1/106 = USD) for 7 years, and Yamanashi prefecture lends the governor's official residence to the university for the laboratory facility.
Professor Masahiro Watanabe will be the leader of the project.
The aim of NEDO project is to achieve the cost reduction, and improvement of the performances and the durability of the fuel cells.
As known, professor Watanabe is an authority in the fundamental research in those fields, and famous in the world. In Japan, he has taken leadership roles in many projects on fuel cells.
Professor Watanabe awarded "2007 IPHE Technical Achievement Award" in International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy (IPHE) on November 14, 2007, Roma in Italy.
Professor Watanabe has continued the study of electrode catalysts from about 40 years ago, and has many impressive results including the high active catalyst such as the adatom electrode and the platinum-ruthenium alloy, which is now still a standard catalyst in this field. His results range from new high polymer electrolyte membrane to hydrogen generation/purification catalysts. He has presented academic papers of 200 or larger and has patents of 100 or larger.
In Yamanashj University, Clean Energy Research Center University of Yamanashi has made research and development on fuel cells, and owns 50 patents (including patent pending applications) on the related technologies.
If interested, visit
"032007 World's First Visualization of Oxygen Concentration Distribution in PEFC" in 2007-2 of Archive of this site.

2) Idemitsu and Corona have signed an agreement with Toshiba Fuel Cell Power System Corporation to supply fuel processors, co$B!<(Jdeveloped by Idemitsu and Corona, to Toshiba Fuel Cell Power System Corporation.
The fuel processor produces hydrogen from kerosene and includes a desulfuring part and a reformer part.
Idemitsu has the proprietary technologies for generating hydrogen from petroleum. Corona has the kerosene burner technology and its mass production technology. Both the companies have developed the kerosene reformer on the strength of their technologies.
At present, in Japan the residential fuel cell system is in a stage just before their mass production will start and how to realize the cost down of the fuel cell system is the problem to be solved urgently and at the highest priority in order to encourage the spread of the fuel cell systems.
It seems that in such circumstances, the intention of those companies, including Toshiba, is that the fuel processors are incorporated into the fuel cell systems manufactured by Toshiba and Toshiba supplies the fuel-processor contained fuel cell systems to the petroleum whole sale companies in Japan. In other words, the intention is to commonize the fuel processors, to reduce its cost and the fuel cell system per se, and to promote the spread of the fuel cell systems.


3) Tech-On said that NTT revealed a new hydrogen-fueled micro PEFC fuel cell.
Max. output of the micro-fuel cell : 4 W
Size: Approx. 65mm$B!_(J40mm$B!_(J8mm, inclusive of fuel cell module and hydrogen tank
Storage of hydrogen gas: stored in hydrogen storage metal material (AB5-type rare earth)
Storage capacity of hydrogen storage tank: approx. 7 L
Tank size: 60mm$B!_(J40mm$B!_(J5mm
Tank mass: approx. 70 g
Fuel cell module: hydrogen tank + fuel cell(s)
Fuel cell (structure): five-layered structure, 3 mm-or-shorter thick
electrolyte membrane: "Nafion", manufactured by Dupon
Cell output voltage = about 0.7 V in busy state
The micro fuel cell is also featured by using a voltage-boosting converter, which is capable of boosting minute voltage of lower than 1V to about 5V.
For more derail, visit
Tech-On.
(26) Ceramic Fuel Cells (ASX: CFU) and Paloma Industries to collaborate on fuel cell CHP products for Japan
Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited ("CFCL"), a global leader in fuel cell development, has signed an agreement with Paloma Industries Ltd of Japan to evaluate and develop integrated fuel cell micro-combined heat and power (m-CHP) products for the Japanese market.

Japan represents a key market for CFCL. The Japanese Government is providing strong support for fuel cells and has set targets of generating 2.2GW of power from stationary fuel cell units - equal to 2.2 million 1kW units, by 2010. The Japanese government currently provides a subsidy of up to 3.5 million JPY (21,700 Euros) per unit. Japan is also a large market for home heating appliances, with approximately 4.2 million sold per year.
To read more, visit Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited
January 17, 2008
To read this in Japanese, click SFCJ-Subsite .
(25) Nippon Oil Corporation = ENEOS has started the demonstration test of SOFC cogeneration systems on January 16, 2008.
Two 1 kW-class SOFC systems are tested. One SOFC system uses LPG for the primary fuel and the other SOFC system uses petroleum. The test will be continued for 6 months or longer.
The reformer technology for highly efficiently generating hydrogen from petroleum and the system control technology, which are the most advanced technologies by ENEOS, have been incorporated into those SOFC systems.
27 1kW-class SOFC systems are already under demonstration test. Primary fuel of all of those SOFC systems is city gas.

To learn more ENEOS SOFC systems, contact the source or us.
Janurary 17, 2007

References:
1) SOFC Technology Trend in Japan
2) Residential FC in Japan
(24)
FuelCell Energy Receives $4 Million Loan From the State of Connecticut
Money to be Used for Plant Expansion, Workforce Expansion and Extension of Facility Lease

DANBURY, Conn., Jan 16, 2008 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq:FCEL), a leading manufacturer of high efficiency, ultra-clean power plants for commercial, industrial, municipal and utility customers, today announced that it has received a $4 million loan from the state of Connecticut. The loan is part of the company's $10 million project to expand FuelCell Energy's Torrington, Connecticut manufacturing facility, expand its workforce and extend its facility lease through 2015. "This project is right for Connecticut, right for our economy and right for our energy needs," Governor Jodi Rell said. "We will be adding 100 jobs to our economy, bolstering a Connecticut company that is making strides to decrease our dependence on foreign fossil fuels and enhancing our position in an important industry. Connecticut is a pioneer in fuel cell technology and this project will help ensure we continue to be a leading innovator in this high-tech sector."
To read more, visit
FuelCell energy

January 17, 2008

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(36) Carthew Bay Technologies Advances First $1 Million of Secured
Debenture Financing in Proposed Reverse Takeover Transaction

TORONTO, Feb. 5, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Carthew Bay Technologies Inc.
(OTCBB:CWBYF) (the "Company" or "CBT"), formerly Astris Energi Inc.,
announced today that it advanced the first $1 million in respect of the
secured debenture financing for Colorep Inc. ("Colorep") on February 1,
2008. This tranche is the initial advance of a total $2 million
financing contemplated in the previously announced Letter of Intent
("LOI") with Colorep, to be followed by a transaction whereby shares of
CBT will be exchanged for all of the issued and outstanding shares of
Colorep ("RTO").
(35) Ceramic Fuel Cells (ASX: CFU) partners with CeramTec
to secure volume supply of fuel cell components

CFCL to supply Ceramic Powders to CeramTec

Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited ("CFCL"), a global leader in fuel cell development, has signed a Co-operation and Supply agreement with CeramTec AG of Germany to secure a high volume supply of fuel cell components.
CeramTec is a world leader in producing high-quality industrial ceramic products for a wide range of applications in the automotive, electronic, medical and machine and plant construction industry.
In line with CFCL$B!G(Js commercialisation strategy the partnership will combine CFCL$B!G(Js and CeramTec$B!G(Js expertise in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) with CeramTec$B!G(Js manufacturing capabilities and expertise, securing the supply chain for mass manufacture of high quality fuel cells at commercially viable unit costs. ...
(34) FuelCell Energy Appoints New Director to Its Board
Career Includes Service Under Three Presidential Administrations, At Two Distinguished Law Firms and At Northrop Corporation
DANBURY, Conn., Feb 4, 2008 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq:FCEL), a leading manufacturer of high efficiency ultra-clean power plants using a variety of fuels for commercial, industrial and utility customers, today named Togo Dennis West, Jr., 65, Chairman of the Board of Noblis, Inc. and of TLI Leadership Group, to its Board of Directors.
During Secretary West's distinguished career he has held senior positions in three presidential administrations, spanning both political parties; was a partner and an of-counsel attorney with two distinguished national law firms;
... More
Feb. 5, 2008
(33) Ceramic Fuel Cells (ASX: CFU) partners with H.C. Starck to secure volume supply of fuel cell components
Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited has signed agreements with H.C. Starck of Germany to secure a high volume supply of fuel cell components. - 29 January 2008 -
Under a co-operation agreement, CFCL and HC Starck will collaborate to develop advanced SOFC components, in particular anode supported cells. CFCL is prepared to license its relevant IP in order to optimize the performance of the cell. H.C. Starck will collaborate to continually improve manufacturing processes and reduce unit costs.
Under a supply agreement, H.C. Starck will supply fuel cells at agreed prices until December 2011, securing long term costs for CFCL. Supply of the fuel cells is expected to commence in mid 2008, with further increases in forecast volumes, and reductions in unit prices, from 2009.

H.C. Starck has recently commissioned two lines for manufacturing solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), specifically for Anode Supported Cells and for Electrolyte Supported Cells, with an annual capacity of about 700,000 cells each. The SOFC manufacturing lines are located at its subsidiary company H.C. Starck Ceramics in Selb, Germany. H.C. Starck$B!G(Js world class manufacturing facility is dedicated and fully equipped to produce high quality anode supported fuel cells in accordance with CFCL$B!G(Js rigorous specifications. H.C. Starck$B!G(Js manufacturing processes are certified to ISO standards 9001 and 14000.
As part of CFCL$B!G(Js commercialisation strategy the partnership will combine CFCL$B!G(Js and H.C. Starck$B!G(Js expertise in SOFC as well as H.C. Starck$B!G(Js manufacturing capabilities, securing the supply chain for mass manufacture of high quality cells at commercially viable unit costs.
CFCL will continue to produce fuel cells at its Melbourne R&D and pilot manufacturing facility, leveraging its 15 years of development expertise to drive continued improvements in cell performance. This cooperation is non-exclusive for both parties. CFCL is reviewing similar opportunities with other suppliers throughout Europe.
Managing Director Brendan Dow discusses the agreement with HC Starck on a Boardroomradio webcast ? click here or go to http://www.cfcl.com.au/
or SFCJ-Subsite .
Feb. 1, 2008
(32) Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control Issues Final Decision Approving 16.2 Megawatts of Projects Using FuelCell Energy Power Plants
-Projects Help the State Reach Its Clean and Renewable Goals for Power Generation-
DANBURY, Conn., Jan 31, 2008 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq:FCEL), a leading manufacturer of high efficiency ultra-clean power plants for commercial, industrial and utility customers, announced that the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) has issued its final decision approving 16.2 megawatts (MW) of projects incorporating six of the company's DFC3000(tm) fuel cells under Connecticut's Project 150. To learn more.
Feb. 1, 2008
(31) Power+Energy, Inc. Delivers 50 KW Hydrogen Separator Unit To Navy For Fuel Cell
Navy to incorporate unit into Philadelphia fuel cell demo system
IVYLAND, Penn./EWORLDWIRE/Jan. 29, 2008 --- Power+Energy has delivered its largest hydrogen separation membrane assembly to date to the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) in Philadelphia. This unit is one of the deliverables under a project funded by the Office of Naval Research. The membrane system is designed to extract fuel cell grade hydrogen from a stream of reformed logistic diesel fuel (JP-8). This unit will be installed by the Navy into a demonstration system, which will convert diesel fuel into high-purity hydrogen to feed a large hydrogen fuel cell. To learn more
Feb. 1, 2008

Power+Energy, Inc., located near Philadelphia, is a supplier of hydrogen purification systems used in the manufacturing of advanced semiconductors and LEDs, as well as for various research and laboratory requirements. The company is developing advanced membrane products which will enable the widespread usage of energy-efficient fuel cells without the need for investment in costly hydrogen production, distribution, and storage. Using fuel-processing technology based on Power+Energy's membrane reactor technology, hydrogen fuel can be produced and delivered on demand from widely available liquid fuels. Learn more online at http://www.powerandenergy.com.
(23) Biosensor based on zinc oxide transistor: The sensor was developed by Osaka Institute of Technology.
The sensor has successfully sensed a change of a hydrogen ion concentration in an electrolyte solution and glucose concentrations. The technology will lead to low price biosensors.

Source:
THE NIKKAN KOGYO SHIMBUN, LTD.
To read more, contact the source or us.
(22) A new process of manufacturing a film for preventing the fuel cell separator from being corroded has been developed through collaboration of Dr. Sho Yoshiyuki, Tokai University and Ohashi Kasuga Tsusho Inc. The new process is capable of manufacturing the film at a low cost, which is 1/100 of the cost of the film manufactured by the surface modification using the CVD (chemical vapor deposition) equipment.
Source: THE NIKKAN KOGYO SHIMBUN, LTD.
To read more, contact the source or us.
(21) Nisshinbo Industries, Inc. has revelaed a plan to automate a production line of fuel cell separators and increase the production capability from 2,000, 000 separators/year to 4,000, 000 separators/year. The plan will be executed so as to meet the demand for the separators from the cell manufactures, which will sharply increase upon the termination of the large-scale demonstration test project of residential fuel cell cogeneration systems, which is currently conducted under the promotion by NEDO. The company will be ready for the separator mass production within 2008.
Source: THE NIKKAN KOGYO SHIMBUN, LTD.
To read more, contact the source or us .
(20) Japanese electric power companies have a plan to transfer the technologies (including know-how) to increase the power generation efficiency of the coal power plant to China, India, etc. Asia-Pacific Partnership on clean development and climate has recognized the technology transfer effort as one of the key projects. The clean coal power laboratory, established cooperatively by the electric power companies, will start a 2000-hours continuous running test of the integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) on April in this year.
Source: FujiSankei Business i.
To read more, contact the source or us.
(19) Completes first Shipments to European partners
Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited ("CFCL"), a global leader in fuel cell development, announces that it has shipped a NetGenPlusTM unit to the United Kingdom part of its agreement with E.On UK Ltd and Gledhill Water Storage Ltd to develop micro-combined heat and power (m-CHP) products for the British market.
CFCL will next week ship a NetGenPlus unit to its appliance partner De Dietrich Thermique, part of the Remeha Group, as part of CFCL's agreements to develop commercial m-CHP products for the French and Benelux markets.
These deliveries follow the December 2007 shipment of a NetGenPlus unit to CFCL$B!G(Js German partners EWE and Bruns Heitztechnik, and complete the first shipment to appliance partners in all four major territories.

The CFCL units are being integrated with the partners$B!G(J high efficiency boiler units to create m-CHP products for homes across these large markets, under formal product development agreements that CFCL has signed with the appliance partners and utility customers in each market - EWE in Germany, Gaz de France in France, E.On UK Ltd in the UK and Nuon in Holland. Combined, CFCL$B!G(Js utility customers have more than 20 million customers across Europe.
NetGenPlus is CFCL$B!G(Js next-generation m-CHP system designed to generate electricity and provide hot water and central heating for homes and small businesses. It is powered by CFCL' advanced metal-ceramic fuel cell stack, running on widely available natural gas. The NetGenPlus unit can be easily connected to existing gas and electricity networks. In November 2007, the NetGenPlus unit was awarded CE approval, enabling the units to be deployed throughout Europe.
Andrew Neilson
Legal and Commercial Manager (Company Secretary)
CERAMIC FUEL CELLS LIMITED
Tel: +61 (0)3 9554 2300

See also SFCJ-Subsite in Fuelcell japan.
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(30) Hydrogenics Receives Orders for Seven Fuel Cell Power Modules from Airbus Deutschland and the German Aerospace Center
Testing and validation of fuel cells to provide auxiliary power and water onboard passenger aircraft
MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, CANADA -- Jan 15, 2008 -- Hydrogenics Corporation (Toronto:HYG.TO)(NasdaqGM:HYGS), a leading designer and manufacturer of hydrogen and fuel cell systems, announced today that it has received orders for a total of seven Hydrogenics 12 kW HyPM? fuel cell power modules (FCPM's) from Airbus Deutschland GmbH, a subsidiary of Airbus S.A.S., an EADS company (www.airbus.com/en/), one of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers and DLR Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V., the German Aerospace Center (www.dlr.de/en), Germany's national research centre for aeronautics and space.

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$B9R6u5!$NJd=uEE8;$H5!FbMQ$N?e$N3NJ]$r0U?^$7$F!"$3$l$i$N(JPower Modules$B$NZ;n83$r9T$J$&!#(J

To read more, visit here.


About Hydrogenics
Hydrogenics Corporation (www.hydrogenics.com) is a globally recognized developer and provider of hydrogen generation and fuel cell products and services, serving the growing industrial and clean energy markets of today and tomorrow. Based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Hydrogenics has operations in North America, Europe and Asia.
January 21, 2008
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January 20, 2008
(28) Ceramic Fuel Cells (ASX: CFU) and Paloma Industries to collaborate on fuel cell CHP products for Japan
Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited ("CFCL"), a global leader in fuel cell development, has signed an agreement with Paloma Industries Ltd of Japan to evaluate and develop integrated fuel cell micro-combined heat and power (m-CHP) products for the Japanese market.

Japan represents a key market for CFCL. The Japanese Government is providing strong support for fuel cells and has set targets of generating 2.2GW of power from stationary fuel cell units - equal to 2.2 million 1kW units, by 2010. The Japanese government currently provides a subsidy of up to 3.5 million JPY (21,700 Euros) per unit. Japan is also a large market for home heating appliances, with approximately 4.2 million sold per year.
To read more, visit Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited
January 17, 2008

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(18) A new SOFC having excellent features of high electrical efficiency and quick start has been successfully developed by a regional R & D consortium, which consists of ThinkTank Phoenix Corporation and other companies (big and regional), and is managed by Muroran Advancement Center of Industrial Technology and Management.
The SOFC uses the electrolyte having a unique structure, called a lattice shaped honeycomb structure. Use of the unique electrolyte brings about considerable improvement of the SOFC's performances.
The target figures of the performances are: the output density of the SOFC is 0.5W/1cm2 of the electrolyte, the electrical efficiency is 50% or higher, and the startup time is within 5 minutes (15 minutes or longer in the conventional SOFC). Development efforts are being continued toward achievement of those target figures.
A prototype of the new SOFC will be exhibited in "4th International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell EXPO", Feb. 27 to 29, 2008, Tokyo Big Site.
This technology may be described in more detail in the not too distant future.
Source: Muroran Minpo

To read more, contact the source or us.
(17) Another METI regional R & D consortium, which is managed by Muroran Advancement Center, has launched additional valuable technologies.
One of the technologies is a process for producing carbon nanotubes and hydrogen gas from methane gas generated from kitchen refuse without generating CO2. The process is named as a direct methane reforming process.
The other technology is an apparatus for manufacturing carbon nanotubes continuously by using the direct methane reforming process.
The directmethane reforming process has been researched through the collaboration of JSW R & D Headquarter, KAJIMA Technical Research Institute, Kitami Institute of Technology (Professor Dr. Akio Tada) and others.
The consortium will set about the final research and development toward real commercialization of the carbon nanotubes manufacturing apparatus in E.C.O. Corporation Muroran Laboratory.
The carbon nanotubes have an excellent property of shielding or absorbing electromagnetic waves.
A new building material capable of shielding electromagnetic wave could be formed by mixing the carbon nanotubes into concrete.
The carbon nanotubes manufacturing technologies will be exhibited in "Nano Bio Expo 2008", Feb. 13 o 15, Tokyo Big Sight;
Booth No. A-24, and the researchers will explain the technologies in the exhibition.
Source:
Muroran Minpo

To read more, contact the source or us .

(16) The "normal pressure 150 kW class SOFC system", which was constructed and is now being operated by J power (Electric Power Development Co., Ltd.), has been successfully operated at over 100 kW (DC power terminal).
It is the first time in Japan that the SOFC system is operated at such high output power. The SOFC system has been operated from January in this year, and the accumulated operation time of the SOFC system reached 3,300 hours, including 1,050 hours as the continuous operation time.
(Source: news release from J power)
(15) SOFC Fuel Cells Pass 50% "Efficiency Threshold for Operational Viability in Japanese Tests
An Acumentrics-Nippon Steel solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system has demonstrated a net electrical efficiency of 52% DC (42% AC) in extended operation, and an overall efficiency of 83% in tests conducted as part of the Japanese New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization ($B!H(JNEDO$B!I(J) program.
(Source: press release from Accumentrics)
(14) CFCL has shipped its CE-approved NetGenPlusTM unit to EWE
Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited ("FCL", a global leader in fuel cell development, has shipped a NetGenPlusTM unit to its utility partner EWE as part of its agreement to develop micro-combined heat and power (m-CHP) products for Germany.
(Visit Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited)
(13) Acumentrics Fuel Cells To Run On Ammonia As Fuel
Acumentrics Corporation$B!G(Js Canadian subsidiary, Acumentrics Canada Ltd., is partnering with Natural Resources Canada$B!G(Js CANMET Energy Technology Centre to investigate the use of ammonia as a fuel for Acumentrics$B!G(J solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The fuel cell will convert ammonia to hydrogen and nitrogen internally and release only water vapor and nitrogen.
(Source: press release from Accumentrics)
(12) FuelCell Energy Sells 4.8 Megawatts of Ultra-Clean Power Plants to South Korea's Leading Power Producer
Two DFC3000 Power Plants Bring POSCO Power Total to 12.6 MW Since March 2007

DANBURY, Conn., Dec 11, 2007 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq:FCEL), a leading manufacturer of high efficiency, ultra-clean power plants for commercial, industrial and utility customers, today announced the sale of 4.8 megawatts (MW) of its Direct FuelCell(r) (DFC(r)) to its alliance partner in South Korea, POSCO Power, a unit of one of the world's largest industrial companies, POSCO (NYSE:PKK). Under the order, POSCO Power is purchasing two DFC3000 power plants. These two units will be sold to two independent power purchasers (IPPs), and are slated for delivery and installation in 2009. This order brings POSCO Power's total orders to 12.6 MW since March 2007.


See also FCJ-Subsite in Fuelcell japan.
(11) FuelCell Energy Completes Sale to The Linde Group of 3.9 Megawatts of Power Plants for Renewable Distributed Generation
Linde Leverages Its Gas Purification and Distribution Expertise to Establish a Unique Solution for the Distributed Generation of Renewable Power

DANBURY, Conn., Nov 27, 2007 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq:FCEL), a leading manufacturer of high efficiency, ultra-clean power plants for commercial, industrial, municipal and utility customers, today announced the sale of 3.9 megawatts (MW) of power plants to The Linde Group, a world-leading gases and engineering company. Linde will install four power plants at various customer locations in the San Diego area which will utilize purified biogas from the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant (PLWTP) as the primary fuel source. The four power plants include three 1.2 megawatt (MW) plants and one 300 kilowatt (kW) plant.
(10) Energy Lab Sets Aggressive Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goal
NREL pledges to cut carbon footprint, impact on environment by 75 percent
December 4, 2007

The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent from 2005 to 2009. The new goal is part of NREL's participation in the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Climate Leaders program and was announced at the Climate Leaders meeting in Boulder, Colo., today.


(8) Sekisui House, Ltd. installed residential FC cogeneration systems to 14 homes in the subdivision and started the demonstration test of the cogeneration systems in cooperation with The Japan Research Institute, Limited and WEB POWER Service LLC.
Outline of the demonstration test is: 1) to gather and analyze data on the use of electricity and heat in each home using the cogeneration system; 2) to simulate the exchange of electricity and heat among the homes by computer; and 3) to trially calculate the energy saving effect gained in the test, and to research the optimization between the cost saving and the energy saving. The FC cogeneration systems were supplied from Japan Energy Corporation (JOMO).
(Source: News Release by
Sekisui House Corp.)

(7) A new iron oxide has been created by the international team, including mainly Kyoto University.
The structure of the new material resembles that of the copper oxide, which has been used for high-temperature superconductor.
This fact implies the possibility of realizing the high-temperature superconductor by using the new iron oxide.
The new material is capable of absorbing a large amount of oxygen.
This property of the material indicates possible application of the material to the electrode of the fuel cell. $B!J(JSource: Yomiuri Shimbun)
To learn more, visit 1) " Discovery of essentially novel iron oxide defying chemical common knowledge", and 2) "Infinite-layer iron oxide with a square-planar coordination".

(6) Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) entered into a research collaboration agreement with Toshiba Corporation on "High temperature gas-cooled reactor and development of hydrogen generation method using the same".
The major objects of the research collaboration agreement are:
1) to sort out and evaluate the present conditions of the high temperature gas-cooled reactor and technologies to be developed in the years to come; and
2) to make a feasibility study of the high temperature gas-cooled reactor.
It is expected that the research collaboration will enhance the commercial values of the high temperature gas-cooled reactor and pave the way to its commercialization.
The high temperature gas-cooled reactor has now being developed as the next-generation nuclear reactor in the United States and other countries.
The high temperature gas-cooled reactor is excellent in safety, small in size, high in economical level, and lower in initial investment amount than in large- and medium-size nuclear reactors.
JAEA has addressed the development of the technologies, which enable the high temperature gas-cooled reactor to generate hydrogen and electricity.
$B!J(JSource: press release by Japan Atomic Agency)

(5) VIASPACE SIGNS MAJOR DISTRIBUTION CONTRACT AND RECEIVES ORDER FROM TOKAI BUSSAN CO., LTD OF JAPAN
PASADENA, CA -December 13, 2007-VIASPACE Inc. (OTCBB: VSPC) announced that Tokai Bussan Co., Ltd. of Nagoya, Japan and VIASPACE have signed a distribution contract under their broad teaming agreement of March 2007 for VIASPACE Energy's line of test equipment. Tokai Bussan has placed its initial order for the HS-1000 VIASENSOR, a laser based, humidity sensor for gas fuel cells. Tokai Bussan's initial focus will be immediate sales to large manufacturers of fuel cells and fuel cell test stations, as well as research of the needs of major automobile corporations in Japan.
(Visit also Tokai Bussan Topics)

(4) FuelCell Energy's 1.2 Megawatt Power Plant Attains California Certifications for Air Quality and Interconnection Standards and a National Certification for Operating and Safety Standards
1.2 Megawatt Power Plant is the Largest Distributed Generation Power Plant Certified for the California Market
DANBURY, Conn., Dec 20, 2007 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq:FCEL), a leading manufacturer of high-efficiency, ultra-clean power plants for commercial, industrial and utility customers, today announced that its DFC1500MA(tm) has received three certifications that confirm the 1.2 MW power plant meets California's emission regulations and complies with both requirements for connecting to power grids and national product safety standards.

(3) FuelCell Energy Appoints New Director to Its Board
Christof von Branconi, EVP & COO of Tognum AG, Replaces Retiring Board Member, Michael Bode, CEO of CFC Solutions GmbH

DANBURY, Conn., Dec 20, 2007 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq:FCEL), a leading manufacturer of high efficiency, ultra-clean power plants for commercial, industrial, municipal and utility customers, today announced the appointment of Christof von Branconi, 47, EVP and COO of Tognum AG's Onsite Energy Systems & Components Division, to its Board of Directors. Mr. von Branconi joins FuelCell Energy's Board as Mr. Michael Bode, CEO of CFC Solutions GmbH (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Tognum Group), retires from the Board after 14 years of service.

(2) Scientific Finding: "LiBH4 has a lithium superionic conduction property"
- Encourage study/development on "hydride for the solid electrolyte" -

The collaboratory team in Institute of Materials Research, Tohoku University,
found a scientific fact that a lithium borohydride (LiBH4) has a lithium
superionic conduction property.
The researchers found that the LiBH4 exhibits the superionic conduction
property at 115 degrees Celsius, which is comparable with that of the liquid
electrolyte.
The LiBH4 is lighter than water. This leads to the weight reduction of the
applied devices.
Some measures for the shortcircuiting and the overcharge are indispensable
for the existence lithium secondary battery since the liquid (organic)
electrolyte is used.
To cope with this, recently a vigorous search for a new lithium ion
conduction material, which is useful as the solid electrolyte to increase the
safety, has been made worldwide.
It is expected that the study and development on the "hydride for the solid
electrolyte" will be further encouraged upon the discovery.
The research finding will be applied to the development of new solid
electrolytes (= solid materials allowing high speed migration of lithium ions
therein) for increasing the safety in the lithium ion secondary batteries
which are currently used in the commercial and industrial fields.
The details of the research finding have been presented on " Applied Physics
Letters, November 27, online version".


(1) Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control Issues Draft Decision Approving 16.2 Megawatts of Projects Using FuelCell Energy Power Plants
DPUC's Decision Fosters Clean Energy Projects
DANBURY, Conn., Dec 24, 2007 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq:FCEL), a leading manufacturer of high efficiency ultra-clean power plants using a variety of fuels for commercial, industrial and utility customers, announced that the Connecticut Department of Utility Control (DPUC) has issued its draft decision approving 16.2 megawatts (MW) of projects incorporating six of the company's DFC3000 fuel cells. The final decision by the DPUC is scheduled for January 9, 2008.

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(27)
FuelCell Energy Receives $4 Million Loan From the State of Connecticut
Money to be Used for Plant Expansion, Workforce Expansion and Extension of Facility Lease

DANBURY, Conn., Jan 16, 2008 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq:FCEL), a leading manufacturer of high efficiency, ultra-clean power plants for commercial, industrial, municipal and utility customers, today announced that it has received a $4 million loan from the state of Connecticut. The loan is part of the company's $10 million project to expand FuelCell Energy's Torrington, Connecticut manufacturing facility, expand its workforce and extend its facility lease through 2015. "This project is right for Connecticut, right for our economy and right for our energy needs," Governor Jodi Rell said. "We will be adding 100 jobs to our economy, bolstering a Connecticut company that is making strides to decrease our dependence on foreign fossil fuels and enhancing our position in an important industry. Connecticut is a pioneer in fuel cell technology and this project will help ensure we continue to be a leading innovator in this high-tech sector."
To read more, visit
FuelCell energy

January 17, 2008


(26) Biosensor based on zinc oxide transistor: The sensor was developed by Osaka Institute of Technology.
The sensor has successfully sensed a change of a hydrogen ion concentration in an electrolyte solution and glucose concentrations. The technology will lead to low price biosensors.
Source:
THE NIKKAN KOGYO SHIMBUN, LTD.
To read more, contact the source or us .

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Source: THE NIKKAN KOGYO SHIMBUN, LTD.
To read more, contact the source or us .

(24) $BF|(J$B@6KB$OG3NAEECS%;%Q%l!<%?!<$N@=B$%i%$(J$B%s$r<+F02=$9$k!#(J
$B$3$N<+F02=$K$h$j(J, $B0&CN8)$N9)>l$N@8;:G=NO$,(J2,000, 000 separators/year to 4,000, 000 separators/year$B$KA}Bg!#(J
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$BF1 Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.
Source: THE NIKKAN KOGYO SHIMBUN, LTD.
To read more, contact the source or us .

(23) $BF|K\$NEENO3F$BN($r9b$a$k5;=Q!J(Jincluding$B%N%&%O%&(J) $B$rCf9q$d%$%s%I$J$I0\E>$9$k!#(J
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Source: FujiSankei Business i.
To read more, contact the source or us .

(22)$B%U%i%s%9$N(J Pragma Industries$B$,(J FC EXPO 2008$B$K=PE8$9$k!#(J
$B=PE8@=IJ!"5;=Q!"2qClick More 1 and More 2

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Created in 2004, Pragma Industries is actively involved in fuel cells development. Based in south west of France, our team is dedicated to pushing fuel cells technologies toward industrialization and markets. The approach of our interdisciplinary team is driven by innovation and design-to-cost methods. Our intervention fields involve all aspects of fuel cell design: materials and assembling techniques innovation, accurate and evolutionary research equipment, fundamental and applied research.


(21) Completes first Shipments to European partners
Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited ("CFCL"), a global leader in fuel cell development, announces that it has shipped a NetGenPlusTM unit to the United Kingdom part of its agreement with E.On UK Ltd and Gledhill Water Storage Ltd to develop micro-combined heat and power (m-CHP) products for the British market.

CFCL will next week ship a NetGenPlus unit to its appliance partner De Dietrich Thermique, part of the Remeha Group, as part of CFCL's agreements to develop commercial m-CHP products for the French and Benelux markets.

These deliveries follow the December 2007 shipment of a NetGenPlus unit to CFCL$B!G(Js German partners EWE and Bruns Heitztechnik, and complete the first shipment to appliance partners in all four major territories.

The CFCL units are being integrated with the partners$B!G(J high efficiency boiler units to create m-CHP products for homes across these large markets, under formal product development agreements that CFCL has signed with the appliance partners and utility customers in each market - EWE in Germany, Gaz de France in France, E.On UK Ltd in the UK and Nuon in Holland. Combined, CFCL$B!G(Js utility customers have more than 20 million customers across Europe.

NetGenPlus is CFCL$B!G(Js next-generation m-CHP system designed to generate electricity and provide hot water and central heating for homes and small businesses. It is powered by CFCL' advanced metal-ceramic fuel cell stack, running on widely available natural gas. The NetGenPlus unit can be easily connected to existing gas and electricity networks. In November 2007, the NetGenPlus unit was awarded CE approval, enabling the units to be deployed throughout Europe.

CFCL $B$O(J $B$O:G?71T$N2HDmMQG.EEJ;5kMQ$N(JSOFC$B%f%K%C%H$r1Q9q$K=P2Y$7$?!#Mh=5!"%U%i%s%9$H%Y%M%k%C%/%9=t9qMQ$N$b$N$r=P2Y$9$k!#$3$l$i$N%f%K%C%H$O(J$BZ;n83$r9T$J$&$?$a$N$b$N$G$"$k!#%I%$%D$K$O:rG/Jk$l$KF1$8L\E*$G$9$G$K=P2Y$7$F$$$k!#(J
Andrew Neilson
Legal and Commercial Manager (Company Secretary)
CERAMIC FUEL CELLS LIMITED
Tel: +61 (0)3 9554 2300

See also (14)


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(Source: Muroran Minpo)

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(Source: news release from J power)
(15) SOFC Fuel Cells Pass 50% "Efficiency Threshold for Operational Viability in Japanese Tests
An Acumentrics-Nippon Steel solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system has demonstrated a net electrical efficiency of 52% DC (42% AC) in extended operation, and an overall efficiency of 83% in tests conducted as part of the Japanese New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization ($B!H(JNEDO$B!I(J) program.

$B>.7?(JSOFC$B$GH/EE8zN(!a(J52% DC (42% AC) $B!"Am9g8zN(!a(J83%$B$rC#@.!#(JNEDO program$B$N0l4D$H$7$F9T$J$o$l$?;n83$GC#@.!#(J (Source: press release from Accumentrics$B!K(J

(14) CFCL has shipped its CE-approved NetGenPlusTM unit to EWE
Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited ("FCL", a global leader in fuel cell development, has shipped a NetGenPlusTM unit to its utility partner EWE as part of its agreement to develop micro-combined heat and power (m-CHP) products for Germany.

$B%;%i%_%C%/!!%U%e!<%k%;%k%:!!%j%_%F%C%I(J (Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited = CFCL $B$OF1 NetGenPlusTM unit$B$OF1 EWE = one of Germany's leading energy suppliers
(see Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited)

(13) Acumentrics Fuel Cells To Run On Ammonia As Fuel
Acumentrics Corporation$B!G(Js Canadian subsidiary, Acumentrics Canada Ltd., is partnering with Natural Resources Canada$B!G(Js CANMET Energy Technology Centre to investigate the use of ammonia as a fuel for Acumentrics$B!G(J solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The fuel cell will convert ammonia to hydrogen and nitrogen internally and release only water vapor and nitrogen.

SOFC$B$N0l (Source: press release from Accumentrics)
(12) FuelCell Energy Sells 4.8 Megawatts of Ultra-Clean Power Plants to South Korea's Leading Power Producer
Two DFC3000 Power Plants Bring POSCO Power Total to 12.6 MW Since March 2007
DANBURY, Conn., Dec 11, 2007 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq:FCEL), a leading manufacturer of high efficiency, ultra-clean power plants for commercial, industrial and utility customers, today announced the sale of 4.8 megawatts (MW) of its Direct FuelCell(r) (DFC(r)) to its alliance partner in South Korea, POSCO Power, a unit of one of the world's largest industrial companies, POSCO (NYSE:PKK). Under the order, POSCO Power is purchasing two DFC3000 power plants. These two units will be sold to two independent power purchasers (IPPs), and are slated for delivery and installation in 2009. This order brings POSCO Power's total orders to 12.6 MW since March 2007.

POSCO Power$B$,(JDFC3000$BH/EE@_Hw$rFs4p9XF~!#HBF~$H@_CV$O#2#0#0#9G/$K9T$J$o$l$k!#$3$l$G:#G/$N#37n$+$i$NAmH/EENL$O(J12.6 MW$B$H$J$k!#(J

(11) FuelCell Energy Completes Sale to The Linde Group of 3.9 Megawatts of Power Plants for Renewable Distributed Generation
Linde Leverages Its Gas Purification and Distribution Expertise to Establish a Unique Solution for the Distributed Generation of Renewable Power
DANBURY, Conn., Nov 27, 2007 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq:FCEL), a leading manufacturer of high efficiency, ultra-clean power plants for commercial, industrial, municipal and utility customers, today announced the sale of 3.9 megawatts (MW) of power plants to The Linde Group, a world-leading gases and engineering company. Linde will install four power plants at various customer locations in the San Diego area which will utilize purified biogas from the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant (PLWTP) as the primary fuel source. The four power plants include three 1.2 megawatt (MW) plants and one 300 kilowatt (kW) plant.

FuelCell energy$B$O(J3.9 megawatts (MW) $B$NH/EE@_Hw$r(JThe Linde Group$B$KHNGd$7$?!#(J San Diego$B<~JU$NJ#?t2U=j$K@_CV$9$k!#0l

(10) Energy Lab Sets Aggressive Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goal
NREL pledges to cut carbon footprint, impact on environment by 75 percent
December 4, 2007
The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent from 2005 to 2009. The new goal is part of NREL's participation in the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Climate Leaders program and was announced at the Climate Leaders meeting in Boulder, Colo., today.

U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)$B$N7h0UI=L@!#(J 2005 to 2009$B4V$G#7#5!s$N(Jgreenhouse gas emissions$B$N:o8:$r9T$J$&!#(J

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(Source: FujiSankei Business i.)

Low Floor, Battery-Powered Tram SWIMO Completed
Tokyo, November 19, 2007 - Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today that it has completed a next-generation, low floor light rail vehicle (LRV) powered by the GigacellR, its proprietary nickel metal-hydride battery.
Dubbed SWIMO (Smooth WIn MOver), the LRV's compact Gigacell is installed under the seats to achieve a low floor that meets the barrier-free needs of passengers. Another feature is its eco-friendliness, as it stores power generated through a regenerating brake system, which leads to significant energy savings. Because it is battery-driven, the vehicle does not require unsightly overhead lines. This allows the easy opening of new lines and extensions - features that are beneficial to railway operators in planning versatile vehicle systems. (Source: press release from Kawasaki Heady Industries, Ltd.
)


(8)$B!!(J $B!!@Q?e%O%&%93t<02qyCO$N=;Bp$K2HDmMQG3NAEECS(J$B$r@_CV$7!"$=$NZ;n83$r#1#17n$+$i;O$a$?!#$3$NZ;n83$N (Source: News Release by Sekisui House Corp.)

(7)$B!!(J $B?7$7$$E4;@2=J*!#5~Bg$rCf?4$H$7$?9q:]%A!<%`(J$B$,:n$C$?!#(J
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To learn more, visit 1) " Discovery of essentially novel iron oxide defying chemical common knowledge", and 2) "Infinite-layer iron oxide with a square-planar coordination".

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$B86;RNO5!9=$G$O!"?eAG@=B$$HH/EE$,2DG=$J9b29%,%9O'5;=Q$N3+H/$K $B!J(JSource: press release by Japan Atomic Agency)

(5) VIASPACE SIGNS MAJOR DISTRIBUTION CONTRACT AND RECEIVES ORDER FROM TOKAI BUSSAN CO., LTD OF JAPAN
PASADENA, CA -December 13, 2007-VIASPACE Inc. (OTCBB: VSPC) announced that Tokai Bussan Co., Ltd. of Nagoya, Japan and VIASPACE have signed a distribution contract under their broad teaming agreement of March 2007 for VIASPACE Energy's line of test equipment. Tokai Bussan has placed its initial order for the HS-1000 VIASENSOR, a laser based, humidity sensor for gas fuel cells. Tokai Bussan's initial focus will be immediate sales to large manufacturers of fuel cells and fuel cell test stations, as well as research of the needs of major automobile corporations in Japan.
Visit Tokai Bussan Topics.


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038007
Succeeds in Doubling Cell Life
- Over 4,000 Hours Continuous Run -


Hitachi Maxell, Ltd. has greatly innovated small fuel cells.
The MEA life is doubled (measured by Hitachi Maxell).
The MEA-contained fuel cell continuously run over 4,000 hours or longer, which has been considered the target figure for the practical use of the fuel cell.

Hitachi Maxell, Ltd. (Japanese)/Hitachi Maxell, Ltd. (English)
* About
* Products for Consumers
* Products for Companies

1) As known, when the start and stop of the fuel cell are repeated, the platinum catalyst in the cathode (oxygen electrode) is dissolved as Pt ions. The Pt ions diffuse from the cathode into the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) and deposits inside the PEM. The platinum deposition inside PEM deteriorates the performances of the MEA, resulting in increase of the internal resistance of the fuel cell and decrease of the output power of the fuel cell. Hitachi Maxell has solved this problem by creating a metal ion trapping agent which is capable of trapping the Pt ions, and adding it to the cathode. The metal ion trapping agent added to the cathode successfully suppresses Pt deposition inside PEM (see figure). This technology was presented in "The 48th Battery Symposium in Japan.
2) The current fuel cell has another problem. When the fuel cell stops, hydrogen and oxygen coexist in the anode. The fact leads to oxidation of the cathode carbon of the cathode which supports the platinum catalyst. The carbon oxidation leads to deterioration of the MEA performances. Hitachi Maxell has solved the problem by developing a new technology to remove the hydrogen from the anode.
The technology succeeds in completely suppressing the carbon oxidation.


Platinum Dissolving:
The amount of the dissolved platinum (Pt ions) increases when start/stop operations of the fuel cell are repeated, the pt ions
deposit again in the cathode, and also deposits in the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM). The platinum deposited in the cathode will contribute again to the power generation reaction. The platinum deposited in the PEM never contributes to the power generation reaction, however. More adversely, the platinum deposited in the PEM impedes the hydrogen ion conduction of the PEM. This results in increase of the internal resistance of the fuel cell and lowering of the output power of the cell. In the fields of the vehicle and residential fuel cells, the methods to cope with the problem have been applied to the entire fuel cell system. For example, the hydrogen purge and/or the nitrogen purge are carried out to remove the oxygen from the cathode every time the cell is stopped. In the field of the fuel cells for mobile devices, the measures having been taken are still in unsatisfactory levels since the device size is small. In those devices, a frequency of the occurrence of the power generation stops is also high. This results in producing a remarkable amount of Pt ions. As described above, Hitachi Maxell has succeeded in considerably lessening the MEA performance deterioration, which is due to the dissolution of the platinum as the catalyst, and substantially completely suppressing the carbon oxidation in the cathode. As a result, the MEA life is substantially extended and the continuous run of the fuel cell of 4,000 hours or over is achieved. Incidentally, Hitachi Maxell is making efforts of commercializing the small PEFC using a hydrogen generator, which is based on aluminum and water. The PEFC will be used for 10 to 100 W power sources in use for mobiles devices for emergency and outdoor uses.

Source: Press release from Hitachi Maxell


Keywords: metal ion trapping agent, platinum dissolving, platinum catalyst, cathode, oxygen electrode, MEA, PEM, carbon oxidation, MEA life, 4,000 hours, Hitachi Maxell

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From left to right and up to down:

Water (2H2O)
Current
Oxygen (O)
Electrode (cathode)
Solid polyelectrolyte film
Electrode (anode)
Hydrogen (2H2)
Hydrogen ions (H+)

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM)
Cathode
Platinum (Pt)

When no metal ion trapping agent is used:
When the metal ion trapping agent is used:

By adding the metal ion trapping agent to the cathode, the particles of the platinum deposited in the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane are completely suppressed as clearly seen from the above photograph.

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037007
Carbon Monoxide of 2 ppm or Higher in High-Concentration Hydrogen
- Sensed by New FC Reformed Gas Analyzer -

New Cosmos Electric Co., Ltd. has developed a high sensitive fuel-cell reformed gas analyzer (model name: XG-100HC), which detects carbon monoxide in high-concentration hydrogen gas (reformed gas for fuel cell) at high accuracy.
The reformed gas analyzer was exhibited in JAIMASHOW 2007, Makuhari Messe, Japan, Aug 29 to 31.

Developer: New Cosmos Electric Co., Ltd. (Osaka)

Features:
1. XG-100HC uses a unique metal-oxide semiconductor sensor having a high sensitivity and a high selectivity to the gas, developed originally by the company, and is capable of measuring a trace of carbon monoxide of 2 ppm or higher.
2. XG-100HC is capable of measuring raw materials such as natural gas (methane) and LPG in ppm levels (methane : 10 ppm to 20 vol%).
3. XG-100HC is of the portable type, and may be used for the in-site measurement. Measurement time is only 15 minutes.
4. XG-100HC needs a specimen of only 10 ml (directly injected) for measurement.
5. XG-100HC is standard equipped with an analyzing software for measurement results analysis. The measurement results can be checked in site and stored.

Background:
LPG or gasoline is usually reformed for generating hydrogen as a fuel to the fuel cell. In the reforming process, even a trace of residual carbon monoxide will poison the catalyst, sometimes resulting in lowering of the power generation ability. This necessitates the detection of the carbon monoxide. The equipment based on the NRI method or the FTIR method has been used for the carbon monoxide detection. The equipment suffer from the following disadvantages, however. Its price is high. Its size is large and not portable. In low concentration regions the measurement by the equipment is susceptible to interference gas.

Specifications:
Measured Object: Carbon monoxide
Detection principle: Metal-oxide semiconductor sensor
Measurement range: From 2 ppm or higher (carbon monoxide)
Measurement repetition: Within $B!^(J20% (20 ppm (CO) in gas having 90% of hydrogen)
Power supply: AC 100 V, 50/60 Hz
Dimension: 240 (W) x 190 (H) x 330 (D), exclusive of projections
Weight: About 9 Kg

Keywords: fuel cell reformed gas analyzer, metal-oxide semiconductor sensor, CO sensor, carbon monoxide, high-concentration hydrogen, fuel cell, reformed gas

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XG-100HC
fuel-cell reformed gas analyzer

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036007
Full-Ceramics Hydrogen Separation Module of High Performance


A new ceramics hydrogen separation module is operable in a wide temperature range from room temperature to 600oC and in the presence of the hydrocarbon gas. The module has stable performances that little vary after 1000 hours. A hydrogen concentration of the collected gas is kept 99%. The durability of the module is in practical levels.
The module composes of six long, tubular support substrates each with a hydrogen separation membrane arranged around an alumina tube for gathering hydrogen separated.
Each of the tubular support substrate is made of porous alumina material, and is 6 mm in diameter and 400 mm in length. A hydrogen separation membrane is made of amorphous silica. The hydrogen separation membrane is formed on the tubular support substrate. A new process is used for forming the hydrogen separation membrane.

Co-developed by
Noritake Co., Limited
Japan Fine Ceramics Center (JFCC)
The University of Tokyo Prof. Shin-ichi Nakao

Other materials for the hydrogen separation membrane than the ceramics material are organic material and metal material.
The hydrogen separation membrane using the organic material has the following disadvantages: 1) it is thermally unstable and 2) it cannot be used in a condition containing an organic steam.
The hydrogen separation membrane using the metal material is disadvantageous in that 1) it cannot be used at low temperature of 300oC or lower, and 2) the resources are limited.
The ceramics hydrogen separation membrane, developed this time, is