Hydrogen Fuel News

Navy drone sets new record with the help of hydrogen fuel

Tami Hood — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:00:08 +0000

Navy makes major breakthrough with hydrogen fuel

The U.S. Navy has become a very strong supporter of renewable energy over the past few years, driven heavily by the interests of the Department of Defense. The Navy has been involved in projects concerning various types of renewable energy, from solar energy to biofuels. Hydrogen fuel is included in the Navy’s interests as well, but the military has been relatively reserved on its experimentation with fuel cells, preferring these energy systems for transportation purposes. The Navy has, however, achieved a major accomplishment concerning hydrogen fuel recently.

Hydrogen-powered UAV flight record has been broken

The Navy’s Ion Tiger unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been the pride of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory for several years. The relatively small aerial drone represents a convergence of the Navy’s technological progress in the field of drone flight and hydrogen fuel cells. The drone is equipped with fuel cell propulsion system that makes sued of liquid hydrogen fuel. In 2009, the UAV set a record when it flew for more than 24 hours before needing to be refueled. That record has since been broken.

Ion Tiger manages to break its own flight record

Researchers from the Naval Research Laboratory have successfully flown the hydrogen-powered UAV for 48 hours and 1 minute, shattering the drone’s previous flight record. Researchers note that the successful endurance flight was partially due to the liquid hydrogen fuel that was used by the drone. This fuel was stored at three times the pressure of conventional hydrogen and was injected into a cryogenic fuel tank and delivery system. This storage system was designed to be lightweight, allowing the drone to fly for an extended period of time without having a significant need to refuel.

Hydrogen fuel remains an interest for transportation purposes

While the military remains interested in hydrogen fuel for transportation purposes, Navy researchers suggest that fuel cells could help make battlefield surveillance more efficient. Drones that are able to stay in the sky for longer periods of time are more capable of observing the events that unfold beneath them, providing valuable information to soldiers on the ground.

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Community-based renewable energy bills pass milestone in California

Angie Bergenson — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:00:46 +0000

Community-based renewable energy may soon be a reality in the state

Several weeks ago, California legislators had been debating two bills concerning community-based renewable energy projects in the state. These bills (Senate Bill 43 and Assembly Bill 1014) seek to make the state friendlier when it comes to renewable energy by providing some financial leeway to those that are interested in community-based projects. The bills are nearly identical save for some very minor differences and will eventually be combined into a single bill later in the legislative process.

Bills aim to provide financial incentive for community projects

The bills are meant to allow investor-owned utility customers in the state to receive some credit toward their electricity bill for the renewable energy produced by systems that are located on property that they do not own. Essentially, this credit is associated with renewable energy projects that take form on community property, such as parks, school campuses, and other such locations. The community supporting these projects can purchase electrical power voluntarily or receive their energy from their utility provider as normal.

Bills gain approval from legislative committees

Late last week, the two bills passed their first major milestone. Both bills were approved by their appropriate committees, with AB 1014 winning unanimous approval from the California Assembly Utility and Commerce Committee and Senate Bill 43 passing the California Senate Energy Committee. Both bills received strong support from their representative committees, which could be promising for their future in the legislative process.

Bills praised for their economic prospects

The bills managed to win strong support due to their economic prospects. Those supporting the bill suggest that more than 12,700 jobs could be created by making putting more emphasis behind community-based renewable energy projects. These projects could also produce more than $130 million in tax revenue for the state, which could be a major selling point for these bills as California has long struggled with its own deep-seated financial issues.

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Hydrogen fuel could be replaced by natural gas in the Bloom Box

John Max — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:00:21 +0000

Bloom Energy shows off its new hydrogen fuel cell

The relationship between hydrogen fuel cells and natural gas has been heating up for some time. Fuel cells need hydrogen to operate, but just because hydrogen is the most abundant chemical in the universe does not mean that it is easily found on earth. Most of the world’s hydrogen is tied to other chemicals, such as oxygen. As such, hydrogen must be extracted from the substances that it helps create, such as water. To do this, energy is needed and natural gas has become one of the most popular energy sources for hydrogen fuel production.

Bloom Box can use natural gas to produce energy

Bloom Energy, a leading developer of fuel cells, has been working to promote its Bloom Box recently. The Bloom Box is a type of stationary hydrogen fuel cell that has become relatively popular in industries like telecommunications. Though it is very similar to other stationary fuel cells, the Bloom Box is not restricted to one fuel resource. Rather than using natural gas as an energy source for hydrogen fuel production, the Bloom Box can use natural gas as a replacement for hydrogen.

Natural gas continues to become more affordable

With the price of natural gas continuing to fall, the Bloom Box may soon become much more attractive in several industries. The fact that the energy system can use natural gas to generate electrical power sets it apart from other products offered by the fuel cell industry. There is a small problem, however, concerning the emissions linked to natural gas. Natural gas is a fossil-fuel and produces carbon dioxide when it is used to produce energy. This fuel is significantly cleaner than other fossil-fuels, but the fact that it is associated with emissions may make it less popular to those that are showing interest in fuel cells.

Fuel cell industry sees strong growth

The fuel cell industry has been seeing a great deal of growth over the past few years. Several companies within the industry are inching closer to profitability as hydrogen fuel cells continue to gain exposure. Currently, mobile fuel cells are the most popular type of these energy systems, as they can be efficiently used in transportation. Stationary fuel cells, however, have been gaining traction in the IT sector and in telecommunications.

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Geothermal energy gains more attention in Switzerland

John Max — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:00:09 +0000

Swiss university sets sights on geothermal energy

ETH Zurich, a leading technology university in Switzerland, has been awarded more than $10.4 million in funding that will help support its efforts in the field of geothermal energy. The university has been a leading authority on geothermal energy for some time and has been devoted to the exploration of Switzerland’s geothermal potential. Though the country is located well beyond the infamous Ring of Fire — a well known geologic hotspot — geological events are common throughout Switzerland.

Funds to be used to further research in deep geothermics

The funds come from the Werner Siemens Foundation, which is a long time supporter of scientific projects taking place in academia. Some of the funding will be used to install two new professorships at ETH Zurich. These professorships will be dedicated to deep geothermics and how the heat associated with geothermal energy can be used for various purposes. Through the establishment of these professorships, ETH Zurich aims to make geothermal energy a more viable alternative to fossil-fuels and other forms of clean power. The university suggests that as much as 10% of the country’s energy could come from geothermal sources.

Geothermal power is nothing new

Geothermal energy has become a popular subject for countries that experience a significant level of geological activity. Japan, for instance, has been utilizing geothermal energy for centuries. Natural thermal vents were often used to heat the water at many of Japan’s famed hot springs. More recently, geothermal energy has helped provide some luxury heating for homes throughout the country. Switzerland is no stranger to geothermal energy, but the country has not yet embraced it to the degree that Japan has.

Risks abound when tapping into the earth’s energy

While geothermal energy may seem like a very promising form of clean power, there are risks associated with its use. Tapping into this energy can be a problematic process due to the harmful chemicals that are buried deep within the earth. These chemicals are released through natural vents; fractures in the planet’s crust, and can have a very detrimental effect on the local environment.

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Hydrogen fuel may benefit from new investment in Plug Power

Erin Kilgore — Sat, 18 May 2013 14:00:01 +0000

Investment to help power company’s plans with hydrogen fuel

Plug Power, a leading developer of hydrogen fuel cells, has announced that it has received a large investment from Air Liquide, specialist in industrial gases. The fuel cell industry has been seeing an increase in investment activity in recent months. Investors appear to be growing more comfortable with the prospects of hydrogen fuel, especially as they continue to attract a great deal of attention in the auto industry. Air Liquide has long been involved in the hydrogen fuel sector and has been tied to the fuel cell industry for years.

Air Liquide invests $6.5 million in Plug Power

Air Liquide’s strategic investment comes in at $6.5 million. The investment increases the company’s ownership in the HyPulsion joint venture it has launched with Plug Power. The investment signifies a major endorsement from Air Liquide, which boasts of a great deal of influence in multiple industries. Plug Power has reported an increase in sales of 36% during 2012, largely due to the company’s stronger focus on the materials handling space.

Money to help Plug Power expand

Plug Power has raised $12 million in funding so far this year. The funds that the company has acquired will help it develop more efficient fuel cells and break into new markets around the world. The company is currently most concerned with the issue of growth. The demand for hydrogen fuel cells is on the rise, creating a strong opportunity for Plug Power to enter into new markets. Establishing a presence in new markets is somewhat costly, however, which is why Plug Power is seeking out every opportunity to raise more funds.

Demand for hydrogen fuel cells is on the rise

Hydrogen fuel cells are most popular in the auto industry currently. While Plug Power has had some connection with automakers, the company has adopted a very specific focus on the materials handling space. Plug Power have found success in developing fuel cells for forklift trucks and other such vehicles, but the company has also developed stationary fuel cells for other industrial purposes.

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Researchers find a way to make solar energy more efficient

Alicia Moore — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:01 +0000

Yale researchers increase the efficiency of solar energy cells

Researchers from Connecticut’s Yale University have found a way to boost the efficiency of solar cells through the use of fluorescent dye. Efficiency has become a major topic in the field of solar energy. As solar energy begins to find more acceptance throughout the country, the need to develop more efficient technologies is becoming too great to ignore. Finding ways to make solar cells more efficient has become a very attractive subject for the science community.

Dye used to boost efficiency

A team of Yale researchers have been able to increase the efficiency of solar cells by as much as 38% through the use of fluorescent dye. This dye coats the solar cells and allows them to collect more light and recycle electrons more efficiently. The dying process is simple and the dye itself is inexpensive, leading researchers to believe that such a process could make solar energy a significantly more attractive alternative to fossil-fuels in the near future.

Polymer cells chosen due to their low cost

Researchers used polymer solar cells for their project. These solar cells are quite popular in the realm of solar energy due to the low cost. Like other solar cells, however, polymer cells are susceptible to efficiency shortfalls. These cells are typically only capable of converting 50% of the sunlight they capture into electrical power. While polymer cells are a popular option, they are limited when it comes to the matter of energy production. Their low cost nature made them very appropriate subjects for researchers, however, as the team has been interested in finding ways to make solar energy less expensive.

Dye could be used on other solar cell designs

Researchers note that the dye used is highly absorbent in the near-infrared region. This broadens the light spectrum that solar cells are able to absorb, thus making them more effective in generating solar energy. Researchers suggest that the process they used to boost efficiency can be used in solar cells of various designs.

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Hydrogen fuel gets a boost in India

Stephen Vagus — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:00:00 +0000

Indian agency announces plans to support hydrogen fuel cells

India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has some ambitious plans when it comes to renewable energy. The government agency has been a strong supporter of sustainability for some time and has long been working to overcome the various challenges it faces therein. Several forms of renewable energy have been gaining popularity in India, with the most popular being solar power. The agency, however, has plans to draw more attention to hydrogen fuel cells.

New program could help promote fuel cells

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has announced plans to launch a research, development, and demonstration program focused on hydrogen fuel cells, as well as tidal and geothermal energy. The program is designed to support the development of hydrogen fuel cells from academic institutions and state-based agencies. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is offering financial aid that could cover 100% of the costs associated with eligible hydrogen fuel projects.

Program will highlight fuel cells for stationary energy and transportation

The fuel cells that will be strongly supported through the program will involve stationary power generation and those used in automobiles. Hydrogen fuel cells have become a well favored energy system for much of the auto industry and many automakers have plans to launch hydrogen-powered vehicles in the near future. In terms of stationary power, fuel cells have been popular in the world of industry for some time but continue to attract more attention due to their ability to produce large amounts of electrical power without also producing harmful emissions.

Program also extends support to other forms of renewable energy

The program will not be solely focused on hydrogen fuel cells as it will also extend support to biofuels, tidal energy, and geothermal energy. These others forms of renewable energy have also been gaining popularity in India, but at a much slower pace than that of wind and solar. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy expects that its new program will help promote new forms of sustainable power and encourage the adoption of these forms of energy.

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Army launches first of many renewable energy projects for this year

Angie Bergenson — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:00:30 +0000

Renewable energy projects lined up for 2013

Renewable energy has managed to find a great deal of support in the U.S., but most of this support is not coming from the private sector. The military is currently one of the strongest advocates for renewable energy in the country, accounting for the majority of clean energy projects currently taking plans and existing as the largest adopter of clean energy systems. The U.S. Army, in particular, has been investing heavily in renewable energy over the past few years and is now ready to launch a series of new projects this year concerning clean power.

Army projects account for $7 billion in funding

The Army has launched the first of its new renewable energy projects for this year. In total, these projects represent more than $7 billion in funding, much of which will be used to support the development of renewable energy systems throughout the country. The money will also be used as part of power purchase agreements that the Army enters into with private energy companies. While the Army may have ambitious plans where renewable energy is concerned, federal lawmakers may not be so supportive.

Federal government continues to wrestle with sequester

The federal government has recently been embroiled in the thick controversy surrounding the sequester — automatic budget cuts that could have a major financial impact throughout the U.S. The sequester introduces federal budget cuts for almost every sector of business and operation in the country, renewable energy included. The sequester would limit the funds that could be used in the renewable energy field, effectively stifling the Army’s new projects from taking form.

Budget cuts not likely to deter Army

While some legislators have come to support the notion of aggressive budget cuts, especially within the realm of renewable energy, the Army is undaunted by the prospects of the sequester. The Army has plans to move ahead with its renewable energy programs despite any budget cuts that it may see in the near future.

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Fuji Electric introduces new hydrogen fuel production system

Bret Williams — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:00:54 +0000

Fuji has high hopes for hydrogen fuel

Fuji Electric, a massive electrical equipment and holding company based in Japan, has announced that it has developed a product designed specifically for hydrogen fuel production. This product is meant to be incorporated into existing fuel cell products in order to make them more alluring to the Japanese market. Hydrogen fuel has managed to capture a great deal of interest in this market, but much of this has been reserved to the transportation sector. Fuji Electric believes that there are many promising opportunities for hydrogen fuel beyond transportation.

New system produces hydrogen through the use of methane

The new hydrogen fuel production technology is capable of converting methane gas into hydrogen. This makes it particularly attractive to fuel cell systems that are used in sewage treatment. Fuji Electric claims that the system will cost approximately 40% less than conventional gas engine technologies for the same purpose. The company hopes to take advantage of an incentive program launched by the Japanese government in 2012 in order to promote the system.

Fuel cells could have a promising future in sewage treatment

Hydrogen fuel cells and sewage treatment often go hand-in-hand. Fuel cells are able to use polluted waters to generate electricity and as these waters are used in a fuel cell, they are purified by the intense heat that the process generates. Moreover, sewage treatment facilities are typically a promising source of methane gas, which can be used to produce hydrogen fuel that can be used by fuel cells. If enough methane can be tapped into, fuel cells can be used to power the sewage treatment process entirely.

Japan continues to show strong support for hydrogen fuel

Fuji Electric plans to sell 20 of its new hydrogen fuel production systems this year. The demand for such systems is relatively modest as the prospects of hydrogen fuel cells are not yet widely embraced. Japan is home to one of the world’s largest hydrogen fuel cell networks, called the ENE-FARM, which has helped draw more attention to the possible benefits of hydrogen fuel.

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IBM Research sets sights on solar energy

Erin Kilgore — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:00:31 +0000

Company aims to improve solar energy by adopting new strategies

IBM Research, the research and development arm of IBM, has been experimenting in the field of renewable energy for some time. The company has a strong interest in solar energy and is somewhat responsible for some of the scientific breakthroughs that have helped solar energy find more traction around the world in the past. Now, IBM Research is planning a new approach on the issues that surround solar energy, hoping to find ways to make this form of renewable power more attractive and efficient.

Strategies may help solve problems in solar energy field

IBM Research is combining multiple strategies focused on solar energy from around the world in order to develop a new low-cost and efficient solar collector. The strategies that the company is interested in have been used over the past four decades to achieve major breakthroughs in the field of solar energy. Biomimicry, for example, will be put to use by IBM Research to solve some of the technological problems that are involved in solar energy.

Company to focus on high-concentration solar systems

The company’s endeavors will largely be focused on the concept of high-concentration solar systems. These systems use mirrors to magnify sunlight. This sunlight is directed to solar collectors and then converted into electrical power. The heat generated by such systems is also used for various other purposes. IBM Research is interested in making these systems more efficient, which would then make them more viable as a replacement for more conventional forms of energy.

New approach may help solve technological problems

In order to make high-concentration solar systems more efficient, researchers will have to find a way to overcome the technological challenges that these systems have become infamous for. IBM Research believes that putting old yet successful strategies to good use could help overcome these challenges. Any significant breakthrough that the company achieves is likely to be good news for the solar energy sector.

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