Tag: hydrogen fuel systems

A*STAR researchers create new pressure sensors using nanotechnology

Stephen Vagus
Nanotechnology

Researchers from the A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics have constructed new pressure sensors using nanotechnology. Pressure sensors are widely used throughout the world of medicine and mechanics. Such sensors can often be found in vehicles and are used to note changes in fuel pressure. The new sensors developed at A*STAR are comprised of nanowires, which researchers claim have superior electrical and mechanical properties compared to conventional components usually found in sensory devices. The A*STAR sensors can detect even the slightest changes in pressure. As such, these devices are likely to be…

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German researchers experimenting with chemical compound that could be used for hydrogen storage

Erin Kilgore
Hydrogen Fuel Research

Researchers from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany, have been experimenting with a chemical compound first patented by Air Products, a hydrogen production company, back in 2004. Known as N-ethylcarbazole, the chemical dates back to World War I where it was used in chemical weapons. Instead of focusing on its potential applications in weaponry, German scientists are trying to use the chemical for hydrogen storage. The research is in line with Germany’s continued pursuance of hydrogen energy as a potential replacement to fossil-fuels and nuclear power. Researchers claim that the chemical…

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F-Cell and Battery+Storage to appear concurrently at the Stuttgart Trade Fair this year

Bret Williams
Stuttgart Trade Fair 2012

As hydrogen energy attracts more attention, the problems of the energy are entering the limelight. Storage, efficiency and cost are the three main problems currently keeping hydrogen energy from global incorporation. In the early years of hydrogen, these problems were largely ignored because the energy was not considered viable. As more companies come to favor hydrogen over other alternative to fossil-fuel, however, they are hard pressed to find solutions to these problems. In an effort to expedite this absolution, the F-Cell industry forum and the new Battery+Storage conference and trade…

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South Korean scientists develop new material that could solve the problem of hydrogen storage

John Max
Hydrogen Fuel Research

In an effort to solve the problem of efficient hydrogen storage, scientists in South Korea have developed a new material that could contain the gas effectively. The development comes from scientists working with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. The material could eliminate the need for large containers for hydrogen gas, because it absorbs a great deal of the gas and allows for efficient distribution. Storage is one of the problems currently preventing hydrogen fuel from finding mainstream acceptance around the world. Scientists believe that the microporous material could…

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ITM Power teams with Logan Energy to expand hydrogen fuel projects in Scotland

Angie Bergenson
Biofuel research

ITM Power, a developer of technologies associated with hydrogen energy, has teamed with Logan Energy, a hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer and distributor based in the UK, to work to develop new fuel storage and fuel cell projects that will be used in Scotland. The joint ventures the companies will be launching together will be focused on maximizing the supply of alternative energy in Scotland. ITM Power hopes that the projects will broaden the awareness of hydrogen energy amongst Scottish consumers. One of the primary focuses of the collaboration will be…

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Researchers develop sponge-like material that increases the hydrogen capacity of fuel cells

Jake Banks
Hydrogen fuel research

 Researchers from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the U.S. have been working on ways to make hydrogen fuel cells a more viable energy source. While there can be no doubt that the technology is quite powerful, manufacturing fuel cells is not known for its affordability. The costs of manufacture translate into higher prices for consumers looking to buy fuel cell power systems. The high costs have not made fuel cells popular with many, but researcher may have found a way to reduce the price of fuel cells and boost…

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New hydrogen storage method could make the fuel more attractive for commercial use

Bret Williams
Stationary Fuel Cells - Commercialization

Hydrogen fuel is one of the most promising sustainable fuels currently available. The fuel has been gaining favor amongst companies, consumers and governments in recent years thanks to its efficiency and performance. There are glaring drawbacks to the fuel, however, that have kept it away from commercial incorporation. These problems are encompassed in fuel cells and storage methods. A team of scientists from the University of Southern California have developed a new method of storing hydrogen that can make it more accommodating for commercial use. Because hydrogen gas is the…

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Company comes up with a plan to combat lack of hydrogen refueling stations

Bret Williams
Hydrogen Fuel Station

The European Union has had plans in place for some time to reduce the number of vehicles powered by oil on city streets. They have been ramping up their efforts, spurred forth by recent advances in hydrogen fuel cell technology, making alternative fuels a more viable options for commercial consumption. Along with the EU’s reinvigorated enthusiasm, the demand for green vehicles is soaring to new heights. Battery powered cars, championed by the Nissan Leaf, lead the charge, but fuel cell vehicles are not far behind.One of the primary drawbacks of…

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Ant and bee venom might be the answer to storage

Angie Bergenson
Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Hydrogen fuel cells are being used for more than just cars and buses. Researchers at the Oxford University in England have been developing a new fuel cell unit that can fit in a pocket. The fuel cell would be used to charge mobile devices as well as laptops and phones. While other companies have successfully manufactured portable fuel cells, researchers are developing a new hydrogen production method using formic acid. Formic acid is common in nature. It is most present in the venom of ants and bees, but is used…

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Major steps towards hydrogen fueling storage success

Stephen Vagus

A new method for recycling hydrogen fuel storage material has been announced, making the possibility of hydrogen becoming a practical alternative to fossil-fuels more of a reality. Scientists at the University of Alabama have been experimenting with chemical compounds as a means for storing hydrogen on vehicles. One such compound, known as ammonia borane, has proven to be very promising for this purpose. If scientists can solve the complications surrounding effective hydrogen storage, the fuel will become viable for commercial use. “This is a critical step if we want to…

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Renewable energy markets join forces to make way for hydrogen refueling stations

John Max

Xebec Adsorption Inc., a developer of purification products for the renewable energies market, has announced their partnership with Nuvera Fuel Cells, an leading developer of fuel cell systems and processors. The two have signed a license and engineering agreement for $3.25 million. The contract will help speed the development of Xebec’s purification units that will be used in hydrogen refueling stations. “We’re strengthening our partnership with Nuvera because of its focus on commercialization,” says Kurt Sorschak, CEO of Xebec. Hydrogen as a fuel has been held back primarily due to…

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Hydrogen fuel market moving ahead

Jake Banks

As the world anxiously awaits the next breakthrough in alternative fuels for transportation, many have placed their support in electric cars. The infrastructure to support cars powered by electricity is already firmly in place and much easier to support. Tom Sullivan, founder of Lumber Liquidators in Toano, Virginia, believes that hydrogen is the best solution to the world’s struggle with energy. Sullivan has invested millions into hydrogen technology. He purchased Proton Energy Systems, a company that specializes in providing hydrogen fuel. Last year, SunHydro, the world’s first privately funded chain…

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New player at the table

Jake Banks

WATT Fuel Cell Corp., a developer of solid oxide fuel cell systems, has announced their partnership with Solar Acquisitions Corp. today. Together, they will form the Evolution Fuel Cell Inc., giving WATT the ability and resources to develop the IP for applications of up to 500W. Dr. Caine Finnerty, president of WATT Fuel Cell Corp., says that the partnership will launch WATT into the hydrogen fuel cell market and give it an immediate cutting edge. This is a major opportunity for WATT to commercialize their portable solid oxide fuel systems.…

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Researchers struggle with new ways to produce hydrogen fuel cell

Stephen Vagus

Researchers at Penn. State University may have found a more efficient way to producing hydrogen by mimicking plants. Using biomimicry, Thomas Mallouk, of Penn State’s department of chemistry, is trying to replicate photosynthesis as a means to generate hydrogen. Mallouk calls the process the “hardest way” to make fuel and has struggled with getting an efficiency rating above 0.3% with this method in the past. During his recent meeting with the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Mallouk announced that using a new model for photosynthesis, he would be…

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New research showing expensive platinum may be replaced

Tami Hood

Acal Energy Ltd. is a small company that was founded in 2004 in the United Kingdom. The company develops fuel cell systems and consumable chemicals for stationary, residential, electronic, and automotive applications.  They have been working with hydrogen fuel cells and receiving a large portion of their funding, approximately 1 million pounds (1.6 million U.S.), from a U.K. government agency for their research. A Belgium chemical company and a Japanese car company are working with them too. So what does this company have that everyone wants to be a part…

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Massive steps forward in hydrogen fuel cell technology

Jake Banks
How a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car Works

ACAL Energy, a hydrogen fuel cell developer, has made headlines recently with its breakthrough discoveries in hydrogen production. Based in Cheshire, England, their efforts have not gone unnoticed by the government, who have awarded ACAL with a £ 1 million ($1.6 million USD) grant. The grant was awarded by the Carbon Trust, whose aim is to make fuel cells more affordable for the mass market. Carbon Trust stated this about ACAL Energy’s work, “breakthrough technology could make hydrogen fuel cell cars a mass market reality.”  ACAL has developed a fuel…

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