Connecticut Science Center First Museum to Generate Nearly 100% of Needed Power with Fuel Cell, Reduces CO2 Emissions by 270 Tons Annually

On December 4^th,  the Connecticut Science Center (Hartford, CT, became the first science center or museum in the country to generate the majority of its energy needs on-site with a fuel cell. The UTC Power phosphoric acid fuel cell technology will generate almost 100% of the electricity demanded by the Science Center on an annual basis. During operating hours, the fuel cell provides approximately two-thirds of the needed power for the downtown Hartford destination. When the Science Center’s power demand is less, the 200-kilowatt fuel cell transfers energy back into the power grid system. The cumulative effect will result in almost 100% of the energy used being created by the clean, environmentally-friendly energy source. As an added benefit, the fuel cell will provide back-up power. The fuel cell is wrapped in educational graphics which help to explain the technologies used, thus becoming one of the over 150 exhibits, including an entire exhibit gallery (Energy City) dedicated to emerging energies, at the Science Center.

The historical commissioning ceremony was highlighted by Congressman John B. Larson, a long-time proponent of fuel cell technologies, along with Connecticut Clean Energy Fund President Lise Dondy and others. The ceremony marked the culmination of a two-month installation period that began when the fuel cell, manufactured by Connecticut-based UTC Power, was delivered to the Science Center on October 1, 2009.

By generating clean power on site and then recovering the heat from the electrochemical reaction, the Connecticut Science Center is able to reduce the burden on the New England power grid and its impact on the environment by preventing the release of more than 270 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually. The environmental benefit is equivalent to planting 63 acres of forest to mitigate an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide. For more information, go to CTScienceCenter.org/energy.

Using a fuel cell for clean energy is only one of numerous initiatives of the new Connecticut Science Center in its commitment to minimizing its carbon footprint. The Science Center is anticipating a Gold Level LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The USGBC is the premier “Green Building” agency created in 1993 to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life.

Neah Power's Silicon Based Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Achieves 1500 Hours of Continuous Operation, Shows No Degradation

Neah Power Systems, Inc., (OTCBB:NPWZ), reports that its patented, porous, silicon-based anaerobic fuel cell reached 1500 hours of constant operation on November 15th 2009. The test, part of a series of ongoing technology demonstrations, further demonstrates that the company's fuel cell is a reliable alternative to existing power solutions, including traditional batteries.

Neah Power has maintained a consistent schedule of improvements in their direct methanol fuel cell technology, including this recent demonstration, which required improvements to the fuel cell over previous prototypes. "On October 27th, after 1163 hours of continuous run time, we examined the cell to determine the source of decay, discovering that the fuel stream had not been filtered," says Dr. Tsali Cross, VP of Engineering at Neah Power. "We cleaned the cell and restarted it, this time with a fuel filter in-line. After 1500 hours, the cell is now putting out as much power as the day we started."

Neah's direct methanol fuel cell has far exceeded the design team's expectations and will continue to lead the field of alternative power solutions as it maintains long lasting, successful power generation.

"We continue to be amazed, but not surprised, by the progress and success of our design and the fuel cell's performance," says Dr. Chris D'Couto, CEO of Neah Power. "We are confident that our fuel cell technology will continue to improve in terms of operational quality and run time towards the goal of commercialization in myriad consumer, military and industrial applications. This milestone for our technology is significant as fuel cells continue to gain ground as the future of power solutions."

Neah Power Systems, Inc. (NPWZ) is developing long-lasting, efficient and safe power solutions for the military and for portable electronic devices. Neah uses a unique, patented, silicon-based design for its micro fuel cells that enable higher power densities, lower cost and compact form-factors. The company's micro fuel cell system can run in aerobic and anaerobic modes, and is developing energy storage solutions based on its proprietary porous silicon technology.

Further company information can be found at www.Neahpower.com.

Toshiba Testing Demand for Dynario™ Direct Methanol Fuel Cell for Socket Free Digital Device Charging in Japanese Market

$330 Toshiba Dynario™ Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Charging a Digital Device

 Image Credit: Toshiba

Toshiba Corporation launched its first direct methanol fuel-cell product: Dynario™, an external power source that delivers power to mobile digital consumer products. Dynario™, together with a dedicated fuel cartridge for refueling on the go, was launched in Japan, in a limited edition of 3,000 units only, and is exclusively available at Shop1048 (http://shop1048.jp), Toshiba's direct-order web site for digital consumer products in the Japanese market. Orders were accepted from October 22, and shipping started on October 29.  Direct methanol fuel cells use nanomaterials in the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly. The price for the fuel cell is about $330 and the price for the refueling cartridge is about $35. 

The power consumption of mobile electronic devices, including mobile phones, has greatly increased with added functionality, including TV reception and Internet connectivity. As a result, battery exhaustion has become a major concern. Dynario™'s DMFC delivers almost instant refueling that untethers electrical equipment from AC adapters and power outlets. It runs on mix of methanol and ambient oxygen, and the chemical reaction between the two in the fuel cell produces electricity.

Toshiba recognizes the DMFC as a high potential solution for portable equipment and is promoting intensive technology and product development, including improved practical use and downsizing.

The palm-sized Dynario™ is Toshiba's first DMFC product. Once fueled with an injection of methanol solution from its dedicated cartridge, Dynario™ starts to generate electricity that is delivered to a digital consumer product-a mobile phone or a digital media player-via a USB cable. On a single refill of methanol which can be made in an instant period (around 20 seconds), Dynario™ can generate enough power to charge two typical mobile phones.

Dynario™ integrates Toshiba's state-of-the-art fuel cell technology, allowing it to operate with only a small volume of concentrated methanol solution, reducing the size and weight of the fuel tank and the overall product. An ingenious fuel feed structure realizes uniform methanol delivery, and stable output to any attached device is fine-tuned by a built-in microcomputer. Performance is also optimized by Dynario™'s hybrid structure, which uses a lithium-ion battery charged by the fuel cell to store electricity. The dedicated fuel cartridge was co-developed with Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd., one of Japan's leading packaging container companies.

Dynario™ and its fuel cartridge fully comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission's safety standards (provisional edition). Toshiba will gauge customer reaction and opinion from the Japanese release of Dynario™ and reflect them in the development of future DMFC products.

Outline of Product

Product                 Model No.                   Price                   Product launch

Dynario (DMFC)                                      PF60A000001 29,800 yen ($330)   October 29, 2009

Fuel cartridge     MC050A00001          3,150 yen ($35)
(set of five)            October 29, 2009

Note: Above prices include sales tax and delivery in Japan.

Outline of Specifications

Dynario™ (DMFC)                                             

Model No.                                                               PF60A000001

Fuel cell type                                                        Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

Fuel                                                                         Highly-concentrated methanol (through dedicated cartridge)

Output¹                                                                  DC5V-400mA

External dimensions                                           Approx.W150 x D21 x H74.5 mm (when rotary stand is housed)

Weight                                                                    Approx. 280g (without fuel)

Fuel tank capacity                                               14ml

Operating temperature and humidity range    From 10 to 35°C; from 30 to 90% relative humidity (no condensation)

Input                                                                       DC5V-500mA

Accessories                                                            Output cable, input cable and cover

¹Maximum performance in hybrid operation using an integrated lithium-ion battery.

 Fuel cartridge

Model No.                 MC050A00001

Content                     Highly-concentrated methanol

Outside Dimension             W62 x D29.1x H122 mm

Weight                      Approx. 92g

Capacity                   50ml