Ion Power installs fuel cell in Delaware

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 2006
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 84 KB
• Volume: 2006
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1464-2859
• DOI: 10.1016/s1464-2859(06)70958-0

✦ Synopsis

Ion Power installs fuel cell in Delaware I on Power in Delaware has unveiled the state's first commercial fuel cell installation at its New Castle site. Provided by Plug Power of New York, the 5 kWe GenCore ® fuel cell powers a heat pump that delivers 15 kW of heat to the building under typical winter conditions. The fuel cell is integrated into the heating system such that all waste heat is recovered for building heating.

The technology demonstration project is funded by a cooperative agreement with the Department of Energy and the Green Energy Fund of the State of Delaware. Alongside Plug Power, other project partners are Urie & Blanton for the hydrogen supply, Quantum Controls for the electrical installation, and York International and H&R Heating for the heat pump.

One of the key goals is to demonstrate the cost reduction achievable by recycling end-of-life fuel cell components. Ion Power president Dr Stephen Grot says that the catalyst-coated membrane is the 'key component' that contributes costs to fuel cell systems, and also longevity challenges. Ion Power plans to demonstrate its re-manufacturing process for these components as outlined in its programs with DOE and the State of Delaware.

Ion Power's new headquarters are in close proximity to several large-scale hydrogen producers. In particular, a neighboring chlor-alkali installation is currently not recovering the 1000 kg/day of waste hydrogen it produces. A hydrogen pipeline alongside Ion Power's property could offer easy access to cost-effective hydrogen.