A major, unnamed European automotive company has selected Hydrogenics' test systems to support its expanding fuel cell activities. The initial order totals approximately US$1m, and includes test systems for fuel cells and combined fuel cell/reformer systems. The Canadian-based company has also received an order from AeroVironment in California for fuel cell modules and support and testing services. The fuel cell modules will be delivered later this year, for installation in the high-altitude unmanned solar-electric Helios aircraft.
EnKAT GmbH, Hydrogenics' new, wholly owned subsidiary based in Gelsenkirchen, Germany played a key role in securing the automotive contract. The contact highlights the synergies of the EnKAT acquisition, with the combined equipment order to be manufactured out of Hydrogenics' Canadian and German operations. 'We welcome the opportunity to build and support this new client within the framework of our recently acquired European operations,' commented Pierre Rivard, president/ CEO of Hydrogenics.
The fuel cell modules for AeroVironment will be part of an airborne fuel cell power system to enable continuous multi-day flight operations. The project is a joint development with Nasa's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) program. Helios is expected to use the fuel cells to power telecoms, remote sensing instrumentation and atmospheric measurement systems, with demonstration-testing a fuel cell -allowing the solar-powered plane to stay in the air overnightexpected sometime next year.