11.01.2004
SAN ANTONIO, TX, USA, NOVEMBER 1, 2004 – IdaTech today unveiled a scalable 100W to 500W portable fuel cell system prototype to be introduced to the U.S. market at the 2004 Fuel Cell Seminar. The liquid fuel system with on-board reformer, is part of a portfolio of multi-fuel solutions that IdaTech will showcase during the event.
The system being shown at the four-day event is a prototype of a system that will be delivered to the U.S. Army for use as a field battery charger in order to help solve the traditional logistical problem of getting power to troops in the field. The entire fuel cell system, including reformer and hydrogen purification module is about the size of a large lunch box, measuring about 12-by-8-by-6 inches. Its fuel is a prepackaged methanol-water mixture, which provides a highly compact and long lasting source of power. The power output of the prototype being shown is about 150 watts, while the unit delivered to the Army will be 250 watts in approximately the same size package.
“This new system represents a dramatic step forward in simplification, power density increases, cost reduction and portability,” said Claude Duss, IdaTech president and chief executive officer. “While the first unit is designed as an Army battery charging solution, it has the potential to open a new line of fuel cell products for IdaTech. We think this is another industry-leading move that will set the standard in small scale fuel cell commercialization. It is also an example of IdaTech’s strategy of capitalizing on its proprietary technical advantages and selectively matching them with markets where we believe there is a potential for near term commercialization.”
“We are not aware of a more compact and lower cost fuel cell system of this size that can operate on liquid fuel,” added Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Sales Hal Koyama. “Already, we are seeing demand from several commercial segments. Based on our market assessments, this system has the potential to address a number of attractive commercial markets in the very near term, providing highly portable, ultra-clean and simple power sources to individuals.”
This new fuel cell system, as well as the EtaGen™5 Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
natural gas / propane system, the FCS1200 methanol 1kWe portable power system
and the 5kWe
hydrogen backup power system can be seen at the IdaTech display booth #211/213
at the Fuel Cell Seminar November 1-4th at the Henry B Gonzalez Convention
Center in San Antonio, Texas.
About IdaTech
IdaTech’s fuel cell solutions are based on a flexible modular design,
supporting interchangeable components, which enables IdaTech to accelerate
product development incorporating proven components and subsystems into
customized configurations. Additionally, IdaTech’s fuel cell solutions
incorporate its patented fuel processing technology and operate on a variety of
fuels.
IdaTech’s portfolio of fuel cell solutions is based on its
proprietary multi-fuel fuel processing technology, its own fuel cell stack and
power module, and fuel cell system integration capabilities. With the support of
strategic partners, the company’s solutions are being deployed on a global
scale for stationary and portable applications. IdaTech is a subsidiary of the
Boise, Idaho-based energy and technology holding company IDACORP, Inc (NYSE:IDA).