Category Archives: Fuel Cells

May 31, 2006 – Novellus Systems Inc. and Neah Power Systems Inc. have renewed and extended an agreement to develop silicon-based fuel cell technology, related to the application of catalyst and conductive films to porous silicon structures to be used as fuel cell electrodes.

Neah’s porous silicon direct methanol fuel cell, still in the R&D stage, uses porous silicon to obtain better power densities (~40x), reliability, scalability, and manufacturability than methanol fuel cells based on proton exchange membrane technology. In a SEC filing, Neah Power indicated it has achieved stable, high-power operation of its silicon-based chemical reactor, and expects to have a working prototype for bench-top testing in 2H06. The company also plans to raise up to $20 million to convert the prototype into a self-contained, portable system for sample use.

Under the extended partnership, Wilbert Van der Hoek, CEO and president of venture fund Novellus Development Co. and former Novellus CTO, will take over as chairman of Neah Power Systems’ technology advisory board. John Drewery, Novellus director of technology in charge of advanced metals processing development, will continue his work at Neah as EVP of engineering, and another Novellus project scientists will be assigned on a full-time basis.

Novellus, which invested $2.5 million in Neah Power Washington two years ago, will receive approximately 4.7 million in Neah stock, in addition to what it already owns, amounting to about 9% ownership. Neah expects to acquire rights to the codeveloped fuel cell technology, and will have access to Novellus technical assistance for seven years. Neah paid Novellus about $300,000 in 2004 for development services; another $150,000 is scheduled to be paid by September of this year, and a $150,000 nonconvertible note is due to be repaid in June 2007.

Novellus’ venture fund was formed in March 2005, seeded with $10 million, to invest in technologies complementing its own product portfolio, as well as technologies and applications beyond the semiconductor manufacturing sector for its thin-film deposition, surface preparation, and polishing competencies, such as fuel cells.

May 23, 2006 – Mobile handsets, the second largest market for semiconductors after PCs, also presents big opportunities for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), with consumption poised to soar from $157 million in 2005 to more than $1.0 billion by 2010, according to a new report from In-Stat Inc.

Microphones and bulk acoustic resonators have dominated the MEMS market, but opportunities are emerging for inertial sensors (i.e., accelerometers) and various RF components, the market research firm said. MEMS mode/band switches and digital tuning should show up in mobile handsets in 2007, followed by MEMS-based oscillators in the following year. Growth also is promising for microphones as demand increases for ultrathin handsets, and as prices for these devices goes down.

“Although high-volume MEMS, such as microphones and bulk acoustic resonators, are cost competitive, there are no near-term opportunities for other types of MEMS to break into the mobile handset market based on price advantage,” stated Frank Dickson, senior director for semiconductors and converging markets, In-Stat. Other types of MEMS devices such as displays and fuel cells could also develop a price advantage, he said, but suppliers “may find a quicker path to profit in other markets that have less demanding cost and size requirements.”

April 27, 2006 — /PRNewswire/ — NORTH TOWANDA TWP., Pa. — Three years after announcing a $3 million investment to support DuPont’s expansion in Bradford County, Governor Rendell today joined company officials and community leaders for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new 80,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.

Governor Rendell said the company expects to create approximately 30 new positions with this $80 million project.

“This is great news for Bradford County and is proof that our investments are helping to create new opportunities for the region’s hardworking men and women,” said Governor Rendell. “Here, and across Pennsylvania, more and more companies are finding a business climate that suits their needs and helps them grow and succeed.

“This project speaks volumes about the importance of investing in Pennsylvania’s businesses and people. By choosing to expand in North Towanda, DuPont has injected tens of millions of dollars into the local economy, which will help the entire area.”

In June 2003, Governor Rendell announced that the commonwealth would invest $2.9 million to help DuPont retain 600 employees by conducting research, product development and marketing activities to promote its thermal color filters for liquid crystal displays and fuel cell businesses.

The new facility will manufacture pigmented films used to produce color filter components for LCD flat panel displays.

Additionally, DuPont’s fuel cell technology development program, which is supported by the state’s Opportunity Grant Program, is moving forward in existing Towanda facilities.

“DuPont’s success is Pennsylvania’s success and that is why we are investing in the company’s vision of becoming a leading global supplier of fuel cell membranes and components,” the Governor said. “The commonwealth is already home to one of the nation’s most progressive alternative energy portfolio standards, guaranteeing that 18 percent of all generated energy comes from clean, efficient sources by 2020.

“Our investment in DuPont is an investment in a cleaner future for all Pennsylvanians.”

The Governor’s Action Team offered the company a package of loans and grants, including a $2 million Opportunity Grant, a loan of up to $500,000 through the Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund, and up to $400,000 in Customized Job Training funding.

In addition to the funds awarded through GAT, the company is also eligible to receive up to $15 million in funding through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP).

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic and historical improvement projects. Governor Rendell has issued a total of $737 million in RACP grants for 259 projects that will eventually bring more than 91,000 jobs to the commonwealth.

Since Governor Rendell took office in 2003, the commonwealth has invested more than $61.3 million in 102 projects in Bradford County.

During 2005, GAT successfully completed 205 projects that resulted in commitments for 19,793 new jobs and 39,972 existing jobs to be retained. The state provided more than $418 million in assistance for these projects, which leveraged more than $1.9 billion in additional funds.

Founded in 1802, DuPont operates in more than 70 countries and offers a wide range of products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel. The company employs 60,000 people worldwide and has more than 40 research and development and customer service labs in the U.S.

For information on the Governor’s Action Team and other DCED funding, visit http://www.newpa.com/ or call 1-866-GONEWPA (1-866-466-3972).

To learn more about DuPont, visit http://www.dupont.com/.

The Rendell Administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell’s initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us/.

CONTACT: Kate Philips, Pennsylvania Office of the Governor, +1-717-783-1116; or Penny Kline (DCED), +1-717-783-1132.

Source: Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

CONTACT: Kate Philips, Pennsylvania Office of the Governor, +1-717-783-1116; or Penny Kline (DCED), +1-717-783-1132
Web site: http://www.dupont.com/
Web site: http://www.state.pa.us/
http://www.newpa.com/
http://www.governor.state.pa.us/

April 14, 2006 – PolyFuel Inc., a developer of engineered membranes for fuel cells, announced that it has entered into an agreement to provide Johnson Matthey with the PolyFuel hydrocarbon direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) membrane intended for fuel cells to power portable devices.

Johnson Matthey will use these membranes in the manufacture of catalyst coated membranes and membrane electrode assemblies. Under the agreement, Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells will be a PolyFuel “channel partner” and will purchase PolyFuel’s DMFC hydrocarbon membranes to manufacture a variety of products for the portable fuel cell market.

PolyFuel first launched its hydrocarbon membrane technology for the portable fuel cell market in early 2004.

MTI Micro names COO


March 8, 2006

Mar. 8, 2006 — MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc., a developer of micro fuel cell technology for handheld electronic devices, announced today the appointment of Russel Marvin to chief operating officer. Marvin, who has served as vice president of engineering since April of 2005, will focus his efforts on driving technology and product development into the industrial, consumer and military markets.

MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc. is a subsidiary of Mechanical Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MKTY) and is the developer of a direct methanol micro fuel cell technology called Mobion.

Feb. 16, 2006 – Ener1 Inc., a Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., company developing renewable energy technologies, announced that its EnerFuel subsidiary has relocated its headquarters to a larger and more equipped fuel cell facility in West Palm Beach, Fla.

The 7,600 square-foot facility, formerly occupied by another fuel cell company, includes a laboratory for developing experimental materials and fuel cell testing stations — two key components necessary to help EnerFuel develop fuel cells that it believes will be more cost effective, smaller and less complex than other products in the current fuel cell market.

Most of EnerFuel’s team of 16 engineers and technicians who have experience in fuel cell stack development will be located in the new headquarters. EnerFuel will continue to retain a laboratory and business presence in its facility located in Fort Lauderdale.

Feb. 7, 2006 – Ener1 Inc. announced that Marshall Cogan has joined the lithium battery and fuel cell company’s board of directors.

Cogan was recently named senior strategic advisor of Ener1’s majority shareholder, private equity firm Ener1 Group. Cogan founded Foamex International and grew its automotive operations in North America for ten years. He later acquired control of Sheller Glober, the world’s largest manufacturer of steering wheels and related automotive components at the time. Later in his career, he founded United Auto Group, which originally went public and was later sold to Roger Penske.

Ener1 adds to its staff


January 31, 2006

Jan. 31, 2006 — Ener1 Inc. made two staff announcements today. Rex Hodge, founder and an executive at Anuvu Inc., will lead Ener1’s EnerFuel operation, effective immediately. Hodge will direct the commercializing of fuel cell technologies. The Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based company also announced that veteran financial and operating executive Gerard (Jerry) Herlihy has been appointed chief financial officer of Ener1, effective immediately.

Ener1 is an alternative energy technology company. The company’s interests include the wholly owned subsidiary NanoEner, which develops nanotechnology-based materials and manufacturing processes for batteries and other applications.

Dec. 15, 2005 – PolyFuel Inc., a develop of nano-architectured fuel cell membranes, announced a new, thinner fuel cell membrane that delivers improved power levels for passive direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).

PolyFuel says its new 45 micron-thick hydrocarbon membrane delivers 33 percent more power than the previous industry benchmark, the company’s 62-micron membrane, which is currently being used or analyzed by original equipment manufacturers.

The reduced thickness increases performance by reducing the resistivity of the membrane, while allowing a higher level of water back diffusion.

“PolyFuel has been working very hard with OEMs to refine its membrane technology to meet their specific needs,” said Jim Balcom, president and CEO of PolyFuel, in a prepared statement. “Perhaps the most requested feature has been a thinner membrane that retained the methanol crossover, water crossover and durability advantages of our 62-micron membrane, while meeting aggressive, new fuel cell performance targets.”

Balcom also said that in Japan PolyFuel is working with six major corporations that are developing DMFC systems, including NEC and SANYO Electric. Of these six, five are already evaluating the 45-micron membrane for near-term commercial use, including conducting durability and performance testing.

– David Forman

Nov. 9, 2005 – Motorola Inc. said its equity investment division Motorola Ventures made an investment in Tekion Inc., which develops micro fuel cells for mobile products. Financial details were not disclosed.

Tekion is currently working on the Formira Power Pack, which is designed to fit inside mobile products and allow users to stay connected for as long as needed. Motorola said the technology works with portable electronics with a power range of milliwatts to 50 watts and energy range of 10 to 100 watt-hours. A number of products fall within these ranges, including industrial handheld computers, satellite communication devices, and notebook computers.