Fuel Cell Manufacturers

Ballard Power Systems, Inc.

"Ballard Power Systems, Inc. is a global leader in PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell technology. Ballard provide clean energy fuel cell products enabling optimized power systems for a range of applications. Ballard offers smarter solutions for a clean energy future."

"We are actively putting fuel cells to work in high-value commercial uses every day. In fact, Ballard has designed and shipped close to 150 MW of hydrogen fuel cell technology to date."

Current Business Focus

"Ballard has a multi-market growth focus in fuel cell products. This drives greater revenue and margin potential, while lowering risk for all stakeholders. Fuel cell applications are expected to broaden in the mid-term, although our focus today remains sharply on commercial opportunities in backup power, distributed generation, material handling and bus applications." ... more

Hydrogenics Corporation

"Hydrogenics has over 60 years of experience designing, manufacturing, building and installing industrial and commercial hydrogen systems around the globe."

"We offer world leading expertise for a range of applications, including
  - Hydrogen generators for Industrial processes and Fueling stations
  - Hydrogen fuel cells for electric vehicles, such as urban transit buses, commercial fleets, utility vehicles and electric lift trucks
  - Fuel cell installations for freestanding electrical power plants and UPS systems (uninterruptible power supply)
  - Hydrogen storage and power systems for optimizing solar and wind systems during lulls and peaks."

"Our corporate headquarters are in Mississauga, Canada. We have other corporate and sales offices, and hydrogen installations, operating in countries around the world."

Hydrogenics Rolls Out Into the Community With HyPM^TM Power Modules

"Municipalities and communities around the world are demonstrating leadership by promoting hydrogen powered public transit as a way to reduce their carbon footprint and improve urban air quality." ... more

Fuel cell technology isn't just about solving tomorrow's environmental crisis; it's about putting alternative power generation to work - today.

"At Plug Power, we share a common goal to transform the energy landscape in ways that will positively impact the economy, society and environment. As architects of modern fuel cell technology, Plug Power continues to lead commercialization by identifying real markets, fostering key partnerships and manufacturing products that bring value to customers.

Specifically, Plug Power has revolutionized the material handling industry with cost-effective power solutions that increase productivity, lower operating costs and reduce carbon footprints. Plug Power's GenDrive fuel cell is a superior alternative to lead-acid batteries for electric lift trucks in the $20 billion global material handling market.

As desire for alternative energy solutions grows, fuel cells will play a critical role in the global movement to reduce dependence on carbon-based fuels. Plug Power has proven itself the leader in delivering today's alternative energy solution for tomorrow's energy independence. " ... more

"Nuvera was formed in April 2000 through the merger of Epyx Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Arthur D. Little, Inc., of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and De Nora Fuel Cells, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gruppo De Nora of Milan, Italy. The merger brought together 10 years of fuel processor technology from Epyx and 10 years of fuel cell stack technology from De Nora, as well as a wealth of knowledge, know-how, and expertise in chemical reactor design, electrochemistry, and system integration. "

"Notable in the company's achievements is its recognition as being the first company in the world to successfully demonstrate a fuel cell system operating on gasoline in October 1997. Featured on Good Morning America, this ignited a firestorm of hydrogen development worldwide.

Today, Nuvera Fuel Cells is a global leader in the development and advancement of multi-fuel processing and fuel cell technology. We believe that in the next decade hydrogen will be present in day-to-day society, and fuel cells will be the power of choice. Our mission, as a clean energy conversion business, is to create and develop innovative technology solutions for power systems, to design and develop power systems focused on end-use customer needs, and to manufacture, market and service power system products delivering value to customers.

Our values, which guide us toward our mission and goals, are integrity, teamwork, diversity, innovation, and customer focus.

PRODUCTS

As fuel cells mature and energy demand increases, it is difficult to predict the myriad applications that will ultimately emerge. As a result, Nuvera is pursuing a two pronged approach in our development and commercialization efforts. Our strategy focuses on providing OEM's with innovative and reliable integrated fuel cell systems that meet their needs, while simultaneously drawing on our extensive hybrid and system development experience to provide comprehensive products for end use customers. By understanding the needs of both OEM's and end users, we've refined the features of our products to deliver systems that meet the cost, quality, and performance requirements of our most demanding customers." ... more

FuelCell Energy

"A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that combines hydrogen fuel and oxygen from the air to produce electricity, and useable heat and water. Fuel cells produce Direct Current (DC) electricity without the conventional combustion reaction.

The FuelCell Process

A fuel cell is made up of an electrolyte member sandwiched between fuel and oxidant electrodes. Typically, a fossil fuel or biogas from which hydrogen is extracted is used for most common applications. The oxidant is typically plain air. The fuel is oxidized at the "anode electrode", releasing electrons that move to the "cathode electrode" via the external circuit. These electrons meet the hydrogen and push charged ions across the electrolyte. The charged ions (positively or negatively charged) move across the ion conducting electrolyte member, completing the electrical circuit. This electrochemical process requires very few moving parts, typically limited to air blowers and fuel/water pumps. Because of high fuel conversion efficiency, the flexibility to generate Combined Heat and Power (CHP), low-impact characteristics, and negligible environmental emissions, fuel cells are a desirable source of power generation for a broad range of markets and applications. Fuel cells are fast replacing reciprocating engines and gas turbines as the most environmentally-friendly sources of on-site power.

Carbonate fuel cell power plants can utilize many fuel sources, including
  - Natural gas
  - Industrial and municipal wastewater treatment gas
  - Propane
  - Coal gas

FuelCell Energy has operated Direct FuelCell (DFC) stacks of varying sizes on all of these fuels. This fuel flexibility presents specific customers with attractive, value-added self-generation options. For instance, the methane produced in the anaerobic digester process can fuel the DFC plant and generate electricity, thus making the fuel cell a renewable energy source." ... more

BlackLight Power

"BlackLight Power, Inc. Dr. Randell Mills The "Company" is a Delaware corporation based in East Windsor, New Jersey, believes it has developed a new hydrogen chemical process that generates power, plasma, and a vast class of new compositions of matter. Specifically, the Company has designed and tested a new proprietary energy-producing chemical process. The Company has developed high-power-density, high-temperature, hydrogen gas cells that produce power of orders of magnitude greater than that of the combustion of hydrogen and at temperatures (1200 ºF to 2200 ºF) and power densities equal to those of many electric power plants (approximately 100 mW/cm3). The power may be in the form of a plasma, a hot ionized glowing gas, which the Company believes may be converted directly to electricity (...)

BlackLight Process

BlackLight Power, Inc. has created a potentially commercially competitive, nonpolluting new primary source of energy that forms a prior undiscovered form of hydrogen called "hydrino" which is very likely the identity of the dark matter of the universe. This BlackLight Process of releasing chemical energy from hydrogen generates power either as electricity or heat with power densities and performance comparable to those of batteries and conventional central power plants, respectively. The only consumable, the hydrogen fuel, is obtainable from water due to the enormous net energy release relative to combustion. Two hundred times more energy and power is released per H2-forming hydrino than forming water. Thus, water can be used as the stored hydrogen, generated on demand using 0.5% of the electrical output at a nominal consumption rate of one-millionth of a liter per second per kilowatt electric power. Moreover, molecular hydrino gas and novel hydrogen compounds with potential commercial applications are the by-products. The former is very stable and self-vents from the atmosphere to space due to its high buoyancy and mobility. The BlackLight Process offers a potentially efficient, clean, and versatile energy source. Initial power applications of its technology are on-site residential and commercial electric power production. The Company has developed three systems to generate electricity powered by forming hydrinos: one electrochemical and two thermal systems." ... more

Ultra Electronics AMI

"Ultra Electronics, AMI designs, tests and manufactures the future of portable power: solid oxide fuel cell technology. AMI is committed to providing dependable portable fuel cell power using readily accessible fuel that takes you into the wild or into combat.

AMI's solid oxide fuel cell power systems have been proven reliable in field testing for military, leisure and emergency use. Prepare to enter a wider world; flexible fuel cell technology will provide the exact solution you require.

AMI is proud to be part of Ultra Electronics Holdings plc, the high technology defense, security, transport and energy Group employing over 4,000 people around the world.

The 250 Watt fuel cell

Fuelled by propane or LPG, the 250 Watt fuel cell was designed to extend mission durations and provide power for critical demands. Ideal for applications requiring more power and longer run time than batteries, the 250 Watt fuel cell also provides safe, convenient power for electronics, radios and computers. Globally available fuel sources eliminate complicated logistics.

Real fuels – propane and LPG - power the 250 Watt fuel cell. These fuel sources eliminate complicated logistics: They're lightweight, easy to transport, and available from local sources around the world." ... more

ClearEdge Power micro CHP

"ClearEdge Power micro CHP systems cleanly convert natural gas into heat and electricity by using a fuel cell to create energy, unlike conventional power sources that burn fossil fuels.

Here's how it works: first, a fuel processor separates hydrogen from natural gas by sending it through a series of catalytic reactors; second, the hydrogen-rich gas is fed to a fuel cell stack (often consisting of hundreds of "cells") where the chemical energy is converted directly to electrical energy, creating water and heat as byproducts. Since the fuel cell stack, like a battery, generates Direct Current ("DC") power, an inverter system is then used to convert the energy into 120-volt Alternate Current ("AC") power.

When one hears the word "energy," it is common to think of electricity, but when it comes to use, the word also includes heat. This point is critical to understanding how ClearEdge Power energy solutions can offer efficiencies no competing alternative energy technology can.

We call this advantage Dual Power Creation At The Point Of Use. Instead of requiring electricity generated at a power plant to travel hundred of miles through transmission lines, the ClearEdge Power micro CHP system converts natural gas into heat and electricity at the source of consumption.

Efficiencies are realized in two ways. First, the energy normally lost when electricity travels through the electrical grid is no longer a factor. Second, the unit captures and re-purposes the heat it creates in electricity production for heating purposes. The result: it achieves up to 90% system efficiency and requires 40% less natural gas to generate the same energy delivered through conventional distribution practices." ... more

"Nedstack is an independent fuel cell manufacturer. We produce Proton Exchange Membrane or PEM fuel cells, the most versatile type of fuel cells available. Our customers use our stacks to build systems to power various applications. Nedstack supports them with system integration know-how."

Nedstack PEM FC

Nedstack has a decade of experience in building PEM fuel cell stacks. Nedstack is the largest PEM fuel cell stack producer in Europe and the second largest in the world. Our extensive track-record includes over 500 systems based on Nedstack fuel cells currently in commercial operation world-wide. A number of them have been in use ever since 2006. We receive substantial repeat orders for our stacks.

Nedstack combines proprietary bipolar plate technology and design with the best available MEAs. The composition of our proprietary cell plate material results in low-cost cell plates with high electrical conductivity. This proven technology allows Nedstack to design a highly efficient fuel cell stack. At atmospheric pressure, Nedstack products reach higher fuel efficiency than PEM fuel cells of other suppliers. As Nedstack fuel cells operate at ambient pressure with low pressure drops, the need for expensive, heavy and power hungry compressors is avoided. Nedstack's efficient water cooling solution allows for a compact design with high power densities.

Our robust stack design optimizes the balance between increased life span and cost reductions. As we have built a number of application examples, we know how to configure our stacks to enable system integrators to use affordable Balance of Plant (BOP) components. All materials used are easy to recycle and allow reuse of the major components. " ... more

Delphi Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Technology

Delphi is focusing on the development of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) that generate electric power for commercial vehicles, stationary power generation, and military applications. The SOFC converts chemical energy in conventional fuels directly into useful electrical power without combustion resulting in minimal emissions. And with very few moving parts, it operates at a low level of sound.

As a result of its fuel flexibility, the Delphi SOFC can be engineered to operate with many types of fuels including natural gas, diesel, bio-diesel, propane, gasoline, coal-derived fuel and military logistics fuel. It will also be able to use tomorrow's next generation fuels.

Delphi began work on solid oxide fuel cells in 1998 and has been a leader in the technology ever since. Delphi is the only member of the U.S. Fuel Cell Council that has developed and demonstrated a practical, operational SOFC auxiliary power unit (APU) for heavy duty commercial trucks.

Delphi has partnered with private industry and leading academic institutions in the development of solid oxide fuel cell technology and has received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Defense for fuel cell development." ... more

Protonex

Protonex is a leading provider of advanced fuel cell power solutions for portable, remote and mobile applications in the 100 to 1,000-watt range. Based on patented proton exchange membrane (PEM) and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technologies, these power systems are among the industry's smallest, lightest and highest performing fuel cell systems for portable applications. Protonex has developed several products designed for end-users in military, commercial and consumer markets that are currently underserved by batteries and small generators. Products are also being developed for OEM customers looking to integrate high-performance fuel cell power into their products and applications.

Technology

A fuel cell is a device that uses fuel and oxygen (typically from the air) to cleanly and efficiently produce electricity using an electrochemical process. Fuel cells offer many benefits over traditional batteries or generators, including increased efficiencies, longer run times, lighter weights, reduced emissions and reduced noise.

Protonex is an industry leader in both proton exchange membrane (PEM) and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technologies. In addition, the Company has developed a series of reformers and desulfurizers to process methanol, propane, diesel and other conventional fuels into hydrogen-rich fuel that can by used by fuel cell systems to generate power. Protonex' unique ability to provide specific power solutions based on each of these technologies has set Protonex ahead of other fuel cell companies and has dramatically increased the number of markets that can benefit from these products." ... more

UltraCell Power

"The company was founded in 2002 to commercialize an advanced Reformed Methanol Micro Fuel Cell (RMFC) technology invented at the U. S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). This technology enables a breakthrough in micro fuel cell performance. UltraCell is the first to commercialize RMFC technology to provide clean renewable energy to power portable electronics. UltraCell's XX25^TM micro fuel cell system is leading the industry with its ultra-compact size and light weight. The XX25 is the only system in its class to have undergone extensive Military Specification qualification testing and field trials.

UltraCell's team has extensive experience in all aspects of fuel cells, including research, product development, manufacturing and customer applications. The company has developed new technologies and intellectual property in the field of methanol-based fuel cells and continues to innovate in this rapidly emerging field. UltraCell has an exclusive license with LLNL for micro fuel cell technology based upon reforming methanol into hydrogen reformate using proprietary technology in the fuel reformer and hydrogen fuel cell stack.

UltraCell products are light on weight, heavy on power

From our ultra-compact XX25 to our extended runtime fuel tank options, it's easy to find the product to suit your needs. UltraCell's solutions are suitable for demanding environments in a variety of applications." ... more

The Ceramic Fuel Cells

"Ceramic Fuel Cells is a world leader in commercialising Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology to generate efficient, low-emission electricity from widely available natural gas and renewable fuels.

We develop, manufacture, and market SOFC products for small-scale, micro-Combined Heat & Power (micro-CHP) and distributed generation applications that co-generate electricity and heat for homes and businesses.

Our SOFC technology has the world's highest electrical efficiency from a small-scale generator (up to 60%) and significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions by more than two-thirds compared to coal fired electricity generation.

We are a global leader in commercialising this technology, delivering our BlueGen product to the market successfully, with significant orders in Europe and considerable interest in other key markets. We also have sales offices in Australia, Europe, and the UK.

Products

  - BlueGen, BlueGen is a ready to install ‘modular' generator designed for a number of markets and installation configurations. BlueGen co-generates; 1) electricity for consumption and export to the grid and, 2) heat for hot water. Through direct sales and our distributors, BlueGen delivers clean, controllable, on-site power for residential and light commercial applications.
  - Gennex fuel cell module, the Gennex fuel cell module is a complete set of fuel cell components designed to work together for maximum efficiency and reliability. We supply Gennex fuel modules as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) components to some of the leading heating and appliance manufacturers in Europe.
  - Engineered mixed oxide powders, Ceramic Fuel Cells has extensive know-how in ceramic powder production for applications such as; fuel cells, thermal barrier coatings, biomedical and dental implants and high temperature products such as thread guides and fibre optic connectors." ... more

"Violet Fuel Cell Sticks is based in San Diego, California, founded by brothers Alan and Lambert Devoe.
Alan Devoe graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, BS 1988, MS 1994 and has worked in the field of multilayer ceramics since 1980. Lambert Devoe, graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, BS 1992, and graduated from New York University, MS 1994. He has also worked in the field of multilayer ceramics since 1980. Together they hold over 25 patents in the field of multilayer ceramics. They have been active in the field of fuel cells research and development since 2000."

Topsoe Fuel Cell
"Topsoe Fuel Cell focuses on solid oxide fuel cell technology - SOFC - which is the most efficient fuel cell technology available. Fuel cells produce electricity from air and fuel.

SOFC units into the existing infrastructure is simplified.

The SOFC operates at temperatures ranging from 750 to 850°C. The heat is recuperated thus ensuring high overall efficiency. The fuel cells are integrated in a system design - the Topsoe PowerCore^TM - for easy system integration.

The fuel cell construction
Each cell is planar and is less than half a millimeter thick. Fuel cells contain three fundamental layers - the anode, the cathode and the electrolyte. Topsoe Fuel Cell's SOFCs are made from ceramic material in a design which ensures high efficiency, fuel flexibility and long-term performance. The ceramic electrolyte allows only oxygen ions to pass through. An external circuit connects the anode to the cathode and provides the mechanism to power electrical devices.

Fuel
An SOFC stationary system can run on natural gas, bio gas and at a later stage also bio fuels. The high internal operating temperature of the SOFC allows direct fuel conversion.

Fuel cell products developments
Topsoe Fuel Cell develops SOFC technology for distributed generation starting at 10 kW for small-scale CHP. Topsoe Fuel Cell plans to develop stack modules for systems with a power output of 250 kW and higher." ... more

UTC Power, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), is an experienced and proven leader in developing and producing fuel cells that generate clean and reliable power for buildings, transit buses, automobiles, space and marine applications. We are the only company in the world with experience in all five major fuel cell technologies.

UTC Power traces its genesis to 1958, when the Advanced Power Systems Group at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft began to explore new power generation concepts, including hydrogen fuel cell technology. Since then, our fuel cells have provided electric power and drinking water for astronauts on every manned space flight since the Apollo program, including the Space Shuttle missions.

Today, UTC Power fuel cells can be found here on Earth, providing clean, efficient and reliable power to transit buses in the United States and buildings around the world. UTC Power is extremely proud that our fuel cells are furthering our customers' business and sustainability goals on 19 different countries on 6 continents and that we are helping to create a more efficient and clean planet in the process.

UTC Power has experience in all five major fuel cell technologies (Phosphoric Acid, Proton Exchange Membrane, Alkaline, Solid Oxide and Molten Carbonate).

Fuel Cells 101
Through our extensive experience with each of these technologies we have determined that phosphoric acid fuel cells offer the optimum blend of system performance, durability and value for stationary power applications and our customers.

PAFC's are highly efficient - total efficiency of 90 percent is achievable when process heat produced by the fuel cell is used for co-generation (combined heat and power). They are a relatively new fuel cell technology with development that began in the 1960's (compared to solid oxide and molten carbonate which trace their development back to the 1930's and 1950's respectively). PAFC's were the first fuel cells commercialized for stationary applications and have benefited from 20+ years of field experience, technology improvements and cost reduction. UTC Power's stationary power plants - from the first generation produced in 1991 to the latest generation PureCell system (the Model 400) released in 2009 - are PAFC power plants.

NASA's Space Shuttle Orbiter
Electrical power for NASA's Space Shuttle Orbiter is provided by fuel cell power plants designed, developed, and built by UTC Power. In the Orbiter, a complement of three 12-kilowatt fuel cells produces all onboard electrical power; there are no backup batteries, and a single fuel cell is sufficient to ensure safe vehicle return. In addition, the water produced by the electrochemical reaction is for the crew to drink and for spacecraft cooling." ... more

Automotive fuel cells

"Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation, the fuel cell centre of excellence for Daimler and Ford Motor Company, is developing next-generation technology for zero-emission automobiles.

Today, more than 200 zero-emission vehicles are powered by fuel cell technology from the Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation (AFCC), based in British Columbia, Canada.

An undeniable leader in fuel cell stack development, AFCC is a joint-venture between Daimler, Ford Motor Company and Ballard Power Systems. AFCC also works closely with fuel cell systems developer, NuCellSys, which is wholly owned by Daimler.

'The Fuel Cell Alliance between Daimler and Ford represents an important step towards commercially viable next-generation vehicles using hydrogen fuel. Within the Alliance, AFCC is responsible for the research, product development, and a successful product launch of reliable and high-performance fuel cell stacks.

By providing the best balance of cost, performance, robustness and durability available, AFCC's goal is to make the automotive fuel cell an affordable and reliable zero-emission solution in the 2015 timeframe." ... more

"Bloom Energy is changing the way the world generates and consumes energy. Our unique on-site power generation systems utilize an innovative new fuel cell technology with roots in NASA's Mars program.

Bloom Energy

"Derived from a common sand-like powder, and leveraging breakthrough advances in materials science, our technology is able to produce clean, reliable, affordable power,... practically anywhere,... from a wide range of renewable or traditional fuels.

Our Energy Servers^TM are among the most efficient energy generators on the planet; providing for significantly reduced electricity costs and dramatically lower greenhouse gas emissions.

By generating power on-site, where it is consumed, Bloom Energy offers increased electrical reliability and improved energy security, providing a clear path to energy independence.

Founded in 2001, Bloom Energy is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California." ... more