Fuel Cell - US Institutes of Research

Fuel Cells 2000

"Fuel Cells 2000 is an activity of the Breakthrough Technologies Institute (BTI), a non-profit [501(c)(3)] independent, educational organization that identifies and promotes environmental and energy technologies that can improve the human condition.

BTI was established in 1993 to ensure that emerging technologies have a voice in environmental and energy policy debates. Our current focus is on air quality, climate change, energy efficiency, and energy independence. Our programs have won international recognition and numerous awards.

Fuel Cells 2000's mission is to promote the commercialization of fuel cells and hydrogen by supplying accurate, unbiased information, developing and disseminating summary materials accessible to a general audience, and providing a portal for researchers, developers, suppliers, government officials, opinion leaders and others interested in the sector. Our materials and information are available free of charge, with minor exceptions." ... more

"The National Fuel Cell Research Center

The National Fuel Cell Research Center (NFCRC) was dedicated in 1998 by the U.S. Department of Energy and the California Energy Commission to accelerate the development and deployment of fuel cell technology, to provide an outreach to the market, to address market hurdles, and to provide leadership in the preparation of educational materials and programs throughout the country.

The University of California at Irvine has a rich tradition in energy and environmental studies, and is located in the heart of a region that is internationally recognized for leadership in energy and transportation research and innovation. The City of Irvine is one of the largest planned communities in the country and known for its long standing record of environmental stewardship. The majority of the world's automobile designs emanate from the region, and the area is the home to the world's largest concentration of energy consulting firms.

The NFCRC engages undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines of engineering and the physical and biological sciences, and collaborates on courses and team projects with both the social sciences and business sciences. Faculty have had a long standing tradition as well in the conduct of collaborative studies with the health sciences. The outreach of the NFCRC is conducted with institutions around the world, through the California Stationary Fuel Cell Collaborative (CaSFCC), the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CFCP), the U.S. Fuel Cell Council, the Fuel Cell Seminar, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Annual International Fuel Cell Engineering, Technology, and Science Conference, the Annual International Colloquium on Environmentally Preferred Advanced Power Generation (ICEPAG), and the Pacific Rim Consortium on Energy, Combustion , and the Environment (PARCON)." ... more

Hydrogene Energy Center

"The Center is a non-profit organization run by visionary volunteers who are acting on their commitment to a better energy future. Membership fees fund these operations. The knowledge and energy of our members fuel everything we do. Our members share the desire to see hydrogen energy help correct the problems of dirty air, climate disruption, world conflicts and poverty which have been caused by our fossil fuel economy.

Membership in the Hydrogen Energy Center helps you work towards these goals.

Membership benefits include:

  - Influencing the course of renewable hydrogen energy technology and policy.
  - Being a part of projects that really build hydrogen solutions.
  - Having full access to white papers, technical reports, and meeting minutes from our projects and from other organizations.
  - Immersing yourself in the hydrogen "goings-on" by connecting with developments & networking with people who are collectively driving the hydrogen "bus"
  - Attending our project meetings through web-enabled connections with our project teams.
  - Sleeping better at night knowing that you are a part of the solution." more

Technology Transition Corporation (TTC)

"Technology Transition Corporation (TTC) provides strategic direction, corporate management, and membership services to four organizations that were formed to address the market challenges faced by emerging energy technologies.

The activities of these four organizations are funded and supported by consortia of utilities, other power producers, manufacturers, small businesses, university and research centers, and the federal government. Each has its own Board of Directors and unique business objectives." ... more

The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA)

"The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) is the world's premier advocacy organization dedicated to the commercialization of fuel cells and hydrogen energy technologies. FCHEA and its membership are at the forefront of efforts to transform the energy network, fundamentally altering the way energy is generated and used. Fuel cells and hydrogen technologies are being commercially deployed today to solve critical problems in our energy infrastructure and deliver clean, reliable power to leading edge corporate, academic and public sector users. FCHEA's membership represents the full spectrum of the supply chain from universities, government laboratories and agencies, trade associations, fuel cell materials, components and systems manufacturers, hydrogen producers and fuel distributors, utilities and other end users." more

International Energy Agency (IEA) Implementing Agreement on Advanced Fuel Cells.
"The Implementing Agreement for a programme of research, development and demonstration on advanced fuel cells was signed by seven countries in Paris on April 2nd, 1990. Since that time, further countries have signed the Implementing Agreement and the programme has grown from two to twenty-seven annexes in total. The participating countries are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and USA.

The aim of the IEA Advanced Fuel Cells programme is to advance the state of understanding of all Contracting Parties in the field of advanced fuel cells. It achieves this through a co-ordinated programme of research, technology development and system analysis on Molten Carbonate (MCFC), Solid Oxide (SOFC) and Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC) systems. There is a strong emphasis on information exchange through Task meetings, workshops and reports. The work is undertaken on a task-sharing basis with each participating country providing an agreed level of effort over the period of the Task." ... more

"The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) is a unique public private partnership supporting research, technological development and demonstration (RTD) activities in fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies in Europe. Its aim is to accelerate the market introduction of these technologies, realising their potential as an instrument in achieving a carbon-lean energy system.

Fuel cells, as an efficient conversion technology, and hydrogen, as a clean energy carrier, have a great potential to help fight carbon dioxide emissions, to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons and to contribute to economic growth. The objective of the FCH JU is to bring these benefits to Europeans through a concentrated effort from all sectors.

The three members of the FCH JU are the European Commission, fuel cell and hydrogen industries represented by the NEW Industry Grouping and the research community represented by Research Grouping N.ERGHY.

The FCH JU is the result of long-standing cooperation between representatives of industry, scientific community, public authorities, technology users and civil society in the context of the European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform. The Platform was launched under the 6th Framework Programme for Research (FP6) as a grouping of stakeholders, led by companies representing the entire supply chain for fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies." ... more

The California Fuel Cell Partnership

History

"In January 1999, two state government agencies-California Air Resources Board and California Energy Commission joined with six private sector companies-Ballard Power Systems, DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company, BP, Shell Hydrogen and ChevronTexaco-to form the California Fuel Cell Partnership. The goal was to demonstrate and promote the potential for fuel cell vehicles as a clean, safe, and practical alternative to vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. Within a very short time, other government agencies and private businesses became members.

In November 2000, the West Sacramento headquarters opened. The building includes a public gallery, offices, a hydrogen fueling station and indoor service bays for vehicle maintenance. At first, the automakers had just handful of cars all stationed in Sacramento. The goal was to see if these vehicles and fuel could be technically viable. If the answer was no, then CaFCP would close its doors in 2004.

Before the first phase was finished, CaFCP members knew that the technology could succeed. The number of members grew to 33 and set a new set of goals for the next phase of operation, from 2004-2007. During this period, CaFCP members worked on project to prove or disprove the commercially viability-would the vehicles, fuels and public policies meet consumer expectations?" ... more

The Partnership for Advancing the Transition to Hydrogen

The Partnership for Advancing the Transition to Hydrogen (PATH) is a not-for-profit international coalition of hydrogen associations that seeks international cooperation to help advance the transition to hydrogen as a carbon-free energy carrier and a solution to environmental and energy issues.

PATH was established in 2002 in collaboration with the governments and national hydrogen associations of Canada, Japan and the United States. Today, 20 associations and partnering organizations, across 5 continents belong to PATH, representing 79% of the world's GDP and 40% of the global population.

Since its founding PATH has focused on three major activities: building the international network of hydrogen advocates by holding Executive Meetings around the world; sharing information among partners through newsletters, webpages, and the Initiative Database; and developing codes and standards for the safe use of hydrogen. The PATH Board of Directors has drawn up a list of additional activities that PATH should engage in, including: helping countries form hydrogen associations; sharing association management best practices; sharing public education and other outreach communications among partners; facilitating professor and student exchanges between countries; and maintaining a calendar of events and project opportunities." ... more

International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy

History

The formation of IPHE was facilitated by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Transportation in 2003 to foster international cooperation on hydrogen and fuel cell R&D, common codes and standards, and information sharing on infrastructure development. Today, IPHE's 18 partners organize, evaluate, and coordinate multinational research, development, and deployment programs that advance the introduction of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies on a global scale.

An International Vision for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells

The IPHE was established as an international institution to accelerate the transition to a hydrogen economy. It provides a mechanism for partners to organize, coordinate and implement effective, efficient, and focused international research, development, demonstration and commercial utilization activities related to hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. The IPHE provides a forum for advancing policies, and uniform codes and standards that can accelerate the cost-effective transition to a hydrogen economy; and it educates and informs stakeholders and the general public on the benefits of, and challenges to, establishing a hydrogen economy." ... more

The Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association

Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles, including cars and buses, will have a significant impact on clean transportation.

Fuel cell cars and buses work in a similar fashion. Hydrogen is pumped into the tank of a car or bus, like gasoline. The hydrogen is then fed into the fuel cell where it is electrochemically converted into electricity - with no combustion and no emissions other than water vapour. The electricity generated is used to power the vehicle. A fuel cell is also 2-3 times more energy efficient than traditional gasoline or diesel engines.

For passenger vehicles - full performance, zero-emissions, clean mobility is the end-game for automotive manufacturers. Automakers around the world including GM, Toyota, Ford, Daimler and Honda are developing a portfolioof clean mobility solutions ranging from bio-fuelled vehicles, through to hybrids and plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles. While several alternative power technologies reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the fuel cell is the only powertrain that can meet the extended range and rapid refuelling requirements desired by consumers. Most automakers have stated plans for early commercialization of fuel cell automobiles, in select regions, in the 2015 timeframe.

Canada is a pioneer in the development of automotive fuel cell technologies, including an expertise in the supply of parts an compoments for fuel cell vehicles. Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation Corp. (a joint venture between Daimler, Ford and Ballard Power Systems), based in Burnaby, BC, continues to develop automotive fuel cell technology and is one of the only next generation automotive research and development centres in Canada.

In the meantime, Canada is a leader in the development and deployment of fuel cell bus technology. BC Transit's fleet of 20 fuel cell buses is the largest fleet of its kind in the world, providing regular revenue transit service to residents in the community of Whistler, British Columbia." ... more

FuelCellEurope

FuelCellEurope is the leading European association, accelerating the development and market uptake of fuel cells technology.

"FuelCellEurope Members are organizations active on the entire fuel cells value chain. The association gathers global equipment manufacturers, European universities and research institutes, energy automotive and services companies as well as end users from the public and private sectors.

FuelCellEurope was formed in response to concerns that Europe would not be ready for the commercial introduction of fuel cells in the same time frame as other regions of the world such as North America and Japan. The fear was that without a competitive fuel cell industry, Europe would be at a serious competitiveness disadvantage economically and environmentallySince its formation, FuelCellEurope has continuously strived to achieve its mission, which is accelerating the development and market uptake of fuel cells technologies in Europe.

Since its formation, FuelCellEurope has continuously strived to achieve its mission, which is accelerating the development and market uptake of fuel cells technologies in Europe.

After a strategic review and members consultation, FuelCellEurope has defined its main goals as:
  - Positioning fuel cells as a key technology solution for a sustainable European system
  - Stimulating the market demand and connect it with fuel cell suppliers
  - Obtaining a more favourable regulatory environment for fuel cells in Europe" ... more

The American Hydrogen Association Northwest

"The American Hydrogen Association Northwest has been operating sicne 1997. Here are a few details of what projects we have done in the past. We at the AHANW have experimented with a number of low cost conversions to engines, heaters, refrigerators, and barbecues in the last 12 years! Please take a read and see what you think.

It all started when the students of Hard Knocks collected all the books on Solar and other renewable energy lined up in front, for a picture that will be sent to the AHA Headquarters in Arizona for an Into on how serious we three Students were about gathering education. We made plans and took action. ( It has been so exciting since this 1999 spring my personal growth keeps me in awe to were I do not know ranking with hydrogen Professionals. I do know that focusing on the common wealth had made my dedication to Hydrogen Research bullet proof to all other Influences. Our Teachers have become the trusted guardian of my mind and have help me plant info that will help all folks.

We the three that have started the Chapter have all gone to great lengths to teach every one we meet about H2. Since the first year we have gathered, we have grown to have outreach with volunteers that are spreading their influence to Technical Universities and Cooperative Farms. The three have turned into hundreds of educated volunteer that are spreading the word though out." ... more

"Hydrogen cars are not only the future, they are here, now. When hydrogen cars become the status quo, the U. S. can lessen its dependence upon foreign oil, achieve lower prices at the fuel pumps and cut down on the greenhouse gases that produce global warming.

The future of hydrogen cars is not a pipe dream, as there are already many hydrogen fuel cell cars and H2ICE vehicles on the roads. California, Japan and the European Union (especially Germany) have many hydrogen fuel cars being used as fleet vehicles now." ... more

The Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Interagency Working Group consists of participating federal agencies that exchange information about hydrogen and fuel cell research, development, and demonstration projects and collaborate on related activities.

Representatives from the participating agencies meet regularly to share research results, technical expertise, and lessons learned about program implementation, technology development, and deployment. They also coordinate interagency programs and activities related to safe, economical, and environmentally sound hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. more

The International Association for Hydrogen Energy (IAHE)

"The Association strives to advance the day when HYDROGEN ENERGY will become the principal means by which the world will achieve its long-sought goal of Abundant Clean Energy for Mankind. Toward this end, the Association stimulates the exchange of information in Hydrogen Energy field through its publications and sponsorship of international workshops, short courses and conferences. In addition, the Association endeavors to inform the general public of the important role of Hydrogen Energy in the planning of an inexhaustible and clean energy system.

The Association has an official scientific journal, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, organises biennial World Hydrogen Energy Conferences - including exhibitions - around the world (the last World Hydrogen Energy Conference took place in Brisbane, Australia, June 2008; the next one, WHEC 18, will take place in Essen, Germany, June 2010; more information coming soon); publishes the proceedings of these conferences as the Hydrogen Progress volumes; and maintains and updates this Internet site. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy is published by Elsevier on behalf of the International Association for Hydrogen Energy" ... more

"The purpose of AHA is to facilitate achievements of prosperity without pollution and to close the information gap between researchers, industry and the public, drawing on world-wide developments concerning hydrogen, solar, wind, hydro, ocean and biomass resource materials, energy conversion, wealth-addition economics, and the environment.

Our Mission

Our mission is to test and report options for Civilization to overcome dependence upon burning over one million years' of fossil accumulations each year.

AHA will stimulate interest and help establish the renewable hydrogen energy economy by the year 2010. To achieve this goal, the American Hydrogen Association is working in cooperation with organizations such as the American Lung Association, IAHE, NHA, NASA, environmental groups and industry, community, and schools to promote understanding of hydrogen technology, and help create a marketplace for pollution-free hydrogen energy." ... more

UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association

"The UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association acts on behalf of its members to accelerate the commercialization of fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies. We provide a respected and authoritative point of contact and a clear, informed and up-to-date view on research, development and demonstration priorities for Government, other funding agencies and opinion formers.

Our members include the leading UK fuel cell and hydrogen companies as well as organisations from the academic community and a range of other stakeholders with an interest in these clean energy solutions and the associated elements of the supply chain.

The Association was launched in summer 2010 following the merger of Fuel Cells UK and the UK Hydrogen Association.

The UK HFCA cover:

  - All fuel cell types and applications;
  - The full fuel cell supply chain (from research into material science through to systems integration and distribution);
  - Hydrogen production and storage;
  - Hydrogen infrastructure; and
  - Other issues around the delivery, storage and use of associated fuels." ... more

The Australian Association for Hydrogen Energy (AAHE)

"The Australian Association for Hydrogen Energy (AAHE) was formed in late 2009 as the national association promoting the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier, its integration in the Australian energy economy, and the development and deployment of hydrogen energy technologies, such as fuel cells. Building on the success of the 2008 World Hydrogen Energy Conference, held in Brisbane, the AAHE has been established to represent a wide range of Australian stakeholders, from industry and academia, to federal, state and local government, that have an interest in hydrogen and its role in clean energy and transportation. Our role is to co-ordinate representation of hydrogen energy interests in Australia to:

  - support the development of effective policy and regulatory frameworks for the widespread, safe and efficient adoption of hydrogen and associated technologies;
  - facilitate networking between industry, government, and academia through a range of events, tools and publications developed for AAHE members;
  - promote awareness and understanding of the role of hydrogen to the wider Australian public through media exposure, education and dissemination activities;
  - Ienable the realization of business opportunities in the hydrogen space through linkages with technology and service providers, technical expertise, finance and operational partners, in Australia and worldwide." ... more

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) commissioned a study in 2004 to investigate the use of hydrogen as a logistics fuel. Advancements over the past two decades in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies have been promising. Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies offer potential solutions to energy challenges related to the environment, energy security, sustainability, and battlefield logistics. DLA is committed to improving the viability of these technologies for widespread use in Department of Defense domestic operations through pilot projects involving material handling equipment (MHE), bus, and infrastructure demonstration projects; a portable power pilot project; solid hydrogen storage R&D; and an extended range utility vehicle R&D initiative.

These pilots have the potential to further many DoD environmental and energy security goals. Equipment powered with hydrogen fuel cells produce lower emissions than conventional fossil fuel equipment and have a greater range than battery-powered equipment. Additionally, hydrogen can be produced on-site from a variety of renewable and waste stream sources, which can improve the energy security of DoD installations." ... more

The Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program

The U.S. DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program works in partnership with industry, academia, national laboratories, federal and international agencies to:
  - Overcome technical barriers through research and development of hydrogen production, delivery, and storage technologies, as well as fuel cell technologies for transportation, distributed stationary power, and portable power applications
  - Address safety concerns and develop model codes and standards,
  - Validate and demonstrate hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in real-world conditions, and
  - Educate key stakeholders whose acceptance of these technologies will determine their success in the marketplace.

The DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program currently includes participation from the Offices of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EE), Fossil Energy (FE), Nuclear Energy (NE), and Science (SC). Each office manages activities that address hydrogen technologies that meet the needs of their respective feedstocks and target applications. As the nation focuses more attention and resources on exploring the potential for a hydrogen energy future, close coordination among these offices becomes critical—this is the role of the DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program." ... more

The Fuelcell Propulsion Institute

"The Fuelcell Propulsion Institute, founded in 1996 by Dr. Arnold R. Miller, began as an international nonprofit organization advocating for commercialization of fuelcell vehicles for industry. Utilizing public education, media communications, citizen mobilization, legislative lobbying, administrative lobbying, or litigation, the Institute advocated for ongoing and future vehicle development and demonstration projects.

The Fuelcell Propulsion Institute Mission

To resolve worldwide issues of global climate change, energy efficiency, and energy security, the nonprofit Fuelcell Propulsion Institute undertakes research on hydrogen fuelcell-powered heavy industrial and transport vehicles. Using mathematical analysis and laboratory or field research, the Institute's research interests include hydrogen production without greenhouse gases, vehicular hydrogen storage, and new-vehicle concepts and feasibility." ...

more about
  - The Fuelcell Propulsion Institute

or about
  - The Supersonic Institute

A Totally Integrated Fuel Cell Ecosystem

"The USC-City of Columbia Fuel Cell Collaborative was established in 2006 to carry out the strategy in the Midlands region of the state. At the heart of the Midlands region is Columbia, South Carolina which is actively engaged in the creation of the first integrated Fuel Cell District in the United States. This one-of-a-kind, self sustaining district is being built with the vision of Columbia becoming a global model for the mass deployment of fuel cell applications and technology. Columbia is the ideal city for the first planned end-to-end Fuel Cell District because it has existing research strengths in fuel cells at the University of South Carolina, the focus and collaboration of the region's political, business and academic leaders, and ample resources to implement this vision. This comprehensive public and private sector initiative fuses together all of the elements needed to help grow Columbia's knowledge based economy with an emphasis on fuel cell technology.

The Fuel Cell Collaborative, comprised of University of South Carolina, the City of Columbia, SCRA, and EngenuitySC, is coordinating the region's efforts. The collaborative has three primary objectives:
  - Position Columbia, SC as a leader in fuel cell innovation
  - Become world-class innovators for the hydrogen and fuel cell economy
  - Recruit and retain private sector partners, fuel cell scientists, entrepreneurs and innovators to help make South Carolina a pre-eminent location for the hydrogen and fuel cell economy " ... more

"CFCC seeks to advance fuel-cell research, development, and commercialization and to promote business opportunities in Colorado. The CFCC was created in 2005 with funding from the Governor's Energy Office and co-funding from four partnering organizations. In July 2006 the CFCC was granted status as a Colorado School of Mines research center.

The Colorado Fuel Cell Center (CFCC)

"The CFCC is managed by a faculty panel consisting of CSM faculty members using the facilities to perform research. The day-to-day activities of the center are handled by a Director. All contracting and business activities are conducted through the Colorado School of Mines.

Scope
  - Solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) development and testing
  - Polymer-electrolyte membrane (PEM) development
  - Fuel processing
  - Modeling and simulation
  - Advanced materials processing and evaluation
  - Manufacturing technology development
  - Systems integration" ... more