technologyscanning

Issue 1November 2001

Fuel Cell TFuel Cell TFuel Cell TFuel Cell TFuel Cell Technologyechnologyechnologyechnologyechnology

Fuel cell technology combineshydrogen and oxygen to generateelectricity and pure water. Thistechnology is virtually silent and producesno pollution. Fuel cells can be used topower vehicles, homes, factories, andoffices. They are modular in design ,making them versatile in configuration.

Fuel Cells Engineering FrameworkFuel Cells Engineering FrameworkFuel Cells Engineering FrameworkFuel Cells Engineering FrameworkFuel Cells Engineering Frameworkand Road Mapand Road Mapand Road Mapand Road Mapand Road Map

Pacific Northwest NationalLaboratory, Material Resources Group, isestablishing a systems engineeringframework for the development of fuelcells. They are defining barriers andmapping a plan for advanced fuel celldevelopment.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Bernie SaffellPacific Northwest National LaboratoryRichland, WAPhone: 509-372-4565Email: bf_saffell@pnl.govwww.pnl.gov/fuelcells

Nuvera Introduces Line of ResidentialNuvera Introduces Line of ResidentialNuvera Introduces Line of ResidentialNuvera Introduces Line of ResidentialNuvera Introduces Line of ResidentialFuel Cell ModulesFuel Cell ModulesFuel Cell ModulesFuel Cell ModulesFuel Cell Modules

In response to a growing need foralternative on-site energy solutions,Nuvera is developing small-scale fuel cellpower modules designed to provide arange of deployable power anywhere,anytime. The modules are flexible fuelcell technology that provide the userfreedom of fuel choice from hydrogen,natural gas, or propane.

The units are intended for remotepower use away from a power grid or asresidential backup to traditional powersources. Three lines of compact, stackedfuel cells in aesthetically pleasinghousing are under development:l Premium Fuel Cell Module 1kW -Propanel Premium Fuel Cell Module 1kW -Hydrogenl Premium Fuel Cell Module 5kW –Natural Gas

Nuvera intends to work with leadingorganizations around the world todemonstrate and test the commercialviability of small-scale power modules.The demonstrations will be designed toincrease overall awareness and perceptionof fuel cells among consumers as viableclean energy alternatives. Nuvera wasformed in April 2000 in a merger ofDe Nora Fuel Cells, Milan, Italy, and EpyxCorp, a fuel processing division of theAmerican consulting firm ofArthur D. Little.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Nuvera Fuel CellsDeborah CullenCambridge, MAPhone: 617-498-5398Email: cullen.d@nuvera.comwww.nuvera.com

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The technology findings here relateThe technology findings here relateThe technology findings here relateThe technology findings here relateThe technology findings here relateto alternative means of powerto alternative means of powerto alternative means of powerto alternative means of powerto alternative means of powercreation, conservation orcreation, conservation orcreation, conservation orcreation, conservation orcreation, conservation orconversion against traditional gas,conversion against traditional gas,conversion against traditional gas,conversion against traditional gas,conversion against traditional gas,coal-produced electric, or nuclearcoal-produced electric, or nuclearcoal-produced electric, or nuclearcoal-produced electric, or nuclearcoal-produced electric, or nuclear-----based powerbased powerbased powerbased powerbased power. This area of. This area of. This area of. This area of. This area ofsustainable energy technology is atsustainable energy technology is atsustainable energy technology is atsustainable energy technology is atsustainable energy technology is atthe forefront of a number ofthe forefront of a number ofthe forefront of a number ofthe forefront of a number ofthe forefront of a number ofindustries including housing.industries including housing.industries including housing.industries including housing.industries including housing.

Technology Scanning

One of PATH’s major research supportservices is PATH Technology Scanning.Technology Scanning tells us abouttechnology developments in otherindustries, from other nations, from federallaboratories, and from other buildingsectors. PATH looks for breakthroughs inother industries that could be transferredand applied to housing. TechnologyScanning–published by the U.S.Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment/PATH and prepared by theNAHB Research Center, Inc.–are updated astechnology developments dictate. TheResearch Center works to unite technologydevelopers from outside of residentialconstruction with manufacturers in theresidential housing sector.

This issue of Technology Scanning isone in a series. Each issue in the series fallsinto one of the following categories:• Design and Internet Tools• Safety• Surfaces and Interior Finishes• Building Envelope Technologies• Electrical• Plumbing• Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning• Energy/Power Systems Generation• Basic Materials• Information Technology• Sustainable Design Strategies• Materials Recycling and Reuse• Thermal and Moisture Protection• Indoor Environmental Quality

Call the ToolBase Hotline at800-898-2842 for information about otheravailable Technology Scanning issues. Or,log onto pathnet.org and www.toolbase.org.

451 7th Street, SWWashington, DC 20410Email: pathnet@pathnet.org

Fuel Cell TFuel Cell TFuel Cell TFuel Cell TFuel Cell Technologyechnologyechnologyechnologyechnology,,,,,continued

Hpower�s RCU 1-10 kW ACresidential unit.

WWWWWorld’orld’orld’orld’orld’s Largest Fuel Cell Installations Largest Fuel Cell Installations Largest Fuel Cell Installations Largest Fuel Cell Installations Largest Fuel Cell Installation

Middletown, Connecticut, USAJuvenile Training Center, has ordered a1.2 MW fuel cell system for an estimated$18 million. It is to be installed by SelectEnergy. This will be the largest singleinstallation to date. When fully debuggedand operational, it will provide a majorportion of the facility’s power.

Iceland to Demonstrate First RealIceland to Demonstrate First RealIceland to Demonstrate First RealIceland to Demonstrate First RealIceland to Demonstrate First RealHydrogen Based EconomyHydrogen Based EconomyHydrogen Based EconomyHydrogen Based EconomyHydrogen Based Economy

Iceland announced plans to start afleet of hydrogen powered fuel cell busesand hydrogen filling stations to providethe world’s first real demonstration of ahydrogen-based economy. A consortiumof companies including Shell Hydrogen,Daimler-Chrysler, and Norsk Hydro, willspend about $6.5 million U.S. dollars tostart up the project. The four-year projectwill demonstrate the viability andimplementation issues for a hydrogen-based economy. Three buses powered byfuel cells and a refilling station at anexisting Shell retail site will be at theheart of the demonstration.

Fuel Cell VFuel Cell VFuel Cell VFuel Cell VFuel Cell Vacuum Cleaneracuum Cleaneracuum Cleaneracuum Cleaneracuum Cleaner

Electrolux LLC has designed, and isready to release with the assistance ofManhattan Scientifics, Inc., the first fuelcell powered vacuum. Using technologyfrom NovArs GmbH, located near Passau,Germany, the stacked fuel cell is acomposite material held together withsealants instead of bolts. The cells arelightweight and generate power of 1,000watts. Electrolux will sell the backpackvacuum cleaner next year.

Passau, the fuel cell provider, feels itwill help users get comfortable with fuelcells in and around the home andencourage greater use of fuel celladoption for homes, cars, appliances, andoutdoor power equipment. The VP ofMarketing for NovArs GmbH said, “Ifpeople get comfortable with thistechnology on a small scale, they aremore likely to have confidence with it ona larger scale.”

MIT is currently performing tests onthe new application.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Manhattan Scientifics, Inc.Marvin MaslowNew York, NYPhone: 212-752-0505Email: maslow@ix.netcom.comwww.mhtx.com/media-center/pressrelease30.htm

Photovoltaic/Solar TPhotovoltaic/Solar TPhotovoltaic/Solar TPhotovoltaic/Solar TPhotovoltaic/Solar Technologyechnologyechnologyechnologyechnology

Solar technologies have beenaround for a long time. However, ourknowledge of solar technology hasimproved greatly over the past fewdecades. There are now better, morepractical applications to harness the sun’spower. Photovoltaic conversion occurswithin solar cells made from silicon.Multiple cells are connected together andsealed to form solar power modules whichcollect the sun’s energy and convert itinto electricity.

Solar Dynamic Energy ConversionSolar Dynamic Energy ConversionSolar Dynamic Energy ConversionSolar Dynamic Energy ConversionSolar Dynamic Energy Conversion

This conversion technologygenerates electricity/power with a smallsurface area. It is lightweight, and has ahigher power-weight ratio thanconventional photovoltaics. It can beapplied to housing with a relatively smallsurface area and power generation units.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Great Lakes Industrial Technology CenterJohn Glenn Research CenterCleveland, OHPhone: 216-433-4000

Solar Cell TSolar Cell TSolar Cell TSolar Cell TSolar Cell Technology and Systemsechnology and Systemsechnology and Systemsechnology and Systemsechnology and Systemsfor Housesfor Housesfor Housesfor Housesfor Houses

Sanyo, a Japanese maker ofelectronics, has developed a new structurecell, called HIT, with 17 percent massproduction line cell efficiency. This newhybrid structure of a cell reduces energyloss and is the world’s highest efficiencyfor a prototype cell at 20 percent. Sanyo’sgoal for the new process is a low-cost,large- volume production solar cell forhousing. To date these cells have beenapplied in houses as shingles in Japan’stest houses. The key technologybreakthrough has been in the applicationof a thin film technology of AmorphousSilicon (a-SI:H cell) on a crystallineSilicon base. Pilot manufacturing lineshave demonstrated mass productioncapability and potential efficiency.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Solec International, Inc.Jawid ShahryarCarson, CAPhone: 310-834-5800 (x207)Email: solec@solecintl.comwww.sanyo.com/aboutsanyona/company_profiles/solec.html

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SunSlates Roofing andSunSlates Roofing andSunSlates Roofing andSunSlates Roofing andSunSlates Roofing andFaçade SystemsFaçade SystemsFaçade SystemsFaçade SystemsFaçade Systems

Atlantis Solar Systems’ strategy hasbeen to incorporate photovoltaictechnology into building products. In itsfirst demonstration project installed inSwitzerland one year ago, they usedSunSlates photovoltaic, a thin-film solarcell roofing and façade product. Sincethen, it has been used successfully inBurgdorf Switzerland’s Regional Hospital,along with 70 other applications acrossGermany and Switzerland. Solar BuildingSystems LTD, Exmore, VA, have installedsome systems in the U.S.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Atlantis Solar SystemsJorn JurgensBern, SwitzerlandPhone: +41 31 300 3200Email: info@atlantisenergy.chwww.atlantisenergy.com/as1.htm

Photovoltaic CladdingPhotovoltaic CladdingPhotovoltaic CladdingPhotovoltaic CladdingPhotovoltaic Cladding

Located just outside London, theUniversity of Southampton is the firstbuilding to have mono-crystallinevertically mounted PV arrays generatingelectricity. It is the most monitored, mostwatched installation of PVs. The goal isnot only to collect performance data, butalso reliability, durability, and economicdata. A total of 96 modules are configuredin sub-arrays divided across four levels ofthe building.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Abubakr S. BahajSustainable Energy Research GroupUniversity of SouthamptonCivil and Environmental DepartmentSouthampton SO17 1BJ, UKPhone: + 44 23 80 592051Email: A.S.Bahaj@soton.ac.ukwww.soton.ac.uk/~serg/solar/solar.htm

The GeorgetownUniversity Fuel CellBus.

Photovoltaics Integrated into WindowsPhotovoltaics Integrated into WindowsPhotovoltaics Integrated into WindowsPhotovoltaics Integrated into WindowsPhotovoltaics Integrated into Windows

The National Renewable EnergyLaboratory has integrated a PVelectrochromatic device into smartwindows. Termed PV-EC Smart Window,this technology could derive betterfunctional use of the window and reduceheating and cooling needs of the buildingby 25 percent, lighting demand by 50percent, and peak power demand by 30percent. A dye-sensitized solar cellelectrode is the heart of the technologyand can be used in conjunction withtoday’s known window technologies ofLow e coatings, gas fills, and spaceevacuation techniques. Making the cellsthin enough to be semi-transparent to thehuman eye is one of the technicalchallenges being worked on. Anothermethod of building the cells into the

window frame is being pursued as well.Reliability and durability will be keyattributes to prove.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:National Center for PhotovoltaicsNational Renewable Energy LaboratoryGolden, COEmail: jack_stone@nrel.govwww.nrel.gov/ncpv.NCPVHotline

SolarSolarSolarSolarSolar-Shell Renewables-Shell Renewables-Shell Renewables-Shell Renewables-Shell Renewables

Technology to turn the sun’s raysinto power on earth has been around forsome time, but recent focused effortsaround photovoltaics are forging newinroads. The energy conversion takesplace within a solar cell manufacturedfrom silicon. Multiple cells are connectedtogether and sealed into solar powermodules. Shell has recently opened astate-of-the-art solar cell plant inGermany. It is the world’s most integratedplant and Europe’s largest single solarcell line. With their size and technicalknow-how, Shell has producedcooperative efforts in Amersfoot, Holland,with 70 architects to bring about thelargest solar residential development inEurope. Through a joint venture with aSouth African utility company, Eskom,Shell is bringing sun-derived power to50,000 homes in remote areas notconnected to public power grids. They

Mid-sized photoelectrochromic window turning dark under a voltage applied bytwo small PV cells attached to the side of the window.

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have supplied Shell Oil’s offshore drillingrigs with solar power in harsh conditionswith special adaptations. They aresupplying Sun Stations (combinations ofsolar and biomass) for village electricalneeds in the Philippines. Solar powergeneration is expected to grow by 22percent per year to a capacity of 1.5-2Gigawatts by 2010.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Shell Solar BVAmsterdam NetherlandsPhone: +31 20 630 3000www. shell-renewables.com

SolarSolarSolarSolarSolar-Shell-Shell-Shell-Shell-ShellRenewablesRenewablesRenewablesRenewablesRenewables,,,,,continued

Amorphous Solar CellsAmorphous Solar CellsAmorphous Solar CellsAmorphous Solar CellsAmorphous Solar Cells

Amorphus silicon solar cells hold anumber of advantages over typical crystalsilicon cells. They can be manufacturedusing less energy and raw materials,which promises to be a lower cost andmore environmentally friendly means toproduce cells in mass productionquantities. Also, their thin film designallows for physical flexibility and theability to be fabricated into large-areacells, or wide varieties of shapes and sizes.Embedding them into other substrates isalso easier due to their thinconfiguration. Manufacturers see greatpotential for integration of function anddesign.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Baekaert ECD Solar Systems LLCAuburn Hills, MIPhone: 248-475-0100Email: info@uni-solar.comwww.ovonic.com/unisolar.html

DunaSolarDunaSolarDunaSolarDunaSolarDunaSolar-Amorphous Solar Cells-Amorphous Solar Cells-Amorphous Solar Cells-Amorphous Solar Cells-Amorphous Solar Cells

Amorphous silicon solar cellsprovide 8-15 percent more energy thancrystalline ones when illumination is low(scattered cloudiness). Dunsolar is one ofthe leading producers of these cells. Theycurrently have U.S. test sites with UL-approved panels in Davis andSacramento, CA, in industrial and publicbuildings. Their Sacramento sites will bethe focus of a tour at the 6th annual UPVGPhotovoltaic Conference in October 2001.

A company representative saidDunaSolar has great interest in workingwith the U.S. building industry on solarphotovoltaics and would be interested infurther test installations or pilotapplications. They also would like to workwith some roofing manufacturers onintegration.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:DunaSolar Inc,Budapest, HungaryPhone: +361 431 9620 ask for the MarketApplications managerwww.dunasolar.com

Quick Connectors for EasierQuick Connectors for EasierQuick Connectors for EasierQuick Connectors for EasierQuick Connectors for EasierInstallation Solar CellsInstallation Solar CellsInstallation Solar CellsInstallation Solar CellsInstallation Solar Cells

Solel of Israel introduced a simple,innovative technology at Sustain 2001,which allows flexible, quick connection ofsolar cells to create large banks of cells.Efficiently connecting larger banks ofcells results in lower costs, reducedthermal loss, and higher efficiency. Theirsystem avoids harmful emissions and ismaintenance-free once installed.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Solel Solar Systems LTDIsraelPhone: 972-2-9996620www.solel.com

Photovoltaics and Wind Power HybridPhotovoltaics and Wind Power HybridPhotovoltaics and Wind Power HybridPhotovoltaics and Wind Power HybridPhotovoltaics and Wind Power HybridSystem Installed in WSystem Installed in WSystem Installed in WSystem Installed in WSystem Installed in Waimea, Hawaiiaimea, Hawaiiaimea, Hawaiiaimea, Hawaiiaimea, Hawaii

One of the world’s largest hybridsolar/wind energy power projects is upand running in Waimea, Hawaii, atParker Ranch on the Big Island. The 175kW’s of PV panels are a ground-mountedtracker system that rotates to follow thesun east to west, capturing the maximum

The hybrid solar/windproject at Parker

Ranch features 175kW of solar and 50

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The hybrid solar/wind project at ParkerRanch, Waimea, Hawaii, leverages daytimesunlight and warm Hawaiian winds.

amount of the sun’s power, supplementedby 50 kW’s of energy produced by fivewind turbines. The combined systemleverages clean renewable energy 24hours a day providing power for theranch’s water pumping operations. Thecost of the hybrid system is more thancovered by the amount of reduced utilitybills. The entire system was designed andinstalled by PowerLight Corporation ofCalifornia.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:PowerLight CorporationBerkeley, CAPhone: 510-540-0550www.PowerLight.com

Italian Government Speeds AdoptionItalian Government Speeds AdoptionItalian Government Speeds AdoptionItalian Government Speeds AdoptionItalian Government Speeds AdoptionProcess for PVProcess for PVProcess for PVProcess for PVProcess for PV

The Italian government allocatedL60 billion (approx $28 million U.S.) fora program to provide incentives for theearly adoption of PV technology.Approximately $9 million goes towardpublic, government, and municipalbuildings’ installation of PV, while about$19 million will be used for private sectorand households that wish to use PV tosupply a significant portion of their powerneeds. Up to 75 percent of the cost of thesystem will be covered in the form ofgrants from this program. This is a goodexample of government providing fundsto get technology adopted and in use inboth the public and private sector.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Dr. Leonardo Berlen, Rome ItalyPhone: +39 06 442 49241-47Email: info@isesitalia.itwww.isesitalia.it

BioMass TBioMass TBioMass TBioMass TBioMass Technologyechnologyechnologyechnologyechnology

Biomass technology converts wastestream material or rapidly renewableplant material into useful heat and/orelectricity. Some current applications inEurope take waste from wood processingindustries or the agricultural sector andproduce briquettes and pellets. These arethen burned cleanly in specially designedunits which can heat factories, offices,and even homes.

BioMass = Chemically StoredBioMass = Chemically StoredBioMass = Chemically StoredBioMass = Chemically StoredBioMass = Chemically StoredSolar EnergySolar EnergySolar EnergySolar EnergySolar Energy

Biomass Co-generation andElectro-Farming is a process to use andharness nature’s power. BioMass forenergetic conversion results from manysources:l Waste material from forestryrecultivation;l Recycling from landscapeconservation measures;l Recycling from the wood processingindustry;l By-products from the agriculturalsector;l By-products from the foodprocessing industry (olives, lemon peels);l Specific cultivation of biogenic

energy carriers (perennial plants, rapidlygrowing trees, annual plants andgrasses); andl Natural building and packagingmaterials.

The patented Electro-Farmingprocess enhances the role of biomass infuture power supply via a new process forthe thermo-chemical transformation ofbiomass. The biomass is broken downinto its chemical components, and thencooked with high temperature steam. Thewater is cracked into its components,hydrogen and oxygen. This process resultsin a high conversion rate of energy/unitof weight. This process opens the door forthe commercially viable production ofhydrogen from biomass for fuel cells.Small or mini-plants can produce smallbatches for local consumption, even tothe extent of a home producing andprocessing its own biomass into hydrogenfor fuel cell use, thereby greatly reducinginfrastructure and transportation energyenvisioned for delivering biomass orhydrogen to individual customers.Electro-Farming has the capability todevelop the smallest possible power plantswith the highest possible efficiency levelsand low operating costs.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Dr. Wolf G. JohnssenGrottenberg, GermanyPhone: +49 8138 92950Email: Wjohnssen@electro-farming.deChristine Angerer USAPhone: 914-310-4435Email: changerer@electro-farming.de

The Electro-FarmingTM

Concept

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Carbon Deposition

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BiomassStorage

2-3 Weeks

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Gas Clean-Up

Gas ConditioningFuel Cell

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Gas stationfor hydrogen

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Decentral/DistributedPower Generation

Closed Water Loop

Up to 500 kg H2O per 1000 kg dry biomass

Dedicated Biomass(e.g. C4-reeds)

H2O HeatMineral Ash(Fertilizer)

H2OMinimized Transport Distance

Small power plantsoperating near biomass sites

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Biomass -Shell RenewablesBiomass -Shell RenewablesBiomass -Shell RenewablesBiomass -Shell RenewablesBiomass -Shell Renewables

Shell Oil might change its nameone day to eliminate the word “oil.” Thename of one of its fastest growingdivisions, Shell Renewables, could be aleading contender. Biomass is in thecommercially viable stage. The idea of itsuse is proven but the logistics andcommercial selling of it is yet to be triedin large scale. Shell Renewables’ goal isto develop a dedicated wood fueledbiomass business on a worldwide scalewith a 10 percent global share forBiomass by 2010, with several hundredmegawatts of capacity in place by 2005.Already demonstration trials areunderway in Chile and Uruguay, showinga scaled infrastructure producing (inconjunction with Shell Forestry) andusing biomass to generate clean powerwith total regard for the environment.Larger scale capacity is being developedin Northern and Central Europe.

In Norway, biomass is in actionproviding energy to industrial andresidential customers using bark residuesfrom a nearby wood processing plant.Whitewood briquettes are being marketedto customers for heating alternatives tofuel oils, using specially designed unitsfor residential homes. These commercialpilots are beginning to show competitivepotential against gas, oil, and coal evenin these early stages.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Shell RenewablesShell CentreLondon UKPhone: +44 171 934 3628/ 3646www. shell-renewables.com

International AInternational AInternational AInternational AInternational Awards for Residentialwards for Residentialwards for Residentialwards for Residentialwards for ResidentialBiomass Heating UnitBiomass Heating UnitBiomass Heating UnitBiomass Heating UnitBiomass Heating Unit

OkoFen, a German company, haswon several international awards for itsinnovative residential heating unit thatruns off biomass pellets. Its powerfuldesign and function were awarded theEnergy Globe 2001 and the Innovation2000 award by the world sustainableenergy community. It provides heat forhot water systems and radiant heatingsystems. It is self-cleaning andautomatically compresses the ashesproduced. It delivers fully automatedheating needs fueled by biomass pelletsthat burn clean. OkoFen is a pioneer inpellet burning systems and today’smarket leader. They were one of the mostpopular exhibits for residential energysystems at the Sustain 2001: SustainableEnergy Exposition. The unit is very welldesigned, compact and installation ready.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:OkoFen Pellet HeatingPhone: 0043 0 7286/7450www.pelletsheizung.at