1.0 H2 & Fuel Cell Business Opportunities:
During year 2005 we will see the HCNG refit of buses in China starting. By the end of year 2005 Australia should be ready to facilitate projects embracing HCNG as an alternate fuel. This may move a little quicker in Victoria with the staging of the Commonwealth Games for year 2006. A “Green” transport display for the games has been rumored for over a year. Currently if Victoria seeks such for the 2006 games, they need to act as soon as possible. Of course a demonstration fleet of fuel cell powered vehicles has been advocated already to partner a HCNG proposal.
1.1 Small hybrid fuel cell / battery power plants:
Real markets for larger fuel cells are prohibited mainly by the current cost of the units. We see many fuel cell vehicles and buses, but these are demonstration fleets. The demonstration fleets are absolutely necessary of course for their most valuable work in displaying the potential, of what is coming within a decade.
A small fuel cell (500w) plays an important part for several reasons. It is a small power unit relatively speaking, but it is much cheaper to purchase than much larger fuel cells. It is thus easier to physically obtain and potentially apply. In a small hybrid power plant with a rechargeable battery, a small 500 w fuel cell can play a significant role. It allows the rechargeable battery to be constantly “trickle” charged, there upon keeping the battery from deep cycle discharge, subsequently lengthening battery life. The small fuel cell only supplies power to make the battery fully charged then stops. The life span of the fuel cell is thus maintained as well. The battery supplies “burst” energy when needed, whilst the small fuel cell supplies constant energy, which as well maintains the fuel cell.Applications for small hybrid fuel cell/ battery power plants would be for small motor bikes, wheelchairs, boats, golf carts, forklifts, scooters, and robotics to mention a few. Such fuel cells are within reach with a number of companies specialising in fuel cells to the 5kW mark. We can seek such a target from within Australia in real terms, without being too unrealistic. By example Palcan Fuel Cells are currently in Shanghai China and focus on fuel cells under 5kW.OEMs become highly probable for the implantation of fuel cells up to 5kW during year 2005.It would be of course very difficult to price compete with Palcan Fuel Cells, by establishing a similar manufacturing facility in Australia. Working with a company like Palcan Fuel Cells could be established from within Australia.
1.2 Educational fuel cells – current:
Educational fuel cell products for education have been sold for years all over the world, yet we still import then into Australia. Because of the exchange rate a unit which may be $US400 becomes over AUD$1000 by the time exchange rates, transport costs and GST and other taxes apply. Steve Zorbas of the Fuel Cell Institute comments “This is an OEM that can be done today with the MEAs imported only, the rest being acrylic glass housing, plastic tubes and textbook material. The cost would be halved at least so our schools could afford them, and the currency stays in the country. With the FCIA progressing H2 & fuel cell science/engineering education at the moment and destined through Australia in year 2005, someone is going to make a lot of money out of simple educational fuel cell units with written educational materials. Those interested contact Fuel Cells Australasia FCIA@Hydrogen.id.au ”
1.3 Micro-fuel cells – 20,000,000 in years 2007/8:
Most of the big Japanese electronics companies are now fiercely moving forward with micro-fuel cell power plants. These power plants will power laptop computers, hand held computers, mobile phones and toys to name a few. Portable power devices as well will allow for many electronic devices to plug into them. Micro-fuel cells are destined for the 20,000,000 mark by year 2006/7,with their fuel being a disposable methanol or sodium borohydride fuel cartridge. New fuel storage materials for hydrogen are still several years away. Its time for Australian electronics companies to begin.
1.4 Enabling technologies:
We can assist and embrace where applicable these markets as highlighted above. We could build all but the educational fuel cell’s membrane electrode assembly (MEA), and assemble them in Australia during year 2005, quite easily. Electronics companies in Australia could move as soon as possible to establish links with micro-fuel cell manufacturers.We could look at new ways to manufacture the disposable fuel cartridges for micro-fuel cells locally. We could quite easily produce the textbooks and educational material for the educating of our own high school students.We could work towards the low-pressure storage of hydrogen, and as well the manufacturing of the major component parts of fuel cells, like the bipolar plates, membranes, and catalytic materials. Do we start when there are 10,000 fuel cell patents registered in the world?Because there are already >5,000 fuel cell patents registered.
Contact: NHIA@Hydrogen.id.auHydrogen News was sponsored by: The National Hydrogen Institute of Australia: Many thanks to Jenny Brown – Editor and