AROUND THE INDUSTRY

Astris Energi Nears Commercial Production

Astris Energi Inc., pioneer developer of alkaline fuel cell energy systems, announced that its first PowerStack MC250 prototype cells for commercial power generators in portable, stationary and vehicular applications will soon be available for testing.

“The development program for this commercial product was accelerated last spring when demand suddenly increased following the demise of England’s ZeTek Power LLC, the only other producer of alkaline fuel cells in the world,” said Jiri K. Nor, president of Astris. “Fortunately, our MC250 is similar in power rating and more compact than the ZeTek cells, so their direct replacement with our units is easy.”

A major milestone in development of the MC250 was reached in September with the completion of the fabrication of prototype molds – a key manufacturing component – and preparation of the electrodes for the first prototypes. The company’s facilities in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, have been doubled in size to accommodate volume production of the MC250, now scheduled for next spring.

NextEnergy Announces Permanent Location

The Michigan Economic Development Corp. has announced that the NextEnergy Center will be located in Wayne State University’s research and technology park, the Woodward Technology Corridor, in Detroit.

The center will serve as the nucleus for the NextEnergy Initiative, which is intended to help Michigan become a world leader in the research, development, commercialization, and manufacturing of alternative energy technologies such as fuel cells.

“By locating within Wayne State University’s research and technology park, the NextEnergy Center will take advantage of a world-class university, be within the geographical center of the North American auto industry, and leverage the substantial funding the MEDC has invested in this SmartZone,” said Doug Rothwell, president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

Visit www.nextenergy.org.

QUANTUM to Supply Storage Systems to Suzuki

QUANTUM Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. of Irvine, California, has been awarded a contract from Suzuki Motor Corp. to develop and supply complete hydrogen fuel storage systems for Suzuki’s fuel cell vehicle.

The company has been commissioned by Suzuki to design and integrate hydrogen fuel systems that include its ultra-lightweight, all composite TriShield™ hydrogen tanks and its patented in-tank regulator. The 5,000psi (350bar) systems will be designed and tested to meet industry standards in the U.S., Japan, and Europe. The completed hydrogen fuel systems will be delivered to Suzuki for its fast-track fuel cell vehicle development program.

Visit www.qtww.com.