Press Release
ACAL Energy Commissions Innovative Fuel Cell System
16 December 2011
Cheshire, UK – 16th December 2011 – ACAL Energy has successfully commissioned the first field test system of its innovative FlowCath® platinum-free liquid cathode fuel cell technology. The installation proceeded as planned at the Solvay Interox chemical plant in Warrington, Cheshire.
The system is capable of producing 3kW of gross electrical power, and will provide power to a remote environmental monitoring system located at the facility. In designing and commissioning the system, ACAL Energy has successfully met the requirements of a formal ‘HAZOP’ review and on-site safety requirements for installation at a COMAH 1 category chemical plant, ensuring an extremely high level of safety.
ACAL Energy’s technology eliminates most of the platinum in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell, replacing it with a lower cost liquid chemical. Fuel cell systems utilizing FlowCath® offer a clean and economic alternative to traditional fossil fuel generators in stationary and transportation applications requiring 1kW to 200kW of electrical power.
In addition to Solvay Interox, ACAL Energy is partnered in this project by Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells, UPS Systems and the University of Southampton.
“It is always gratifying when the carefully laid plans come to fruition in such a clear and tangible way”, said Bob Longman, VP Engineering at ACAL Energy. “The installation provides a suitable showcase for the organisations currently considering FlowCath® technology for their applications.”
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Editorial contact:
Terry Nicklin, KeynotePR Ltd
Tel: +44 (0)7923 540695
E-mail: terry@keynotepr.com
At the company:
Amanda Lyne, ACAL Energy
Tel: +44 (0)1928 511581
E-mail : alyne@acalenergy.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
Picture available: Solvay installation
About ACAL Energy Limited
ACAL Energy is a developer of a new fuel cell technology that will enable low cost and highly reliable fuel cell systems for a wide variety of applications. The company was founded in August 2004 by FlowCath® inventor Dr Andrew Creeth and is headquartered in Runcorn, UK.
Fuel cells are a highly efficient and clean energy production technology capable of replacing combustion engines in applications including remote and distributed power and residential cogeneration, as well as automotive and mobile power applications. FlowCath® replaces the expensive precious metal catalyst found in conventional fuel cells with a proprietary low cost liquid catalyst. This not only reduces the cost of the fuel cell, but also provides significant durability and reliability benefits through system simplification and the elimination of the most common failure mechanisms found in standard fuel cells. With this technology, ACAL Energy believes that fuel cells can ultimately replace combustion engines in remote and distributed power, residential cogeneration and automotive applications. FlowCath® is a registered trademark of ACAL Energy Ltd.
www.acalenergy.co.uk
Solvay Interox Ltd is a company wholly owned by Solvay SA, the world’s largest manufacturer of hydrogen peroxide. Solvay has broad experience and expertise in the fields of industrial polymers, membranes and especially fluoropolymers, and has significant interest and capability in fuel cells, particularly through their joint venture company Solvicore. SolviCore is a 50%/50% joint venture of Umicore and Solvay, with currently 43 employees, which focuses on the development, production and sales of Membrane-Electrode-Assemblies (MEA) for fuel cells. Solvay Interox is providing the location and application for the development.
Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells Ltd is a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of fuel cell catalysts, membrane electrode assemblies and other catalysed components to fuel cell developers worldwide. The facility in Swindon, UK, where this project is based, is capable of researching and fabricating a wide range of developmental and production scale MEAs.
UPS Systems Plc. Founded in 1993, UPS Systems pioneered the concept of 'one-stop-shop' distribution for standby power products from all major suppliers. They are also one of the UK’s leading authorities on fuel cell technology, having installed more units in the UK than any other company and implemented the UK’s first two hydrogen fuel cells providing AC standby power. It is currently working on projects where the technology will be used for the supply of backup and prime power to utilities, remote monitoring, portable signage, broadcasting and security applications.
Southampton University. The 5*-rated School of Engineering Sciences at Southampton University brings a wealth of expertise in modelling and simulation of complex systems. The School benefits from world-class computing facilities including several high-performance computing systems for parallel simulations, and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. They are using their expertise in fluid and electrochemical modelling to optimise the liquid and electrode flows.
The Technology Strategy Board is a business-led government body which works to create economic growth by ensuring that the UK is a global leader in innovation. Sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the Technology Strategy Board brings together business, research and the public sector, supporting and accelerating the development of innovative products and services to meet market needs, tackle major societal challenges and help build the future economy. For more information please visit www.innovateuk.org
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