I continue to report on important developments in DG because I strongly feel that when the ZPE devices will become available they can greatly benefit from the technological (and not only) changes that DG will bring into the power generation business and related. I suspect the high level policy makers know that too.
For example, the recent news that Aperion Energy Systems LLC will integrate Avista Labs fuel cells with other components such as fuel supply systems, power electronics and controls and product support services, is encouraging. A ZPE converter in the fuel cell's place would simplify things by making the fuel supply system obsolete but take advantage of the rest of the set up.
Here is another step forward of the same kind: "A partnership of business and government entities today unveiled the first fuel cell system to power a single-family home in Western New York." Read more205
Officials from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority [NYSERDA], National Fuel Gas Company [NYSE: NFG], Plug Power Inc. [Nasdaq: PLUG], ATSI Engineering Services [ATSI], Integrated Building And Construction Solutions, Inc. [IBACOS], and the United States Department of Energy [DOE] met in Lewiston, N.Y., to showcase the installation.
The home is one of two residential fuel cell projects in the service area of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation, the gas utility segment of National Fuel Gas Company. The projects are expected to demonstrate the viability of fuel cells as a source of clean, efficient electric power generation for residential applications connected to the grid.*
National Fuel Gas Distribution Company and NYSERDA are co-funding these projects to help develop fuel cell technology for the residential market. The projects involve operating one 5 kW, grid-parallel Plug Power fuel cell system at a home in Lewiston [Niagara County] and a second unit at a home in Colden [Erie County]. The systems are expected to operate for approximately one year before being returned to Plug Power for analysis. IBACOS has equipped the Lewiston home with a monitoring device, funded through the DOE, to measure and evaluate electric appliance performance throughout the project.
``Commercialization of new energy technologies is perhaps one of the most difficult tasks for entrepreneurs trying to bring their product to market,`` said NYSERDA President William M. Flynn, who spoke at this morning`s event. ``With funding available for distributed generation projects, NYSERDA can help bridge the gap and bring an innovative technology, such as fuel cells, to consumers. New York can be a leader in this important effort. Under Governor Pataki`s direction New York is a leader in this important effort.``
With 15 years of experience in distributed generation applications, National Fuel was well suited to partner with NYSERDA on the fuel cell project. Engineers from National Fuel will compile a ``best practices`` guide that will detail the installation, operation and maintenance of the fuel cells.* Distributed generation is a term that describes power generation technology [such as fuel cells, micro turbines, engines, turbines, etc.] that provides electric power at a site closer to customers than a central generating station and can be connected directly to the end user or to an electric utility`s transmission or distribution system. Distributed generation is an important growth opportunity for National Fuel, especially because many of these new technologies are fueled by natural gas.* It is also an important opportunity for economic development, as the technology helps reduce electricity costs.* In addition, distributed generation helps ensure security of electricity production by decentralizing power generation.*
``The power of partnerships is evident today as we see how this collective effort and shared interest is providing safer, cleaner and more efficient energy technology. We look forward to future partnerships with these organizations,`` said National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation President David F. Smith.* ``National Fuel is proud to see such progressive opportunities arising in our service area. We are committed to developing distributed generation projects throughout Western New York, and we applaud the technical and financial support of NYSERDA, Plug Power, ATSI, IBACOS and the DOE.* We have worked on successful commercial applications of this technology in the past and are eager to see its expansion into the residential market.``*
Plug Power has demonstrated more than 200 fuel cell power systems in over forty field locations on three continents since 1999. ``The program will help fuel cells evolve as a technology that can contribute to the overall reliability and performance of electricity delivered to residential and commercial customers through the electric power grid,`` said Roger Saillant, Plug Power CEO and President. ``We are pleased to partner with NYSERDA, National Fuel, ATSI, IBACOS and the DOE on this cutting edge development.`` ATSI has been involved in these fuel cell installation processes since the project was first proposed to NYSERDA. ATSI also sent two of its engineers, including the homeowner who is the chief engineer with the firm, for installation training at Plug Power`s facilities as part of an initiative to outsource the installation process in future demonstration projects. A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that combines hydrogen and oxygen from the air to produce electric power without combustion. Hydrogen is derived from a fuel such as natural gas, propane, methanol or gasoline and can also be obtained from the electrolysis of water, stored hydrogen or a hydrogen pipeline. This technology offers several environmental and economic benefits, such as insignificant emissions that are substantially lower than those of conventional coal power generation stations.
Other anticipated applications of fuel cells include transportation and automotive applications, portable applications, and distributed power for remote locations.* Commercialization of the technology requires
characterizing various performance parameters such as operating experience under varying climatic conditions and fuel efficiency.
Funding for this project is provided through NYSERDA`s New York Energy $mart[SM] program, which is designed to lower electricity costs by encouraging energy efficiency as the State`s electric utilities move to competition. The programs are available to all electric distribution customers [residential, commercial, institutional and industrial] of Central Hudson, Con Edison, New York State Electric and Gas, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric. All New York Energy $mart[SM]programs are funded by a System Benefits Charge [SBC] paid by electric distribution customers of participating utilities.
Established by law in 1975, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority [NYSERDA], administers SBC funds and programs under an agreement with the Public Service Commission. More than 400 NYSERDA research projects help the State`s businesses and municipalities with their energy and environmental problems. Since 1990, NYSERDA has successfully developed and brought into use more than 125 innovative, energy-efficient and environmentally beneficial products, processes and services. These contributions to the State`s economic growth and environmental protection
are made at a cost of about $.70 per New York resident per year. Federally funded, the Energy Efficiency Services program is working with more than 540 businesses, schools, and municipalities to identify existing technologies and equipment to reduce their energy costs.
National Fuel is an integrated energy company with $3.5 billion in assets comprised of the following six operating segments: Utility, Pipeline and Storage, Exploration and Production, International, Energy Marketing and Timber. The utility provides natural gas service to approximately 700,000 customers in western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania. Additional information about National Fuel is available at http://www.nationalfuelgas.com or through its investor information service at 1-800-334-2188.
Plug Power designs, develops and manufactures on-site electric power generation systems utilizing Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells for stationary applications. Plug Power`s fuel cell systems are expected to be sold globally through a joint venture with General Electric and through DTE Energy Technologies in a four-state territory, which includes Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Indiana. The Company`s headquarters are located in Latham, N.Y., with offices in Washington D.C. and The Netherlands. Additional information about Plug Power is available at http://www.plugpower.com.
Source: PR Newswire, 18 April 2002