Business
500 hour prototype operation
500 hour prototype operation.
About this update from H-power Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n AFC Energy Plc\n29 February 2008\n\n\n\n AFC Energy plc\n\n\n Durability of fuel cell proven with 500 hour operation of prototype fuel cell\n\n\nAFC Energy plc, ('AFC Energy' or the 'Company'), the low cost alkaline fuel cell\ncompany that focuses on industrial markets, is pleased to announce that it has\nsuccessfully achieved its fifth technological milestone; 500 hours operation of\nits prototype system.\n\nThe successful running of AFC Energy's prototype fuel cell confirms the\ndurability and stability of the system after prolonged operation. Two prototypes\nsystems were tested at the same time, both provided similar and consistent\nsatisfactory performances. These results combined form over 1,000 hours of\ntesting, validating the reliability of the prototype.\n\nThis milestone has been achieved within the projected timescale described in the\nCompany's Admission Document of April 2007.\n\nThe 500 hour operation is a significant development in the run up to beginning\nshipment to the Company's customer, Akzo Nobel, who will use AFC Energy's fuel\ncells to generate clean energy from the hydrogen it produces as a by-product.\nThe prototype provides valuable operating data which will be used to assist the\nsuccessful integration of the fuel cells into Akzo Nobel's complex operating\nsystems.\n\nAkzo Nobel is the fourth-largest company in the chlorine manufacturing industry.\nThe directors of AFC Energy estimate that the global chlorine industry produces\napproximately 1.6 million tones of hydrogen every year.\n\nFundamental to ensuring AFC Energy's fuel cells reach commercial viability has\nbeen the reduction in the system's costs. As part of this process, AFC Energy\nhas eliminated the need for the life of electrodes to exceed 8,000 hours by\nmaking them easily replaceable and recyclable by housing them in a series of\nexchangeable cartridges.\n\nMultiple cartridges assembled together will form a 3.5kW system. Initially five\n3.5kW systems have been ordered, with delivery scheduled to start in August 2008\nto Akzo Nobel's site in Bitterfeld, Germany.\n\n\nGerard Sauer, Chief Executive, AFC Energy plc, said:\n\n'This is the penultimate milestone prior to the delivery of commercial units to\nAkzo Nobel in August 2008 and it is extremely satisfying to have reached this\npoint ahead of schedule.\n\n'Through the cartridges that h...