Public Funding for U.P.S Systems PLC

This 12 month feasibility project, led by UPS Systems plc, one of the UK’s leading standby power supply and fuel cell system integration companies examines the feasibility of developing a fully modular, methanol fuel cell system (DMFCs) for application within the mid-range boat and yacht sector. DMFC stacks with a 250W power output capability will be supplied under sub-contract by Baltic Fuel Cells GmbH. The modular approach is designed to meet the unmet market need for a marine proofed low-noise, low-emission auxiliary power supply, configured to allow self-maintenance with easy replaced components and integrated into existing on-board computer systems both to monitor/measure power output and to diagnose system failure with in-built maintenance instructions. Methanol based fuel cell are appropriate for marine application because of their light-weight and fuel storage requirements. Current DMFC systems do not have the required power output

This 2.5 year project, at the Honda Swindon Manufacturing site, delivers solar energy generated hydrogen for the existing public access H2 refuelling station via a commercially available electrolyser into onsite storage, supplied by BOC Ltd to fuel a range of H2FC material handling equipment supplied by Briggs Equipment Ltd, Revolve Technologies converted vans supplied and used by Swindon Commercial Services (SCS) and Commercial Group, along with power for the refuelling station via a fuel cell supplied by ACAL Energy Ltd(AE). The project will focus on the issues of integration of the whole system from the solar power source, to the implications of H2 storage levels with varied use patterns, to the usability of the material handling equipment & converted vans within real working patterns. The project output will provide a detailed assessment of the value of the range of applications from an overall CO2 saving, efficiency, duty cycles and commercial cost benefits.

This project has delivered the world's first fully functioning and field- tested 1kW stand alone PEM fuel cell powered system for the pumps in an environmental monitoring outflow plant at Solvay Interox’s Warrington site, using ACAL Energy's novel low cost platinum free cathode technology, FlowCath®. The project has built a deep understanding of the design & engineering requirements of the integrated 1kW system, as well undertaking detailed research into the unique fluid flows and stack designs for ACAL Energy's novel approach, including researching MEAs and materials to ensure durability and performance. Integral to the project has been the work to meet the challenging safety requirements of the installation on the chemical plant as well implementation from the outset of remote management capability of the system. The project has been led by ACAL Energy, who built and researched the stack configurations as well leading the field trial; Southampton University, developed simulation tools & fluid modelling; Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells, world leading catalyst and MEA specialists, provided the MEA for project; Solvay Interox hosted the field system and UPS Systems plc installed & configure the integrated system. The grant enabled the consortium of high-calibre, experienced groups with funding that balanced the high risk as well accelerated the deployment of this UK invented technology.

Awaiting Public Summary