Acumentrics Canada To Investigate Ammonia As Hydrogen Source For Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

December 10, 2007 – Vol. 12 No.38

Acumentrics Canada To Investigate Ammonia As Hydrogen Source For Solid Oxide Fuel Cells.

The fuel cell will convert ammonia to hydrogen and nitrogen internally and release only water vapor and nitrogen. Acumentrics Canada Ltd., a subsidiary of Acumentrics Corporation, is partnering with Natural Resources Canada’s CANMET Energy Technology Centre on the research project.

Ammonia is considered one of the most efficient ways to store and transport hydrogen. It is already widely available as a synthetic fertilizer, and is both relatively inexpensive to produce and easy to transport. Pipelines for anhydrous ammonia currently exist in the US, and the ammonia is transported as a liquid in tankers at pressures similar to propane.

Aside from hydrogen, Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) can operate on available fossil fuels, including natural gas, propane, methane and diesel fuel, as well as ethanol and biogas. Because no combustion is involved, SOFCs produce virtually no NO2, SO2 or particulate emissions.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) works to ensure the responsible development of Canada 's natural resources, including energy, forests, minerals and metals, and develops policies and programs that enhance the contribution of the natural resources sector to the economy and improve the quality of life of all Canadians.

According to Acumentrics their fuel cells offer significant advantages over traditional engine- and turbine-powered generators: no compression/combustion cycles, no moving parts, minimal ongoing maintenance, and negligible levels of pollutants. The company’s patented tubular solid oxide fuel cell design offers efficiency and operational advantages over competing fuel cell and power solutions for commercial, industrial, residential, and communications uses.

Links:

Acumentrics
http://www.acumentrics.com

Natural Resources Canada
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/com/index-eng.php

Disclaimer, Forward-Looking or Safe Harbor Statement on original press release: No