Astris
Energi
Alkaline < 10 kW
ASTRIS ENERGI, INC. is a Canadian
(Mississauga, Ontario) company that since 1983 has been pioneering the
development of alkaline fuel cell electric generators and now has three
such power systems fully tested and ready for commercialization. While
most fuel cell companies are aiming for the eventual car-truck-bus market
or large utility type generating stations, Astris has specialized, almost
alone, in one-to-ten kilowatt systems which have tremendous global market
potential. The company also anticipates linking modules together in larger
units for broader applications.
The company’s development and manufacturing affiliate in the Czech
Republic completed and delivered:
- A 1-kilowatt portable system for extensive testing by the Czech military
- A 4-kilowatt power unit capable of providing electricity, heat and hot water for individual homes, motor homes and boats
- A 2-kilowatt fuel cell engine to power golf carts, in-plant delivery, airport ramp, retirement community and similar small vehicles, each with a market running into the millions. The company is now demonstrating the world’s first fuel cell-powered golf cart.
To realize the full potential of these markets, Astris intends to partner
with or license major manufacturers in each field, and initial negotiations
have already begun.
AFC’S VS. PEM’S
Astris engineers have been engaged in development of alkaline fuel cells
since 1983, deciding early on that this concept had both technical and
economic advantages over the PEM technology that was being pursued by
most U.S. companies in the field. Both NASA and the Russian space program
had chosen AFCs over PEMs to provide electricity, heat and pure water
for all manned space vehicles, which certainly made Astris’s choice
credible. Also, developers in nearly all foreign countries have pursued
alkaline technology.
Originally, critics said only governments with deep pockets could afford
AFCs, that they could never be “brought down to earth” and
be commercially competitive. Astris has proved that view completely wrong.
In fact, AFC’s are inherently more economical to produce and operate
than PEMs. Among other AFC advantages are the following:
- Highest electrochemical conversion efficiency
- Instant start, wide temperature range, even sub-freezing
- Broad range of low-cost electrocatalysts (not platinum that PEMs require)
- Can be built from inexpensive materials - plastics, carbon, base metals and metal oxides, etc.
- Easier heat and water management
Astris also developed hydrogen-air
cells with improved tolerance to carbon dioxide, thereby overcoming one
of the criticisms leveled at earlier alkaline fuel cells.
More Information
ASTRIS ENERGI INC.
2175-6 Dunwin Drive
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5L 1X2
Tel 905 608-2000, Fax 905 608-8222
Go to the Astris Energi web site at www.astrisfuelcell.com
Source: Astris Energi web site
8/02