Ballard Power Systems - PEM Fuel Cell
(1kW and 250kW)

Ballard continues to maintain its leadership in the fuel cell industry through demonstrating prototypes and developing products for the portable, transportation, and stationary markets.

Direct methanol fuel cell technology is proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology that permits the use of methanol as the fuel – without requiring a fuel processor – to extract hydrogen from the methanol. The removal of the fuel processor from the system is another step towards reducing fuel cell system size, complexity and cost. Ballard continues to refine direct methanol fuel cell technology.

In December 2001, Ballard successfully demonstrated a portable fuel cell engineering prototype using direct methanol fuel cell technology. The system demonstrated a stack power density of greater than 500 watts per liter and includes components to enable fuel mixing and re-circulation. At this stage, direct methanol fuel cells require additional research before initiating a specific product development program.

Residential Sized Unit

Through EBARA BALLARD - a jointly-owned company with EBARA Corporation of Japan - Ballard is developing a one kilowatt cogeneration stationary system to meet the electricity, heating, and hot water needs of typical Japanese homes.

The natural gas fueled generator is designed to operate in conjunction with the existing utility grid, allowing consumers to draw power from the grid when their power consumption exceeds one kilowatt. Providing both heat and electricity, the cogeneration feature of this unit will provide cost savings to consumers.

In January 2002, EBARA BALLARD unveiled its second-generation 1 kW cogeneration stationary system for the Japanese residential market, making significant improvements over the previous generation. Reaching an AC gross electrical efficiency of 34% (LHV - lower heating value), the volume of the prototype unit was reduced by 40%, and heat recovery efficiency increased from 43% to 47% (LHV) - giving total efficiency of 81% (LHV). EBARA BALLARD is continuing the development of this product.

Can I buy a generator that uses Ballard® fuel cells to power my home?
At this time, Ballard is not developing fuel cell systems for use as a primary residential power supply for North America. However, with its jointly-owned company, EBARA BALLARD, Ballard is developing a 1 kilowatt cogeneration system to produce electricity and hot water for the Japanese residential market.

Ballard's first intermittent stationary power product is planned to be commercialized in 2003. For competitive reasons, Ballard has not released details about the product’s size, however, it will be targeted at the back-up and uninterruptible power applications and markets.

Commercial Sized Units

Ballard's 250 kilowatt stationary generators produce enough electricity for a small apartment complex or commercial building, or 50 to 60 family homes.

Using Ballard's proprietary fuel processing technology and Ballard® fuel cells, the stationary generator converts readily available natural gas into hydrogen fuel. This then combines with oxygen in the air, generating high quality power with low levels of emissions.

In October 1999, Ballard's stationary generator field trial program marked the beginning of the world's first series of proton exchange membrane fuel cell 250 kilowatt stationary generator field tests. Each powerplant will undergo two years of testing with the overall program complete in 2004.

More Information

Ballard Power Systems
9000 Glenlyon Parkway
Burnaby, BC V5J 5J9
Canada
Phone: 604.454.0900
Fax: 604.412.4700

Go to the Ballard web site at www.ballard.com

Source: Ballard web site 8/02